When We Were Refugees
“I am pleased to bring this powerful story of loss, resolve, and great triumph in the aftermath of the Vietnam War to this platform. Written by my mentor and friend, Winston Bui, this incredible true story of his life will show you firsthand the struggles and challenges of life as an immigrant in America. A bonus for those of you who have followed my work these past 10 years: this book also tells the story of how Impactful Market came to be! If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend it!”
-Elisha Chan, CEO of Impactful Market and President of Impactful Missions
Armies were advancing on their town, forcing the Bui family to flee — but how could they escape? The main bridge was bombed out and cars could not cross the rushing river beneath it. How would their dad — their fearless, unfailing leader and military commander — solve this one?
When We Were Refugees is a moving first-hand account of the struggles and impact of Winston Bui's life. Born in Saigon, Vietnam, he fled the country as a young boy with his family on the day of the fall of Saigon on April 30th, 1975. His arrival in America later that year was marked with its own share of trials and triumphs as he adjusted to life in a new country. After settling in Oklahoma, he discovered Christ as a teenager at a youth service. He graduated from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and became one of the nation’s top campus ministry leaders through Chi Alpha campus ministries. He established and led Chi Alpha chapters at his Alma Mater in Oklahoma; the University of Missouri; the University of California, Los Angeles; and the University of Southern California. He has also served as the West Coast Area Director for Chi Alpha campus ministries.
Having personally experienced the unthinkable horrors of war and the challenges of refugee life, Winston has a deep passion to help those in desperate need and to see them thrive. His life experience, compassion, and practical humanitarian approach to challenging situations have allowed him to impact communities around the world. His many personal encounters with the devastating effects of war, poverty, and hunger have also made him a highly sought-after speaker who boldly advocates for the needs of the orphans, the widows, the marginalized, and the outcast, and actively seeks to facilitate practical solutions to their challenges.
