So, here we are back in Vietnam. What we've been doing
to this point reflects major ripples of change. However,
the Lord always has something more. This mission is
proving to be no exception.
This mission has been marked by unusual spiritual turbulence;
much more than in any previous treks we've made to
this nation. This spiritual static has paralleled things
taken place among those we've been working with.
In it all, there has been a mix of subtleties and complexities
that play into the challenges comprising the groundwork
that has been laid to this point.
So let me begin with a snapshot of our first few days.
Background
Vietnam has a history of conflict, long before it became a
part of news reports of the sixties. Centuries ago,
forces of darkness infiltrated this land. Those hidden
forces of darkness have been at the core of its conflicts
ever since.
So it has been that upon arriving, we realized that
something different has been operating. These ancient
spiritual dynamics have been manifesting.
The pastor hosting our first workshop has a scar across
his face from being beaten for his faith. His home has
been stoned. Not long before our arrival, he again was
subjected to being knocked down and kicked. His home
had been watched and his wife knocked off her motorbike
by a kick from a plain clothes official.
Yet boldly and undercover, this couple arranged a
meeting of regional church leaders, pastors and business
people, some of whom traveled 2.5 hours to attend.
The miracle was more than the fact that our activities
were unseen. The real miracle was the unity that came
from the diversity of both registered churches and
unregistered, underground churches coming together
to reach for something more in God, from our God's
economy program, that would release them from the
bondage that has held this culture in its grip
for centuries.
Under the Radar
Despite still being jet-lagged, we arose in the middle
of the night to arrive under the cover of darkness.
Our departure also was surreptitious and after dark.
But what took place during our time together reflected
a turning in the bondage that has gripped these dear
brethren, as our time together was in the very heart
of where this stronghold has first came to this land.
Light displaces darkness. Light doesn't just push
against the darkness, when it truly shines, it
displaces it. This event, with the representation it
had, was prophetically a stake in the ground.
Something more, a great deal more than just our
economic community development effort took place
among these leaders. Spiritually, these leaders stood
up in the inside and took authority and responsibility
for their nation and their people. Spiritually, there
was a turning that took place. God even gave us
a bonus that as we concluded our time, one who
Carol and I prayed for was healed of a deaf ear.
Adding to the meaningful nature of what had
taken place, as we arrived at the domestic
airport to leave, the hosting pastor showed up
unexpected to again say thank you and to repeat
his request for our prayers and yours; and to again
ask us to come back with "more."
Upon arriving at our second stop, another unexpected
happened. Our host, who is the leader of a network of
believers across this nation, only two days prior, had
been confronted and disciplined by officials for his
activities. For the first time, since we have been
putting on our program, it was prudent to cancel the
plans for a workshop, but we didn't do so without
making alternative plans next year. Likewise, the bond
and trust established with this key leader is one that
portends opportunity far beyond the plans for the
cancelled meeting.
So, despite the challenges, we've been looking beyond
our current activities and have already had very fruitful
meetings involving our plans for a business school with
values. Roots have already begun sinking in turning
these plans into reality.
With that, we have had discussions on strategically
and prudently bringing media strategies into the
equation. Relationships have supernaturally come
to the forefront with players who hold keys in making
both of these initiatives into reality.
Our time here on this trip, although less than a week,
seems like it has been several weeks because of the
magnitude of what has been unfolding. We still have
more than two weeks before us; with many more
important meetings before us; including more of
our workshops.
So, thank you again for your prayers.
Global Initiatives Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt ministry
