Hanoi, Vietnam – What began as a simple question, “How Can We Love Your City?”, has blossomed into a remarkable transformation in Vietnam. Once wary of Christian influence, the Vietnamese government is now embracing a movement fueled by love and service, spearheaded by two Regent University graduates.
The “Love Your City” project, born out of Hanoi International Fellowship (HIF), has bridged the gap between Christians and authorities. Gone are the days of tense relations; today, government officials attend Christmas festivals and even host dinners for pastors, demonstrating a newfound respect and understanding.
This shift didn’t happen overnight. Jacob Bloemberg, HIF lead pastor, attributes it to a decade of quiet service. Instead of demanding rights, the church focused on contributing to society. From cleaning streets to conducting workshops, Christians demonstrated their love for Hanoi through tangible acts.
The “Love Hanoi” campaign, which evolved into “Love Your City,” became a platform for churches to unite and express God’s love beyond the confines of their walls. This shift, Bloemberg believes, resonated with the government. “We weren’t asking for permits,” he explains, “we were asking how we could serve.”
The results are undeniable. Over 14,000 people attended the recent Christmas Peace Festival, featuring family activities, talent shows, and evangelistic plays. The culmination was a powerful praise and worship session followed by American evangelist Reid Saunders sharing the gospel, leading over 1,000 to accept Jesus as their Savior.
But the impact extends beyond conversions. Local authorities, once skeptical, are now actively partnering with churches. This shift is evident in the Christmas dinner hosted by the police for pastors, a symbolic gesture of respect and collaboration.
Bloemberg’s journey to this point is as inspiring as the movement itself. A simple conversation at a cafe with a colonel, asking permission for Vietnamese to attend HIF, opened the door to a decade of fruitful ministry.
Bloemberg and his wife, Linda, credit their Regent University online master’s degrees for equipping them for this unique calling. Linda’s Master’s in Education allowed her to secure a job providing for their family while serving in Vietnam, and Jacob’s Master’s in Organizational Leadership proved invaluable in leading HIF’s diverse congregation.