Nearly April?

Can you believe how quickly this year is going bye? April is here in a matter of hours and I am not ready to flip my calendar from March.

Last year, when I was serving here, all of those who were alumni promised the spring semester would pass quickly and they were completely correct. It did! Now, it is happening again. The month of March is closing and I am, again, trying to remember and capture all the significant moments.

Looking at Western Business practices and American culture through my 20-23 year old students’ eyes was a life changing experience last year. This year is equally life changing. Seeing “adults” values, expectations, and beliefs in my current students compel me to revisit how I see events that shape my life. Our students range in age from their twenties (18 of them) to their thirties (13 of them) with a couple being in their forties. Nearly fifty percent of them are married and have a young child of their own.  So, their thoughts are more settled and rigid then those students I taught last year. They are eager to know why my team mate and I are hopeful and how is it so easy for us to be “free.”

This leads me into the wonderful time we were able to share about the Holy Week and Resurrection celebrations we had before Easter. It was all worth the time and planning. We had a slide show with music from Dallas Holm titled Rise Again. I also put together a PowerPoint presentation and taught them on the history and traditions of this holiday in America. My team mate and I also had an Egg Hunt and Egg decorating events for them.  They were like kids. The photos are really precious. Then I offered an invitation for them to join us at the Chinese Three-Self church in our city.  (The foreign fellowship I attend on Sundays is illegal for them to attend. You must have a passport to attend and not be a Chinese national.) Many of the students were excited to join my team mate and me so we made arrangements on how to meet up.

On Sunday, I attended the Foreigner Fellowship and then rushed back to my apartment to meet our students for the 2pm service at the Chinese church. In total, we had five students in attendance; three men and two women. Only one of the men had been there before, because his best friend was the pastor. He brought the pastor to us and introduced us – which was a high honor for me. The church was absolutely beautiful (especially for Chinese standards). The assistant pastor brought the message that day and gave us a warm welcome across the pulpit in perfect English! The other four students had NEVER been to a church before. Once the service was over, the pastor came to get us and took us to his study and gave my team mate and me a gift bag with the church’s information on it. Similar to the one a few of you have from last year.  Then, without any prompting he gave a Chinese/English parallel Bible to the female student my team mate and I had prayed for – when she asked us to - during a break at school. I nearly fell over!!!

There are so many needs in our classes. There are several students who have pulled either my team mate or I aside and told us of some sickness or disease there are battling. Another student has been suffering from depression and being overwhelmed with her life. So, if you read this blog, please, please, help my team mate and me by petitioning for their lives to be eternally impacted for the gospel. After all, that is what we all need! Remember the pastor, too.

Since our students have obligations to teach their own classes – even thought they attend our class – many of them work on Saturday and Sunday. So, many of them were not able to attend the Chinese church service with us last week. However several of them still want to go and we want to go with them. We made promises to them we will go whenever they want. For the next several months we may be attending both services (ours and theirs) to get them connected with a local body. That is what it is all about…

We have already had an 80 degree day, which was a couple of days ago. Everything is in bloom here. It seemed as though it happened over night. It is beautiful and green but lots of rain. An outing that our students planned was canceled for today. I was really looking forward to it. They were planning on taking us to an old village about 65 km. This village was said to be nearly 1,000 years old. Well, I will have to be ready for picture taking another day.

Thanks for tagging along. However, most of all, thanks for your prayers!

Satisfied to be a servant!

It is Resurrection Season – Holy Week, by its other name.

What a time and place to honor this significant truth. I must admit, I have anxiously been looking forward to this week. It is a wonderful time to share with your students and administration the hope we (those that believe) in Jesus, The Christ.

My team mate from last year was bold and we took the opportunity to lay it all down to be transparent and share the Good News. After making our historical, secular and Christian presentation about Easter, my team mate had an opportunity to give one our students their very own Chinese/English parallel Bible. We attended a Bible Study with our student regularly through the rest of the school year. It also opened the opportunity for me to give my Chinese/English Bible to another student of ours the weekend I returned to America due to her interest in knowing God more.

There were nearly if not more then 60 people baptized in the Chinese Church service I attended last year on Easter morning. This church is the government sanctioned church – not the house church which is said to be attended by the thousands. So, imaged all those that are being “dunked” for Jesus!

Well, tomorrow (3/20), my current team mate and I are laying it all down – again. For the sake of the Gospel we will share and make an appeal to our students for them to join us at the nearest church on Sunday morning – Resurrection Day!! We have put in a lot of prayer and planning into this year’s presentation. Please join us in prayer that God is pleased with how we present who HE is and what His Son has done for mankind.

Maybe many of you have heard of the most recent uprisings in Tibet and surrounding provinces in China. Since I don’t watch television here I get my news from the Internet. I am going to reserve sharing my comments and thoughts except to say God’s healing is needed in this country, region and people.

I live a great distance away from Tibet…very great! It is likely 56 hours or more by train. So, I haven’t expected to hear or see anything in the lines of demonstrations or uprising regarding this tense topic. Well, today, immediately outside of our teaching building, I noticed there was a large crowd and what appeared to be a fight. My team mate and I had finished teaching our class, as usual; we were leaving our teaching building to head to lunch and then back to our apartments. I told my team mate, “Look at that, they are fighting.” We immediately stopped in our tracks to see how we could get around or away from the crowd. That is when I noticed the demonstration signs/banners being held by several women and some men. The police and security guards were in the middle of this mob of people yelling and shoving engaged in this heated interaction. I was very nervous. We stayed where we were and within a minute or two we noticed the crowd moving toward where we normally leave through the campus’ main gate. We walked to another gate and quietly left the campus without further problems… Within half an hour we were on a bus heading to the Wal-Mart looking for Easter “stuff,” after visiting our apartments first, and we passed by the main gate to our campus. The demonstrators we had just seen were now at our campus’ main gate with their signs and banners. There were at least approximately 10-20 men, women and children demonstrating. Some were sitting down, some were standing with white coats on - like lab coats. The police and security guards had put up a police line around the sounding area of the gate. I didn’t ask any questions or speak with anyone about it. When we came back from shopping a few hours later, there was still some activity, but not as much as earlier in the day.

I am very encouraged being here, “for such a time as this.” We have been able to have wonderful life conversations with several students. One who is experiencing bereavement from the loss of her father asked my team mate and me to pray for her. Another one has said she is so overwhelmed and depressed with her life. However, she feels better when she comes into our classrooms. It isn’t anything we are doing…it is all HIM, we just happened to be available.

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Cor 1:18

Satisfied to be a servant!

Alleys just like the movies…

I found all kinds of cobblers here...it is so funny to me. On a Friday afternoon I took a stroll around my neighborhood. As I was walking near my apartment I went down this one alley (just like the movies) and a couple of ladies where lined up with their shoes off and the man pounding and fixing away. Right next to him was a lady with her whole sewing machine and bags of clothes (I guess) she is supposed to repair and right next to her was another lady with a big, black, old fashioned iron and ironing board pressing some clothes I guess the lady next to her fixed....crazy!!! I know where to go if I need them!

I am a ‘regular’ in the alley, now. The Sunday before school started I went to the alley to get my school shoes shined. It was like community circle. Everyone was really nice and eager to help me. An elderly lady working with the cobbler took my shoes and polished them in no time. Guess how much? One Yuan – about 12 cents in America. I decided right then I would go to her every Sunday to have my shoes polished. (Whether my shoes needed it or not). This is one way to help improve the life of a local person. By the time I leave she would have made about 18 Yuan from me. In these instances it is frustrating you can’t tip who serve you well. It is a gesture that offends the people of Mainland China.

We are starting our 2^nd week of teaching. Our students are special and very grateful to be in our program. In our lower speaking English class there is only a fourth of the class that is female.

Many of you may remember the penalties we handed down last year if students did not observe the rules. Remember the cell phones – I would confiscate them for 24 hours.  Well, this year, we are making money or I should say Yuan.  Since these are working professionals, I couldn’t take their cell phones if they rang or used them during class. So my new team mate and I charge them 3 Yuan AND WE DON’T GIVE CHANGE! We also charge them if they speak Chinese in class – only one Yuan. We will use all monies collected for an end of semester party. TALK ABOUT GRACE!!! Your penalties will pay for a party in your honor.

The first week of school was busy with preparing and getting classes underway. I can hardly believe how quickly the weeks are passing by. I have been in country 3 weeks already. Last year the spring semester went by in a flash. One thing I learned from that experience…take in and enjoy each moment.

With that being said, the seasons are changing here. Although there are still occasions for wearing layers, the temperatures have an erratic pattern. This past Friday was very cold and rainy. Today it is forecasted to be in the lower 70s. Tomorrow and Wednesday it is forecasted to be around the 80s. Half a world away people are in several feet of snow.

My FAO (Foreign Affairs Officer) is very kind and sweet. She was the one who took me to the TV station for the International Women’s Day celebration. On Friday evening she requested I open a bank account at a specific bank so the School could place my stipend in there electronically as a safeguard. I asked her if she thought I could do it myself since my students this year have lives of their own. Last year any student would have been eager to help me, a foreigner, with this type of task. So, I got up my nerve and trotted out to open an account ALL BY MYSELF. After speaking (my version of) Chinese and doing a lot of pointing a security guard helped me fill out the paper work and escorted me to the teller window to open an account. Banks in China are not like most in America. All the tellers are behind bullet – proof / resistance – windows. I have you know within 10 minutes or so, I was an account holder. After waving and saying my goodbyes I felt like a celebrity. I was really proud of myself. When I walked by the bank later on that day, the security guard was standing outside, after seeing me, he had the biggest smile and wave for me. Oh…I could have hugged him. Boy, he made my day so easy.

There are many “American” items you can get in China now. Pepsi, Coke, McDs, Pizza Hut, Johnson and Johnson Baby products, Procter and Gamble products, etc.  You can even get Lays potato chips and Pringles, but you can’t find Frito-Lay.  When I had gone to a store like Price Club/Costco I had my eyes set on these Cheese Curl snacks in the International Foods aisle. I purchased them and took them home. To my surprise was this scripture on the packaging near the nutritional contents. The WORD is coming into China in amazing ways. That experience encouraged my heart. Here is the company information…please visit them. (I am not getting paid for this endorsement!!)

www.brimsnacks.com

Ephesians 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints…

PTL LOUD!!!

Wow, what a week! It is Saturday evening, around 7:20

The earlier part of the week was very cold and rainy. Nonetheless, our duties for the upcoming semester were underway with planning our placement tests and interviews for our potential students.

Tuesday we conducted over thirty entrance interviews after proctoring a placement tests. Oh, how could I forget Tuesday? I had to wear six layers of clothes…just to knock the chill out of the air. I thought I was safe and didn’t pack any warm winter clothes. So, I wore all my spring clothes at once. The weather became warmer and warmer as the week progressed. Get this! Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday the temperature warmed to the 50’s and 60’s and I still needed to wear layers. The air is a little chilly.  That’s okay. By this coming Friday, we are forecasted to be in the upper 70’s. Maybe then I won’t need my gloves J.

We had the opportunity to meet our students. They are professors, assistant professors and lecturers. They teach subjects from Bio-Chemistry, to computer programming, to Economics…and they are nervous about learning English. Piece of CAKE!!!

I was rather proud of myself this week. I ventured out to wonder around town and purchase a printer. My Chinese negotiating skills came back – just like riding a bike. I got a really great deal on an NEW HP printer. A few days later I went back to the place I bought it and negotiated the print cartridges. The girl that helped me with the printer kept telling the guy – she wants the best bargain. He tried to haggle with me a while…but I didn’t have any place to be…so I just kept at it. I got the deal I wanted and graciously thanked them a million times. They have my business for life…or at least as long as I’m here.

My mom will likely be embarrassed by this story…sorry Mom! I love the dollar stores. Maybe because I feel like I am getting a deal for the items most people pay full price for. (I am sure you couldn’t tell this about me – especially after the store above J) Get this…in China, they have a 2 kuai store. You got it!!! That is like paying 24 cents for stuff. I bought a small toolkit, adhesive stick hooks, and cushioned double sided tape. Jackpot!!! Anyway, it’s the little things.

I had been creating my lesson plans for the classes I will teach this semester. My goal over the last four or so days was to completely be finished with my lesson plans for all the classes through the end of the school year. It was an aggressive goal…but I finished two of the three classes. I only need a few more hours to finish the third class. Needless to say, that took a lot of energy and I probably stressed myself out in an area that wasn’t necessary. But, I wanted to have as much free time as possible for fellowship opportunities.

One day this week, after I had been at my computer building lesson plans, I realized I hadn’t been away from my desk for most of the day. I got up and filled a bucket with hot water, bleach and soap and mopped my entire apartment’s floor.

This morning…after I made my breakfast and got dressed, I decided to wash all my windows and screens. I am sure you have heard about the pollution problems here in China. My apartment windows were unbelievable. I made a bucket of hot water, bleach and soap with a scouring pad and started the task of cleaning my windows as I did a few loads of laundry. The screens were so dirty I had to place them in my shower. This task took a couple of hours. Then my floors look bad again, so I did my floors. After I finally finished and sat down to relax for a few hours before my scheduled outing, I heard this spraying of water. I thought, “Now, I know I turned off the water.” So I went to investigate where the water sound was coming from. Yeap…my hot water heater hose busted. My thoughts….”What, you have got to be kidding me!”  Don’t worry! It got fixed within half hour or so.

As I mentioned, I had been invited to go to a celebration for International Women’s Day. I forgot we celebrated this holiday here last year. It is that time again. One of the school’s representatives invited me and I was looking forward to this celebration – because it was at the local TV station. The school’s representative had also invited a foreign studies student from Germany to go with us. The young German student is in China studying. Her major is Chinese history and culture with a minor in Economics. She also stated, like in the US, the International Women’s Day isn’t celebrated on a national level.

In the audience at the TV station I believe there were only 4 or 5 foreigners. But as ceremonies go, in China, they are a BIG deal - a lot of pomp and circumstance.  One of the provincial leaders and his entourage showed up and it was like the “State of the Union.” However, let me say this first. Before the leader showed up…it was like being in a studio audience for a game show or talk show. The production/stage manager was talking to the audience telling us when to clap and how long, where to place our purses, etc. REMEMBER, this was all in Chinese!!!! I thought, he may be saying something really important and I am not going to do it the way he wants and he is going to holler “CUT” (but in Chinese) and I am going to delay this taping. My school’s representative kept us straight. We all did well.

All of the women in the studio audience got nice gift bags. We also received a corsage for being special guest and sat in the third roll. There were about 300 or so ladies in attendance. There were a few performers and the presentation was to recognize 10 outstanding women in our province for their work and contributions to their communities. MEN…PLEASE PAUSE AND PICK UP THE READING AT THE NEXT PARAGRAPH…THANKS!! Girls, you want to know what was in our beautifully wrapped gift bags…female protection products. I kid you not. Let me know what you think.

This upcoming week will start our semester. I ask your prayers in these areas:

            To demonstrate excellent – to stand out – so that we will be asked how we do

what we do. To give glory and honor to Our Heavenly Father who has

called us and equips us. 

            To be ready in season and out in sharing the gospel boldly

            Team harmony and dynamics

            Continued good health (mental, physical, and spiritual)

            Safety and protection

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

PTL LOUD!!!

Planes, trains, and automobiles…and taxis, and buses….

I made it to my new city as planned. PTL LOUD!!!

Since I am 13 hours ahead of Eastern Time, I lost a day in my travels.  Leaving Ohio on Monday 2/18 I arrived in my city Wednesday 2/20.

The course we took was quite different then my last trip to China. I was on a flight from Chicago to Shanghai, which was scheduled for 14 and one half hours, but it took over 15 hours. From Chicago we headed northwest through Canada up through the Queens Land Island up toward the North Pole and down through Russia and into China. The views were amazingly clear. So much so, we could see the ice and snow covered waters of Arctic Ocean at our cruising altitude.  God is awesome!!!

Entering in the country was very easy and eventless. One of the teachers I went through training with last year was in Shanghai to help me with my bags (or packages – as the Chinese say). As we found the bus to take us from the airport to the train station, it was nice to catch up. This teacher was assigned to my new city during the last school year, so I could get tips on how to serve in this area. Once I was at the train station I had to use my Chinese to purchase my train ticket and was very grateful there were still “hard sleepers” available for that day of travel. For some of you who were not able to travel with me last year let me bring you up to date…I can sleep nearly anywhere. I wasn’t able to really sleep for long periods of time on the flight because I was talking to a lot of folks around me. So, it was nearly 24 hours since I’d left Dayton when the train was scheduled to board. A hard sleeper meant I was going to be able to lie down and get some sleep. The train wasn’t as crowded as I expected since the Chinese New Year was winding down and families were still traveling.

There are a lot more foreigners in this city then there were in my last city. So, I am not stared at as frequently as I was last year. My team mate and I have been on the move for two reasons. One, to show me around town and another, to stock up on groceries and other needed items. I think I have already lost a dress size with the walking and better eating options.  This is the perfect time of year for veggies and fruits here. However, being in the grocery stores you can already tell the crops were damaged from their winter snow storms.

Speaking of weather…yesterday (Friday) it got up to 72 degrees. It has been around the upper 50’s to lower 60’s most other days.

We are to start our placement tests for our students within the next few days and our Spring semester actually starts on 3/3.

Thanks in advance for your prayers for me, my family, my team mate, my students, and the school’s administration for the next several months.

Written – Sunday afternoon, 2/24. Now, I spoke too soon. The weather – cold! However, the Foreign Fellowship (church) was nice and warm. There were appropriately 60 people at our service today. Many of them from organizations like the one I am here with. All of us teaching and serving in a foreign land “to know HIM and make His name known.” (I believe that is Wycliff’s statement of faith).

John 2:5  His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

John 15:14-15  You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants; for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends; for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.