After two months of our ministry in Vietnam, we made some observations about the people, their habits, and practices. One thing we noticed that they pay a lot of attention to their families. At 4 am, they go as a family to the gym and devote between 30-60 min to physical exercise, which includes games. At 7 am they are already at work, and those who don’t work go to coffee shops that are located along the streets and eat breakfast and socialize there. They are very patient and can sit for hours and just watch the life on the streets.
Something else is standing out, the way they are driving on the streets looks quite chaotic from the side (the laws are not always followed). They mostly ride mini-bikes, from small to large, and once I saw five people at once one bike. In any given situation, when we think it’s appropriate to express emotions, they don’t do it, they just look neutral and calm at all things. Not a single muscle moves in their faces. But at the same time, they are very sympathetic when you embrace them, hug them or smile at them.
Like we write before, 80% of the country are Buddhists. Our friend Nyam, who owns a tourist business, has an altar in her office. To the questions what this is, she said: “This is Buddha, we have him everywhere. He sees everything so that everything would be good. He guards us and protects us.”
Theft happens quite often here. They drive on the streets and quickly cut off a bag with a blade or sharp knife and drive off. They usually say, either they will never find the thief or the police doesn’t look for them at all. We had $100 stolen from our suitcase, there was a total of $400. To make it not noticeable they only took two $50 notes from the pile. When we found out and started to investigate where the money went and wanted to call the police we were told that we have to pay for the police investigation. We prayed about it and turned it all over into Gods hands.
When I saw a girl crying I came up to her and asked her if I can help her, she yes and started telling me:” When I was walking with my husband and two children, somebody drove by from the back and pulled off the backpack off my shoulders and left.”
In another situation, just as surprising, friends came to visit us. We went out to eat dinner and after we were done I wiped my hands with a napkin and did not notice how my gold ring slipped off my finger. When we came home I noticed how it is missing. After already being used to the loss we returned back to the same restaurant and I asked the owner if they found any ring here. She seemed full of joy like she was looking for me, called her husband and he came and took the ring from his hand and gave it back to me without any charge. Here are the Vietnamese, unclear to us.
From 11 Am to 2 Pm the Vietnamese have an afternoon nap, called the “Siesta”. At this time, it is better not to bother them. In the evening they get more coffee and sing, play and socialize. We continue to pray for the people here and for an awakening. Thank you very much for your prayers and sacrificial hearts in the ministry of the Lord, turning people to Christ.
Ministry in Vietnam – Alexander Kulpin