By Charlie and Mary Dang, serving with The Alliance in Taiwan
Taiwan has a large population of foreign women. Of these, 100,000 Vietnamese ladies make up the largest group. The vast majority of them are from impoverished families living in the Mekong Delta region of South Vietnam. They believe that marrying their daughters to Taiwanese men will improve their families’ future.
Many of these Vietnamese brides have no more than an elementary-level education. They leave Vietnam full of hope and expectancy that their lives will be better than what they are leaving behind. However, too many are unprepared for the hardships of life in a foreign land.
Once in Taiwan, these women face the steep challenge of learning a difficult language; they also must deal with the many difficulties that accompany living in their in-laws’ homes. Soon, they find themselves being a wife, mother, and caregiver for elderly in-laws. Often, they are the sole providers for their families. These women also face physical, mental, and verbal abuse and have the added pressure of being looked down upon by the community.
The God Who Loves
Our ministry among these women includes walking alongside them, leading them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and relationship with the God who loves them unconditionally. He has created them as unique and valuable in His eyes. We support these women in achieving a sense of self-worth through understanding the unique gifting with which God has graced them, discipling them to be followers and servants of Christ.
One such woman is Tran, a sister in our fellowship whose story begins about 15 years ago when she first arrived in Taiwan from Vietnam. After some years in Taiwan, she became a believer. After giving birth to two children, Tran learned that she was pregnant with her third child.
Shocking Blow
When she told her husband and his family the exciting news, she was dealt a shocking blow—her husband told her to have an abortion. She could not believe this was suggested to her. The reason given was “three children will be too much of a burden.”
Tran returned home to tell her husband that she was going to keep the baby. Soon after that, her husband’s family began abusing her—mentally and emotionally. Daily, they told her she was stupid and worthless and that they were going to kick her out of the house.
However, because of Tran’s faith in God and the support of her church friends, she endured the abuse and gave birth to a son. Today, her husband’s family understands what a blessing this child is to them. He has been a comfort to the grandfather since the grandmother’s passing, a joy to his father after a day of hard work, and a companion to his mother.
Tran has a generous heart. She loves God and is an active member in our fellowship. God continues to grow her and use her for His glory.
Pray
Join the Alliance family in interceding for our workers in Taiwan and worldwide, who are taking the good news—in word and deed—to some of the least-reached regions of the world. Use the weekly Alliance Prayer Requests to assist you.