It seems, in looking back, that 2008 was a hard year for many of us, but it also was productive, I think. The time I spent in Shanghai seems to me to have been particularly beneficial, with things looking very promising for the future. Our little group grew from 4 to 6, and there are a couple of other people I think I can invite to join us over the upcoming months. And, at the same time, the work in Singapore seems to have not only continued along in a healthy way, but to have grown.
It looks like 2009 will be a very productive year too. It is our 10th anniversary here in Woodlands, and we plan for this year to be a time of refocusing on our task here in the northern part of Singapore. We have slated events throughout the year that are geared toward outreach to our community. Some of the details are still being firmed up, but I will keep you posted as things develop. I am expecting the events to begin in earnest during the June school holidays. I am particularly excited to see the enthusiasm on the part of some of our young people.
In connection with the youth group that is still just beginning to take shape, two of our young adult men have recently agreed to begin teaching the youth Bible class each Sunday. I believe this is going to make much better use of our resources, and I am looking forward to seeing the dynamics that develop there. I think the young adults will not only provide solid teaching for the kids, but will help channel their energy toward driving some of the programs planned for 2009 and 2010.
One exciting bit of news for both the group here and our friends in Shanghai is that one of our Shanghainese friends has been posted to work in Singapore. His contract here will begin in March, and he will be here for at least 2 years. His wife will join him in April with a plan to stay for at least 6 months, after which she will need to return to Shanghai. This is the same couple who was in League City several years ago, and with whom we first began the work in Shanghai. We are all very excited that they will be here in Singapore with us for a period of time.
My plans to return to Shanghai are beginning to shape up. I will probably be there starting sometime in early February, and will stay through early May. I think it will be helpful that I am there when the couple who is making their way to Singapore departs, just to help provide some stability and continuity for the fledgling group meeting there. I am aiming to take an exam to gauge my language abilities sometime this year, either May or October/November, depending on the dates scheduled for the exam. I am looking forward to another profitable time of language study, and a fruitful time of study with the group there.
Thank you all for your continued support of my work. I am looking forward to a busy and exciting year in 2009, and am grateful to all of you who are a part of that.
