In Asia, numbers have profound meanings that often influence everyday life. For instance, the number 888 is considered extremely lucky in Chinese culture, symbolizing triple fortune. Conversely, the number 4 is seen as unlucky due to its pronunciation's similarity to the word "death."
Understanding the Cultural Significance of Numbers
High-rise buildings in Asia, particularly in countries like China and Vietnam, often skip the fourth floor altogether. Elevators jump from the third floor to the fifth. This avoidance stems from a deeply ingrained cultural superstition that the number four brings bad luck.
A Critical Issue: Youth Suicide in Vietnam
On a recent trip to Vietnam, we learned of a troubling trend: an increase in suicides among teenagers and young adults. A cry for help often takes the form of the number sequence 444 posted online, a symbolic invitation to "die with me." The tragic situation arises from the cultural belief that the number four represents death.
Combating Despair through Media and Training
In response to this alarming issue, one of our media trainers has been using social media platforms to communicate with teenagers and young adults, offering messages of hope, life, and a brighter future. This initiative aims to deter them from ending their lives, providing the positive support they need to rethink their decisions.
Our Mission and Achievements
To date, our team has successfully trained over 200 pastors and youth workers in Vietnam alone. Many of these trainees are now actively engaged in social media ministry, leveraging these platforms to reach out to the vulnerable youth in their communities.
A Call to Action
Our AP Media team remains dedicated to training the next generation to multiply the message of hope and life. However, this mission is vast, and we cannot do it alone. We need your support to continue this vital work. We urge you to share this message with your friends and consider making a gift that will help sustain our efforts. Together, we can make a lasting difference.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Please take a moment to watch our video and understand the impact we are making. Your support and involvement are crucial in helping us spread this life-saving message. Thank you for your support of APMedia as we train the next generation of media missionaries.
Comments