It came in a small brown package but carried along a big gift.

The package was filled with letters, pictures, notes, and prayers, all meant to encourage MVI missionaries Tim and Julia Dang.

Tim and Julia have an incredible story of fleeing Vietnam as children, then meeting and marrying in U.S. before sensing God call them back to Vietnam as missionaries. A homeschool co-op in Virginia recently found their story on our website and shared it with the children as they studied Vietnam in their world geography section. The children were inspired by their story and wanted to encourage Tim and Julia as they served God. The children (and some of the parents) wrote letters to Tim and Julia for us to share with them.

“I am a homeschool mom of three wonderful, curious girls between the ages of 1-9, and I feel so honored to write to you today. I co-teach world geography with an emphasis on missions and in our class we included ways for the kids to better understand the cultural and spiritual climate of a specific country. We thoroughly enjoyed learning about Vietnam this month, and I shared your biography with the kids which is posted through MVI. We are so encouraged by your story and had no idea how difficult it is to share the gospel there. Keep fighting the good fight and stay strong in the Lord. And wherever you may be in the world, always know that a group of kids (and parents!) are actively keeping your family in our prayers! You are very loved.”

“I learned about you in geography class. I was very impressed by the work you have been doing. Remember that in hard times, your father loves you and is very kind to you. I loved learning about Vietnam and I really want to visit to share the Gospel, and to see the beautiful lagoons, grottos, and deltas!”

“My family has a prayer board where we put things we are praying for. We are going to put your family on it.”

“Your story is amazing and inspiring. My teacher told us your story while we were in class. We learned about Vietnam and how not many people know Jesus. It is so important and life changing how you are teaching people to become leaders. Your journey has been hard, but God has led you to this place. Thank you for teaching so many people in Vietnam about Jesus.”