Thang’s life story is one of both hardship and hope. Born in 1968 during a time of war, he grew up in Vietnam as the eldest of five children in a strong Buddhist family. His father worked for the Americans, a connection that would bring suffering rather than security. In 1975, after the war ended, Thang’s father was sent to a re–education camp because of his association with the United States. Although he was released six months later, the family was forced to leave the city for the countryside and life became a daily struggle.

Like many families at the time, Thang’s father believed the only hope was escape. Thang was sent out as part of the large exodus from Vietnam, but his first attempt ended in arrest in 1985 which led to two years in prison. Undeterred, he tried again and in 1990, he finally reached Hong Kong. He thought freedom was within reach. Instead, he was placed in a detention camp, where his hope slowly drained away as he was classed as an “economic refugee”.

It was there that Thang’s life changed forever. An American missionary visited the camp weekly, sharing the gospel. While Thang didn’t speak English, he had a gift for languages having previously studied French. The missionary patiently taught him English and gave him a bilingual copy of the Gospel of John. Thang became his interpreter, listening and translating week after week as others came to faith. Though he respected the message being shared, Thang told himself he already had a religion and didn’t need a new one!

One night, after a painful conflict with a friend which left him feeling betrayed and alone, Thang couldn’t sleep. He wandered around the camp and found himself near the place where a small Christian fellowship met. He listened as they sang “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”. As the song of praise ended, Thang’s heart was opened and he wept. That very night, Thang gave his life to Christ.

He remained in the detention camp for seven years, growing in faith, studying, and serving in ministry. One day, he sensed God speaking clearly to him: “Go back to Vietnam.” The words were so real to him that he thought someone nearby was shouting at him. For a week, he wrestled with God. His dream was America. Why return to the place he had tried so desperately to leave? Yet only weeks later, after years of detention, the authorities deported him back to Vietnam.

What felt like failure was, in fact, purpose. Thang returned home to a shocked family. Though disappointed, he quickly saw why God had sent him back. Soon, two of his siblings became Christians. Much later, after 25 years of prayer, his father came to faith shortly before his death. Four years after that, his mother followed. In time, the entire family was saved.

Today, Thang serves in Bible translation and pastoral ministry across Vietnam. Starting with just six languages in 2000, his work has grown to 26 languages, including both written and oral translations for tribal groups who have never heard Scripture in their own tongue. In many tribal areas, Christians face persecution – church gatherings are forbidden, property is destroyed, crops are ruined, and Bibles are confiscated. Some translation teams work only at night to avoid detection.

Yet the power of God’s Word continues to prevail. In one village, as a pastor read the newly translated Scriptures aloud, an elderly woman cried out with joy. She explained that people had told her Jesus was foreign, but now she knew Jesus was for her because He spoke her language.

Thang asks for prayer: for protection, provision, and strength to serve many other language groups who are still waiting. The Brau people in Vietnam, numbering only a few thousand, are among those requesting Bible translation from Thang and his team. Pray that God’s Word would continue to go forth through the amazing ministry God has given to Thang!

You can help the work of translating and distributing Bibles in Vietnam through our Scripture fund.