Vietnam Evangelical Covenant Church – In July 2023, the first Peace House for a Vân Kiều family built with the Community Development Ministry’s support in Central Việt Nam was completed. The house is for the family of Mr. Hồ Văn Viên, a Vân Kiều man in Húc commune, Hướng Hóa district, Quảng Trị province, at a total cost of 70 million dong.
See photos: photos of the new house dedication on the Community Development Ministry fanpage
The Peace House Program
Replacing dilapidated houses is one of the Community Development Ministry’s major programs, in the spirit of “leaving no one behind.” The ministry hopes to provide solid, safe Peace Houses for families in especially difficult circumstances, regardless of ethnicity or region. The program focuses on vulnerable communities in remote areas, where there are few opportunities to access social support.
After first steps in Cao Bằng and Mộc Châu, in 2023 the ministry began building new homes for Vân Kiều people in Quảng Trị.
Húc Commune and Mr. Viên’s Family
Húc is a highland mountain commune in southern Hướng Hóa district, home to Vân Kiều, Pa Cô and Kinh people. The terrain of mountains and rivers is broken and divided, and life remains hard.
Through a survey, the ministry learned of Mr. Hồ Văn Viên’s family: 4 children and 6 people living in a temporary stilt house that was old, broken and unsafe. Mr. Viên had suffered a workplace accident and is in poor health, so the family’s finances are very difficult. Before, every storm season the family had to stay with acquaintances to be safe. This situation spurred the ministry to finish the new house as soon as possible.
From Foundation to Roof
In early June 2023, work began on the foundation. The house was built entirely new, 7 meters long with an additional 2-meter porch and 4 meters wide. In just three days, the foundation was done. Each day 4–5 workers were on site, with supervision and encouragement from a local community group to ensure quality and progress.
Villagers also helped during construction. Their involvement made the house not just a gift from far away, but a project of the community itself.
Dedicating the New Home
When the house was finished, the ministry team returned to pray with the family and dedicate their new home. The team members were just as excited as Mr. Viên’s family. The bright smiles on every family member’s face were the greatest gift to all who had contributed.
“Then my people will dwell in a peaceful place, in safe and secure places of rest.” (Isaiah 32:18)
The Peace House was made possible by the love of God’s children in the Covenant family. The ministry sees it as a responsibility God has given: bringing peace to families who lack a secure place to live.
Toward Lasting Support
Besides housing, the ministry is exploring a program providing seedlings and livestock so struggling households can improve their income. A house gives a family peace of mind; a stable livelihood helps them stand firm for the long term.
Let Us Pray Together
- For Mr. Viên’s family to live in peace and good health in their new home.
- For the Peace House program to keep helping more struggling families.
- For ministry members to receive new strength on this journey of sharing.
Read more in Community Development and Church News. Contact the church office: 0942 248 688 (Zalo available).
