It has been a couple of months since I last posted an update here, and most of that time has been spent on the road. I was in the US for a month, then back to Singapore for a short while before making my way to Shanghai for almost 2 weeks. I am back in Singapore at the moment, but will be leaving on the weekend for a very short trip to the US again.
The next half year, and possibly more, will continue to see a lot of travel time for me. When I was in the US in October- November, I spent some time with my supporting congregations talking about the possibility of spending more time in Shanghai in the upcoming months, possibly years. We are going ahead with a plan, beginning in February, for me to spend 3 months in Shanghai, studying in a language school. I will be back in Singapore in mid- to late-May, and spend the summer months here. If things go as we hope, I could continue on a schedule that sees me alternating time between Singapore and China, most likely on a 3-month basis. I am excited about the plan, as I think it represents a step forward in the work in Singapore as well as China. The time spent in language courses will be very valuable too, I think. I have found a school that seems to be just the sort of place that I need for the level of language studies I am looking for.
Over the past couple of weeks, one of the teenage girls from Woodlands was able to go to China with me. We made the plan a few years ago, aiming to make this trip together when she finished her O-level exam. We were able to do just that, and the trip went very well. She did a very nice job, and seemed to enjoy the trip a great deal too. I really enjoyed having her along.
In my last report, I mentioned a Filipino brother who had visited with us in Woodlands. This past weekend, he placed membership here, making Woodlands his church home. He knows he will be in Singapore for at least another year, and is considering staying on longer than that. I ask that you pray for him as he contemplates this decision. He is a bright spark, and brings a nice touch of enthusiasm to the group. I am very glad he has decided to be with us, and am enjoying seeing him interact with the other members here. He is a very pleasant young man. I know that many of you who have visited us in the past will enjoy meeting him the next time you are here.
We are continuing to make plans for our campaign in 2009. We have been toying with some very exciting ideas, and I like the way things are coming together. We’re seeing something of a different process than what used to happen when we planned campaigns, with more involvement from more of our members. One of our boys, who will be entering secondary school in 2009, is very eager, and very involved in the planning already. It is fun to watch this enthusiasm, and to see the younger people at Woodlands grow and take on new roles.
I wish all of you a happy holiday season, and all the best for 2008.
