Authorities in Vietnam prevented much-anticipated public Easter celebrations in Hanoi planned for Friday and Saturday (April 15-16) after giving a verbal promise to organizers that the events would proceed. An inter-church organizing committee had submitted a request for permission well in advance and had made elaborate preparations for the special events featuring renowned evangelist Luis Palau. The organizers said they were disappointed but not entirely surprised by the Communist government’s action. ‘The authorities have clearly demonstrated to the world what we experience regularly – that their promises, whether verbal or written, cannot be trusted,’ said one church leader who requested anonymity. Asked to speculate on the reasons for the government’s ultimate refusal, another key church leader said, ‘I don’t know why, but it almost seems as if the government is deliberately damaging its own reputation.’

Pray: for the Church in Vietnam that despite the set-backs it will bring glory to God by its actions. (Ps.86:9)

More: http://www.compassdirect.org/english/country/vietnam/article_110895.html