Summer 2007

I know it has taken me a long while to get this report on the summer activities out, but I hope that will just be a testimony to how busy a summer it was. It was a very busy, and very fruitful, summer.

We began our activities in June with the arrival of a group from the US, including two ladies who stayed for 2 weeks, 2 interns who stayed for 6 weeks, and some of our family members who were here with us for 3 months. All of these brethren who were with us for the summer activities have spent time in Woodlands in the past, and it was really wonderful to have these well-loved friends back with us. With all of the activities that went on, and which will make it into each of our respective reports, I think the thing that can not be overlooked is the richness of the fellowship we share together, and the blessing that is to the congregation here when we have these brethren spend their holiday time helping us in the work here.

While the 2 ladies were with us, they put together a very nicely-run VBS. We were so impressed with the creativity that went into it, and the resourcefulness. The stories were well-told, and the kids had a great time. We still talk about the re-enactment of the calming of the storm, and all the great “special effects” that helped bring the story to life for the kids. The ladies did such a wonderful job putting the VBS together, and it got the summer off to just the right start for us. There were 16 kids in attendance during the week, about half of whom were visitors. Of the visitors, one was from the neighborhood, a new visitor, and the rest were friends of our members. The new visitor is a secondary school student (late Jr. High or early High School in the US), and actually a little older than our target audience for the VBS. The 2 interns who were here with us took a special interest in helping him feel comfortable, and he continued to meet up with them after VBS was over, even attending the ongoing study we have for boys his age.

In addition to the VBS project, I have to commend these two ladies for their kind and willing spirit of service. They constantly presented to us an attitude of putting others first, and always looking out for the good of others. It brought such an upbeat, positive spirit to everything we did together. They were such a blessing to us.

The two interns were with us for an additional 3+ weeks after the ladies departed. They did a good job following up on the VBS. They spent time with the boys in the congregation, and made a special impact on two families, I think. These families each have 2 sons, and they spent a good deal of time with the interns. They went through the Force 410 material together, which is a series of lessons aimed at teaching the boys the basics of the faith, but also how they need to conduct themselves as men in service to God.

This was a special ministry that the interns were involved in. One of the issues this congregation has struggled with since we began back in 1999 is a lack of male leadership. It is an issue we have prayed and prayed about. Somehow, it seems that our prayers are never quite answered as we expect, because shortly after we began our earnest prayers for this problem, we had an influx of boys into the congregation — boys too young to fit the idea of “male leadership” that we had in mind, I suppose. But all the same, they were eager and willing to serve, and to be trained. The problem that then arose was how to effectively train these boys. It’s one that we have left largely unanswered before this summer, despite trying desperately to figure it all out.

The time that our 2 interns spent with these 4 boys was outstanding, and I think it will have a long-term impact on the congregation here. For two of the boys, their father is a new Christian, and he is not yet stable himself, nor is he overly involved in the regular leading of the congregation. The two sons spent a weekend with our interns, learning how to serve better, and discussing what things they are each willing to do as they begin on the path to greater service. They are still young, but their response to the things they learned has been very encouraging.

For the other two boys who were able to spend a good deal of time with the interns, their father is not a Christian, though their mother is. These two boys still have a lot of decisions to make, and a lot of thinking to do, but the time spent with the older guys who were here for the summer was invaluable. They soaked up the attention given to them, and the interns really did focus a good deal of their energies on helping these two boys, spending time nearly every day with them and their family. I have noticed a marked difference in the younger of the two boys since then, and in his father. The interns did a work this past summer with that family that may only bear its fullest fruit some years down the road. This sometimes can be a bit of a thankless task, rather out of the spotlight, but it is one that I know this family will remember for a long time, as I will. I am pleased with what they did, and with the willing and giving spirit with which it was done.

That, actually, can be said of everything that the interns did. They spent their time doing whatever was needed, and whatever was asked, and doing it with a good attitude. Whether it was painting the gate, teaching and preaching, developing a questionnaire aimed at helping the men get more involved, or visiting with the members, they did it willingly and happily. I think it was a very positive example to the congregation.

For the family members who were visiting with us, they did the usual good job they do of encouraging and uplifting the congregation here. While it would be easy for them to come and spend their summer relaxing and enjoying time doing their own things, that is just not how they operate at all. They are always involved, and always serving. The teaching and preaching that one of the men brings is especially welcome, his wife fits naturally and easily back into the roles of service that she has always played here, and the involvement of the kids is likewise encouraging and enriching to the members here. Their absence, now that they have returned to League City, is felt very accutely. We miss them, and we look forward to their time with us again next summer. And, we are grateful to all of those back home who sent them over and helped make this summer so special for us.

 

A Quick Word…

We’ve had a busy summer, with lots of great work done. I know some of you have been checking in regularly to see when this would be updated, and might have been disappointed up until now. My apologies.

Do check back soon. I hope to have a lengthy report of all that was done during the summer, and an update on my plans for the rest of the year. It will probably be a several-part post. I hope to get it going next week, when all of my company for the summer has returned to their homes.

 

Recent Shanghai trip, Present campaign happenings

I spend most of May in Shanghai, and had a very, very good stay. I had a friend from my school come and join me over one weekend, and then one of our members from Woodlands and 2 members from League City with me for the final week. Having them all there was amazingly beneficial. When the 3 were with me during the last week of my stay, I especially noticed a difference for F., the youngest of the group members in Shanghai. She hasn’t spent much time with Christians around her own age, but is mostly with those of us in the group, all of whom are about 15 years older than her. I can see that the time with the younger Christians especially did her a lot of good. I am excited to see what fruit will be borne down the road.

I am hoping to spend more time in Shanghai in the upcoming months, and not let such a long lapse happen between trips again (it was almost 4 months between these 2 trips). The group is doing well, and I was pleased to see their faithfulness while I was away. But at the same time, it is obviously a struggle for them, and the added encouragement of my, or other Christians’, presence is helpful to them. I am giving serious thought to how I might manage to spend more of my time there next year, either through traveling even more frequently than I do now, or through staying for an extended period — perhaps several months during which I take up some language courses. I will appreciate your prayers as I continue to consider the options available to me.

When I returned to Singapore, the 3 who spent the last week in Shanghai returned with me. We had nearly a week to get things ready for the arrival of the rest of the campaign group, who came in yesterday. With them, my two nephews also traveled over, and they will be spending the whole summer with me.

I am excited about this group. They are hard working, they are flexible, and they have a real heart for the members here. Today, we managed to get some doorknocking done in the neighbourhood. At night, despite weary bodies, all of the group members were actively engaging with various members from Woodlands for more than an hour after our Bible class ended. It was good to see the warmth and enthusiasm with this group.

We will have our VBS next week. Do keep us in your prayers.

 

Some personal business

In the past couple of months, we’ve done some renovations. I have made a little video of the new look of the house, and thought you might like to see it. It will give you a little look at the confines in which we live here.

[you tube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCGCPd4w4mc]

 

A Long Overdue Update

It is hard to believe how long it’s been since my last update, but the date is right there in front of me, so I guess I can’t deny it.

And yes, things have been that busy. We’ve had a lot going on around here, and it is nice, right now, to have a moment to sit and catch my breath and reflect on it all.

My overall feeling is one of satisfaction. I am thinking back over the past 6 weeks, and I am noticing that there have been a lot of little signs of growth, especially amongst some of the newer members. I can’t think of any one mind-blowing event or anything like that, but there has been a general air of things going well, and small signs of real growth in individuals. I’ve seen our younger Christians seeking guidance from some who are more experienced, and really listening and evaluating the advice they’ve received. I’ve seen members own up to things that they need to be working on, and then really get down to the business of making things right. I’ve seen mature Christians making the time to be involved with the nurturing of those who are less mature. And I’ve seen some small steps here and there in the right direction — lots of small steps that are amounting to real progress.

One of the most exciting things that has happened recently is the questions that members and friends alike have been asking. Some tough issues have come up in recent weeks as we wrapped up our study of Romans and began studying Colossians. I’ve loved seeing how the group has tackled those issues together, seeking greater understanding.

And one of our visitors has been a real encouragement to me. She’s a part of the group of girls I’ve been studying with each week for the past couple of years. It seems some things are finally clicking together in her mind, and she’s beginning to have a real grasp of the idea of the gospel story. She has said she has some things she needs to weigh before she can make a commitment to follow Christ, so I ask that you will pray for her.

It is good to see all of these things. There have been times in recent years when I wondered how we would ever get the whole congregation moving in the right direction all at the same time again. And, frankly, I don’t know how it’s been done, but it seems that we are somehow there, and are making some progress. The sort of progress we have been praying for.

In the next few weeks, we’ll be finalizing all of our plans for the upcoming campaign. We are really excited about the crew who is coming over to help, including two interns who will meet me in Shanghai before making their way here. We are anticipating good trip.

Do be praying for those who will be coming. Besides the two interns, we will have two ladies teaching a VBS, the family who comes to spend each summer with us, and my two nephews. It will be a busy and exciting summer, and we are looking forward to it! Your prayers for their health and safe travels will be much appreciated.

I will do my best not to lag behind so much in updating this blog, for those who like to stop in and read it. Thanks for your continued support of the work here.

 

A Whirlwind

It seems like things have been whirling about at high speeds lately. We had a busy but enjoyable Chinese New Year together, with lots of time for warm fellowship with the members of the congregation and other friends. The Chinese New Year is actually a 15-day festival, and today is the last day of the Chinese New Year holiday. The house just across from me had a lion dance this afternoon, in celebration of the holiday, and it was fun to stand outside my door and watch them performing.

The congregation has continued to do well. I have been pleased with the growth of the members in many small ways. In addition, we’ve recently enjoyed especially warm fellowship, with members who live overseas being home for the holidays. It’s been a good time for us.

We have been having a little problem with a leaky roof at our building over the past few months, during the heavy rains of the monsoon season. We’ve managed to get a good quotation from a contractor this past week. In a meeting today, the congregation decided it would be wiser for us to reroof the whole building rather than just patching up the problem areas. We don’t know how well the building was maintained before we bought it, and so felt like doing a thorough job of it now would save us more problems down the road. The members are each planning to pledge some extra funds to defray the cost. I was encouraged to see the enthusiasm of the group for practicing good stewardship of our resources. It was all handled maturely and efficiently, and I think we’ll have the job done quickly.

One of our members has been working over the past year or so to get a counseling service started, operating out of the building. Things have begun to come together nicely for that, and we currently have 4 regulars who are coming to the building for counseling. My sister and her family helped head up a “massive advertising campaign” in the neighborhood in December — consisting of their family, the children from church, and a few of us adults going and placing leaflets on each door in the buildings around the church building. It is nice to see the results from that coming together, and it is nice that the children’s enthusiasm has helped to bring this about. The two ladies who are running the counseling service are doing a very good job, and we hope to see it expand as time goes on. It is a good service to the community.

I would appreciate your prayers for comfort for my family. My maternal grandfather passed away last week. I am sad, and will miss him very much. I am, at the same time, so grateful for the life he lived, and for the shining example of faith that he was to me. He became a Christian 5 years ago, at the age of 75, and the humility with which he came to that decision moves me in a way that I cannot express in words. I have written a short tribute to him at my regular blog site, if you’d like to look at that.

 

Chinese New Year is On the Way

It’s a busy time here, with Chinese New Year coming up next week. It’s the year’s biggest holiday for most of the members of the congregation and their families.

The girls I’ve been studying with every Saturday morning came together last night to help make gift hampers to give to our elderly members and visitors. The girls did a great job making them, and we now have 5 gifts to deliver before the weekend.

During the New Year holiday, we will have lots of good time to fellowship together. One of our members has invited several of us over to his place, and some old friends of ours who have fallen away now, hoping to help them reestablish connections with the body here. The holiday season is always a good time to reconnect, and I am pleased that the members are trying to make the best of the opportunity the season provides.

One of our old friends who is now living in the US is back for a visit with her family members now. Some of us were able to get together with her, her 2 boys, and her mother last week, and it was a very warm reunion. It is such a pleasant thing to be part of a body that can share such bonds together. (It was the first time I had seen her boys, and I was very impressed by how well-behaved they were!)

On a personal note, I was very pleased recently to recieve news that a poem I had written was accepted for e-publication at Utmost Christian Writers’ website. They are collecting poems for The Genesis Project, with each poem being focused on a specific passage from the Book of Genesis. If you’d like to see my poem, entitled Cursed, you can click here. (And if you write poetry and have something that might be suitable for the collection, the writers’ guidelines are here.)

Thanks, and Happy New Year to everyone!

新年快乐　•　万事如意

 

Routine

It has been good being settled in back at home, getting back into the swing of things. I’ve really enjoyed getting back to teaching the children’s class on Sundays. The kids here are really an uplift to me, and I think they are a vibrant part of the life of the body in Woodlands. This past Sunday, we had a small class, with several of our regulars being absent for one reason or another. The students who were there had some really good questions for me, and we spent time exploring how they might find answers to those questions. The best question was, “How do we decide whether a thing is right to do if God didn’t mention it anywhere in the Bible?” We spent a good deal of time talking about 1 Cor. 6:12 and the principles expressed there. I was amazed at the depth of the questioning these kids were doing — they range in age from 7 to 10. I think it really reflects well on their parents, that the kids were thinking beyond just rule-keeping, and how they might have to discern sometimes between things that don’t seem so clear cut. It was just another of those times when the kids proved themselves to be the ones who really seem to know what it is all about.

Our regular small groups are also continuing to go well. I’ve enjoyed the time spent with each of the groups, and am pleased by the study each is doing. I’ve also started meeting once every two weeks with some of the people who are involved in leading the various groups and the Bible classes on Sunday. It gives us all a chance to discuss the various issues that come up, and to pick up ideas and insights from each other. The leaders of the groups were the ones who initiated the regular meetings, and I think that is a good sign of the commitment they have to their task of leading well.

One of our men was recently able to participate in a mission effort to Sarawak and Sabah, the two states that make up East Malaysia. The work was very encouraging, and there are signs of some real growth there. Those involved in the effort have put together some reports in PDF format. If you are interested in knowing more about that work, do feel free to contact me and I will forward the reports along to you. The brother from our congregation who has been involved in the work over the past year will make 3-4 trips there this year, and we are excited about that.

The work in China is moving along nicely since I’ve been back too. The weekend after I left, during the study, they had a question from the passage they were reading. They did as they always do, wrote it down to ask me when we next spoke on the phone, and then continued their discussion. As they continued reading, they found the answer to their question, and worked it out for themselves. They were very pleased to find that they are able to explore and find answers on their own. This is something they (and I) have been hoping to see happen in their studies, and I think they felt they’d really achieved something. It was nice to hear the sense of accomplishment and a higher level of confidence as they told me about it.

The youth ministers from some of the churches that help in my support have started a new website, and I think it is a fantastic tool. I’ve already sent it out to the youth here, hoping they will want to get involved in the interaction on that site, which would hopefully help them feel more connected with a larger group of Christian teens than they really get to mix with here. I’ve linked the site in my blogroll (on the right of my main blog page) so that it will always be right there when people visit my site. Alternatively, you can click this link:
Striving to Be Real

 

A Good Trip

I got home earlier in the week after a very good trip to Shanghai. The group meeting there has progressed very well, in my estimation, since I was last there in September. They’ve finished studying Acts (they’ve been at it for about a year), and have moved on to Galatians now. They seemed pleased that they were able to understand Galatians better in its larger context, after having gone through Acts so carefully.

One of the ladies told me something that made me feel very pleased. She said that someone recently asked her if she is a Christian, and she was stumped for a second, not sure how to answer. She said that she knows she’s not a Christian “yet” (her word), but that she didn’t want to say no either, when asked. I ask that you continue your prayers for her, as this is real progress for her. She says she is not ready to become a Christian yet, but she is certainly moving the right direction. Do pray that God will keep her from distractions and things that will draw her away.

I tried to contact my former Chinese teacher while in Shanghai. She moved back to Shanghai in October, and I was hoping to get her to worship with us. She was very busy while I was there, and though we talked several times, she didn’t get to worship with us. Pray that we can see some change there before my next trip to Shanghai.

I got the opportunity to meet up with several students while I was there too. One of the Christians is a lecturer at a university, and I had a good time with a group of her students while there. I attended class with her one day, and led a short discussion at the end of the time together. Later that evening, we had dinner with a group of students she works closely with. There were some former students there, and some current students. It was a good, relaxed atmosphere to get to know them and build some connections. I’ve seen some of them around campus off and on over the past few years, so this was a good way of furthering those connections.

I am hoping to be back in Shanghai in March. I think we’ve got a really good foundation laid for the work there. It is a long way to go, still, but a very good start. I am pleased with what I see there.

Things in Singapore have continued to progress nicely while I was away. The group here did a good job working on plans for events for this summer, keeping me informed via email while I was gone. I am excited about the plans that have been made, and am especially pleased by the initiative of some of the members to keep things moving ahead smoothly.

I received word last night that we’ll have a visitor with us this morning. I think it is a brother from the Philippines. It will be nice to have a guest with us for our assembly this morning.

Many thanks to all of you for your prayers while I was away. Your support for the work is very much appreciated.

 

Continued Enthusiasm

Since the campaign ended, the enthusiasm hasn’t let down. It especially remains high amongst the kids.

While my sister was here, she taught a class for the little ones (from ages 10 down to the baby) about why and how we worship. They talked about singing, praying, giving, communion, and listening to the Word of God. On the last week she was here, they had a “pretend worship” in which the young boys were offered the chance to lead. They all did, and took the whole event very seriously. She told them, at the end of class, that if they’d like to lead in the “real worship,” they could speak to the uncles in charge of it and offer their services.

Before their family left, several of the boys did just that. One helped pass the communion trays, and another led a song. One volunteered to lead the prayer over lunch that day, with the whole congregation gathered. A week later, when my sister and her family weren’t there with us anymore, the zeal for service continued. One of the boys, a 4-year-old, wanted to join the men when they prayed before the service began. During the service, he helped pass the communion trays and the collection bags. Another of the older boys helped with passing the communion trays as well, and another helped lead the closing song. It is very exciting to see them working so hard, and showing a real desire to serve.

And not only during the weekly gathering, but the kids are eager to serve at other times too. Some are helping with the clean-up of communion trays on Sundays, and some are helping take care of the transparencies for the songs we sing each week. Best of all, to me, was last week when a group of 4 kids and 4 adults met at the church building on Thursday afternoon to give the place a thorough cleaning. These are the same kids who have been gathering for door-knocking, helping in the services on Sunday, and helping just wherever they find a good thing for their hands to be active about. I can see that the adults are taking note, and are encouraged by the attitude of service that the younger ones are displaying. I hope it will spur all of us on towards a similar joyous service.

We have finally seen some fruit come of the efforts to get a counselling service off the ground. We’ve been trying to get the word out in the community that we have this service, but haven’t been very successful over the past half year or so that we have been about it. During the recent campaign, we handed out announcements to about 20 apartment blocks (over 2000 homes), and have had several calls about the counselling service. Two have already begun counselling, and will be continuing in upcoming weeks and months. I know that the counsellor has invited them to our Christmas celebration that we will have on Sunday afternoon this weekend — a BBQ and small gift exchange. I believe one of them will be there, though the other is more doubtful. Either way, it is good to see that we are now more actively offering a service to the community, and that there are some who are in need of that service who are coming to take part.

I will be heading up to Shanghai again in the early morning hours of the 26th. I will not be able to post to this site while I am there, but will post an update when I am home.

Happy holidays to all, and may God bless you with a happy beginning to 2007!