Vietnam has one of the fastest growing economies in the world - 8% in 2004. Although the majority of the population are in rural areas, this growth is from industry and commerce. The cities are expanding, the skyscrapers are going upwards and the professional class are richer and more modern. There is a strong feeling of optimism and motivation amongst the young professionals in Vietnam but their hope is based on financial success and good luck.

Young people are looking to the West for examples and are very open to change and new ideas. Perhaps that means they hold more loosely to their Buddhist or animistic beliefs - but will they find the one True God or will money becomes their new god? In general, in the evangelical churches in Vietnam the professional classes are not well represented. They may not feel comfortable in the poorer, traditional congregations that are the norm. Furthermore, the evangelism and discipleship programmes of the churches are not always the most effective approach for professionals

Christian professionals who can share a godly life in the work place, and their Hope can have a huge impact in this country. It will be the educated groups who dictate the shaping of this nation in the years to come.

Pray for more professional to come to Vietnam and be a light to those in the workplace, and to help encourage Vietnamese Christians to reach out to their professional classes.