Empowering Leaders in Vietnam – Insights from the ICM Vietnam Leadership Conference
Praise the Lord, from August 11-18, 2024, Vietnam witnessed a significant gathering of pastors and church leaders from various denominations. The ICM Vietnam Leadership Conference, held in Ho Chi Minh City and Mu Nei, was a time of learning, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Spearheaded by Rev. David Khiem, ICM’s dedicated regional coordinator for Vietnam, this event marked a crucial step in equipping leaders with the tools and the Word to fulfill God’s Great Commission.
ICM Malaysia was represented by Pastor Tony Phang and Pastor Christine Phang, a dynamic husband-and-wife team whose passion for missions and discipleship shone throughout the conference. We are deeply grateful to Rev. David Khiem for his vision and leadership in making this event a reality.
A Report from Pastor Tony and Christine Phang
Ho Chi Minh: A Growing Hunger for God’s Word
In Ho Chi Minh City, 61 eager students gathered to dive deep into ICM’s Module 2 courses on ‘The Holy Spirit’ and ‘Worship.’ Compared to last October’s attendance of 50 students, this year’s increase is a clear sign that more leaders and church planters are being raised up in Vietnam.
The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm as both new and returning students engaged wholeheartedly with the lessons. Despite their diverse backgrounds and denominational affiliations, there was a beautiful unity in worship, prayer, and a shared vision to spread the gospel and make disciples across Vietnam.
Rev. David Duong Huu Khiem’s strategic and effective leadership was evident in his ability to bring these leaders together for this important training. His unwavering passion for establishing ICM’s presence in all regions of Vietnam is a powerful testament to God’s love for this nation.
Mu Nei: A Gathering of Hearts and Minds
The first ICM Leaders’ Conference in Mu Nei, a four-hour journey from Ho Chi Minh City, brought together 20 leaders from nine different regions of Vietnam. The dedication of these leaders was awe-inspiring—one pastor traveled 450 kilometers on his motorbike just to attend!
For many, this was the first time they had the opportunity to meet and fellowship with fellow comrades in the harvest field. Christine and I were honored to preach and share our experiences as missionaries, hoping to encourage and strengthen these devoted leaders.
Rev. Duong led several insightful meetings, where he shared reports and his vision for discipleship and outreach in Vietnam. Although the conference was brief, its impact was profound. There was a palpable renewed passion for church planting and an eagerness to expand the ICM program throughout all regions of Vietnam.
A Future Full of Promise
As we left Vietnam, we couldn’t help but feel blessed, inspired, and deeply humbled by the sacrifices these leaders are making to preach the gospel in their land. The training provided by ICM is clearly making a significant impact on the discipleship and church planting strategies in Vietnam. The potential for growth and expansion in the coming years is immense, and we are excited to witness the great things God has in store for this beautiful nation.
