Adventists in Vietnam Celebrate Hundreds of Baptisms
More than 370 people were baptized, a first for the Adventist Church in that country.
August 28, 2023 | Vietnam | Vietnam Mission, Southern Asia-Pacific Division, and Adventist Review
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Vietnam witnessed a historic milestone as a major mass baptism ceremony unfolded concurrently in numerous places across the country on the last Saturday (Sabbath) of July.
More than 370 people embraced their faith and became members of the Adventist community. It was a huge step forward for the Adventist Church’s mission in Vietnam, church leaders said.
[Photo: Vietnam Mission]
Hundreds of care groups were formed as part of the preparation to engage with the local community, reaching out to individuals’ interests and building connections. The distribution of evangelistic materials by literature evangelists, church leaders, and volunteers was critical in spreading the message of the church, leaders said. Furthermore, the Vietnam Mission embraced modern technology by providing both physical and online Bible studies, using platforms such as Zoom to interact with people who were geographically separated.
The church’s dedication to community involvement was also crucial in making a positive difference, leaders explained. Initiatives such as delivering free meals, health check-ups, environmental cleanup, and assistance to those in need highlighted the fundamental Seventh-day Adventist value of caring for others.
“This mass baptism is a testament to the power of unity and compassion,” Vietnam Mission president Tran Thanh Truyen said. “It gives me great joy to see so many souls welcomed into God’s kingdom. I am also encouraged to see our members working together to spread God’s love to the people around them. Our church survives because of mission.”
Conversion Stories
The meeting was full of wonderful moments that made an impression on everyone who attended, church leaders shared. After months of Bible study, a pastor from a different denomination arrived with her congregation to be baptized, displaying a spirit of collaboration and understanding across religious borders. Her husband and children also received Jesus as their personal Savior through baptism.
The leader of a previously separate group also decided to embrace Jesus as his Savior and become a church member, committing himself to work together in sharing the gospel. According to leaders, others who joined him in embracing this new spiritual path echoed his well-thought decision.
“While baptism is a solemn event, it also signals the beginning of an exciting journey of faith,” church leaders reminded new members and witnesses. Thus, the Vietnam Mission gave a copy of the Bible to each new member. The Bibles were sponsored by individuals based overseas who support this movement. “This gift guarantees that the new members have the resources they need to continue studying and growing,” they said.
The original version of this story was posted on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.