One thing that is very much on Vietnam's mind these days is joining the World Trade Organisation (WTO). It had hoped to achieve this in 2005, 10 years after first applying, but no agreement has yet been made. However, many believe that 2006 will be the year when Vietnam finally joins.
Since 1989, Vietnam has enjoyed one of the fastest economic growth rates in the world – it was 8.4% in 2005, for example. Joining the WTO would allow Vietnam to build on these achievements by fully participating in global trade. To date it has made agreement with most countries in the world in preparation for this, but there are still a number remaining, including the United States of America.
American agreement needs approval by Congress, and some legislators want to make Vietnam's entry into the WTO based on their demands for greater religious freedom there. Yet despite the State Department listing Vietnam as one of the “countries of particular concern for religious freedom”, there is optimism that agreement may be reachable this year.
Of course, the greatest need for Vietnam is not full access to the global market, but full access to the gospel. And there have been signs of increased opportunities for Protestant Christians to meet together in some areas. For example, in Dac Lac province, government permission was granted for the building of five new church buildings. Also, a Divinity training course was held for 35 pastors, mainly from Central Highland ethnic minority groups. Yet this is but the tip of the iceberg in terms of the needs in Vietnam. There is still the need for hundreds, if not thousands more churches, and many new pastors and teachers to meet the current situation, let alone what happens if, God willing, revival comes to Vietnam.
Praise God for:
- the level of economic growth and (relative) prosperity in Vietnam today. Many people who 10-15 years ago were living in material poverty are now experiencing a more comfortable standard of living
- permission for 5 new churches in Dac Lac province, where the need for new church buildings is great
Pray for:
- increased opportunities for Christians to meet together – whether through approved house church meetings, or the establishing of dedicated buildings
- spiritual growth and revival on Vietnam, and not just economic growth.
