Breaking Christian News

40,000 Gather in Ho-Chi-Minh City, Vietnam, in Unprecedented Christmas Worship Celebration

Aimee Herd : Dec 16, 2009
Compass Direct News, Christian Post

"Nothing could stop the hand of the Lord."

EDITOR'S NOTE: Having been privileged to attend a house church meeting in Vietnam, when they were all kept very secret and underground; I know the magnitude of this event is great. The persecution of Christians in Vietnam is still very real and grave, but what a wonderful victory for these precious brothers and sisters-in-the-Lord who did not become discouraged but pressed on, with a miraculous outcome. –Aimee Herd, BCN.

The Christian Post (CP) reports that a huge Christmas celebration was recently held in Ho-Chi-Minh City, Vietnam. The amount of those attending was said to be "unprecedented" in number—around 40,000 people.

Gathering of Vietnamese BelieversAttendees heard the Gospel message, and worshipped the Lord in celebration of Christmas. (Photo: hoithanh.com)

Vietnamese Governmental authorities have been increasingly more accepting of certain activities sponsored by unregistered house churches, and last year allowed a gathering of some 10,000 for a Christmas celebration in Tao Dan Stadium.

In light of last year's event, house church leaders reportedly approached the government in hopes of securing permission to hold this year's Christmas celebration in a stadium that would hold 30,000. Authorities refused however, offering a venue seating 3,000 instead.

House church leaders pressed for a larger location, sending out invitations though they still had no guarantee of a site. The leaders even "camped out" in front of city hall in hopes of a response.

Finally, only permission for the 3,000-person venue was granted with less than two days before the scheduled event. Those organizing the celebration worked feverishly to construct a makeshift stage in the designated field with electricity, sound and lighting, not to mention renting chairs and other needs, for a crowd much larger than 3,000.

Police reportedly tried to stop buses carrying attendees from the west and an emergency prayer request was sent out among Believers. Soon, the venue was completely full and some 2,000 had to be turned away.

The CP report noted that "for house churches, large gatherings are both very rare and very special, and for many this was their first glimpse of the strength of Vietnam's growing Christian movement."

After a Gospel message and invitation, people were said to have come "like a waterfall" to the front of the stage for salvation. Reports said that some 8,000 people came to the Lord through the event.

Exclamations such as; "Nothing could stop the hand of the Lord," and "Lord, bring revival to all of Vietnam!" were heard throughout the crowd, as Believers hugged each other.

House churches in northern Vietnam are hoping to hold a similar event, and have scheduled it for December 20th.