Founded in 1981 the Vietnamese Thien-An Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith resilience and community. Its story begins not in a grand building but in a small trailer. Imagine Vietnamese refugees arriving in Seattle after the fall of Saigon. Many found solace and community at the First Baptist Church of Beverly Park. A growing number of Vietnamese embraced Christianity. This led to the formation of Thien-An. The name itself meaning Peaceful Heaven reflects their longing for peace after years of turmoil.
Initially services were held in that small trailer. The congregation grew rapidly. The need for a larger space became apparent. Then a remarkable event occurred. Grandview Baptist Church offered their building to Thien-An. This act of generosity reflects the interfaith cooperation that characterized Seattle’s response to the refugee crisis. In 1990 Thien-An moved into their new home at 2900 SW Myrtle Street. This marked a significant milestone. The church continued to thrive. It became a vital hub for the Vietnamese community in Seattle offering spiritual guidance and social support. Later adding English services and adopting the name Thien-An Trueliving Church further highlighting its evolving nature and outreach.
The church’s history isn’t just about buildings and names. It’s about people like Bao Hanh a missionary who served as a spiritual leader and interpreter. It’s about pastors Nguyen Huu Lich Ho Viet and Phan Minh Hoi who dedicated their lives to serving the congregation. It’s about the countless individuals who found faith hope and community within these walls. The church faced several leadership changes due to various reasons. Pastor Nguyen Huu Trang’s leadership followed by Pastor Vu Ho marked different phases of growth and expansion. Today Thien-An Trueliving Church a renamed entity now resides in Burien. However the spirit of its origins remains. It continues its mission to serve its community and spread its message of faith.
The Vietnamese Thien-An Baptist Church’s journey is one of incredible perseverance. It is a story etched not only in its physical structures but also in the hearts of its members. A vibrant example of how faith can help build a new life in a new land. A true beacon of hope and faith for the Vietnamese community in Seattle.