July 27, 2008
Our final week in Hong Kong was filled with last minute things we wanted to do and people we wanted to see once more before our departure. There is a saying in Hong Kong that we had found to be fairly accurate: "It takes 2 years to make a friend." Yet at the airport when it was finally time to say "goodbye" -- or as we preferred, "see you later" -- we realized how deeply we have come to know a few people. As tears ran down their faces, we finally saw that we had built good relationships. And maybe that old saying wasn't as true as we had thought.
Now, as we look back over our time in Hong Kong, we become increasingly grateful for the many things we have experienced, the people we have met and gotten to know, the ways we have been taught and challenged and stretched. We praise our glorious Father who has given good gifts to His children. Yes, there were hard times in Hong Kong -- times when we did not understand why God had called us to this place, times when we thought that it would be better if we had not come at all -- yet He has remained faithful in both the good and bad, the rain and the sun, the busy times and the time when we didn't have much to do.
But now, a life-changing, formational part of our life is reaching its end. And although we are sure that there are still many more things for us to learn and experience, each of us will now go on our separate way. God called us together for a blessed time and now it is time to move in different directions (still keeping in contact of course, but no longer spending most of our waking time together). And we just wanted to take this opportunity to inform you of our future plans:
Maria is not sure what her next step will be. At this point she is returning home, getting a job, and discerning where God is taking her.
Ben will be returning to Harrisburg Discipleship Center three weeks after re-entry is over to spend a year on the volunteer staff there, helping coordinate community outreach, general house keeping, and doing other tasks.
Joshua will be attending Albright College in Reading, probably studying something along the lines of secondary education with mathematics and/or computer science.
Karen is planning to return home and get a job. At this point, she is thinking of attending a LPN (practical nursing) program in 2009.
We thank you, our readers, so much for the time that you have put into keeping track of what we were doing and in also faithfully lifting us up in your prayers. We have all definitely felt the effects of your prayers and can never express our full appreciation to you all. You may continue praying, of course, both for us as we enter the next phase of our lives and the church in Hong Kong as it continues to grow. Our desire is to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ," boldly proclaiming, "to Him be glory both now and forever! Amen." (our theme verse, II Peter 3:18)
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Team Hong Kong Newsletter #30
The Final HK Letter
July 14, 2008
by Karen Martin
Sometimes things don't go the way I expect. It is in these moments that I often learn a lesson. Tuesday we spent the day at Ocean Park with six students from the local Sha Tin Methodist School. We traveled to the park during a heavy rainstorm and I expected we would need to cancel our plans or find some other indoor activities. Amazingly, the rain ended as we entered the amusement park. Minimal sunshine and fewer people make a day in an amusement park quite fun!
After our exciting day at Ocean Park we planned to meet with these students Wednesday through Friday afternoons for a Bible Camp. As the team was making final preparations Wednesday morning, we received a phone call from one of the students. She was sick and would not be able to come. The other students also had other obligations or decided not to attend our Wednesday session. As a team, we were quite disappointed and questioned how to handle this situation. Why do events continuously get cancelled? We've put hours of planning into this camp, now what? God, what are you trying to teach us?
In reflecting, I realize that no matter how definite my plans seem to be, God is still in control. I need to trust that God has a plan, even when my definite plans don't happen. As for the students, we were able to spend more time praying for them. Relationships and conversation became a stronger focus during our Thursday and Friday sessions. I am thankful for the relationships that have been built and a lesson that I have learned!
Praises
- Praise God - through all of our strengths, weaknesses, dreams, and fears - He has placed us on this Hong Kong team, changed us, and allowed us to be His hands and feet!
Prayer Requests
-That we would be able to have a wholesome closure to our time in Hong Kong
-This week we are saying final goodbyes to many people
-For safety in our travels on July 18
The Final HK Letter
July 14, 2008
by Karen Martin
Sometimes things don't go the way I expect. It is in these moments that I often learn a lesson. Tuesday we spent the day at Ocean Park with six students from the local Sha Tin Methodist School. We traveled to the park during a heavy rainstorm and I expected we would need to cancel our plans or find some other indoor activities. Amazingly, the rain ended as we entered the amusement park. Minimal sunshine and fewer people make a day in an amusement park quite fun!
After our exciting day at Ocean Park we planned to meet with these students Wednesday through Friday afternoons for a Bible Camp. As the team was making final preparations Wednesday morning, we received a phone call from one of the students. She was sick and would not be able to come. The other students also had other obligations or decided not to attend our Wednesday session. As a team, we were quite disappointed and questioned how to handle this situation. Why do events continuously get cancelled? We've put hours of planning into this camp, now what? God, what are you trying to teach us?
In reflecting, I realize that no matter how definite my plans seem to be, God is still in control. I need to trust that God has a plan, even when my definite plans don't happen. As for the students, we were able to spend more time praying for them. Relationships and conversation became a stronger focus during our Thursday and Friday sessions. I am thankful for the relationships that have been built and a lesson that I have learned!
Praises
- Praise God - through all of our strengths, weaknesses, dreams, and fears - He has placed us on this Hong Kong team, changed us, and allowed us to be His hands and feet!
Prayer Requests
-That we would be able to have a wholesome closure to our time in Hong Kong
-This week we are saying final goodbyes to many people
-For safety in our travels on July 18
Monday, July 7, 2008
Starting to say Goodbye
Team Hong Kong Newsletter # 29
Starting to say Goodbye
July 7, 2008
by Ben Herr
As the days pass by, bringing the date of departure nearer, I've been starting to realize how short of a time eight months really is. As our remaining time here has gone from a month to three weeks to eleven days, it has come time to start saying goodbye, or preferably, see you later, to the many people we have learned to know. We got to spend the past weekend with many of the youth from church.
We had known about the weekend for a while. That we were going camping was about all I knew. I was curious to see how they did "camping," but it turned out to be what we would generally call a retreat (no tents, camp fires, or woods involved). It was almost shockingly similar to youth retreats I have been to as far as schedule and activities. Lots of group activities, sessions, free time on Saturday afternoon, and lights out time being followed about as much as a stop sign in Central America.
Despite the lack of sleep and not always knowing what was going on, we all had a good time. It was fun being with the group as a whole for the weekend, because even though we will likely see many of them again before we leave, it probably won't be in the same group setting. Even though I didn't say any goodbyes this weekend, it felt like "one last time" with all of them. I am very thankful for the time I've had with them (and still will have). They are a great group of people.
Praises:
- Our program this past Thursday at a local school went well. Although only a few students came, we had a good time of interaction with them.
- Wednesday was our last day at Crossroads. It was sad, but we made a lot of good memories there.
- Our program this past Thursday at a local school went well. Although only a few students came, we had a good time of interaction with them.
- Wednesday was our last day at Crossroads. It was sad, but we made a lot of good memories there.
Prayer Requests:
- We are doing a Bible camp this week (Wednesday through Friday) with several kids from the school.
- For the remainder of our time here.
- We are doing a Bible camp this week (Wednesday through Friday) with several kids from the school.
- For the remainder of our time here.
Discussion groups
Fetching a paper airplane without crossing the line
Balance your group on one foot and five hands
Monday, June 30, 2008
Team Hong Kong Newsletter # 28
Evangelistic Night
June 30, 2008
by Maria Sensenig
This past weekend we joined with Agape Mennonite Church in hosting an evangelistic night. The event was being planned for weeks and a lot of work was put into it. To be honest, not many of the invited guests showed up and to my knowledge, no one made a commitment that night. But it was a beautiful evening and we were privileged to see God at work.
The youth of this church were the ones who did most of the planning and took charge of this event. Now from our point of view, when we first met these young people, there really did not seem to be a whole lot of interest in spiritual things. But over the past few months we have had the privilege of watching that change. And it was especially evident leading up to and during this night. A group of them, having never fasted before, decided to fast and pray for nearly three days leading up to this evening. We were able to join them for one of the prayer meetings and even though I could only understand a few words, the passion in their voices was undeniable. We also all joined together for a pre-meeting worship time and the hall was filled with young people singing and praising God with an excitement and energy I've never seen among them before. As new people arrived it was neat watching the youth welcome them in and after the service they divided into small groups and shared God's love on a very personal level.
We thank God for allowing us to join in with these young people during this season of their lives. It is our prayer that as they continue to serve God and pour out their lives in service to Him, He would continue to fill them up. And even though we won't be here to see it, we're excited for what He's going to do!
Praises:
- We had a fun time in Macau and were able to return safely before the typhoon hit.
Prayer Requests:
- We will be doing a program in a school this week and doing a short "Bible English Camp" with a few students next week. Pray for wisdom and creativity as we prepare and God to be working on the hearts of those who are present during these times.
Evangelistic Night
June 30, 2008
by Maria Sensenig
This past weekend we joined with Agape Mennonite Church in hosting an evangelistic night. The event was being planned for weeks and a lot of work was put into it. To be honest, not many of the invited guests showed up and to my knowledge, no one made a commitment that night. But it was a beautiful evening and we were privileged to see God at work.
The youth of this church were the ones who did most of the planning and took charge of this event. Now from our point of view, when we first met these young people, there really did not seem to be a whole lot of interest in spiritual things. But over the past few months we have had the privilege of watching that change. And it was especially evident leading up to and during this night. A group of them, having never fasted before, decided to fast and pray for nearly three days leading up to this evening. We were able to join them for one of the prayer meetings and even though I could only understand a few words, the passion in their voices was undeniable. We also all joined together for a pre-meeting worship time and the hall was filled with young people singing and praising God with an excitement and energy I've never seen among them before. As new people arrived it was neat watching the youth welcome them in and after the service they divided into small groups and shared God's love on a very personal level.
We thank God for allowing us to join in with these young people during this season of their lives. It is our prayer that as they continue to serve God and pour out their lives in service to Him, He would continue to fill them up. And even though we won't be here to see it, we're excited for what He's going to do!
Praises:
- We had a fun time in Macau and were able to return safely before the typhoon hit.
Prayer Requests:
- We will be doing a program in a school this week and doing a short "Bible English Camp" with a few students next week. Pray for wisdom and creativity as we prepare and God to be working on the hearts of those who are present during these times.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Team Hong Kong Newsletter #27
Forgotten
June 23, 2008
by Joshua Blank
"I need to see your identification," the guard politely but firmly told me. When I showed him the slip of paper I had been given, he waved me on through the gate. Other guards continued to guide me in the proper direction until I had reached the crowd that had gathered in remembrance. There are a lot of things worth remembering in this world, and some deserve more than a simple gathering on one day of the year.
It was part of Crossroads’ program on World Refugee Day, Friday, June 20th. They had spent weeks in preparation for this one evening. Past and present Crossroads volunteers mingled with government officials as well as representatives from UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees). A huge tent housing main program was surrounded by some small tents like those which are used in refugee camps. Instead of refugees these smaller tents displayed the handiwork of less fortunate people from all backgrounds all around the world -- including refugees. After some time for looking at the crafts and eating some snacks, a program started in the main tent. It featured several speakers, the Australian Green Valley Youth Choir, and Crossroads’ own Helen Mottee singing some of the songs off her new album just released that evening. For many years, Helen has been writing songs which talk about the (formerly) unsung tragedies around the world, anything from the plight of refugees to modern society's abuse of television, from starving people in Africa to those affected by the recent cyclone in Burma.
It's something that Crossroads is very good at -- remembering the forgotten. When is the last time you've thought about the victims of the cyclone in Burma or the earthquake in China? When is the last time you heard anything about the situation for many children in Sudan who leave their homes every night to sleep in nearby towns for fear that the rebels will come and force them to join their army or die horribly? When is the last time you heard anything about human trafficking in Cambodia? When is the last time you thought about the thousands of displaced families in Afghanistan? And if you have thought of them, if you have heard of them, what have you done? Yeah, it's easy to say that the world is full of problems and there is nothing that any one person can do to make it better. But everyone can certainly do something, whether that be praying or giving money or going to help firsthand or getting the word out to others about opportunities to get involved. What can I do?
Praises:
- We've been seeing the sun and blue sky for the last several days. It's a welcome change after some of the rain we've had.
- We have the opportunity to visit Macau tomorrow!
Prayer Requests:
- For the evangelistic night at Agape this Saturday. Pray that those who come would experience God in a new way.
- We are planning some different activities the first week of July for some high school students.
If you're interested in Helen Mottee's music, you can check out a video by clicking here. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-H7CgwQhDZg&feature=related)
Forgotten
June 23, 2008
by Joshua Blank
"I need to see your identification," the guard politely but firmly told me. When I showed him the slip of paper I had been given, he waved me on through the gate. Other guards continued to guide me in the proper direction until I had reached the crowd that had gathered in remembrance. There are a lot of things worth remembering in this world, and some deserve more than a simple gathering on one day of the year.
It was part of Crossroads’ program on World Refugee Day, Friday, June 20th. They had spent weeks in preparation for this one evening. Past and present Crossroads volunteers mingled with government officials as well as representatives from UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees). A huge tent housing main program was surrounded by some small tents like those which are used in refugee camps. Instead of refugees these smaller tents displayed the handiwork of less fortunate people from all backgrounds all around the world -- including refugees. After some time for looking at the crafts and eating some snacks, a program started in the main tent. It featured several speakers, the Australian Green Valley Youth Choir, and Crossroads’ own Helen Mottee singing some of the songs off her new album just released that evening. For many years, Helen has been writing songs which talk about the (formerly) unsung tragedies around the world, anything from the plight of refugees to modern society's abuse of television, from starving people in Africa to those affected by the recent cyclone in Burma.
It's something that Crossroads is very good at -- remembering the forgotten. When is the last time you've thought about the victims of the cyclone in Burma or the earthquake in China? When is the last time you heard anything about the situation for many children in Sudan who leave their homes every night to sleep in nearby towns for fear that the rebels will come and force them to join their army or die horribly? When is the last time you heard anything about human trafficking in Cambodia? When is the last time you thought about the thousands of displaced families in Afghanistan? And if you have thought of them, if you have heard of them, what have you done? Yeah, it's easy to say that the world is full of problems and there is nothing that any one person can do to make it better. But everyone can certainly do something, whether that be praying or giving money or going to help firsthand or getting the word out to others about opportunities to get involved. What can I do?
Praises:
- We've been seeing the sun and blue sky for the last several days. It's a welcome change after some of the rain we've had.
- We have the opportunity to visit Macau tomorrow!
Prayer Requests:
- For the evangelistic night at Agape this Saturday. Pray that those who come would experience God in a new way.
- We are planning some different activities the first week of July for some high school students.
If you're interested in Helen Mottee's music, you can check out a video by clicking here. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-H7CgwQhDZg&feature=related)
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Team Hong Kong Newsletter #26
Their Stories
June 16, 2008
by Karen Martin
A buzz of excitement filled the air as people chatted and hugged one another. People were continuously snapping pictures. Numerous bouquets of flowers seemed to float from one person to another. All of this took place on Sunday at a campground in Fanling. The Agape Church family was there to celebrate the baptism of six believers. God amazingly held off the rain which came just minutes after the outdoor baptism service. Once we were settled in a very dry and cool room, those who were baptized gave their testimonies.
Words do not come easily in relaying what they shared. I was thrilled and humbled to hear how God has become the lover of my brother and sisters' souls. My teammates and I have spent six and a half months building friendships with the youth (four of whom were baptized). Through our curiosity and questioning they have told us a bit about their families and childhoods. However, their testimonies gave me a much clearer picture.
It was heartbreaking to see them in tears as they shared of misunderstandings with parents, feelings of complete emptiness, and rejection of friends. One friend shared about being raised by grandparents and the feeling that her parents had abandoned her. Another dear friend shared about watching her mother commit suicide and the extreme guilt that was place upon her for not taking action. To say the least, their stories were filled with sadness.
So why did they share these stories? To testify to God's love. He has given them life! The love of our Father has changed each and every one of them. May God be given all the glory for lives transformed by His extravagant love.
Praises:
- We rejoice and thank God for the lives of those who were baptized!
Prayer Requests:
- We will be helping with an evangelistic night at Agape Church on June 28. Pray with us, that God would be at work in the hearts of those leading and attending.
Their Stories
June 16, 2008
by Karen Martin
A buzz of excitement filled the air as people chatted and hugged one another. People were continuously snapping pictures. Numerous bouquets of flowers seemed to float from one person to another. All of this took place on Sunday at a campground in Fanling. The Agape Church family was there to celebrate the baptism of six believers. God amazingly held off the rain which came just minutes after the outdoor baptism service. Once we were settled in a very dry and cool room, those who were baptized gave their testimonies.
Words do not come easily in relaying what they shared. I was thrilled and humbled to hear how God has become the lover of my brother and sisters' souls. My teammates and I have spent six and a half months building friendships with the youth (four of whom were baptized). Through our curiosity and questioning they have told us a bit about their families and childhoods. However, their testimonies gave me a much clearer picture.
It was heartbreaking to see them in tears as they shared of misunderstandings with parents, feelings of complete emptiness, and rejection of friends. One friend shared about being raised by grandparents and the feeling that her parents had abandoned her. Another dear friend shared about watching her mother commit suicide and the extreme guilt that was place upon her for not taking action. To say the least, their stories were filled with sadness.
So why did they share these stories? To testify to God's love. He has given them life! The love of our Father has changed each and every one of them. May God be given all the glory for lives transformed by His extravagant love.
Praises:
- We rejoice and thank God for the lives of those who were baptized!
Prayer Requests:
- We will be helping with an evangelistic night at Agape Church on June 28. Pray with us, that God would be at work in the hearts of those leading and attending.
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