Vietnam is a study in contrasts. Yesterday, as we left Saigon, drove past endless rice paddies, and crossed the muddy Mekong Delta by ferry to visit another church partner, the vivid imagery brought us back to scenes that bombarded our television screens in the sixties and seventies. When we visited an orphanage and heard the testimony and fearless commitment of the director, whose family was once among the nation's upper echelon but was plunged into poverty after the conflict began, we wept.

But then there was the beauty of the bonsai gardens, the amazing manicured foliage lining the roundabouts, and the quiet peacefulness of a people who have endured horrors we'll never know; and the hope of a church congregation building a parsonage and learning center with their own money. Praise God for all that He is doing in this country!

Today we're off to a church dedication, and then back to Ho Chi Minh City. Blessings, loved ones!

Carla

Today's blessings were more than we could have asked or imagined. The success of ICM church projects in Vietnam is so very gratifying to see, but what moved this team even more was the overflowing joy of the Lord we saw in each one of our partners.

In the face of persecution and oppression, these servants press on like many of us have never before seen. Pastor Thanh Thien An and his congregation built a mother church in 1996, and now have several daughter churches. But none of it came without great sacrifice, including imprisonment. Today, he asks for prayer that the government would end its two-year delay of a building permit for another much-needed church.

Despite it all, this man of God carries a radiance and peace that defy circumstances. And, the same was true of every single brother and sister we visited today.

Please pray for favor and open doors for Pastor Thanh and for all our partners in Vietnam to continue to grow their work, and to overcome all government obstacles.

The Vision Trip team has caught the infectious joy of our Vietnamese friends, and anxiously looking forward to tomorrow's church dedication. Blessings to all!

Carla

We've all heard of the best laid plans, and know that they don't always work out.  The bulk of our team (the nine travelers who left from Chicago) encountered a cancelled flight and a 24-hour delay in leaving the States.  We just received word they've arrived in Hong Kong and will be here in Vietnam late tonight.

Those of us who did get in last night had a good night's rest and a morning of seeing the sights around the city.  As we drove through the streets of Saigon en route to the hotel at about 1:00 a.m., I couldn't help but think how God has repaired and restored this place from the ravages of war.  And now He is restoring hearts and lives.  Souls are being won to Christ and this nation is being transformed.  What a privilege to be a part of it all!

Carla Bastos

Part of our team (Tom, Nancy and Carla) has arrived in Hong Kong after an uneventful 14-hour flight from San Francisco. The rest of the group is still en route from Chicago following some delays, but we trust they'll be joining us here shortly. Another long layover before we depart for Vietnam, but no worries--Hong Kong Int'l Airport is spacious and comfortable, and we're enjoying some fellowship, catching up on e-mails and people watching. See you in Ho Chi Minh City!

Carla Bastos

Here in San Francisco with our dear sister Nancy, waiting to board our flight to Hong Kong. All is well, and we're looking forward to a smooth flight. Coveting your prayers,

Carla Bastos

The latest ICM Vision Team is headed for Vietnam in just a few days. Add preparations and travel to your prayer list for the team that they will arrive safe and rested! You'll hear from them shortly!