Vietnam Evangelical Covenant Church – On Sunday morning, July 5, 2026, the whole Covenant church gathered for a worship service themed “Footsteps of Compassion.” In this service, the church was not only built up through God’s Word but also witnessed a special milestone: praying over and sending out 5 families to plant a new church.
An Announcement from the Church Board
Earlier, on June 19, 2026, the Church Board informed the whole church that it had received a heartfelt letter from 5 married couples in the church. In it, they shared that they sensed a new calling to begin the journey of planting a new church, operating independently from the Covenant family.
Having walked, worshiped, served and shared the life of faith together for many years, this news understandably stirred many emotions in every member. Yet the Church Board reminded the church that above all, the Church belongs to God, and He is the One who leads His people according to His good plan.
Within the 2026 spiritual theme “Following in His Footsteps,” each person is led by God along different paths, but all toward the same goal: exalting His name and expanding the Kingdom of God. As expressed in their letter, these brothers and sisters hoped to receive the church’s prayers, blessing and farewell before officially beginning their new journey.
The Harvest Needs More Workers
The message “Footsteps of Compassion” reminded the church that the fields are ripe and in need of workers. The obedient steps taken today are a response to the call of the Lord of the harvest:
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:37–38)
The Laying On of Hands and Prayer
Each prayer was offered with gratitude and hope. The whole Covenant family united in interceding for and blessing the families, trusting that God Himself will go before them, open the way, protect them and build a strong new church, united in love, living in obedience and growing ever deeper in the knowledge of His truth.
The moment when the church laid hands on them and prayed was deeply moving. The tears, hugs and words of blessing expressed not only the affection of a spiritual family, but also reminded everyone that the mission of discipleship always calls for sacrifice and a willingness to go for the sake of the gospel.
On this occasion, representatives of the Evangelism Ministry and the new house group gave small gifts as encouragement and blessing. The gifts were simple, but they carried a prayer that the seed of the gospel will be sown in new ground, take root, sprout and bear much fruit for the glory of God’s name.
Parting in Love
Partings in a church are not always easy. But the way the Covenant family sent these families off, with prayer and blessing rather than blame, is a testimony to love within the body of Christ. Wherever they are and whatever their role, they remain brothers and sisters in the same Lord.
The Church’s Prayer
May God pour out His grace on each of these brothers and sisters. May He help all of us to always be His faithful witnesses, walking in the truth and living purposeful, fruitful lives as disciples, worthy of the salvation He has given.
May God continue to walk with those He has called, so that every step is guided by His grace. From these footsteps of compassion, may many more souls be saved, many disciples be built up and many churches be formed, until His name is exalted everywhere.
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