vietnam
GOVERNMENT: Communist one-party socialist republic
POPULATION: 101 million
RELIGION: Official atheist state; Buddhism, Catholicism, folk religions minorities
LANGUAGE: Vietnamese
CURRENCY: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
CLIMATE: Tropical in south, subtropical in north; monsoon season
Pray with us
Pray for the underground Church, specially minority groups like the Hmong and Montagnards. Ask God for courage, protection, and perseverance as they face persecution for their faith. Pray for unity and growth among house churches.
Pray for Vietnam’s youth as they are increasingly drawn to creative communities like skateboarding, surfing, and BMX. Ask God that these action sports communities would become platforms for authentic relationships and discipleship.
Pray for cultural transformation and Gospel impact. Ask God for a spiritual awakening across urban and rural regions. Pray that the Gospel would breakthrough cultural and religious barriers and that bold believers share the Gospel despite restrictions.
THE REALITY
Vietnam’s religious and cultural reality is a blend of Buddhism, ancestor worship, and folk religions, which influence almost every aspect of life. Deeply rooted Confucian values influence society at large emphasizing loyalty and harmony. Communal responsibility over individualism drives society, and traditions passed down through generations remain central to their belief system.
While the government officially allows for freedom of religion, it actually keeps a tight control on any religious expression, particularly on evangelical groups. Christians represent about 9% of the population and they have to gather in secret or in house churches. These believers frequently face surveillance, discrimination, and, in some cases, arrest. Despite these obstacles, the underground Church is growing, driven by courageous believers committed Jesus and the hope of the Gospel.
Amidst a spiritually dark environment, action sports are becoming a new and creative path for younger generations. Skateboarding, surfing, and BMX have gained traction, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. These growing communities are creating relational bridges where traditional outreach methods may not reach. Vietnam’s warm climate and extensive coastline hold great potential for surf culture to thrive as more locals and visitors are attracted to its welcoming community. Although they only have 10 skateparks across the whole country, skateboarding is also gaining traction with many starting out in the DIY skatepark scene and street skating. As the Gospel quietly spreads across the country, the action sports community offers a unique and timely opportunity to engage youth through relational evangelism and shared passions.
