God used one man after another to prepare countless numbers of people for the coming of Jesus Christ. He is still using us today. VUMYF (Vietnamese United Methodist Youth & Young-Adult Fellowship) is humbled and very thankful to be able to take part in His great ministry over the past year. We have put love into action by serving many through our events, missions, activities, and simple acts of kindness.

In the summer of 2010, twelve VUMYF members spent two weeks in Malaysia to serve Vietnamese migrant workers who were abused and in desperate need of hope. With compassion and God’s love, the gospel was brought into the lives of those who have never heard of Jesus Christ. Grace spilled over and filled empty hearts. These fourteen days were filled with many blessings for both missionaries and the Vietnamese migrant workers. God prepared the team through fasting, weekly prayer meetings, working together in preparing love-gifts and fundraising. The team also had a wonderful support system that included: dancers, sponsors, donors, churches, family, friends, and even prayer warriors that we have never met. We thank God for working through each one of these people and providing for all our needs.

Three months later, at the end of December, VUMYF saw God’s hand at work again. We successfully hosted our 7th annual winter retreat, themed “N.I.N.J.A” – Naturally, I Need Jesus Always. The message throughout the three days was about revealing and living our true identity in Jesus Christ. With more participants attending this year, we provided intense workshops with our wonderfully blessed guest speakers, Pastor David Jung and Pastor Kevin Nguyen. We also fellowshipped through games/activities, and rocked out to praise and worship songs. Together, we ended our year and welcomed 2011 in hopes of new blessings and new opportunities to serve others in the name of Jesus Christ.

VUMYF desires to be a tool in shaping leaders and helping them realize their potential to be God’s instruments for great and wonderful things. With this in mind, we hosted a leadership retreat this past February in the city of Las Vegas, Nevada. Attending leaders of the UMC churches participated in workshops, discussions, worship, fellowship, and fun activities together for three days. Guest speakers, Rev. Kevin Nguyen, Rev. Betty Nguyen, Rev. Lui-Vu Tran, and Rev. Cuong Nguyen led discussions about issues arising within the Vietnamese Methodist Church and how we, as leaders, can approach them effectively. Retreats like these enable our leaders to realize and discuss common issues within the Methodist church and support each other in our leadership roles. VUMYF hopes to continue hosting leadership retreats like this one more often to nurture in disciples of Jesus a genuine heart to serve.

After meeting new friends at winter retreat, many youths anxiously waited for all VUMYF members to join together again. Pomona Trinity Church graciously hosted our 2011 Spring Rally in April; it was filled with fun and exciting sport competitions, challenging Bible trivia that test knowledge and creativity, and a heartfelt message by Pastor Lee Nguyen on the topic of following Jesus Christ. Our annual rallies are reminders, to every member, of a genuine fellowship in Christ with our brother and sisters.

With vision to make the glory of the Lord known to the next generations and to be better stewards to the gifts entrusted to us; VUMYF Board of Directors continue to seek grants and outside collaborations to provide more programs and services to youth. In the coming months, we will be having our 8th annual winter retreat, 2nd annual leadership retreat, Malaysia-Vietnam mission trip 2012, and many more activities and resources to assist in developing the spiritual growth of our members. We ask that you pray for us as we prepare our hearts, minds, and souls for the work God has led us to do. May the Lord’s blessings be on these plans and may it be according to His will, not ours. All glory be to God!

Juliet Tran – June 20, 2011

From left: Chinh Tran, David Dang, Linh-Phuong Pham, Stephen Le, Grace Le, Hung Chau, Daniel Dang, Rev. Tom Tran

Executive Committee:
Advisor: Rev. Tom Tran, S. Pasadena UMC, CA
President: Grace Le, San Diego UMC, CA
V-President: Hung Chau, San Diego UMC, CA
Secretary: Juliet Tran, West Anaheim UMC, CA
Treasurer: Vi Le, West Anaheim UMC, CA
Communication Office: David Dang, Linda Visa UMC, CA
Web-Master: Daniel Dang, Linda Vista UMC, CA
West Representative: Stephen Le, Pomona UMC, CA
Central Representative: David Giang, Grand Rapids, MI
East Representative: Truong Le, Nashville, TN

We are finally back to Saremban…where we have internet to update you. We had an amazing and eye opening three days away.

Day 1

We traveled by bus (something like ‘xe do hoang’) down south about 2-2.5 hrs to Gemas. Later that day, we went to visit 3 or 4 different groups of Vietnamese migrant workers. The living conditions were unbelievable. It left us speechless and feelings of depression. The workers lived in self-built rooms that were shared with 2-7 people. We talked with them and not once did I hear them complain about their life. It’s something that they’ve come to accept. These people are amazing! Remember to pray for them.

Day 2

On the second day, we got the chance to lead worship for Sunday morning service at a Chinese-Malaysian church in Segamat. These people are also AWESOME! They support the Vietnamese ministry and help with what they can. Then later in the evening, our mission team had an evangelism service for the Vietnamese workers and Pastor Tom did an alter call at the end of the night. About 25-30 people came up to accept Jesus Christ as LORD and SAVIOR! Halelujah!! We most likely won’t get a chance to see them again, but this is the seed that God wanted to plant. Pray that it grows into an enormous, good-fruit baring tree.

Day 3

Monday, we had to drive down to Johor Baru which is about 1.5-2 hr drive. One of the cars suddenly had a problem with the transmission, so we stopped at the side of the road and waited for a tow truck. Then Pastor Davidson was on the way to our rescue when his car overheated. So, we pretty much lost a few hours of our planned day. BUT, thank God, we were still so joyful that day. No stress. We prayed. Satan cannot stop us with a couple car tricks.

Anyways, our team split in two. Part of the team (the musical part) led a workshop, for a few Christian men and woman, on how to lead worship. The rest of the team visited more female Vn workers in the area. A few of them are finishing up their contract and will be going back to their families in Vietnam next week and in the next few months. Yay! Later that night, we had a night service at the church in Johor Baru. Some of the young men and women of the church led a great worship service with their limited knowledge of music. After the team sang and pastor gave a message, there was another alter call and about 20-25 people came up to accept Christ. They wanted to TRY this God that will take up their burdens and will LOVE them. Afterwards, we had a chance to play some games with some brothers (in Christ). They are so much just like us. It was so WONDERFUL being able to connect with them through music and games that night. Pray that God will use them for His glory. They have sooooo much potential!!!

My apologies for the wordiness. Actually, no I’m not. These are barely enough words to describe everything that we saw and felt these last 3 days. Eventhough you’re not here with us, your prayers mean sooo much! We really need it.

Thank you so much for your dedication to our mission team. We Love you!!

~Juliet Tran on behalf of the Malaysia Mission team 2010 <3

David Giang on behalf
Malaysia Mission Team 2010