When Faith Endures

by The Van Nguyen

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1975 Saigon was about to fall and a remarkable man The Van Nguyen (pronounced Tay Van Win) is the branch President and is given the job to help his branch (of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints) evacuate.

I hadn't read the jacket or any other review before I read it and I struggled with jumping ahead to see what happens...how and when does he get out? Does he help the others out?

It gives a lot of detail of The's life before the events and afterwards also. One of my friends felt these bogged down the story and while it did make for a much longer story it really helped me get to 'know' him. He started out with such harsh and humble beginnings and just as things really start to look up for him it gets really terrible. It's hard to understand what someone in a war torn country really goes through but he really tries to help the reader along. I enjoyed his wry sense of humor which added to the realness of the book and helped me see him as a fellow human and not just get bogged down by the war and fear details and forget the humanity of the people...if that makes any sense.
I was so impressed with him and it parralles the struggles of the early american saints in my mind. Though the story is very different, the faith and ability to surmount such daunting trials was similar.

[Randon Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Faith Endures A heart gripping story, is a autobiography by The Van Nguyen (Tay-Van-Win) and his story through the Vietnam war. His story takes place in Vietnam and it starts when he is a little boy with his sister. The Van Nguyen is faced with challenges throughout his life but he shows strength in his faith as he faces these challenges.
When The Van Nguyen is sent to a “reeducation camp” his faith is tested to the limits and he stays strong in what he believes. In the reeducation camp he is to be taught the new way by their government. In the camp he does not know if he will make it out alive.
I would recommend this book to those who like autobiographies and enjoy emotional storys.

[Hilary Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this book on tape while driving to Wyoming by myself (horray for something other than Magic Tree House!!!). It's the story of a small branch of saints in the Saigon Branch in Vietnam in the 70's. It tells how the branch got started, tells about the lives of most of the branch members, and tells what happened to the branch and it's members when Saigon fell to North Vietnam. The story is told from the perspective of the person who was Branch President at the time. I was amazed at the things he had gone through in his life and the things he was called to do. It is quite suspenseful at times as members try and get out of the country. Definitely enjoyed listening to this story!

[JR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an fantastic account of the Latter-day Saint Vietnamese, what they went through during the war and how their faith was uplifted and sustained. I know The (pronounced Tay) and his family, so the stories meant even more to me. My husband and I were in the Vietnamese branch in Provo when The (Tay) was president. I knew several of the people in the book and they are amazingly faithful people. This book reads like a novel and is highly recommended.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very uplifting and encouraging book! While it wasn't a book that I couldn't put down, it was interesting to learn more about one man's experiences through the Vietnam War and how Heavenly Father watched over him.

[angelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A faith promoting story -- I had no idea of this part of church history. I have about eight sets of cassette tapes of this book that you are all welcome to borrow for book clubs or personal use. Well worth reading and/or listening to.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives some history of what happened to South Viet Nam at the end of the war. This true story of endurance is very inspirational.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

All 4 star books are not equal. Some books get 4 stars because I really liked it for what I learned or gained, or what I felt rather than how well it was actually written.

[Mary Hollister · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this true story of how the church got started in Vietnam. Wow. I can't believe all of this was going on while I was growing up. I had no idea. Good story.

[Taunya · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful book filled with faith and humility. I hope that some of the saints before the war can know of the progress and growth of the church now.