Xa was overcome with emotion while sharing about her husband's death.
Xa was overcome with emotion while sharing about her husband's death.
Feb. 06, 2025 | Vietnam

Imprisoned Pastor Dies in Custody

[7] prayers in [1] nation have been posted for Xa and family.

Pastor Diem and his wife, Xa, lived in a majority-Christian community, so they did not face persecution locally. When Diem would travel beyond the village for ministry, however, he was always under scrutiny. On Jan. 5, 2018, police and security officials surrounded the couple’s house and announced Diem’s arrest on suspicion of anti-government activities. Months of secret court proceedings ended with a 16-year prison sentence for Diem. On Dec. 14, 2022, Diem was permitted to call home and wish his family a merry Christmas. It was the last time Xa heard his voice. On Jan. 5, 2023, Xa was told that Diem was ill. She left right away, but he died before she arrived. His body was never released, nor was Xa allowed to take photos of it, but she did see that he had open sores and other signs of abuse. Xa has a daughter and a son — Sara, 23, and David, 20 — who have struggled because of their father’s imprisonment and death.

Click here to find out about Christian persecution in Vietnam and learn how to pray.

Write your own prayer for Xa and family

  • Dear God, I pray that You would bless Xa and her family and children. I pray for their healing, and I pray for justice for those who are abused unjustly in the prison system. Please bring freedom to the prisoners and stand with their families and communities. I pray that Xa and her family would be well and that You would bring them joy and renewal.Amen
    Rae M - USA
  • Lord, I lift up Xa & her family before you. What a heartbreak! You see their pain and tears. You are a miracle-working God and you can turn this somehow into something good. I pray a blessing on these two young people. Heal their hearts. Let them minister in miraculous ways to other people in great pain. Give them a hug and hold them close, Jesus.
    Vi P - USA
  • Dear Xa, Sara & David, I am praying for you fervently! My hands are crippled but God is hearing my voice for all of your needs! He will keep you faithful till the end! Amen!
    Mary K S - USA
  • Lord, please be close to Xa, Sara and David. Comfort them in the loss of a husband and father. Provide for their daily needs. Protect them from harm. Give them assurance they will be united as a family in Heaven.
    Leslie O - USA
  • Dear Lord,

    We pray for Diem's family as they mourn his death. Give them hope and heal their hearts through their faith. His body was never released, but she did see that he had open sores and other signs of abuse. Xa has a daughter and a son who have struggled because of their father's imprisonment and death. Give them strength, Lord.

    Amen!
    Chris R - USA
  • Lord Jesus, Sometimes Xa, Sara and David don't feel like they have the words to pray. They don't always know what to say to You. They don't understand why you allowed Diem to die. Please help Xa and her children remember that You want to hear from them. Give them confidence to speak what's on their hearts and to do so with respect.
    Roberta V - USA
  • Dearest & Most High Father: Praise be to You for the steadfast faith of Diem & Xa! Please comfort & protect Xa, Sara, & David. Please help them as they deal with their severe bereavement. Please soften the hearts of those who persecuted Diem that they may turn from their wickedness to Christ. We lift this family to You in the Name of Jesus. Amen.
    Mario C - USA
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