In the past, ministry workers in the churches of Vietnam often struggled with this dilemma: “Some children frequently exhibit behavior that gives me a headache. I want to accept them and teach them well, but I do not know how to go about it.”
Eden Foundation would like to promote the inclusion of children with special needs in local church activities in Vietnam, our International Cooperation Center traveled to Ho Chi Minh City in July of this year to host a “Workshop on Supporting Children with Special Needs” for its Vietnamese church partners. Nine churches and more than 50 Sunday school teachers and ministry staff participated, learning together how to understand and support children with special needs.
Eden Partners with churches in Vietnam to Support Children with Special Needs and Disadvantaged Seniors
Ms. Yi-Lin Wu, Director of the Eden Taipei Early Intervention Service Center, served as the workshop instructor. Approaching the topic from the perspectives of child development and early intervention, she assisted participants in understanding the reasons behind children’s behaviors. Through case discussions, small-group exchanges, and role-playing exercises, participants learned to respond to children’s needs with positive support. The course emphasized “seeing the needs first, rather than just the behavior,” encouraging church staff to start from a place of understanding and create a more welcoming and accepting environment for children’s ministry.
Ms. Yi-Lin Wu, Director of Eden Taipei Early Intervention Service Center, served as the workshop instructor, assisting participants understand children’s behavior from the perspectives of child development and early intervention
“So these are the needs behind the children’s behavior!” “We can adjust our approach in this way…” Through the workshop’s learning and discussions, church staff in Vietnam began to understand the underlying causes and needs behind children’s behavior from the children’s perspective. Together, they developed many guiding principles and practices, and many shared: “This workshop has given us more confidence to welcome and support children with special needs in church activities!”
Workshop participants engaged in discussions, generating ideas for interacting with children
In addition to organizing workshop, Eden Foundation has partnered with churches in Vietnam for many years, providing ongoing care for vulnerable families through initiatives such as meal delivery, children’s scholarships, after-school learning support, and home visits. During this visit, the team also accompanied church partners into the community to visit a 14-year-old girl and her financially struggling family. This family of six members in a rented apartment measuring 5 ping (about 16.5 square meters); at night, the adults even have to sleep on the floor. The girl has been struggling with both her studies and emotional regulation, but thanks to the care from our partners, she finally managed to smile.
Eden and the Vietnamese church team visited the local family
Besides, the teams worked together to deliver meals in the community and visit disadvantaged seniors. Throughout these efforts, it was evident that the church had built a strong relationship of trust with the community through consistent service and companionship. Many seniors, having initially received assistance, gradually came to know the church and were introduced to the Gospel. Day after day, this care not only met their practical needs but also served as a vital bridge connecting the church to the community and conveying love and hope. An senior resident of the meal delivery service shared in his testimony last year when he made a commitment to Christ: “I am so happy being with everyone at the church! Even when I suffered a stroke, the comfort and encouragement I received from the church and from God gave me the courage to undergo rehabilitation and move forward!”
Vietnamese Churches Connect with Local Communities Through Meal Delivery and Care Services
Eden expressed high praise for the children’s ministry and community outreach efforts cultivated by local churches. Change often does not come from one-time assistance, but gradually occurs through continuous companionship and tangible support. In the future, Eden will continue to collaborate with local churches in Vietnam to jointly create a more caring environment, allowing children to grow up in love and support, and enabling the seniors to live with dignity and warmth.
