Open Arms for Abandoned Children
With your support, orphans in Vietnam are becoming part of God’s family
When Mai* began rescuing orphaned children off the streets of Vietnam, she had few resources to care for them. There were no beds, food, clothing, or medical care in place. It was Mai’s faith that guided her to rescue those in need, and she trusted that God would provide. Her faith was especially bold given the challenges Christians face in Vietnam, where the Communist government tightly suppresses and monitors Christian communities.
Yet thanks to the prayers and financial gifts of World Challenge supporters, Mai is now caring for nearly 130 children! They are thriving with the resources they need and are being discipled to know the love of Christ. Every child is a miracle with their own powerful story of rescue and transformation.
A Place of Belonging
Yên* is one of the 130 orphans who came to the care center at seven years old. Described as a sweet and obedient child, Yên had endured so much pain and rejection at such a young age. Abandoned by her mother, Yên’s father remarried, but their home was filled with chaos. Her father was often drunk, and Yên’s stepmother did not want to care for her. When Yên first arrived at the center, she was shy and unsure of her new surroundings, but she soon discovered it was a place filled with love and family.
Every year, Yên grew more confident in her studies and was known for being caring and attentive to the younger children at the center. In her ninth year of school, Yên received the tragic news that her father died in an accident. Yet again, she felt the pain of being completely orphaned without a mother and father. However, this time she was surrounded by those who loved and encouraged her. “We love her like our own child,” Mai said. “We thank God that she is here and she is helping us love and take care of the other children like family.”
Lan*has become like a little sister to Yên, holding a special place in her heart. At only seven months old, Lan was the youngest member to join this extended family. Baby Lan was born in prison due to her mother’s incarceration. After her release, Lan’s mother contacted the care center to arrange for someone to take her baby as she was unable to care for her. The staff and the older children immediately embraced baby Lan, taking turns to cuddle her with love.
Today, Yên and Lan are both healthy and thriving in a loving, stable home. Lan is now a joyful toddler who is learning about Jesus and can even recite John 3:16 alongside the older children. Yên is preparing to graduate from high school and faithfully serves as a worship leader at her church. At the care center, the children receive more than shelter—they receive the gift of a true childhood. Each day includes rides to school, time spent studying the Bible together, and opportunities to play sports and enjoy games with friends.
Some of the children at the care center respond to a gospel presentation with heartfelt prayer and praise.
Provision with Purpose
We thank God for faithful partners like you, whose generosity is helping shape a brighter future for these children in Vietnam. Because of your faithfulness, Mai and her staff can testify: “God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19, ESV).
Through monthly support, World Challenge provides the care center with healthy meals and essential resources, including clean clothes and a warm bed. This consistent giving not only meets the children’s daily needs but also relieves Mai and her team of the constant pressure of unpaid bills. Thanks to your financial support, the debts that were once piling up are now covered. This frees the team to focus on what matters most—loving, nurturing, and raising the children in their care.
But what really stands out in these children is their strong passion for Christ. They are learning to trust God in a communist nation that often restricts and persecutes Christian worship. Despite the risks, Mai and her staff are guided by their unwavering faith to serve Christ through their care for orphans. They continue to trust God for his provision. “We know he has a great plan for each of them,” Mai commented. “He has created them and has a purpose for their life.”
Will you pray for the safety of the staff and leaders who care for these children? Would you also consider a financial gift to sustain and increase their support? An estimated 170,000 children in Vietnam live without parental care and others are at risk due to extreme poverty, specifically in rural areas. Many more children are in need of a safe home and proper care.
Your generosity sustains the Christlike compassion of our partners who serve orphans, widows, and those most vulnerable around the world. At World Challenge, we know that even in the midst of poverty, persecution, war, and unrest, God can provide and sustain. With a monthly gift of $40 or more, you’re meeting urgent needs and sharing the life-changing hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ—offering the promise of eternal belonging in God’s family.
*Names have been changed to protect their identities.