Open Doors partners have organized training (one)

Open Doors' partners have organized training for women in the Vietnamese highlands to strengthen their Christian faith. One of the participants was H'Nen*, who now wants to guide and inspire other women in her community.

H'Nen is in her 40s and has two daughters. Many years ago, she lost her husband due to a serious illness. She belongs to the Ede ethnic minority group, and lives with her children in the highlands of Vietnam.

Traditionally, Ede practices a matrilineal system where the family lineage follows the woman, and the man moves to his wife's family home after they get married. Nowadays, however, many young couples decide for themselves where they want to live. The traditional religion of the Edes is animistic and practitioners worship spirits from nature such as fire, water, rice or earth.

"Had to sneak there"
In June 2025, H'Nen started the training for women, together with other participants. She talks about the training with gratitude.

- I thank God for giving me the opportunity to attend this course where I live. When I heard that there would be a training for women, I felt ready and excited to learn about God's Word. I also thank the Open Doors partners and supporters who have made this course possible.

H'Nen remembers some of the challenges she faced while attending classes.

- The last time, I studied for three days in another place, about two hours away. My daughters and I had to sneak there, dressed in farm clothes so that those who lived nearby would not notice us.

If neighbors understood that they were taking part in the course, they could report to the local authorities, which could lead to a hearing about what they are doing and where they are going.

Seeing it as an opportunity to help others
H'Nen joined a women's discipleship group for the first time in 2016. With a deep desire to study the Bible, she has continued to grow in faith, surrendering herself to serve God.

- I feel blessed when I take part in this training. As a leader, God gives me the opportunity to help other women. Through this, I have met many women, some in similar situations to mine and others who are different, but all seeking strength in God," says H'Nen.

Having Christian friends who share similar experiences has given her fellowship and encouragement. Losing her husband is a painful journey, but H'Nen has found meaning and hope through Christ, beyond grief.

- In the class I led a few months ago, most of the women had lost their husbands. I struggled to express my feelings because they were so young. The lesson on "Living with Grief" helped me discover God's good plan and purpose in grief. Having gone through that experience myself allows me to share and encourage these sisters in Christ to continue to walk with God in this temporal life and to grow in faith together," she says.

Encouraging prayer for women in Vetnam
Despite facing difficulties in life as a widow and being the sole breadwinner for her family, H'Nen remains faithful to the Lord. A scripture that supports her journey is from Philippians 4:6: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

- I am not discouraged or depressed by my circumstances, because I truly believe that God has a perfect plan for each of us. Please join me in praying for Vietnamese women so that more will have opportunities to learn God's Word. I also pray that God will bless the supporters and that this teaching for women will continue to grow," says H'nen.

Huong*, a local partner of Open Doors, says the women's groups are a blessing. She notes that many home churches don't have groups for young people, but there are classes for women.

- This training strengthens and equips women, especially those from tribal peoples, with the Word of God, and helps them grow in faith. It is really significant in drawing them closer to God and encouraging them to persevere in faith," says Huong.

*The name has been changed for security reasons.