迫切禱告信 (中文版)

我們設立幼稚園的準備工作還沒有完成，很可能會延遲幾個星期幼稚園才能開慕。我們也許太樂觀了，期望太高了。因為類似設計的房子四年前是超過2 1/2年才完成，並且花費了更多的錢。

請為我們祈禱，上帝會負責這個計劃，因為這的確是他的事工。我們確實有一些資金的問題，但我們相信我們的主會供應的。

以下是我們的禱告請求：
1。祈求天氣能夠轉好，儘快能停止下雪。今年冬天來得早，下大雪阻礙了房子的建築工程。新買的幼稚園的家俱和設備存放在我們家的車庫，沒法搬過去。大雪使我們不能去開供暖氣的中央系統的開關，因此我們家沒有暖氣。 求神保守我們的健康，能夠渡過這沒有暖氣的日子，也求主給我們智慧和力量，能夠打開那中央系統的開關。

2。祈禱我們能夠拿到延長居留的簽證，這事己經拖延好幾次了。吉爾吉斯外交部似乎有困難能夠及時處理延長簽證的申請。

3。Sophia 的左腳手術花了1個多星期，她需要時間來恢復。沒有她，使我們做事十分方便。  請為她左腳的恢復禱告。

4 。請為 Irma 禱告，他的健康狀況一直不好，而且他的妻子習慣住在吉爾吉斯斯坦。

5 。Shirley已經同意加入我們培訓中心的團隊，但她現在有睡眠的問題已經超過1個月。她一直沒有能夠一夜睡到天亮。請為她的睡眠禱告。

你可以看到我們正面臨著許多挑戰，壓力和與魔鬼的爭戰。但是從真誠和迫切的禱告，我們知道耶穌會使我們度過難關。我們需要你們的禱告與幫助！

主內平安!

蔡柏林, 何長樂

Alpha

Urgent Prayer Request

We are behind schedule and everything may delay for a few weeks. We should not complain that it is the case, after all our house of similar design took more than 2 1/2 years to complete 4 years ago and has cost more money too.

Keep on praying for us that God will take charge of this project for it is indeed His ministry. We do have some problem with the funding but we do believe our Lord is the Lord that provides.

The following is our prayer request:

1. Pray for the weather for the construction. The winter came early and we actually had some snow. The delay of construction prevent the moving and new building furniture which was stored in our garage. The block our access to the control of the central heating, therefore we are without the heating that is necessary. Pray that God keep us healthy and we may turn on the heat in the near future.

2. Pray for our extension for visa which has been delay several time and the foreign affairs department seems to have problem handling all the request in a timely manner.

3. Sophia's foot surgery took more than 1 week and she also needs time to recover. Without her, it is very difficult for us to function.

4. Pray for Irma that his health has not been good since we returned and his wife does not feel comfortable staying in Kyrgyzstan.

5. Pray for Shirley who has agreed to help us with the training center, but she has sleep problem for more than 1 month now. She has not been able to sleep over night.

You can see we are facing with many challenges, stresses and mostly spiritual warfare, but with sincere and urgent prayers, we know Jesus will carry us through. We need your help!

Love in Him,
Christa & John

39 year anniversary celebration with friends

9/21/2013

T and J had a whole day training (10-4) at the university, but promised to be back around 4. They were planning to take someone out for dinner, but we told them if they wanted to join us for our celebration (it is our anniversary), they were most welcomed. We usually do not celebrate any birthday or anniversary because we just don’t remember such dates. But since we both remembered and John mentioned it to our team, we decided to celebrate with the team and our dear brothers and sisters. Even though we missed our family’s presence, but we are grateful with God’s own provision.

We spent a great deal of time knowing S better – her family, her past experiences and her future direction. We have a great deal of admiration for her especially knowing she has been on missions for 23 years out in places that are not so civilized. She has gone through bad car accidents and serious illnesses but nothing seemed to be to change her passion for God nor for people. We pray that she will be our partner in many ways.

We also had the opportunity to know Judith better and knowing she has many gifts that can be used by God. However, she is exploring for the first time in this part of the world and may she find God’s plan for her for this stage of her life and start this wonderful journey with God.

9/22/2013

It is Lord ’s Day and we stayed in Tokmok worshiping with our old friends. Our Russian language is still almost non-existing, so we could not really communicate much to our members without the help of a translator. Still, our warm hugs for each other offset most of the language issues. We were most joyful to see each other  and God indeed was among us during the service. Igor preached a very good sermon about the Kingdom of God and how we can be good citizens of His kingdom.

In the afternoon, we had to say good-bye to J and Judith who were going off to Naryn and to S who left for Kara-Kol. However, they will all return by Wednesday evening for we have team training on Thursday and Friday. May God grant us the wisdom from above that we really understand the significance of team work and really become great team workers in His kingdom.

New Team Member- Praise the Lord

9/20/2013

Ever since we return to Kyrgyzstan this time, we know we are under time crunch, there are just too many things that we need to remember to do - so much so it is so easy to forget a few things each day. However, we know absolutely UNLESS every morning that we come to God through devotion, to draw wisdom and strength, we cannot survive each day, and never mind about having victory over obstacles.

After devotion this morning, we went different ways. Lydia and Sophia went to Bishkek. Lydia needed to be contacting different things with Education area while Sophia needed to extend our visa. We had to pay for 1 month business visa at the airport so Sophia can apply for another 3 months or more of visa before we leave KG via Taiwan to go back to USA. As USA and 40 other countries’ citizens, we can come into the country without visa for up to 60 days. But, since we needed to be here for 3+ months, we lost that advantage and needed to pay. In this country, one needs to go with the set rules which are not to be reasoned or changed, just need to go along with it!

In the late afternoon, Sophia informed us that she needed to go back again on the following Monday to show the foreign affairs department our charter before she could even process our visa. Such is life in KG – lots of time spent in lines till you can talk to the officials to find out what would be needed. Such information cannot be made known before hand or because it is brand new requirement not available  on internet yet.

S whom we met during Kairos Class (simplified Prospective Class for missionaries) visited us at our house around 9:30am. She is from Kara-Kol which is situated at the other end of Lake Issyk-Kul. She taught for many years at the University of Kara-Kol and she also disciples some Kyrgyzs. She is facing some changes in her ministry and is in search of her next step. We praise God for putting us here for her for we just went through similar situation last year. He allows us to  identify how she feels and may be God wants to use us to get her through this with special benefit from Him.

R and Y arrived also in the afternoon around 3:00pm bringing Judith, who went to visit the orphanage at Kara Balta. S, R and Y are all from Singapore and are old friends from years ago, therefore have lots in common. This is also the first time we connect since we return to KG. So, we did have a great deal to catch up, but R needed to attend a meeting, so we excused him! Nevertheless, R came back in 2 hours and John took him alone to see our construction since the other had already visited the site at 3. Even though we asked R and Y stay for dinner and may be even overnight, they had to rush back to Kara-Balta, 2 ½ hours away by driving, for they received a phone call from the orphanage that one of their boys, 16 year old was beaten by other kids outside the orphanage. Even though they were told that it was not serious, but they felt responsible and needed to check it out for themselves. So they left around 6 in the evening.

It was Friday, T and J were doing some whole day training in Bishkek and planned to come over to Tokmok in the evening. However, they were not sure if their accommodation provided by IUCA would include dinner or not. At around eight, they called us to inform us of their arrival. As soon as we found out that they had not eaten and none was prepared for them, we asked them to come over to our house, for we had plenty to feed them and love to have their company.

Praise God for a very busy full day with so many different brothers and sisters, but the most wonderful thing was that it was so obvious that everyone was focusing on things above -  the Kingdom work and how to serve God and His people.

Disappointment and setback but God's way is higher than ours

9/17/2013

During this time we also heard Dasha, our graduate from Pedagogy Department with early child development teacher certificate decided not come to join us. During summer,  she started teaching English at 2 language centers and received  a very high pay. We were initially shocked for we had high hopes for her in our dream. We took an extra step to rule out any miscommunication or misunderstanding to be clear on God’s will in this matter.

 We did find out that her parents, especially her father was so proud that his daughter could make that much money, way over what we were offering her. We were hoping that Dasha could understand our dream and should be glad to be part of the calling that God has given us, but it did not work out that way. We made a decision not to match her salary for if the heart is not there and she cannot share our vision. We thank God that we found out before she joins us.

It was a long day, 2 ½ hours driving  each way and John had to be the driver for Irma (Alec) was busy with the construction, but Lydia and Sophia were the other two that came along. So together we learned about God’s heart which was for us to move on with the kindergarten plan and to go ahead with recruiting for other teachers who map His heart. We may be disappointed at the beginning but we truly believe God’s thoughts and ways are far higher and better than ours. We look forward to His plan for us.

¹¹  For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹²  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.                                                                    Jeremiah 29:11-12

9/18/2013

Chuck and Ardi came to visit us to find out about our new ministry and we took them to see the kindergarten building. They have been coming to Kyrgyzstan at least for the last eight years and really have great love for the Kyrgyz people especially for the young people.

May God bless them for their love support for people of this nation.

9/19/2013

Rev. Dave, our good friend and spiritual leader of many years, came to visit us. He was here for 4-5 days to attend a board meeting. D and J, his wife are spending most of their time helping out different part of the world of the local children’s needs and their welling being. Jayne is a very well-known author on children affairs and they have been invited by many organizations for children to speak and to teach about children issues.

This time, we only had a few hours together to catch up but we praised God for this precious time. We counted God’s blessings in each other’s life and  encouraged one another for the spiritual journey that we are walking in. Most importantly was that we had time to pray for one another for God’s leading in our lives for Him and want to learn how to fight a good fight like Apostle Paul did, no matter what .

Reconnect with old friends

9/14/2013

We had been back a few days, and needed to do some grocery shopping. There was a great deal of changes at the bazaar, many new vendors have moved into the container-shops installed by the bazaar owner. We had problem finding where things were. Even though we were happy to see vegetables and fruits (more types than we can remember), but the price has gone up again, especially meat (10% since June/13).

9/15/2013

We attended International Church in Bishkek and met with quite a few people – T and J from England who have been most instrumental in our transition to our new ministry. We attended their workshop “Crossroad” around June, 2012. They have been also been training others – organization/government/university staff and university students for the last 2-3 years all throughout Central Asia. They will provide us on 9/26-27 a team building workshop (Introduction) for our staff. We have started with our construction since 5/1/2013 – the Hardware and now it is time to start working with the Software aspect – the People. This time, they also brought another person, Judith, a new friend from England who attended a retreat where Jackie taught in England. T and J brought Judith along this time to experience Kyrgyzstan.

After Sunday Service, we also met with B and H who also came from England. They are a very well- traveled couple in Central Asia with B being a seasoned business person and H – his personal translator and life partner. They are the ones that encouraged T and J to share their rich business consulting experiences with people who long to learn and need business knowledge in these parts of the world.

Both B and H played a very crucial part in helping us to process what happened to us in 2012 in mission work. They helped us to see that God always has a purpose behind every event that He allows to happen to His people even though we may not fully comprehend what happened, when it happened. Through them, we learned to stop being just busy, but to be still, and seek for God’s face. We need to learn His will for us and follow His calling for us – to really know the Vision that He had already planted in our hearts a while back. Indeed they were God-sent and we praise Him from the bottom of our hearts and God is putting all sorts of wonderful people around us to witness to us, to remind us who we are and what we are to do!

9/16/2013

Meantime, we needed to pick out material for the house such as the flooring for the whole house – classroom, hallway, offices, kitchen, bath walls, the indoor, outdoor paint, the heating system, the light fixtures, and many other things. So Irma drove us to Bishkek (1 ½ hours away) and spent almost a whole day doing the selection, price negotiation and ordering. We basically picked out what to buy so Irma could go at a later time with payment (cash) and bring back the material with a big van or truck.

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Amazing Trip to Tainan

9/5/2013

At our last meeting with Jack Lu on 8/31, he mentioned a kindergarten he saw in Tai Nan (the southern part of Taiwan) which was very well built and very well run. He thought we should visit since we are starting kindergarten in Kyrgyzstan. However, on 9/1, Jack had to be in Shanghai to interview some people for his area of responsibility and returning to Taipei late 9/4.

John tried to call Jack in the last few days expressing if possible please arrange for us to visit the Kindergarten in Tai Nan. Jack called around 8 am to say he finally contacted the owners – Vivian Lam and her husband Pastor Joe Yeh and we could go to visit them in the morning. We first took MRT to go to Taipei Train Station and then took the High Speed Train and arrived in Tai Nan in two hours.

Pastor Joe came to pick us up at the station and we were surprised first to find out how young he looks and then to find out he is already over 40 years old. He told us he was born in Tai Nan, and went aboard to study, first to Canada then to USA.

He took us to their beautiful large kindergarten called Share Fun of 18 rooms and is currently used by kindergarteners and elementary school children up to 6 grade. It is a large campus for the study body of 120 children with high teacher to students ratio. There is also a large outdoor playground marked for sports and games.

Vivian is the principal in charge of this school with a good size staff while Pastor Joe has a vision and is working on it with a few other to start a prayer center for their church to bring Christians of Tai-Nan together for God’s kingdom. Five years ago, they responded obediently to God’s calling to return to Tai-Nan not knowing what they need to do. The Christian couple who have been building up the kindergarten for the past 15+ years were looking for successors for their school, so they could move to Australia to be close to their children and grandchildren. It only took a short time for the transition for God was in control and they recognized that Vivian and Joe were God-sent. This is five years ago and the school is growing and both parents and children are very satisfied with the school.

After we had some exchange of information we were surprised to find out we have common friends who are missionaries that are currently also serving in Kyrgyzstan – Pastor Richard and Pastor Yat-ling Ng. They actually met in Fremont at Forerunner Church where Joe Yeh was anointed as a pastor. What a pleasant surprise to know that we were connected 6-7 years ago and now God is relinking us together again. We do not exactly know God’s plan for us but we are so thankful that He brought us for His purpose. We look forward to any future partnership knowing that is God’s will.

Even though in general, Taiwan has been growing and expanding. Tainan is one of the least developed city with a great deal of potential. We pray that God will bless this city and people are willing to dedicate the place for God.

After our trip from Tai-Nan, we were picked up by Jack at the MRT station to join him and Yuan-yi Network Group at his office in Xin-Dian. That was an amazing evening to hear about the start of this group which was formed in August, 2012, what they had accomplished and what they were planning of doing by Dec. 2013 and what we may be involved with.

Visiting fellow brothers and sisters

9/4/13

One of the things that we wanted to do on this trip to Taiwan is to meet with at least one missionary group and God allowed us to reach Rev. Chau Chan (Sunny) in Chung Li and his church is known as Hakka Chong-Zhen Churches of Taiwan. He and his wife were from Hong Kong and were called by God to evangelize to the Hakka people and have been living in Taiwan for 20+ years and planted many churches and gospel centers. He picked us up at the train station and brought us to his church where we also met with Barbara, Shi-mu. We listened to their wonderful adventure with God and the many miracles they experienced because of their obedience to God. The exchange of stories continued through a delicious lunch after which Pastor took us to another building where they have Sunday worship and how God prepared for them special rooms for adult, youth and children groups. The location is also situated in the central area, close to schools of different ages, ideal for evangelism. Again, we witness how God provide resources for His servants and maids who have desire to follow Him and to serve His people. Time went by too quickly and we had to leave for another appointment  - visiting a sister in Christ at 3pm.

Sister Wei-na Wong was living in USA before accompanying her oldest son, Jerry going through university studies. We met at our church – Home of Christ in Cupertino while fellowshipping at Gordon’s house in San Jose area. Later on, Wei-na returned back to Taipei and worked for Good TV. Recently, at prayer meeting at HOC 5, we met her son Jerry and knew she recently was diagnosed with cancer and had received surgery and is still going through treatment first with chemo and then will be followed with radiation treatment.

We called her a couple days after our arrival in Taiwan asking when would be a good time to visit her. Wei-na promptly informed us of the time she could see us and asked us to call her after we arrived at the MRT station close to her home. However, when we did call her to get further direction to get to her place, we were shocked to hear that she would personally come to pick us up in her car. We had a nice visit with her, and meeting her husband for the first time. She even prepared some fruit and refreshment for us and gave us in detail of the discovery of her illness with absolutely no hint whatsoever. However, she took everything well and had a very cheerful heart to encounter the challenges, we are most positive that her upbeat attitude and her faith in God will be the best medicine for her. We thank God for who she is and what an inspiration for many others who are physically ill.  Would you believe after our brief visit, she even insisted driving us “Home” to where we were staying, and that is 20 minute driving each way in the traffic hour! We could not talk her out of it, and really appreciate the extra time with her knowing what a great soldier she is for Christ and a prayer partner for us in Christ.

Before we left USA, we heard Coral Shih’s second brother. Steve Lin just found out his left kidney may be cancerous. Steve was a non-believer and also a marathon runner. He always takes pride in his physical health thinking he did everything possible to ensure of his fit condition for sports. Therefore when he found out suddenly he had cancer, he was in shock. However, due to Coral’s connection and therefore many Christians’ urgent prayers, Steve was personally touched by God and was willing to accept Jesus as his Savior. On 8/25/2013 Steve and his wife were baptized and become our brother and sister in Christ. And on 8/28 he received a long surgery at Tai Da Hospital.

Steve’s younger brother, San Chi (Samuel) is a director at a hospital in Taipei suburb and Coral introduced him to give us a complete physical check-up 2 years ago when we could not afford such service in USA when the medical insurance became unaffordable for us.  We did not know Steve personally, but with our relationship with Coral and San Chi, it is the least we need to do i.e. to visit him at the hospital and to really pray for him to strengthen his faith in God and ask God for his speedy recovery in spite of his rather serious diagnosis.

When we visited him in the hospital on 9/4, Steve was in a great deal of pain and definitely could not be released to go home the next day. The doctors needed to observe him for a few more days for they did not know for sure what other problems may be bothering him. We really prayed for God’s mercy and grace be upon him since he is such a young believer and barely out of shock that he has cancer. We assured him that God loves him and Jesus died for him, therefore whatever happened to him, God allowed it. He must believe it is best for him and may be God’s way to bring Steve back to Himself.

God brings people together

9/1/13

We arranged with Mr. and Mrs. Yen to meet at 信友堂 for Sunday Service. We were hoping to meet with their son, a doctor who just recently returned to Taipei to continue his service as a doctor. However, because he has to work that day at the hospital, we did not meet him. We have heard about Xin You Tang before knowing it is one of older and well known church and we really like to get to know Taipei better especially about the different churches.

That day the sermon was given Rev. Chen Ji Ming, an earlier president of Hwa Shen Seminary, delivering powerful word of God for His people. At the welcome of visitors, Mr. Yen’s ex-colleague Mr. Hu came to greet him and it was wonderful to see two ambassadors of Taiwan catching up with each other even they are almost 20 years apart. We all ended having lunch together in a nearby quiet restaurant in spite of pouring rain during the day. It was such a treat to be listeners of how the diplomats talked about where they had been and what they had done when neither of us knows too much about politics. God revealed to us that there are good politicians who care about the people of their country mainly because they are His children and therefore good citizens and stewards of His kingdom.

We visited #4 uncle and aunt the second time and this time, also cousin Dorothy. Praise God that uncle was somewhat alert and he not only recognized us and held our hands tightly, he called my name (nick name) loudly and clearly to everyone’s surprise. It was such pleasant surprise and relief to aunt that she agreed to go out to dinner with Dorothy and us, even though she has not left the house for weeks, being sorry with uncle’s health. What a gift from God to us!

9/2/13

We were surprised to contact Rev. Siau Wen Khe whom we were introduced to before we left for Kyrgyzstan as missionaries. We were told that we must get to know this couple – Rev, & Shimu if we wanted to become missionaries. We followed the advice and got to know them before we left in 2005. However, we did not follow up with them again until late 2011 when we were invited to share at a church in Albany, CA, while Rev. Siau preached that morning for the Sunday service. Ever since then, we tried to keep in touch. Still, we were not sure if they would be in Taiwan. However, when we called, they were happy to see us and we met at their new home in Xin-pu near Ban-qiao. We had a very pleasant time together, counting our blessings and praying God’s leading for all of us and how He may continue to use us and may even use us together in some ways. We also promise to meet again in US at the end of this year or beginning of 2014.

At 3:00pm, we also met with Max and Jean for tea. They have been our hosts for the past 2-3 years that we have been coming to Taiwan for our medical exams and treatments. We are so thankful to them for re-educating us about Taiwan that we can learn how to get around. We had a wonderful time catching up and praise God for His protection over both of our families.

                                 蕭牧師師母

9/3/2013

It is another day of doctors’ appointment from noon till 5:30pm. This time we are learning how to take the bus to get to the hospital. We noticed that there were frequent buses heading that direction and of course it is much cheaper than taking taxi and even compared to Mass Rapid Transit. Since we knew our doctors were considered as the top doctors and their time is usually packed and patients ended have to wait to see them. However God showed us special favors and we managed to see them on time and could on time.

We praise God that we were able to attend Ling Liang Tang’s prayer meeting and found out the attendees filled up the hall with more than 200 people. The senior pastor delivered a mini sermon to the congregation to pray for the nation and the world. That night we prayed for the marriage system and how it is now impacting the children of the world.

God is so wonderful

 08/30/2013 we were connected just by the unexpected ways with three groups of people, not by our own design.

1.    Meet with Chiou Jie, office manager in Taipei of Care Ministry International recommended by Rev. Morley Lee. We spent at least 2 hours with her introducing ourselves and also getting to know about her and their ministry.

2.    Have not planned to meet with Willis Han and Jocelyn and did not even have their contact number, but through divine connection, we met for lunch and visited their new Interserve Office in Far East Broadcast Bldg. We made a special short trip to visit the sister who connected us with Willis and who also happened to attend the same praise dance/exercise as Mrs. Yen whose apartment we were staying for the first 2 nights in Taiwan. What a small world in God’s Kingdom and how He links His children together for His own purpose. It was wonderful to catch up and if God is willing we may link up in some way and tap into Network with like mind.

3.    Fiona linked us up with the Director of their Mission & Church Planting Division, Rev. Ling-nam Leo Ip, we also met his wife, Pastor Theresa Lo. They are also very much into family Education and can help us with parenting classes for our kindergarten that we are in great need of.

08/31/2013

Jack picked us up at 9:15 to meet with President of HTC foundation in Tao Yuan – Mr. Cho. We had a very pleasant meeting with Mr. Cho and he was very encouraging of our new ministry. We talked about character building at the kindergarten for the very young and we also plan to teach parenting classes to the parents inviting them to be involved with the growth and development of their children. Mr. Cho seemed to approve of our work and we pray that he would be helpful when we do approach him for support in the future.

After lunch, Jack took us to see the art exhibition at HTC reception Hall and we met the artists as well as the collectors who bought his pictures in Xin Dian at a substantial price. This is our first time meeting with Christian artists openly willing to proclaim their identity as Christians and doing exhibition as Christians.

We made back in time in the evening to attend the fellowship at Fiona’s house and were given the chance to share with them our vision and mission. God was with us and gave us the words to touch the ladies. We were with them for three hours and they loved what we were sharing and asked if we were able to continue the following Saturday. Again we met with a sister who knew our good friends Moling Yeh

and her husband from Tulsa, Oklahoma. They met close to 20 years ago. God is so amazing for linking us up. We praise Him.

The Artist Tzu-Chi Yeh is 2nd from the left. Jack is 1st from the right.

God's amazing provision

8/29, we had a wonderful breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Yen and their friend who stays at the same apartment complex and also taught Mrs. Yen 讚美操.

We left around 10:30 to move to Fiona’s place.  Who is Fiona? She is indeed God-sent!

From the past 3 years, Max, John’s ex-colleague and Jean, his wife have always taken us into their house in Xin-Dian and given VIP treatment. However, due to different reasons, we have not been able to stay with them for the last few times when we were passing by Taiwan. May be God thought they pampered us too much that we may no longer be fit to remain as missionaries and we might depend on them more than we should.

Early last year, due to the roadblock and trees falling damaging to the water supply to their house they could not take us in upon or arrival. We ended staying in a hotel in Taipei that they arranged for us for a few days while their road and house were being repaired.  Again in late Sept., early Oct. we passed by Taiwan to go to Kyrgyzstan, and they just returned from a trip to the Philippines, Jean came down with 登革熱 which was contagious. Jack helped us getting hotel accommodation at a substantial discount at a nearby resort. Well, that was a very nice treat and greatly needed in the midst of our dilemma searching for God’s will as regarding our future direction, Looking back, everything that happened has God’s good intention embedded in it and He meant well, even though at the time, it seemed to be a misfortune or setback. We are now totally convinced that His way is higher than our way and His thoughts are not ours and are far, … far better than ours. We just need to trust Him totally.

Back to Fiona, at the end of last year, she made a wish to God that since she has 4 bedrooms in her house she wants to dedicate at least 1 room for the use of God’s servant/maid/missionary who needs a place to use while they are passing by Taiwan for God’s business. She happened to run into Zi Mei Jie just a week ago in an elevator after meeting each other 8 years ago. She shared her thought with Zi Mei Jie who just emailed us that information along with others, not knowing we needed a place to stay. But of course, God knows all things and He is absolutely behind all these! Fiona and us contacted and we even cancelled the other hotel booking which is not as convenient and would have cost us at least US$65/day.

Fiona took us to lunch and showed us around so we can get a bit familiar with the neighborhood. We were glad that we could visit Elder Bai Pei Ying on Thur. 3 pm and updated him of our new direction and new ministry and received his approval and blessings. Also we found out how our two students are doing at Chung Yuan University – Mahabat and Ledjer, and the university itself. We are really encouraged how God bless His work and His own people.

Amazing Days in Taiwan

We Arrived at Tao Yuan Airport at 08/27/2013, 5 am, and checked out 4 large pieces of luggage and 2 small pieces of carry-on. Knowing space is precious in Taiwan and there is no room for our luggage, we right away checked in 3 large pieces at the airport, for temporary storage till we are ready to leave for Urumqi-Bishkek. We planned to stay with Mr. Yen and his wife for 2 days and then with Fiona Chang for the rest of the time in Taiwan (13 days). We have never seen either home and did not even know Fiona prior to meeting her on 8/29 11am for the first time. We are just so grateful to God for their generosity and really appreciated their hospitality recognizing how much they saved us especially when we are in need of start-up funding at this time.

In spite of our hasty arrangement and lack of unclear communication of our arrival time with Mr. and Mrs. Yen so they were uncertain of our arrival time, and when we got to their apartment complex they were away. We managed to leave our luggage with their building office manager. Praise God that we were able to go to 長庚醫院 for a day of check-ups, doctors’ appointment for both Christa and John and even a small procedure for John for his cyst at the back of his neck.  

Most of 8/28 was also spent in the hospital from morning till 4pm, but Jack and Cynthia came to meet with us for a wonderful lunch. We had a precious time to catch up while planning also to meet with some possible people while we are in Taiwan. Around 5 pm, we went to visit 4th Uncle and Aunt and Cousin Martin who was leaving for USA the next day. Uncle was asleep most of time. We went back to Mr. & Mrs. Yen’s place and had a nice chat with them till 10 pm before we fell into deep sleep from two very hectic, and exhaustive days but totally filled with gratitude for God that He arranged such loving people around us affirming His approval of our direction.

Photos taken from 8/24/2013 fundraising lunch has been uploaded.  Please click on tab "8/24/13 Fundraising Lunch Photos" on the right hand side under the calendar to view them.

Gordon

Schedule of John & Christa

Sorry for the late post.

John & Christa Left for Taiwan on 8/27, and have done medical checkup.  They are currently in Taiwan.

On 9/10, they will fly to Kyrgyzstan.  They plan to held a co-workers training on 9/26 - 9/27.

The kindergarden is scheduled to open on November 1st.

They plan to fly back on 12/15, and arrive here on 12/19.

I'll put the dates on the calender.

Also, on the 8/24 fundraising lunch, we raised  total $44,327.00.  This amount include a pledged stock donation valued $5000 from one person, but still need to be substrated from some of the fundraising cost.

Please let me know if you have questions and comments.

God Bless,

Gordon

A Glorious Day

A Glorious Day - Fundraising Lunch Event

Fundraising Lunch Event (8/24/2013) was a success in so many ways and it was made possible because of God’s presence. He touched many brothers and sisters in Christ willing to be involved in this new ministry in Kyrgyzstan (His Work, of course).  Our hearts were so filled with joy and gratitude when people were coming in and filling up the tables. We were smiling through tears for being so loved.

Our God is just so good! When we were hesitant if we could even have 10 tables of attendees in such a short notice - when schools are starting, many people we know  are travelling, and so many other events are happening on the same date, but He gave us 17 tables at the very end. These people were from different churches but with one purpose to glorify His name, enjoy the fellowship in Christ and to serve God and men with one heart.

Everything was wonderful - a hearty worship with hymns, thanksgiving prayer for good food to keep us fit to serve God, Cello performance by a talented 13 year old young man – Joshua, a short sharing of why we are starting the kindergarten project by John & Christa and of course an excellent result of the fundraising of almost $40,000 during this time, far more than we can hope for or even imagine. It could not be any better and we just want to bow down before Him for His abundant provision and blessing.

Thank you all, we love you so much! Even though we cannot thank each one of you personally, but you know who you are and God does too! We trust that He will bless all of us!

We are sure there will be more help coming as we are speaking, but we are leaving our wonderful Bay Area Support Team to take care of finance, for we are flying out of USA to Taiwan. We also thank God that Typhoon has just left Taiwan for we may land smoothly in Taiwan.

Through this BLOG, we will keep you posted of our journey with God. Again thank you for being our partners and remember that it is your support that makes everything possible.

Preparation for Fundraising Lunch

There are many things to get ready for the Day and we want it to be a day to glorify His Name and also for all attendants to enjoy our God and what He has provided for us. We selected some hymns that we expect all people to sing to worship Him and we will also have a young man, Joshua to play cello for us.
The Friday before 8/23, some of us (the core team) will have a meeting at the restaurant to do the final planning such as table arrangement, checking out the sound system, the hookup for presentation, the placement for the "stage" etc. May whatever we do be pleasing to Him! So lift us up with prayers, for this is the first time we are doing such event.

See you on 8/24 at 11:00. We do expect around 150 people or more.

Give Thanks

For fundraising lunch we now have 17 tables. Again God gives us more than we asked for. We were only hoping for 10 tables. We praise God that our older son made us some ceramic vases that we are allowed to give away as part of fundraising.

Fundraising & Vision Sharing Lunch

There will be a Fundraising & Vision Sharing Lunch on Aug 24, Saturday, 11:00am -1:30pm at Twins Royal Cuisine 潮粵軒,  address: 61 Serra Way, Milpitas, CA 95035