by William Higgins

I had the privilege of traveling to Vietnam in March to teach a class at the Vietnam Mennonite Training Institute, the school of the Vietnam Mennonite Church. This was a follow-up to a class from last year, finishing up our study of The Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective (1995). Beyond the regular college students, a number of pastors and church leaders attended in order to teach the confession in their home areas. We had over fifty-five people in the class.

I appreciate the hunger these believes have to learn more about Scripture and theology. One father brought along his son to help him in class because he is unable to read. As usual, we had many good discussions. One question was on truth-telling in situations of persecution.

A highlight for me was taking time to interview Pastor Nghia, the president of the Vietnam Mennonite Church. He told me about some of the history of the group and also the importance for training leaders in this growing movement. As I said to him, I always learn and am encouraged when I visit Vietnam and interact with pastors and students. God is richly blessing them, and we have much to learn from them.

William Higgins serves as an LMC resource staff in the area of theological education, and specifically Anabaptist Christian Identity formation. He also serves part-time as a non-resident missionary for EMM. William studied historical and systematic theology and biblical studies at Vennard College, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Drew University. He and his wife Stacey attend New Danville Mennonite Church.