"Vietnam - Endurance and Hospitality” - by Rev. Weldon Bares

For me, travel involves more than sightseeing. It is learning about history and learning about myself. I recently visited Vietnam. I experienced beautiful scenery, vibrant cities, and delicious food, but also some spiritual lessons that spoke to my heart.

Vietnam is a country that has deep layers of history. We saw ancient temples and tombs. The Citadel in Hue was especially impressive. We visited a rice farm and saw water buffalo. We went to museums and memorials that are reminders of war that still seem to echo.

Vietnam certainly has a lot to teach about endurance. The Vietnamese people have faced centuries of struggle and hardship, yet they continue to live with amazing resilience and hope.

But here is one of the most important things. During my ten days there, I experienced so much hospitality and friendliness. It was a land full of smiling, waving people. Those who visit Vietnam often say the same thing, and they come across warm smiles and generous kindness from strangers.

This hospitality reminded me of a verse in the Bible: “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2)

Experiencing kindness like that in a foreign land reminded me how powerful welcoming others can be. When language, culture, and surroundings felt unfamiliar, a simple gesture of kindness would always make a big difference. It challenged me to carry that same spirit back home and to open my heart to those God has placed in my path.