(VOVworld) – People in Lac Vien and Diom parish in Lam Dong province used to have a difficult time crossing the Da Nhim river during the flood season. Pastor Pham Cong Phuong called on parishioners to build a bridge to make the crossing easier. Ky Lan reports:

The bridge spanning the Da Nhim river is a dream come true for the people of Lac Vien and Diom parish who are grateful to Pastor Phuong for connecting the two parishes. Dinh Van Toan of Lac Vien village said: “We can cross this bridge even when the water level is high. We are very happy.”

People of the two parishes joined hands to build this bridge, according to the head of the Charitable Committee of Lac Vien diocese, Tran Dinh Duong: “Pastor Phuong called on each family to contribute 6 workdays. But we finished the bridge much earlier than scheduled. The bridge eases vegetable transport and shortens travel distances.”

Pastor Phuong says he wants to see improved infrastructure in the area. For many years he has solicited financial support from many organizations to upgrade local roads and build a bridge across the Da Nhim river. Pastor Phuong said: “People in some areas still have to wade across the river so we will build additional bridges in the future.”

During his 10 years in Lac Vien diocese, Pastor Phuong has sought every means possible to improve the lives of the more than 6,000 local Catholics, half of whom are of Chu Ru and K’Ho ethnicities. Dinh Van Toan said: “Since he came here, Pastor Phuong has helped to build two churches, a cemetery, paved roads, and two bridges. The local people contributed a little money and he raised donations from elsewhere.”

Pastor Phuong says he’s happy to see local lives improved: “I’ve been learning the languages of the Chu Ru and K’Ho to understand them better and aid my efforts to preserve their spoken language and script.”

Pastor Phuong always encourages the locals, no matter their ethnicity, to do good deeds for the community and society.