Pastor A Dao was released last September after more than four years in prison! He was not expected to be released until August 2021. He was arrested in 2016 on his way to visit some members of his church, following his return from a conference on religious freedom. He was sentenced for ‘illegally taking people to Thailand’, a charge he denies.

Every major religious community, including Buddhists, Catholics, Cao Daists, Hoa Hao Buddhists and Protestants, experiences violations ranging from harassment, intimidation and intrusive monitoring, to arrest and torture. Find out more at csw.org.uk/vietnam

Sunday 7 February

Praise God for the wonderful news of Pastor A Dao’s early release. Pray for him as he settles back into his life after more than four years in prison on false charges.

Monday 8 February

Pastor A Dao’s church has also experienced ongoing harassment from the authorities. Ask God to protect them from further harassment, so that they can worship in peace.

Tuesday 9 February

‘Thank you for your dedicated efforts in your work for the release of my husband. The friendly care is a great motivation and a great encouragement for us.’ This message is from Bui Thi Kim Phuong, whose husband Nguyen Bac Truyen, a Hoa Hao Buddhist, has been in prison since 2017 because of his work as a human rights activist. Pray that she will continue to feel encouraged and supported.

Wednesday 10 February

Truyen was awarded the Stefanus Prize for 2020. The Prize is awarded every two years to individuals who have ‘made an outstanding contribution to promote freedom of religion and belief in particular, and human rights in general.’ Thank God for Truyen’s courage and that he has been recognised with this award.

Thursday 11 February

‘”He gave justice and help to the poor and needy, and everything went well for him. Isn’t that what it means to know me?” says the Lord.’ (Jeremiah 22:16 NLT) Pray this verse over all of Vietnam’s human rights defenders, who work fearlessly to secure justice and assistance for the poor and needy.

Friday 12 February

Individuals in remote areas who are both ethnic and religious minorities, such as the Montagnard ethnic minority Catholics and Protestants in the Central Highlands, suffer the most severe abuses of freedom of religion. These include pressure to recant, forced eviction, torture, sexual abuse, imprisonment, and disruption of religious services. Ask God to protect and comfort these ‘double minorities’.

Saturday 13 February

Loving Father, we commit into your hands those who dedicate their lives – often at great personal risk – to speaking up for everyone’s right to freely practise their religion or belief. We thank you for the inspiration that their courage is to us, and we pray that their efforts will result in true freedom for the people of Vietnam. In the precious name of your Son Jesus, Amen.

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