THE JOYFUL JOURNEY TO THE INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP IN HO CHI MINH CITY (ICF-HCMC)

By Mr Albert Low (MMS-Vietnam Project Coordinator)

JAMES 1:2-3, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance”.

From the day MMS registered as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Vietnam more than ten years ago, there were many trials and difficulties faced both without and within. With God’s help, they were persevered with assurance and joy…Joy in the Lord. Surely there are more to come till He returns.  With humility, MMS will, ‘receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.’ (James 1:12b).

From the early days, MMS-Vietnam had only one tent-making personnel working on the field. It was tough having to coordinate the many visiting groups from the Medical, Educational as well as the Executive Committees. Due to their great enthusiasms, things were done, promises were made but unfortunately many remain just dreams that were difficult to be fulfilled. As such mistakes generated that could ultimately have destroyed the fledgling relationship between MMS and the authorities, had to be quickly rectified while ruffled feathers had to be soothed through humility, patience, love,  and prayers but never against God’s commands.  Truly God’s hand was wonderfully in it all the time, to clear up mess caused by man…men who have been too comfortable and not knowing the exact issues faced in the field. We even had to face suggestions to stop funding projects just because it did not produce baptism numbers or converts. Thankfully, God’s wisdom prevailed, a wisdom ‘generously granted to all without finding fault’ (James 1:2,4).

Through the years, as MMS-Vietnam persevered with the help of a few Methodist and non-Methodist groups and individuals, who gave and prayed and went and believed in His promises and plans for the country, strong relationships were forged, trust was established, and as a result we earned the local authorities’ confidence in our missionary zeal…a zeal that was based on a love-relationship, a passion to see the needs of the people met and their lives blessed through the pouring out of our lives into theirs. Several Appreciation and Commendation Certificates that adorns MMS office testifies to that. We were even voted to be the top 8 NGOs in Vietnam! Hallelujah!

‘Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete…’ (James 1:4). Even with all these awards, MMS-Vietnam’s work is by no means complete. In fact, it is just the beginning and will only end at His second coming.

In this journey, God presented many trials to test our heart and faith. He presented MMS with the opportunity to organize a church for Singaporeans and friends about 3 years ago when it was requested of us to do so, as there was an urgent need in HCMC by the expatriate-community who was then rather scattered.

It was a decision not easily taken because we began to review the purpose of our being here in Vietnam, and building an international church do not even feature in MMS’ vision or plans for any fields to say the least. We prayed and even tried to push it aside but alas, God showed us how “lost” the sheep of the expat-community were in a foreign land without a church. We sense God’s call for us to stand in the gap for the foreign Christian Community, to set up a church where they can be nurtured, to grow and fellowship, and ultimately be a blessing to the people of the land.

Thus began the search for a local church to house the ICF and her activities. This brought us to many churches of the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (ECV) South, and even the Seven-Day Adventist church was considered as a possible venue. However, He, who led us besides quiet waters, led us to the church He wanted us to be in…Hoa Hung Tinh Lanh Church. An application was made by the end of year 2009 and amazingly, permission was granted in March 2010. It took just 4 months! A miracle indeed as our faith was so small we thought it would take many moons and suns before our application would have been entertained. Looking back we realized that all these favor upon MMS has been due to those long arduous journey in the early years of faithfully keeping our hands on the plow, trusting God and pushing on.

The International Christian Fellowship – Ho Chi Minh City (ICF-HCMC) opened its doors and held its Inaugural Service on 25^th July 2010 with 57 founding members. The average attendance to date is 45 worshippers from various countries all over the world.

ICF is organized as an inter-denominational church for the international community in Vietnam. The worshipers are from various denominations and churches. The worship service is contemporary to suit all the worshipers.

At the 1^st service, the pastor of the local church where the ICF-HCMC is housed delivered the sermon. He emphasized that though the worshipers are from different countries with different culture, language and style of living, we are but all members of the big ‘Spiritual family’ as stated in Eph 2:18. How true! How much more we need to be united as His children.

We covet your prayers for this new young church as indeed the work is great and much needs to be done. Pray that we would be His beacon of light in a foreign land and be a blessing to the needs of the Vietnamese that surrounds us everyday in our lives. Kindly please inform all your members and friends who are visiting or working in Ho Chi Minh City to join us for the Sunday service and fellowship. We warmly welcome you with wide and open arms.

Our address is 625D, Cach Mang Thang Tam Street, Ward 15, District 10.

You may also want to visit us on our website: www.mychurch.org/icf.

To God be the glory!