From 8-10 March 2012, the Institute for Global Engagement (IGE) and the Evangelical Churches of Northern Vietnam (ECVN-N) co-conducted a three day seminar called the “Life Dissimilarity Resolution Skills Workshop.” IGE Program Officer, Hien Vu, provided training on conflict resolution skills to forty-two ECVN-N church leaders. The participants comprised of three ethnic groups: Kinh (majority Vietnamese) and ethnic minority H’mong and Dao groups from eleven different northern provinces. The workshop contributed to training needs of ECVN-N to equip local leaders with various skills so they can serve their church and community.

The workshop curriculum is a training manual Ms. Hien Vu developed during her graduate work at the Center for Peacemaking and Conflict Studies at Fresno Pacific University. The manual includes conflict analysis, anger management, communication skills, unconditional love (Agape) in a conflict situation, and peacemaking models.

At the end of the workshop, participants expressed their interest and eagerness to apply the skills learned at the workshop to their daily life at home, church, and community. Many participants said they would share the curriculum with other church members.