The General Board of Global Ministries, mission agency of The United Methodist Church, facilitates ways for the whole church to collaborate in mission. The Rev. Clinton Rabb, Executive Secretary for Congregational Mission, who has responsibility for the initiative "In Mission Together" works with congregations, districts, and annual conferences in the support and accompaniment of emerging churches around the globe.

On October 20-21, 2000 Rev. Rabb and the Revs. Randy Day, and David Wu of Global Ministries joined members of the United Methodist Vietnamese National Caucus, United Methodist Vietnam veterans, district superintendents, pastors, and lay persons in Fort Worth, Texas, to discuss ways of being together in mission in Vietnam. There was representation from California, Michigan, Illinois, Georgia, New York, The District of Columbia, and Texas. Bishop Ben Chamness of the Fort Worth area brought greetings and led opening worship.

Vietnamese United Methodists spoke about ministries in Vietnam which include medical missions, faith sharing, support of a medical clinic, development of a sewing enterprise, Bible teaching, special assistance to children, women, and Vietnamese minorities—and challenge of involvement of The United Methodist Church in this work.

Trang at work - a United Methodist medical volunteer measures blood pressure while preparing a medical history prior to a visit with the doctor

The United Methodist Vietnamese National Caucus (which celebrated its twentieth anniversary at the Wesley United Methodist Church in San Diego with more than 300 clergy and lay persons) had its origin in 1975 when United Methodist churches responded to the call to assist in settling Vietnamese refugees fleeing from their war-torn country.

"Now United Methodist Vietnamese believe there is a unique witness that the church can offer to the people of Vietnam," says Rabb. "Through the General Board of Global Ministries, work of the caucus is being undergirded with anticipation of churches joining this effort at the local level."

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is populated by approximately 80,000,000 people. Predominant religions are Buddhist, Taoist, Roman Catholic and indigenous beliefs. A limited number of United Methodist House Churches are emerging. Vietnam is a country recovering from more than forty five years of war, and a 19-year embargo.

Full diplomatic recognition by the U.S. came in 1995. Since that time, many Americans - including native Vietnamese and military veterans - have visited the country. Upon returning to America, they, like many in the international community, have expressed need of assistance in the aforementioned areas.

It is out of this growing concern that the General Board of Global Ministries designated as its Mission Study Theme for the year 2001: "Lands and People: Cambodia, Laos & Vietnam."

Toward that end, the mission agency is engaged in ongoing dialogue with the Vietnamese National Caucus, Vietnam veterans, and representatives of the church-at-large in seeking ways to be in mission together. Priorities set to date include: official registration of the United Methodist Church with the government; and development of a Global Ministries' Advance Project to receive funds for construction of a social center to respond to health care needs and community services.

To better inform constituency on the current status of the region, Global Ministries is also developing print and audio visual educational resources on Southeast Asia. These materials will be used for the upcoming Summer Schools of Christian Mission sponsored annually by The Women's Division of the denomination.

Further insight on "lands and people" of the region will be gained through a mission study trip, coordinated by The Mission Education unit of Global Ministries. A limited number of national constituency will travel to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia February 12-28, 2001, with established goals to gain greater knowledge on the history and current status of Southeast Asia, and to explore opportunities of how the denomination might be engaged in cooperative efforts to help improve the quality of life of those in need of assistance throughout the region.

Feeding the Little Ones: United Methodist medical volunteers assist with lunch at a Vietnamese orphanage where they brought supplies of drugs for the orphanage clinic

The United Methodist Vietnamese National Caucus and Global Ministries remain in prayer for this process and for Southeast Asians as they attempt to rebuild their lives and communities.

Information about the Mission Travel Study Trip to Vietnam is available through the Mission Education Office of the General Board of Global Ministries, 475 Riverside Drive, Room 1356, New York, N.Y. 10115

Look for future information on the Vietnam Advance Project on Global Ministries web site.

November 7, 2000