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As this issue of Response magazine was planned, those responsible for the mission resource development cautioned the editor: "Vietnam is not a war; it's a country."
Pulling together this issue became an exercise in remembering the war and moving beyond it to discover the nations of Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos as they are today.
"I hope you will begin this issue by looking at the pictures, taking in the colors and textures of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam," says editor Dana E. Jones.
"Then enjoy the articles as you are introduced to the distinctiveness of each nation and its peoples," she says.
Bible Study: Woman, Why are You Weeping?
by Karen Hien Vo-To
This study's author looks at the story of Jesus as he first appears to Mary Magdalene after his resurrection. He asks, "Woman, Why are You Weeping?" The author says Vietnamese women weep because they are not given equal rights. They weep because of their lack of status within the church. Yet, she contends that women are called to replace weeping with a determination to serve God.
Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos: The Status of Women
by Susan Hummond
Women of these countries want the financial means to feed, clothe, and shelter their families. They want healthy lives and an education for their children. They want equal opportunities as men. Yet these desires are difficult because these nations are among the poorest in the world. This article looks at the facts behind these minimal desires.
Growing up in Cambodia
by Dalay Dy
Written in the first person, Dalay Dy introduces herself as a 21-year old Cambodian woman who is finishing college in the capital city of Phnom Penh. Her story and her life has been intertwined with struggles, war, and death during and following the Pol Pot Regime.
Cambodian Women: Overcoming Poverty
by Ana Maria Clamor
This is the story of two women. One is a widow, who lost her husband to civil war or AIDS. One is a young woman who was selected for training on working with animals. Church World Service and other non-governmental organizations are working with these women and others to educate them and empower them to be healthy and economically self-sufficient.
Building Peace Clinic by Clinic
by Stephen Darr
Trang Tran was born in a small coastal city hospital in Vietnam during the most intense period of the Vietnam war. Don Voth was a volunteer with the Mennonite Central Committee in the central highlands of Vietnam during the late 50s. Tran Thi Thuy Vi , born in Vietnam, grew up in Ho Chi Min City. Diverse people of diverse backgrounds, they are now coming together to build a clinic and bridges of peace.
Healing from the Vietnam War
by Stanley Campbell
At age 18, Stanley Campbell enlisted in the U.S. army and volunteered to fight in Vietnam. What he saw led him to lose faith in his government, religion and God. In the 1980s, he discovered a God who hated war and loved the poor. This is a story about Stanley Campbell's faith that led him back to Vietnam and reconciliation.
Growth of Tourism: A Threat to Women and Children
by Carol Smolenski
"As Vietnam and Cambodia look to tourism for economic development, the danger of sex tourism looms for poor children and women who will come in contact with well-off foreign tourists for the first time," says the author. Though responsible tour guides will not mention sex tourism, they do mention street children and poverty -- red flags for those interested in purchasing prostitutes. This article looks at the easy access to information about the sex trade, to the root causes, and to steps we should take to end sex tourism.
Combating HIV/AIDS
by Anne D. Shirk and Parker F. Hallbero
In Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam-- among the poorest nations in Asia -- the cost of blood tests to test for HIV/AIDS is high. Even dramatically reduced anti-retroviral drugs are cost prohibitive. This article looks at the issue and the response of another country, Thailand, that may serve as a model.
Teaching the Gospel to those Who Have Never Heard
by Shirley Wu
This is the story of the distribution of Sunday School Material for Children, Book One, which will help teachers share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with Cambodian children. The book is unique because it shares the gospel in the Cambodian language and uses experiences, histories, fears, and hopes to which the children can relate.
Fleeing Home, Going Home
by Yvette Moore
When the Vietnam War ended in 1975, Women's Division director Kady Herr-Yang, escaped with her family on foot from Laos to a refugee camp in Thailand. This is an inspiring story of her escape, her life as a refugee, and her life as a Hmong-American.
Daily Devotions from Cambodia
Written by seven different authors, these devotions look at different
scripture each day. Then, the authors relate the scripture to their
beliefs as they relate to life in Cambodia.
| Other Articles in This Issue |
| Responsively Yours |
| Spanish: Alegrķas y Responsabilidades |
| Mission Education Opportunities 2001 |
| Bright Lights |
| How to Use This Issue |
| Women's Division News |
E-mail: umw@gbgm-umc.org
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Response magazine is published by the Women's Division, General Board of Global Ministries, United Methodist Church. Subscribe to this award-winning magazine!
