Emergency Response For Flood Victims in Phu Yen

In Our thoughts

Dear Friends,

The cold wind and December snow here in Maryland make me think of those who at this very moment are shivering in the aftermath of a disaster that has taken not only their homes but everything they had. The heartbreaking images of our people—from the Central Highlands down to Phú Yên, Bình Thuận, Quảng Nam, and Huế—fill my heart with deep sorrow.

In the blink of an eye, the floodwaters swept away years of hard-earned savings, the modest stability that sheltered their lives, the hopes they held for the future, and, most painfully, the loved ones they cherished most. How can one fully describe the fear, the anguish, and the heartbreak our people are enduring? I am moved to tears seeing little children standing bewildered beside their parents on small patches of high ground, waiting for the waters to recede—surrounded only by the few belongings they managed to snatch in the darkness of night. And the sight of mothers and fathers holding tightly the box of noodles, the bag of rice, and the small packet of spices just received—embracing them with a gratitude too deep for words—stays with me.

I am grateful to so many whose love has poured generously into the flood-stricken areas in the form of life-sustaining food and aid. The sacrifices are immense—especially from communities who themselves have only recently emerged from their own floods, yet still choose to share with those now in greater need.

One cannot witness such suffering without one’s heart being moved to compassion—and to action.

Priests and sisters tirelessly accompanying the victims tell us that our people are now entering the most difficult phase: the struggle to rebuild from the devastation. With heartfelt solidarity, Việt Tộc wishes to join these efforts on our homeland—to help mend the wounds of loss—through small but meaningful “Rebuilding Projects,” such as providing basic household items, roofing materials, and school supplies for children, according to needs and means.

Việt Tộc sincerely hopes to count on your collaboration—so precious and so necessary—to help our communities recover as quickly as possible. I trust deeply in your generosity, which you have shown so consistently throughout these 27 years of walking with us in support of our Ethnic Minority brothers and sisters in the Central Highlands, the Northeast, and even in Chad, Africa.

I believe that our shared love will bring comfort and rekindle hope in the hearts of those suffering from this catastrophic flood.

My heartfelt thanks to each of you.

May God bless you and your families always, especially during this holy season in which the Word became Flesh to bring us faith and hope.

With affection,
Vang Tran