On February 15, 2002 ten of us arrived at the International Airport at Ho Chi Min, Vietnam, at 9:40 a.m.. It is hot all year round in Vietnam. When we landed in Vietnam it was more than 30 degrees Celsius and we experienced the difference in temperature and found it was very hot, because in Hong Kong it was only 15 degrees Celsius. We were thankful that we went through Customs smoothly. 

Street Scene

After we had settled down in the hotel, we walked around in the city and visited the churches. We were amazed to see so many motorcycles driving in the streets. Our team leader told us that there are about 2 millions motorcycles, and this is the main transportation means for the people. He told us, "If a man does not have a good motorcycle, he cannot find a girl friend!" The government takes good care of the motorcyclists by putting two sets of traffic lights on the light posts. One set of traffic lights is at the top of the post, and in the middle of the post there is another set which is at the eye level of the motorcyclists. 

Along the streets we could see many beautiful temples. In the shops and houses there were altars for different Buddhist gods and ancestors. We were told that not only for their wedding days, but also for funeral services, the people look up in a Lucky Book for a "lucky"day. The drivers or owners of cars hang a picture of a Buddha or a lucky charm to ensure a safe trip. 

Tour in the city

We went to Vung Tau to visit the mountain where French Catholic priests built a huge statue of Jesus a long time ago. Now this mountain has become a tourist spot. We walked up the long, steep stairway. Because it was Lunar New Year holiday, there were many visitors and local people who came for picnics. Many people climbed up the huge statue and sat on the outstretched arms and took pictures. A man was like an ant on the arm as compared to the size of the statue. From there, one could see all of Ho Chi Min City, as well as the beautiful beach.

We had a "choking, crawling trip" through the Cu Chi Tunnel System. The first level tunnel was 10 feet underground, the second level 20 feet, and the third level 30 feet. The tunnel system played a very important part in the defense of the country during the Vietnamese-American war starting in 1966. The tunnel system reminded us of the sadness of war that affected so many families in Vietnam and America, and also the damage done by the bombing to human life, physical and mental health, and the environment. Since the return of peace, tourist groups and visitors from many countries have come to visit the Cu Chi tunnel system. Now the system is being constantly strengthened and renovated to make it last longer, and many entertainment and tourist facilities are constructed within the green woods. All of these will give to the visitors a comfortable and peaceful moment after coming out of the choking tunnels. May the Prince of Peace rule on earth.

One evening we hired a boat and had a boat trip dinner on the Saigon River. It was a fascinating evening, not only having delicious fish, shrimp and typical Vietnamese food, but also the beautiful neon-light night scene on the river banks, the bright moon in the clear and dark sky, with a soft breeze to make you feel cool in the hot season, and also sweet fellowship in the Lord. 

Churches

There are 8 Cantonese-speaking churches and more than 300 Vietnamese-speaking churches in Ho Chi Min City. But there are only 2 recognized full time lady pastors in the Cantonese-speaking churches. Some of the deacons love the Lord and the church so much that they serve full time in the church by faith, and the church members show their respect by giving regular love gifts to them. What a beautiful service for the Lord. The harvest is great, but workers are few.

We are told that when the people become Christians, they are very eager to share the good news with their friends, so church growth is fast. Then they form Bible study groups because they are so eager for the Word of God. 

May God bless Vietnam And "Let the Name of the Lord be praised, both now and forever. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the Name of the Lord is to be praised." (Psalms 113:2-3).