Gov't-challenging pastor beaten in brutal attack

A pastor who has long been a thorn in the side of Vietnam's communist government was severely beaten in broad daylight Sunday near Ho Chi Minh City, the former Saigon.

Mennonite Pastor Nguyen Hong Quang, who is also a lawyer and outspoken advocate for religious freedom in Vietnam, was attacked along with his associate pastor by five men who used bricks and rocks to batter the pair's heads. The attackers continued to kick the bodies "relentlessly" after they fell to the ground, reported Voice of the Martyrs, Australia.

Quang has ministered to his congregants for nearly 25 years, during which time he has been imprisoned on at least seven occasions and is the subject of frequent denunciations by the government and government-controlled media.

In December 2010, approximately 500 police and soldiers came to the site of his Bible school and church, arresting his students and demolishing the buildings.

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Sunday's attack was without provocation. The two pastors were taken to a local hospital for emergency treatment. Quang, who suffered the more serious injuries, is said to have sustained a "broken nose, broken ribs, facial injuries including injuries to his teeth and jaw" and remains in severe pain, vomiting during his time in the hospital.

Police have made no arrests.

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In 2003, WND reported, Pastor Quang was one of 19 Christians arrested for distributing or possessing religious leafletts during the Southeast Asian Games in Ho Chi Minh City. The leafletts contained game schedules and invitations to readers to consider following Jesus Christ.

Quang, who staged a hunger strike in the central district of the city, told Radio Free Asia, "We love this country, and we respect the law, but we are being persecuted for our beliefs."

In a 2011 interview, Quang talked about the persecution he and his congregants had experienced, even as the government of Vietnam claims it permits religious freedom.

"Even though we are facing [persecution], we are also horrified by that, being beaten up and thrown like that. In Vietnam we have no right to think and speak the truth, and they don't want you to speak up," he said.

"Whenever I think back on times in prison I think, this is the best time. I had communion with the Lord. In 2005 when I was in prison in the room they had 100 prisoners. Fifty of them became believers.

"Once we serve God, surely we must go the way of the cross. I will not quarrel against the Lord for what has happened. Once the government uses violence they are defeated already. They are afraid."

See the interview with Pastor Quang, below:

Voice of the Martyrs, Australia, has sent funds to Vietnam for the pastors' treatment. The group that monitors persecution of Christians has requested prayer for the two men:

• Pray the Lord will completely heal and fully restore the two pastors.
• Ask Him to strengthen their resolve to fully commit themselves to the work of the Lord and not be fearful.
• Pray for the perpetrators, that the Lord would have mercy on them, to convict them and bring them to repentance.