Vietnamese Ministry in Thailand Overcomes Challenges and Expands

The Thailand Chistian and Missionary Alliance (TCMA) Church, the Evangelical Church of Vietnam North (ECVN-C&MA) and the Alliance World Fellowship (AWF) have been collaborating since 2018 to bring the gospel to Vietnamese people in Thailand.

Led by Narong and Tinh, the missionary couple sent by the C&MA Vietnam North, the ministry has thrived despite initial setbacks and ongoing challenges. Just two months into their mission, Narong experienced a serious accident that required multiple suturing procedures. After discovering gangrene, he underwent further treatments and regular wound cleaning to prevent sepsis. “Thank God for everyone’s prayers for me; that is the reason I am completely healed and able to continue the ministry,” Narong shared.

The ministry’s resilience was further tested during the pandemic. Despite restrictions, Narong and Tinh successfully expanded their work to Mokdahan province, 80 kilometers from their Nakhon Phanom base. They conducted online services and made regular visits to church members. Tinh noted, “In the pandemic, we were not able to open the church, so we met and had worship services online. During the weekdays, we visited some of the church members. When the situation improved, we resumed in-person worship services.”

The Mokdahan church now has 20 regular attendees at the 10 a.m. service. The focus is on discipleship, with members trained to lead worship and share the Word of God. “We have five members from both Mokdahan and Nakhon Phanom who were trained for leading worship service and sharing the Word of God,” Narong added. Sermons are held twice a month, with monthly evangelism efforts.

In 2023, the couple started a third Vietnamese church in Kham Tat. The church is currently under construction but has gained support from the ECVN board, which has invested in the project despite language barriers. Plans include making a fence around the property and transforming the site into a mission center. The center will host evangelism activities, mission trips from North Vietnam, and conferences. “We are planning to fill up the land and build a road to the church,” Narong said.

The long-term vision includes opening three more churches in the northeastern region of Thailand- Sakhon Nakhon, Nong Khai, and Udon Thani- and establishing a mission center at Kham Tat. Within the next two to three years, they aim to see more members in Kham Tat focusing on discipleship, especially among young people.

The ministry’s current financial needs include $685 USD for living expenses, $200 USD for house rent, and $150 USD for transportation. They also need $2,000 USD for air conditioning at the mission center. They seek additional support beyond AWF, aiming to connect with overseas Vietnamese communities and churches for joint projects.

Narong and Tinh invite us to pray for:

• Good health for Narong, who is now 68 years old, and for finding and training a new leader for the church.
• The successful establishment of the mission center and effective mission efforts to North Vietnam.
• The ministry to expand to Sakhon Nakhon, Nong Khai, and Udon Thani, and for the establishment of three more churches.
• Financial sustainability, enabling the ministry to support itself and its mission efforts.

Sister Tinh also shares her experience, “I had the opportunity to go to seminary in Thailand and spend time with Vietnamese living there who had never heard of the gospel before. That is when God gave us the vision to serve in Thailand.” She also attended the Asia Pacific Alliance Women’s (APAW) Conference in South Korea in November 2023 and visited many Vietnamese in Thailand. “We started the first ministries in Nakhon Phanom, followed by Mukdahan and Kham Tat. Now we have three Vietnamese churches,” Tinh added.

The ministry has impacted the lives of individuals and the community. Local leaders have emerged, capable of conducting Bible study groups and leading worship services. Collaborative efforts between the TCMA, the ECVN and the AWF have strengthened the ministry, focusing on enhancing mission work in Thailand.

Despite the challenges, the Vietnamese ministry in Thailand continues to thrive by faith, dedication, and community support.