Mai Phạm
Spiritual Formation
Mrs. Mai embodies the biblical portrait of a woman who fears the Lord, standing as a quiet anchor of covenant grace through decades of trial. When the political collapse of 1975 led to the imprisonment of her husband, Pastor Long, in a re-education camp, she navigated post-war poverty by raising eight children while conducting hazardous trade across Southern Vietnam in quitetude. Reunited with her husband in California in 1985, her personal story of exile expanded into a ministry of mercy as a Resettlement Counselor for World Relief, where she advocated for refugee families, led countless uprooted souls to faith in Jesus Christ, and planted them in local churches. Today, through faithful prayer, midweek Bible teaching, and tireless hospitality, her life remains a gentle yet resilient testimony to God’s enduring love.
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those of the household of faith.
Galatians 6:9-10
Biography
Birth in Quảng Yên
Sustained by divine providence
Mrs. Mai was born in Quảng Yên Province, Vietnam. Losing her father at an early age, her widowed mother, Quan Thị Tú, was left to raise three children alone under God's watchful care.
Labor and Exodus South
Resilience amidst political turmoil
Mrs. Mai assisted her mother, Quan Thị Tú, in the family business during the tumultuous French colonial era. When political turmoil disrupted their thriving enterprise in the North, they fled south, restarting from nothing to build a wholesale empire in Phú Yên.
Marriage to Pastor Long
A covenantal partnership
Mrs. Mai married Pastor Long on August 26, 1968, embarking on a shared pilgrimage anchored in promise, labor, and steadfast commitment through seasons of trial and prosperity.
Motherhood in the Homeland
Nurturing four children in hardship
During her years in Vietnam, Mrs. Mai gave birth to four children—Triều Thiên, Diễn Châu, Khôi Nguyên, and Nam Mình—laying the foundations of a covenant family.
Sustaining the Family Through Affliction
Strength in trial
Following the war and her husband's imprisonment, Mrs. Mai sustained eight children—four of her own and four nephews and nieces—through dangerous trade in tea and coffee, teaching them to persevere in hardships.
Reunion in the United States
Providential restoration in exile
In May 1985, Mrs. Mai and her children were reunited with her husband in San Jose, California, concluding six years of separation to begin a new chapter in exile.
Covenant Blessing in Diaspora
Welcoming her fifth child
In August 1986, Mrs. Mai gave birth to her youngest daughter, Ngọc Hân, completing her household of five children under God's abundant provision.
Spiritual Revival and Home Ministry
Empowered by the Holy Spirit
In 1992, Mrs. Mai experienced a profound spiritual revival and was filled with the Holy Spirit. Together with her husband, she launched a home-based ministry that planted Jehovah Nissi Church.
Missional Service at World Relief
Advocacy and kingdom expansion
Serving as a Resettlement Counselor, Mrs. Mai advocated tirelessly for refugee families, led thousands to faith in Jesus Christ, and integrated new believers into local churches.
Generational Covenant Transfer
Continuity of pastoral calling
In 2015, Mrs. Mai's son, Pastor Khôi Nguyên, assumed the lead pastorate of Milpitas Nissi Church, marking the continuity of pastoral leadership across generations.
Director of Spiritual Formation & Intercessor
Untiring devotion to the flock
Mrs. Mai serves as Director of Spiritual Formation and an avid intercessor. She leads corporate prayer, co-leading midweek Bible study, counseling congregants, memorizing Scripture, assisting immigrants, and preparing fellowship meals.