PBC Adults will travel to East Asia to teach English to national elementary school teachers and to encourage the staff of an international school.
East Asia Team
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Just so you know...
We had a close call with one of our connecting flights, but overall our traveling home was uneventful. Some of the team had their seats upgraded for the 13-hour leg of the journey, which made it much more comfortable!
Join us this Sunday at PBC during the 11:00 service to hear more about our trip as well as the youth trip to Kosovo.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Saturday - July 31
Today was the last day of our trek to the other side of the world, and although we’ve only been here a week, it will be difficult for Sarah and me to leave. For three years we called Chengdu home. Although the people, language, and culture may look, sound, and act differently than what is common in Dallas, this trip has reminded me that they too have the same need for a continuing Work of a gracious God in their lives. So as He continues to move in hearts throughout the nations, God has allowed us as a team, frail and fallen as we are, to participate in outworking of the Gospel: His overcoming of injustice in the world, as the sacrifice of God’s Son provides a way for us to be reconciled to Him, fully cleansed in His Eyes.
Our final full day was spent with China’s national treasure, the giant panda; eating Tex-Mex food (really!); exploring the city for gifts for loved ones back home; and participating in an English Corner at High Connections, a coffee shop in the city. The English Corners have been a great way to meet locals and talk about Deeper Things when opportunities arise. We had a great showing tonight, and the loud chatter from each group has left most of us hoarse from the experience.
As we conclude this trip tomorrow, we covet your prayers. Pray for strength for Rebecca, who was well enough to join us for our activity this evening. Pray for an encouraging service tomorrow morning, as we worship with people from many nations at Chengdu International Christian Fellowship. And pray for our travelling, that our luggage and sanity will stay with us through the 20 hours-worth of flights and two layovers in Guangzhou and Los Angeles. Thank you, and see you soon!
Proclaiming His Glory,
Dan
Friday, July 30, 2010
Friday, July 30
“Do not grow weary in doing good.” This was part of my prayer for our group as our day began. After four days of English teaching, our minds and bodies are a bit weary. As always the Lord faithfully answered this prayer. We had the opportunity to visit Chengdu International School, our hosts this week and the school where Dan and Sarah worked when they lived here. The new teachers arrived this week and as we walked through the school we prayed for their families as they adjust to a new culture and for unity between the new teachers and the present teachers. Please keep them in your prayers. We have heard of one family whose young children are really having a difficult time making the transition.
This evening we had our first English Corner. An English Corner is a place that is advertised as a location that people can come to meet with foreigners to speak English. The concept was begun by evangelicals to foster relationships with unbelievers. Tonight’s English Corner was held in a park in the center of a vast apartment complex. We arrived at 7:30pm and there were already people waiting there to speak with us. I spoke with two different families tonight. The first family was a mother and her 12 year old daughter. The daughter's English name is “Learn”. Their English was at a beginner’s level but they were very eager to practice. The second family I met was a newly married couple and his college-aged sister. They are very proficient in English, but want to stay in practice. This was the first time they had attended an English Corner. During the course of our conversation the man shared with me that he didn’t have an English name but that he desired to have an English name that sounded similar to his Chinese name. He shared with me his Chinese name; it was a name that was very difficult for me to pronounce. The meaning of his name is Fiery and Brave. I suggested to him the English name Stephen and I took the opportunity to tell him that Stephen is the name of a very famous and well respected Christian martyr. I told him he could read about Stephen in the Christian bible, in the book of Acts. He said that he would like to read the story. He liked the name Stephen and is going to take it as his own. It was a joy for me to meet this family and to have the gift of giving this man his English name. It will be much easier to pray for him as “Stephen” than it would have been to pray using his Chinese name.
While I was meeting these two families, each person on our team was meeting someone else. I know that Robert had a fruitful conversation and was able to speak some about the Bible. Susan enjoyed playing Bingo with the children and with a 28 year old man who wanted to play and said to her, “Me English not good, this good.” (Donna, Susan says thank you for the Bingo game!) Please remember Learn, her mother, Stephen, his wife Susie, and his sister Jessica and all the others we met tonight. They plan to attend more English Corners. Pray that they will build relationships with the Chinese believers who sponsor these Corners.
Tomorrow we are blessed to be able to go to a Panda Breeding and Research Base. Oh, the sacrifices we make to be here! In the evening we will have another English Corner. Please pray that the Lord will guide our conversations and that there will be good attendance. Rebecca is still feeling weak, but we were able to speak with an American nurse and get medicine for her. Please pray for her quick recovery.
Thank you for interceding for us! We know you are a very valuable part of this team through your prayers! – Jennifer
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Rebecca's blog - Thursday, July 29, 2010
I'm here by myself in the hotel room because I've been sick almost all week -- not being able to entirely shake the stomach bug that hit me late Monday night. It's not fun being sick; but it's really not fun being sick in another country - especially one without "western toilets." If you like the "squatty potty," as Mary calls it, more power to ya. I like my toilets a couple of feet off the ground. Along with that, just in case you haven't heard, in
I could talk for days about the food; but after being sick off something I ate earlier in the week, I found a glorious oasis tonight in the form of a KFC. I haven't darkened the door of a KFC in years, but I did just now. Yes, I ate the chicken. No regrets.
In spite of this week's challenges, I sit by my hotel window looking at the heavy traffic five floors down and just marvel at the differences between our world and this. So many differences, yet the world seems so much smaller now that I've been here. The women we've gotten to know this week in school are far more amazing than I figured. I'm starting to understand now why Dan & Sarah really love this city and the people of
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Wednesday, July 28
The first morning in
During today’s seminar, we discussed holidays, relationships, and the differences between schools in
During the afternoon session, Rebecca and I kicked off the relationship topic by talking about our marriage relationship. Mary shared about the relationship she has with friends, and Jennifer wrapped up with talking about her family relationships. Later, I led a discussion with the Chinese teachers on the differences and similarities between our schools. The main difference is that there are 50 students in one classroom in
- Edgar
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Tuesday, July 27
Ruthie and Robert are having a great time! We started off in
Today in our classes we talked to our students about
Robert
Monday, July 26, 2010
Monday, July 26 - Continued
We started out with all of our “students” in a large group and began to evaluate their individual skill levels. After this, we broke up into small groups to practice some of the skills presented in large group. We broke for lunch and had a wonderful time visiting with some of the local teachers before beginning our afternoon session. Tomorrow, I think will offer some great opportunities for more personal interaction because we are planning to stay close to the school into the evening just to “hang out” with some of our students to allow us to get to know them better. What a blessing to get to know people on the other side of the globe, so different from us, yet all in God’s image. It’s a very humbling thought for me.
This evening, after dinner, we mapped out our game plan for tomorrow’s teaching lessons. I think we’re all looking forward to seeing what God has for us to learn as we go through this upcoming week. Please pray for endurance, wisdom and discernment as we interact with our “students”. Also please pray for Sarah, who is trying to fight off some sort of a cold.
Thank you so much PBC for allowing us this great opportunity to share God’s love with others.
Mary
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Sunday July 25
Today was a transition day as we flew from
We were reminded today of how God is at work in all circumstances and there really are no “non-ministry” days. Even though today was supposedly a transition day and our “official” ministry in this
Additionally, God provided opportunities for some of us to plant seeds today in something as simple as the plane ride from
Mike Busch
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Saturday - July 24
At 4:30 this morning, when I couldn’t go back to sleep (my body still doesn’t know what time it is!), I began to pray for the people of China and the employees of our hotel. It made me sad to realize at the Temple of Heaven that China in her past had the knowledge of God, but they only had an Old Testament kind of knowledge and didn’t know Jesus. Today, the Chinese people have forgotten God. Because of the hardship of their lives, many have given up hope. I pray for this to change! They need Jesus! On the other hand, Americans have been blessed with wealth and comfort, but America has forgotten God, so we need Jesus too! Therefore, we are not much different.
Today, as we visited the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and went to a Christian-owned restaurant, I prayed for both of the countries. In China, I am encouraged that things are becoming more open and God is working.
Nguyen
Friday, July 23, 2010
Temple of Heaven
-Sarah
Two quotes from the sacrificial rites that took place at Tian Tan are below.
At the beginning: “Of old in the beginning, there was the great chaos, without form and dark. The five planets had not begun to revolve, nor the two lights to shine. In the midst of it there existed neither form nor sound. You, O spiritual Sovereign, came forth in Your sovereignty, and first did separate the impure from the pure. You made heaven; You made earth; You made man. All things became alive with reproducing power.”
At the end: “The service of song is completed, but our poor sincerity cannot be expressed. Your sovereign goodness is infinite. As a potter, You have made all living things. Great and small are sheltered (by Your love). Imprinted on the heart of Your poor servant is the sense of Your goodness, so that my feeling cannot be fully displayed. With great kindness You do bear with us, and, notwithstanding our demerits, do grant us life and prosperity.”
“”
Thursday, July 22, 2010
First Impressions
Ni Hao! Good morning from East Asia! Thank you for your prayers! We arrived safely with all of our luggage. God is faithful as we were able to breeze through customs. Already we are a bit overwhelmed as the sights, sounds, and smells of China’s culture have enveloped us. The people are friendly and very anxious to chat with Americans. Yesterday in the airport I had the opportunity to meet two families with children and they were very excited to practice their English and help me practice a couple of Chinese phrases…lots of shy smiles cross the language barrier. Again, thank you for parternering with us as you have sacrificed to send us…keep praying please.
With love, Susan for all!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
On Their Way
Mosquito bites
They also shared that they have had a lot of mosquito bites and are praying none of these pests carry malaria. They are taking malaria medication, but they've been told the pills won't prevent malaria, only make the case lighter. Please pray that they will not contract malaria for the sake of their own health and for the Work to be done.
Departing at 6:30pm today
Monday, July 19, 2010
Sunday in Manila
Sunday morning in Manila, Robert and Ruthie heard our missionary speak three times! The auditorim holds 3,000 and there are six services every Sunday.
In the afternoon they went to a different city and heard him speak a fourth time. They said he did a great job and they really enjoyed the music.
They are having a wonderful visit.
Please continue to pray that they can be an encouragment to the family during their stay.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Update on Robert and Ruthie
By now they should be in Manila with our missionaries if the rain at their layover city didn't keep them from taking off. Two days ago there was a typhoon that swept across the Philipines and they lost power. It is expected that it should be working by now, but for all involved we pray that it is up and running again.
Please pray that Robert and Ruthie can be an encouragment and a help to our missionaries at this time, power on or off, and that they will recover quickly from their journey.
- Jennifer
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Departing for Manila today
Robert and Ruthie will have a long journey, plus a long layover, before finally arriving in the Philipines. Please pray for the endurance they will need, for the ability to sleep on the plane, and that all connections will be made for them and for their luggage! Bon voyage.
Thank you for your prayers
Please continue to pray as the team processes all that they experienced and that the trip would make a lasting impression. Please also pray for those we ministered to, that God would reaveal to them their need for a Savior.
Soon our adults will travel to East Asia. We ask that you once again come along with us in prayer!
Clarification on July 6th Post
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
They're Off!
Blessings and love from across the ocean,
Christina
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Tuesday, July 6
Today we wrapped up our last day of ministry here in Kosovo. It has been such a blessing for me to watch these teens serve our great God. I am so proud of each and every one of them. After breakfast we had our usual personal quite times. We followed up quiet times with some preparations for two kids clubs that we would be doing later today. Our host then took the team to a local restaurant for some more traditional foods. Following lunch most of the team headed off to an abandoned building that several people are living in where we played basketball, performed our Zacchaeus skit, and made some crafts with the children.
After this, the group picked up Jennifer and headed out to a village to do our last kid's club. The club went great. We had about 20 kids and were able to go through our normal routine of Zacchaeus skit, group explanation of wordless book, Zacchaeus book craft, handing out of wordless books along with another explanation in smaller groups, and finishing it all off with fun games in a nearby field.
Tonight we had our final traditional meal for supper followed by a time a studying God's word. Another local worker, came by to lead us through a study of Psalm 73 and share a few stories of from his years of service.
It was a long day but the teens did a fantastic job. Although Erin Thomas was not feeling too well in the morning she managed to make it through the day and did her usual amazing job of showing God's love to the kids. She is doing much better this evening, but please pray that she is back at 100% tomorrow.
It has been such a privilege for me to lead this team. I have been so proud of their hard work and willingness to serve. Thank you all for praying for us and sending us out to share God's love and message of grace to a people in need.
Grace and Peace,
Jeff Edmunds
Prayer Requests:
-That the team will be able to process all God has taught us on this trip.
-God will use the experiences on this trip to draw us into deeper dependence on Him.
-That the team will have a good time of debrief in Vienna.
-That God will continue to work in the hearts and lives of the people here in Kosovo through his servants here.
Monday, July 5, 2010
A future place in Sardran
As you read in previous posts, we had a great time our first three days at the camp. Due to the rainy weather we were not able to lay block on the second floor of the main building, but we were able to build a log pavilion from logs we retrieved from the mountains. It took eight guys to haul and raise some of the logs, so our help was much appreciated. The pavilion will be used as a covered feeding area in the upper area of the camp. Today a group of 80 people arrived at the camp and, with a temporary roof, the pavilion is already being used.
On Saturday we transitioned from construction at the camp in the mountains to evangelism in the city. At our first Kid's Club we had over 25 children. According to those who work with them on a regular basis, they were more attentive than usual. Skits, especially with costume, are not usual and so the children were really interested. Thank you to those of you who helped us plan our Kid's Club - you know who you are! You can see in the eyes of the children that it was worth every minute! They also enjoyed getting to make their own "book" and color it themselves. You can see the book in the pictures. They colored for longer than I have ever seen children color in any country I have been privileged to work. Many of these children come from poor families that live in shacks along the railroad tracks. They can relate to an outcast like Zachaeus.
On Sunday we attended an Albanian service. This is the same church that the three ladies from PBC worked with last year. There were about 35 people in attendance, plus our group.
In the afternoon we were blessed to meet with five families and about eight single workers from six different countries. I think Josiah already told you that we played volleyball and shot off fireworks in the evening.
At our Kid's Club today we drove to a poor village outside the city. These people are considered very low in the society here. The workers have been working in this village for at least a year that I am aware of, and I think longer than that. But it is still almost unbelievable to the villagers that a group of Americans would come to them.
We began club today by helping them make name tags for themselves. This was new to them and they were really excited. They've never had a name tag before. It was really great for us too because we could call them by their names - or at least attempt to pronounce them which gave the kids a great laugh. As Jacob said in his post, we misplaced our script for our Zachaeus skit, but after prayer we went ahead with the skit - a thanks to all our past Sunday School teachers who taught us about Zach! Once again they listened attentively. Josiah followed up the skit with an explanation of the Wordless Book, and again the children listened. We were told this group of kids would be a lot rowdier than the kid's at the center, but they were just as focused. They too loved working on their books. At this club we had a lot of older children and teens. Even a group of 16 year old guys colored their Zach books because coloring is not something they've done much of, if at all. We had separated into four groups of four-five each, with our team members and a translator in each. As the groups were finishig their Zach books, we discussed the wordless book. The group of 16 year old guys asked a lot of questions. In the group that I was in we asked them if they were bad people and at first they said no, but when we asked them about lying and hatred, they each changed their answers to yes, that they were not good people.
- Jennifer Edmunds
Monday, July 5
Jacob Hensarling
Comments
-Jeff