Transformed by Bible Education
These are the stories of two men from Vietnam who underwent dramatic transformations. For much of their lives, they believed that wealth guaranteed happiness and security, and they often pursued it at great cost to themselves and others. However, at a certain point, they each realized that true peace and fulfillment can come only from Bible-based education. Their stories highlight how applying Bible principles can help people become responsible, law-abiding, and morally upright citizens.
From Chasing Money to Being Truly Happy
As a child, Lanh Văn Nguyễn experienced war, social instability, and poverty. Over time, he came to believe that for a person to be truly happy, he must be wealthy. In 1988 he moved to Germany to look for work. He labored tirelessly, day and night, to earn money.
Ten years later, Lanh met Jehovah’s Witnesses. They introduced him to the Bible book of Proverbs, which appealed to him because he enjoyed collecting proverbs and wise sayings. The practical wisdom found in the Bible made him want to learn more about it. He asked a Witness to purchase a Bible for him. She said that if he discussed the Bible with her and her husband, they would give him one at no cost. On the next visit, she returned with a Bible and the Bible study aid Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life.
As he studied the Bible with the Witnesses, Lanh began to have questions about the nature of his business—buying and selling weapons. He soon realized that he needed to stop. After he did so, however, his income dropped by 80 percent. So he prayed about the matter and started selling other things instead. Over time, his income increased.
Lanh decided to spend as much time as he could to the Bible education work of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He wanted to share with others what he had learned, but he was limited because he did not speak German well. Consequently, he returned to Vietnam so that he could teach others about the Bible in his native tongue.
Since coming to an understanding of the Bible, Lanh has changed his thinking and lifestyle. Now he, his wife, and their children live happy lives.
Lanh and his wife
From a Life of Crime to a Life of Purpose
Born in 1976 in Nghe An, Vietnam, Thắng Viết Phùng dreamed of becoming wealthy. At 19 years of age, he left home in search of riches. He was smuggled into Germany, where he joined a gang that was involved in many illegal activities. He carried a firearm at all times—even sleeping with it under his pillow. Eventually, because of his involvement in a high-profile kidnapping, he was arrested and sentenced to six years in prison. He was released after only two years.
Thắng then joined a new gang and resumed his criminal activities. He was arrested again but avoided a trial because witnesses of the crime were afraid to testify against him. As his criminal reputation grew, he became widely recognized. Finally, after another arrest, he was sentenced to ten years in prison, where his violent nature became notorious among both inmates and guards.
One day, a fellow inmate invited Thắng to a meeting held by Jehovah’s Witnesses inside the prison. Initially, Thắng was reluctant to attend, but once he did, he felt an unusual sense of peace. At that meeting he obtained a copy of the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? published by the Witnesses. In one night, Thắng read the entire book. One of the chapters directs readers to Bible verses explaining that the dead are in a sleeplike condition. (Ecclesiastes 9:5; John 11:11-14) Previously, Thắng believed that his departed relatives were watching over him, and he wondered why they didn’t prevent him from doing bad things.
Thắng continued attending the meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, which provide an ongoing Bible education program. He learned that God deeply loves humankind, including him. He also learned to discern right from wrong, and he worked diligently to overcome his materialistic mindset and violent nature. The most difficult challenge was controlling his temper, but through prayer and effort, he succeeded. In 2009 he was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses while in prison. Later, Thắng returned to Vietnam. He says: “Now, I have a happy family, and we worship Jehovah God together. He saved my life and has blessed me abundantly. When I reflect on my past, I ask myself, ‘What would my life have been if I hadn’t come to know Jehovah?’”
Thắng and his family
How Bible Education Creates Better Citizens
The transformations of Lanh and Thắng highlight the positive impact of Bible-based education. They abandoned their relentless pursuit of money. Lanh, who once believed that the pursuit of wealth would bring him happiness, now finds joy in his faith and family. Thắng, once willing to break the law to get rich, now teaches others to be honest and law-abiding. Instead of focusing on material success, both men contribute to their communities by sharing Bible principles that help others lead meaningful, happier lives and by becoming valuable members of society.