Vietnam: Hmong church threatened with demolition yet again

A group of Christians fled persecution in north-west Vietnam only to have their new church in the Central Highlands demolished – and they may soon face the same trauma again.

Last December, local officials and police destroyed the Cu Hat church in the Central Highlands on the ground that it was 'illegally constructed'.

The 500-strong congregation, made up of ethnic minority Hmong Christians, had not submitted a planning application before beginning building work as they knew that permission would not be granted. Virtually all buildings in this area of Vietnam are erected without a permit.

After issuing two warnings that the church must be dismantled, officials, police and demolition workers demolished it on December 17. Several members of the congregation who tried to prevent the demolition were injured by police wielding electric cattle prods.

The congregation built a temporary shelter of bamboo and tin on the same site within days – but now officials are reportedly threatening to tear that down too.

(Source: The Voice of the Martyrs Canada)

Thank God for the determination of these Hmong Christians to worship God, whatever opposition they face.
Pray for a change of heart in the officials intent on demolishing this church.