Vietnam-War-Survivor-Turned-Catholic-Priest Shares an Enlightening Journey and a Book for Spiritual Exercise

Living for a Higher Purpose

Living for a Higher Purpose is an enthralling story that will keep readers interested at every turn of the page as it gives a unique perspective of the Viet Nam War from an eye-witness and survivor. The book is not just a story of struggles, difficulties, and despairs but also a story of hope, redemption, and transformation. It is such an inspiring, life-changing, and uplifting read.

Vu’s memoir is told from the perspective of Viet, the central character, who grappled firsthand with the immediate and lingering effects of war in his “broken homeland” under the Communist regime. Viet describes in vivid detail his failed attempts of escaping the country, desperate to test his faith in God. When he finally found himself free but adrift in the sea, he began a harrowing journey of “hunger, thirst, heat, violent storms, sharks”, to name a few. His story is not only wrought with pain and despair; it also embodies hope, redemption, and transformation.

The struggles and survival told in the book delve into one’s comfort and security. Readers will retrospect on the triumph and sense of purpose that Viet gained from the hardships of war. The book is an uplifting read that runs parallel to every reader’s existence. The author hopes to inspire with his unwavering spiritual faith and devotion. 

Lord Jesus, I Want to See
Rev. Peter G. Vu has written a daily devotional book, “Lord Jesus I Want to See,” aimed at answering the pandemic of social conflicts that confuse even the most persevering, dedicated Christian. He has served the Catholic church for over twenty years and saw the need to write a simple, customizable prayer book for the 21st-century Christian who is constantly on-the-go.

“Lord Jesus I Want to See” is an allude to Neil Armstrong’s famous quote: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” It’s an aspiration, but fitting, given how the book is devoid of a biblical deluge—starting with a biblical verse, a reflection, and a prayer, all in one page. The book format of starting small allows for a big finish, enriched with spiritual empowerment. Rev. Vu describes it as a practice of character-building and spiritual exercise. The answers the confusing messages one as a Christian receives and processes. The essentials of Christian faith like generosity, kindness, and peacefulness are incorporated into the daily prayer—nourishing the mind and body.

Rev. Peter Vu’s books are scheduled to be endorsed during the upcoming Canada Book Events in Toronto, Halifax, Lethbridge, and Saskatoon. Book copies are both available in paperback and eBook on Amazon.

About the Author

Rev. Peter G. Vu has been a Catholic priest of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, Michigan for twenty years and also a chaplain at Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. He was born in Saigon City (currently Ho Chi Minh City), Viet Nam and was a young boy when the Vietnam War ended. After high school, Rev. Vu escaped Vietnam via boat and came to the United States to begin his seminary training. He attended Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan for two years and graduated from University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota with a double major: Mathematics and Philosophy. He then went to graduate school at the University of St. Mary of the Lake and Mundelein Seminary in Chicago, Illinois for five years. He graduated and was ordained with the Master Degree of Divinity and the Sacred Theology Baccalaureate. Rev. Vu has ministered the People of God at six different churches over the last twenty years. He was also trained in Clinical Pastoral Care and practiced it at a General Hospital in Oxnard, California.

Contact Information

Rey Harris

Project Manager

Maple Leaf Publishing Inc.

Contact via E-mail