Vietnamese Missions Overview

Family

In Vietnam, the family unit is central to all its members; its structure is paternal. In trying to deal with American culture, in which families are primarily nuclear and women are highly honored, many young Vietnamese married couples have relational difficulties often resulting in divorce. Today, the percentage of divorces among US Vietnamese families is one of the highest among ethnic groups. Fortunately, other patterns, such as relationships between parent and child and grandparent and child, are intact.

Education

Whether in their homeland or in the United States, the Vietnamese people tend to value learning and scholarship. They take advantage of the educational opportunities in the United States. Some pursue advanced degrees upon college graduation and job establishment.

Possessions

Upon arriving in the United States, the Vietnamese industriously look for jobs to provide for their families. They enjoy working, making money, and being self-employed. Usually, their first purchases in the United States include cars, stereos, televisions, and furniture. Home ownership symbolizes a progressive family.

Time

Most Vietnamese live at a slow pace. They do not try to accomplish everything in one day, with the exception of people living in farming areas.  Vietnamese living in the United States are adjusting to the American concept that time is money.

Interrelationships

It has been said that the Vietnamese are a people who never trust each other. This sentiment, in part, is a result of Vietnam’s history of civil war. Vietnamese immigrants are less distrustful in the United States. They favorably respond to Americans who seek their friendship. The Vietnamese expect friends to visit in their homes. In group settings, especially with Anglos present, they may be timid because of their limited knowledge of the English language. They are more comfortable sharing their ideas with individuals than before groups. It takes time to help the Vietnamese understand church activities, as well as Christian friendships that includelove and sharing.

Food

Most Vietnamese eat the same foods as Anglos, but cook them differently. The food is often boiled instead of fried. The first immigrants continue to prepare indigenous dishes. These are served at church potluck dinners and parties in Vietnamese communities.

Pride

Most Vietnamese are proud of their nationality and culture. They value traditions of individual achievement, honor and dignity. They respect knowledge and take pride in being educated. They do not boast about their achievements. They prefer to own their businesses, rather than be employed by someone else.

Religious Views

Living in a predominantly Protestant country is strange to many Vietnamese. Buddhism, Confucianism or Taoism influences 90 percent of the population. In the mind of many Vietnamese, all religions are equal.

Through Christian sponsors, neighbors and friends, the Vietnamese are gradually realizing and understanding the differences between Christianity and Buddhism, salvation and emancipation, and real love and deceptive love. There is a great need and opportunity to reach out to Vietnamese in the United States. They, like all people, are not truly satisfied with materialism. They are searching and hungry for the truth, which is found only in the gospel of Jesus Christ.