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The term "Diaspora" originates from a Greek word meaning "to scatter abroad." In the New Testament, it primarily referred to Jews living outside of Israel, dispersed among Gentile nations. During the Roman Empire, Jews were scattered throughout various regions, with significant populations in Egypt, Syria, and Rome. This widespread dispersion set the stage for Jesus' arrival and the spread of the gospel, as Greek was widely spoken, and Jews were present in many cities. Over time, the meaning of Diaspora shifted to include Jewish Christians who spread the message of Jesus throughout the Roman Empire, particularly after facing persecution in Jerusalem. God orchestrated this scattering to facilitate the rapid dissemination of the gospel, with Jewish Christians finding established Jewish communities and synagogues in different regions. The term later encompassed both Jewish and Gentile Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor. Hence, the concept of Diaspora evolved within the New Testament, reflecting the broader dispersion of Christians in general, regardless of their ethnic backgrounds, across a hostile world.
The Vietnamese diaspora, totaling 4 million people worldwide, with over half residing in the United States, faces various challenges. Farmers in particular experience difficulties due to crop failure, low prices for successful harvests, and loss of arable land, leading to a phenomenon of internal migration. Tribal farmers from mountainous areas are leaving their fields to seek work in big cities. Urban migrants encounter common challenges such as affordable housing, employment opportunities, language and cultural barriers, social isolation, discrimination, limited support services, exploitation, and the need for adaptation. These challenges significantly impact their well-being and require interventions for successful integration. Additionally, the need for pastors who can communicate in their native language is crucial, as many of these migrants are Christians and require access to the gospel. Church planting efforts in these areas are costly and require sacrifices, including relocation, housing, and schooling for families.
Last 2 months, our 2 teachers from the North of Vietnam who left their hundreds of church members moved to Bac Giang and Dong Nai cities where thousands of workers from different provinces are working in factory zones. These two pastors are Hmong tribe who started 2 different churches for Hmong workers. Please remember them in your prayers. Their prayer requests are at the end of this newsletter.
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