“Số 2 Ngõ Trạm” depicts a weathered Protestant church, established in the 1920s, stands resolute against the canvas, its monochrome facade a stark reminder of its long life. The cracks whisper of hardship – French colonialism, the Vietnam War – a silent testament to the city's turbulent past. But amidst the somber tones, a flicker of hope persists. The church, though rendered in grayscale, stands tall and proud, a silent echo of the verse inscribed above its weathered door: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11). This promise, a beacon in the monochrome, speaks of the unwavering faith that has guided generations through darkness. Today, the 21st century paints the street with vibrant hues, a stark contrast to the painting's muted tones. Yet, the church's legacy lives on. Though the scene captures a bygone era, the melodic hymns it once housed surely still resonate within its walls. This silent hymn offers solace and a sense of community to a new generation of young Vietnamese, reminding them that even in the face of hardship, hope remains, just like the promise etched above the church door.
