“A beacon of faith,” whispered the old woman beside me, her eyes fixed on the building ahead. It was Hội thánh Tin lành Bình Tây, a name that seemed to roll off her tongue with a reverence I hadn’t expected. It stood before us, not grand or imposing, but a quiet sanctuary nestled amidst the bustling energy of Ho Chi Minh City. Hội thánh Tin lành Bình Tây, she told me, had stood witness to the tumultuous history of this city. It had seen decades of change, of joy and sorrow, its doors remaining open throughout. But what fascinated me most was a story from its recent past. For almost thirty years after 1975, the church lacked an official leader. Then, in 2023, a Ms. Phùng Tùng Cơ, a woman who had dedicated a decade of service to the church, was appointed as its leader. It was a testament to her faith and dedication, a beacon of hope in a changing world. As we stepped closer, the murmur of prayers drifted from within, a comforting sound in the heart of the city. Hội thánh Tin lành Bình Tây, with its unassuming facade and powerful story, was a reminder that faith, like a quiet flame, could endure even in the face of uncertainty.
Hàm Luông River
The gentle rocking of a sampan on the water. This is the Hàm Luông River. A vital artery coursing through