In 1954, Vietnam gained independence from France. At the time, the country was divided into the Republic of South Vietnam and the Communist-ruled Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Following a decade-long war, North Vietnam defeated the South and reunited the country in 1976.

There is no freedom of any kind in Vietnam. It is one of the most tightly controlled nations in the world. Registration is required for all religious organizations. Churches that submit to registration are tightly controlled by the government. Those who do not register face the possibility of imprisonment, torture and death.

On March 2, 2004, a conflict arose between police and Mennonite believers which would turn into an intense, drawn out saga. Believers had been under surveillance for some time when they decided to pursue peaceful, legal action to have it stopped. In November, six workers were imprisoned for "resisting officers of the law while doing their duty." Of the “Mennonite Six,” some were later released, but others continued to undergo severe beatings and harassment. The treatment was so brutal that Le Thi Hong Lien suffered a severe mental breakdown. She was released on April 25, 2005, but not without long-term damage to her mind and body. Others released during this ordeal testified to having to return to life with a withered body. On July 19, 2005, the building that serves as the main centre of the Vietnam Mennonite Church and the home of imprisoned Rev. Nguyen Hong Quang underwent severe damage at the hands of government officials and hired hands.  In August 2005, Rev. Quang was released as part of a government amnesty.

Through the story of Lien, the plight of Rev. Than Van Truong of the Baptist General Conference of Vietnam came to light. He has been in custody since May 27, 2003, accused of "counterrevolutionary propaganda against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam."  On September 9, 2004, he was forcibly transferred for treatment for "hysteria and delirium" to the forensic medicine ward, in Center II of the Bien Hoa Mental Hospital.  In an interview with Radio Free Asia, his physician, Doctor Tam, described Truong is "fanatical" with "an extreme belief in God" which authorities believe warrants treatment.  Due to intense international pressure, including a postcard campaign by The Voice of the Martyrs, Rev. Truong was released in September 2005.

Persecution is most intense for the ethnic minorities, especially the Montagnards from the hill country. Many of these people have attempted to flee to neighbouring Cambodia. However, under an agreement with the Vietnamese government, the authorities there have been returning the refugees to Vietnam to collect a bounty. Those who are returned are imprisoned, tortured or killed. Despite the persecution, instead of being destroyed, the church in Vietnam is growing and becoming stronger. Christians now make up almost ten percent of the population.

• Pray for protection for Christians suffering for their faith.
• Pray that Cambodia will submit to international pressure and allow the refugees to enter the country.
• Pray that the Vietnamese church will continue to grow and be strengthened in their hearts, minds, and bodies.