Amy and the Rev. Joseph Van Vo of Garden Grove, California, have been endorsed to serve with International Ministries (IM) as development workers in Vietnam. They will work with IM partner the Baptist Convention of Vietnam (BCV) in Discipleship, Education and Economic Development. 

Amy and Joseph are natives of Vietnam who immigrated to the U.S. as children. They will serve as development workers. Amy’s background is in education and counseling and she will teach and coach women in building healthy relationships. Joseph’s experience is in education leadership. He will also teach and work with the BCV in leadership and economic development. 

As a child, Amy and her family, originally from Vietnam, were displaced due to war and forced to live a difficult life in a refugee camp in the Philippines. They immigrated to the U.S. when Amy was just eight years old. 

“I witnessed my father accepting Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was baptized by a missionary pastor when we were still in the refugee camp. It made a big impression on me,” said Amy Vo. “God’s grace carried my family though the uncertainty and harsh conditions in the camp. God used my life journey to instill in me a desire to be a channel of blessing to others. And now, by God’s grace, I will carry on his calling in Vietnam with my husband and children.” 

Joseph was born and raised in a Christian family in Vietnam. They immigrated to the U.S. when Joseph was 10 years old. 

“I was called at age 14 to mission work, but I did not know where or when this call would become a reality, yet I treasured it in my heart,” said Joseph Vo. “Over time, the call was forgotten as I reached college. Then one day, I was involved in a serious car accident that nearly took my life. I woke up from a coma miraculously without serious injury. It was a turning point in my life. I changed my undergraduate college major to S.E. Asian Literature and completed my Master of Divinity in Bible and cross-cultural studies at Northern Baptist Theological Seminary while serving the Lord in pastoral leadership and chaplaincy.” 

As the first IM development workers in Vietnam, Amy and Joseph Vo will be breaking new ground. 

“We are happy to be part of God’s work in Vietnam,” said the Vos. “We are inspired and humbled by witnessing God’s work among the people of Vietnam. Because of our faith, we know the importance of being the hands and feet of Christ to help empower Vietnamese leaders and spouses for leadership and service.” 

The Vos have two children who will be serving with them in Vietnam: Joelynn, age 8, and Josiah, age 4. 

The full report on their endorsement can be read at https://internationalministries.org/im-endorses-first-development-workers-to-serve-in-vietnam/