Persecution from Within

The persecution is coming from their own families!

Danh and Binh have been coming to our church in Vietnam for the last two years. They have been increasingly involved, are devoted to studying God's Word, and are now attending my small group. Their growing faith in Christ has deepened their relationship and they decided to get engaged.

Buddhist traditions and ceremonies are deeply embedded in the hearts of those in the Buddhist world. Oftentimes, the most severe persecution comes from the families of believers. When Danh’s and Binh’s Buddhist families learned of their engagement, both sides strongly opposed it specifically because of their involvement with Christianity. Both families felt betrayed by the fact that their children abandoned traditional religion and values, and each blamed the other family for this betrayal. Despite the harsh opposition, Danh and Binh continued planning the wedding.

In Vietnam, weddings traditionally have an altar for lighting incense for the spirits of the couple’s ancestors. Danh and Banh felt convicted about this and decided not to have the altar at their wedding ceremony or party, further infuriating their parents. The families were so upset that they demanded there be no wedding.

One night shortly afterward, in a drunken rage Binh's father tore her Bible apart. I encouraged her by giving her a new Bible.

Danh and Binh persevered in their faith and sought counsel from Christian leaders. However, the persecution they’ve faced has been so difficult that they have decided to take a short break from each other. I believe that God's will is for this amazing couple to be married. Pray that God will soften the hearts of both families and that Danh and Binh will be joyfully married.