Taking the Gospel to Cambodia
July 8, 2025
Starting from Scratch
July 22, 2025
Taking the Gospel to Cambodia
July 8, 2025
Starting from Scratch
July 22, 2025

Building the Church in Vietnam

In the heart of Southeast Asia, a quiet yet powerful movement is unfolding—one that reflects the commitment of ChangeMaker missionaries and the power of the Gospel. Vietnam, a country often perceived as closed and cautious toward religious outreach, is slowly but surely becoming fertile ground for church planting and disciple-making—thanks in part to the faithful work of Filipino missionaries like Heinrich and May, and their partnership with local Vietnamese leaders like Pastor Thong.

Heinrich and May, originally from Mindanao and Batangas in the Philippines, have lived in Vietnam since 2013. They came not just as teachers, but as missionaries with a vision: to serve, to plant churches, and to build bridges between cultures through education, music, and the love of Christ. Their two sons, both born in Vietnam, are growing up immersed in this unique life of cross-cultural missions.

Their ministry is rooted in everyday life: teaching, mentoring, music, and building relationships. What may seem ordinary has become extraordinary in its impact. Heinrich leads in discipleship and pastoral support, while May nurtures the church’s worship ministry and encourages young believers through music and community life. Together, they have built more than a home here; they’ve built trust, spiritual family, and momentum for the Gospel.

What’s remarkable is the freedom they’ve found, especially in the southern provinces of Vietnam, where the environment is less restrictive. “It’s quite open here,” Heinrich shares. “We can share the Gospel, especially when we’re walking closely with our local friends.” This openness has allowed them to hold English clubs, participate in community service, and support the local church visibly and consistently.

A crucial part of their mission has been their partnership with Pastor Thong, a Vietnamese church planter who returned home after studying in the Philippines. In 2013, alongside a few committed families, he began casting the vision for a local church. It wasn’t easy. The congregation moved from place to place, facing uncertainty and spiritual fatigue. But God was at work.

“Brother Heinrich has been a great support to me,” Pastor Thong reflects. “He has corrected me, encouraged me, stood with me in hard times, and helped the church to grow.” Over the past decade, their bond has strengthened, rooted in mutual respect and a shared calling. Together, they’ve navigated both spiritual droughts and seasons of growth, trusting God to lead them forward.

The fruit of this partnership is evident. The CCC Church, though still modest in size, is rich in heart and deep in faith. Young people are being discipled, families are being reached, and the Gospel is being shared—quietly but powerfully—in homes, schools, and villages.

Yet challenges remain. Language barriers, cultural sensitivities, and spiritual opposition are real. Still, this team of faithful workers presses on. “We ask for your prayers,” Henrich and Pastor Thong echo. “For continued freedom to share, for wisdom, and for the Spirit to move among our people.”

This is missions in Vietnam—not flashy, not loud, but deeply faithful. It is built on relationships, resilience, and the belief that when two or three gather in Christ’s name—even in a classroom, a rented room, or a coffee shop—He is there. And through His presence, lives are being changed, one soul at a time.

As we look to the Asia-Pacific region, let’s remember our brothers and sisters who are building the church where it’s least expected. Pray for them. Support them. Celebrate them. Because this quiet revival, born from Filipino hearts in Vietnamese soil, is part of God’s great work of redemption across the nations.