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.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Unnoticed Disasters
Team Hong Kong Newsletter # 25
Unnoticed Disasters
June 9, 2008
by Ben Herr
We've been seeing a lot of umbrellas over the past couple days. That's not unusual, given that a lot of people here are worried about the negative effects of the sun, but let's just say umbrellas are finally being used for their intended purpose. After a few showers over the last two weeks or so hinted that the spring rainy season was on its way, it has rained non-stop, or so it seems, for a couple days. On Friday, Josh and I went to help take some furniture from the EMM Office to Crossroads, and my shoes were soaked before we even made it to the main street (a 30 second walk from Agape).
On Friday evening, Pastor Jeremiah was here and got a phone call that we should check to make sure the slope behind the church was stable. At first I didn't think much about it; the person who called works for the government doing stuff with slope stabilization or something, and he was probably just doing his job. No problem. However, the next day, we heard that there had been several landslides around Hong Kong due to all the rain. One had buried some homes and stores and (I'm not sure if this was the same one) killed two people from China who were visiting their families here in Hong Kong.
In light of all we've heard about the earthquake in China and the cyclone in Myanmar, my first reaction wasn't very big. Compared to all the pictures we've seen of the devastation in China, it wasn't all that big of a disaster. But the truth of the matter is, it was a disaster, just for less people. Even though it's easy for us mathematicians to say it didn't affect very many people, a handful of people lost their homes, stores, and/or family members.
It's always hard to know what to do when you hear about big natural disasters such as the earthquake, because it feels like there's nothing you can do that will make a difference in the big picture. However, it's important to remember that there are a lot more things happening than what we often hear about. Maybe we just have to keep our eyes and ears open. It doesn't even have to be a "small" disaster. Sometimes it's the smallest things like a smile that can make a big difference in someone's day. We just have to look for the opportunities. They are there.
Praises:
- We are anticipating the baptism of 6 people from Agape Mennonite Church this Sunday, four of which are youth that we have been very involved with during our time here.
- June 4 marked 6 months since we arrived in Hong Kong. It's amazing to look back over the time we've been here. Where did all that time go?
Prayer Requests:
- Remember to keep those affected by the earthquake, cyclone, and landslides in your prayers.
- There is an evangelistic night being planned for June 28.
Unnoticed Disasters
June 9, 2008
by Ben Herr
We've been seeing a lot of umbrellas over the past couple days. That's not unusual, given that a lot of people here are worried about the negative effects of the sun, but let's just say umbrellas are finally being used for their intended purpose. After a few showers over the last two weeks or so hinted that the spring rainy season was on its way, it has rained non-stop, or so it seems, for a couple days. On Friday, Josh and I went to help take some furniture from the EMM Office to Crossroads, and my shoes were soaked before we even made it to the main street (a 30 second walk from Agape).
On Friday evening, Pastor Jeremiah was here and got a phone call that we should check to make sure the slope behind the church was stable. At first I didn't think much about it; the person who called works for the government doing stuff with slope stabilization or something, and he was probably just doing his job. No problem. However, the next day, we heard that there had been several landslides around Hong Kong due to all the rain. One had buried some homes and stores and (I'm not sure if this was the same one) killed two people from China who were visiting their families here in Hong Kong.
In light of all we've heard about the earthquake in China and the cyclone in Myanmar, my first reaction wasn't very big. Compared to all the pictures we've seen of the devastation in China, it wasn't all that big of a disaster. But the truth of the matter is, it was a disaster, just for less people. Even though it's easy for us mathematicians to say it didn't affect very many people, a handful of people lost their homes, stores, and/or family members.
It's always hard to know what to do when you hear about big natural disasters such as the earthquake, because it feels like there's nothing you can do that will make a difference in the big picture. However, it's important to remember that there are a lot more things happening than what we often hear about. Maybe we just have to keep our eyes and ears open. It doesn't even have to be a "small" disaster. Sometimes it's the smallest things like a smile that can make a big difference in someone's day. We just have to look for the opportunities. They are there.
Praises:
- We are anticipating the baptism of 6 people from Agape Mennonite Church this Sunday, four of which are youth that we have been very involved with during our time here.
- June 4 marked 6 months since we arrived in Hong Kong. It's amazing to look back over the time we've been here. Where did all that time go?
Prayer Requests:
- Remember to keep those affected by the earthquake, cyclone, and landslides in your prayers.
- There is an evangelistic night being planned for June 28.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Team Hong Kong Newsletter # 24
More China
June 2, 2008
by Maria Sensenig
"But it's so dangerous!" "It's really dirty and nobody pays attention to traffic rules!" "You have to watch your wallets so carefully, there are pick-pockets everywhere!" These were the responses we recieved from several of our friends here in Hong Kong when we asked them if they'd like to accompany us to China. I think they really were unable to understand our excitement in going, but we had visas (for which we paid a pretty penny) that were about to expire and there was no chance we were going to forego our last oppurtunity to get into this country. After much persuasion and the added offer of them spending the night and enjoying a Ben and Josh created breakfast, they finally consented.
The next morning, our stomachs quite satisfied by pancakes and shakes, we headed off full of energy and enthusiasm. Our main destination was a park in Shenzhen. The purpose of half of the park was to represent many different people groups from all over China through replicas of their homes, people dressed up in costumes, performances, etc. The other half of the park had miniature versions of all the highlights in China such as the Great Wall, the king's palace, etc. Unfortunately our enthusiasm was a bit short-lived, as the heat of the sun combined with the ridiculous level of humidity absolutely drained us. By mid-afternoon we were all sunburnt and irritable. I think by this time our friends began to regret their decision to join us, not because of the dirt or the danger, but because we are not nearly as much fun after spending so many hours in the heat.
Eventually we'd seen enough of the park and headed to another part of the city where we wandered crowded streets and paid close attention to the whereabouts of our money and passports. We ended our time in China with dinner and then happily headed home, relishing the thought of air-conditioning and not doing any more walking.
After we arrived home, we were reflecting on the day and discussing whether or not we had fun. Our friend Flora put it this way, "It will be a special memory." I think we could all agree. It was incredibly exhausting, but in retrospect we had some really fun moments and no one regretted their decision to go.
Praises:
- We really haven't had any health issues. Sometimes I take this huge blessing for granted!
- We've had some times of worship and also times of prayer for the city recently that have been really meaningful to us as a team.
Prayer Requests:
- We are planning an Enlglish Bible Camp for the students we used to meet with at the school. We were looking forward to inviting them personally but our last time with them was cancelled, so please pray that we will still get a good response!
- That we can remained focused during our remaining time here.
More China
June 2, 2008
by Maria Sensenig
"But it's so dangerous!" "It's really dirty and nobody pays attention to traffic rules!" "You have to watch your wallets so carefully, there are pick-pockets everywhere!" These were the responses we recieved from several of our friends here in Hong Kong when we asked them if they'd like to accompany us to China. I think they really were unable to understand our excitement in going, but we had visas (for which we paid a pretty penny) that were about to expire and there was no chance we were going to forego our last oppurtunity to get into this country. After much persuasion and the added offer of them spending the night and enjoying a Ben and Josh created breakfast, they finally consented.
The next morning, our stomachs quite satisfied by pancakes and shakes, we headed off full of energy and enthusiasm. Our main destination was a park in Shenzhen. The purpose of half of the park was to represent many different people groups from all over China through replicas of their homes, people dressed up in costumes, performances, etc. The other half of the park had miniature versions of all the highlights in China such as the Great Wall, the king's palace, etc. Unfortunately our enthusiasm was a bit short-lived, as the heat of the sun combined with the ridiculous level of humidity absolutely drained us. By mid-afternoon we were all sunburnt and irritable. I think by this time our friends began to regret their decision to join us, not because of the dirt or the danger, but because we are not nearly as much fun after spending so many hours in the heat.
Eventually we'd seen enough of the park and headed to another part of the city where we wandered crowded streets and paid close attention to the whereabouts of our money and passports. We ended our time in China with dinner and then happily headed home, relishing the thought of air-conditioning and not doing any more walking.
After we arrived home, we were reflecting on the day and discussing whether or not we had fun. Our friend Flora put it this way, "It will be a special memory." I think we could all agree. It was incredibly exhausting, but in retrospect we had some really fun moments and no one regretted their decision to go.
We discovered we had a huge interest in this cave-dwelling people group. In order to make their home more realistic it housed one of the only air-conditioners in the park. A few of us may have actually fallen asleep in this exhibit.
Praises:
- We really haven't had any health issues. Sometimes I take this huge blessing for granted!
- We've had some times of worship and also times of prayer for the city recently that have been really meaningful to us as a team.
Prayer Requests:
- We are planning an Enlglish Bible Camp for the students we used to meet with at the school. We were looking forward to inviting them personally but our last time with them was cancelled, so please pray that we will still get a good response!
- That we can remained focused during our remaining time here.
Friday, May 30, 2008
The Vibrating Pipes
So we have this small plumbing issue. We know it occurs when multiple sources of water are being used, including our neighbor's, but we haven't yet figured out how to solve it. Or when it will strike. Please enjoy a short moment in the life of the Hong Kong Yes Team.
Credits
Starring: Maria Sensenig
Videographer: Karen Martin
Technical Assistance Manager: Joshua Blank
Vocal Talents: Karen Martin and the Pipes
Former Technical Assistance Manager: Benjamin Herr
Overall Consultant: Benjamin Herr
Cameos: songbook, Ben's Chinese New Year Flower, and the toilet
Blog Designer: Joshua Blank
Former Blog Designer: Maria Sensenig
Obsessive Compulsive Deleter of Videos: Maria Sensenig
Video Resurrection Team: Joshua Blank
Monday, May 26, 2008
Team Hong Kong Newsletter #23
The Small Picture
May 26, 2008
by Joshua Blank
Sometimes writing a newsletter is hard because there does not seem to be much happening. There is no good story to tell, no major event that stirs the heart, no once in a lifetime incredible experience. But what I often forget is that life is not usually made up of huge cataclysmic events, but rather small day-by-day happenings that, when combined, form a beautiful web that can only be seen in small bits and pieces and certainly cannot be described in three or four paragraphs. But this past Sunday, I was able to catch a small glimpse of the amazing ways God has been using people to influence others in seemingly minuscule and often unnoticed ways.
Sunday afternoon we went out to the Tuen Mun Center for a short time of worship after which we traveled by bus to a nearby beach for a baptism in the ocean (similar to the one Ben talked about way back in newsletter #5). And there was nothing spectacular or too exciting that happened. But afterward I thought about the people being baptized and those that were helping with the baptism. Of those being baptized, three are ladies who are part of a small group that was formed by some women in the church willing to invest their love and time into the lives of others. The other, Lia Kauffman, is the daughter of one of the missionaries here. June Kauffman (Lia's mother) and Rita (another member of the church)have both been involved with the women's small group and led each person into the water to be baptized. The two men doing the actual baptism were Glenn Kauffman (husband of June and father of Lia) and Mr. Fu (the pastor who just recently joined the ministry at Tuen Mun). Glenn has been working with the Mennonite church in Hong Kong for about 15 years and Mr. Fu just came on board a few weeks ago, but has taken an active role in the church at Tuen Mun which has been really neat to see.
Above, from right to left, Rita, one of the ladies being baptized, June, Pastor Fu, and Glenn.
Well, that's a lot of details, so you're probably wondering what the point is. I guess it is just neat to think about all the little pieces that formed this rather nondescript-looking picture. So many different people involved in little ways that, seen from the outside, doesn't really look like much -- just a few people getting dunked in the ocean while a small crowd watches. But it is really a small picture of what God's work looks like: one event leading to another, one little opportunity taken to reach out into the life of someone else leading to another opportunity, one small commitment of time leading to a greater commitment -- an ongoing cycle that can radically transform lives, which goes on so slowly that it is little known or recognized by the world, yet celebrated with all sorts of rejoicing in Heaven.
So what opportunities am I missing? Too focused on the big picture and the big problems that need to be fixed, I lose track of the details and the day-by-day ordinary-looking choices, which is where God desires me to be acting. The truly great things, the things that will last the longest, are not one time here-and-done events, but a culmination of hundreds if not thousands of tiny choices, which seem so insignificant on their own. Sometimes none of the affects are ever seen until many years later, but the big picture never happens unless the small steps are taken.
Praises:
- How God is working, even when we don't see big immediate consequences of our actions.
- The blessing that the visit from Maria's parents was.
- The concern that the church here has shown for our brothers and sisters affected by the earthquake in China, resulting in an outpouring of prayer as well as financial support.
Prayer Requests:
- That we as a team could remain focused on our work here, not disengaging from the work until it is time for us to go home.
- That we would remain strong and able to continue doing whatever we need to be doing, even with the increasing heat and humidity that can be quite draining.
Maria with Lia Kauffman
The Small Picture
May 26, 2008
by Joshua Blank
Sometimes writing a newsletter is hard because there does not seem to be much happening. There is no good story to tell, no major event that stirs the heart, no once in a lifetime incredible experience. But what I often forget is that life is not usually made up of huge cataclysmic events, but rather small day-by-day happenings that, when combined, form a beautiful web that can only be seen in small bits and pieces and certainly cannot be described in three or four paragraphs. But this past Sunday, I was able to catch a small glimpse of the amazing ways God has been using people to influence others in seemingly minuscule and often unnoticed ways.
Sunday afternoon we went out to the Tuen Mun Center for a short time of worship after which we traveled by bus to a nearby beach for a baptism in the ocean (similar to the one Ben talked about way back in newsletter #5). And there was nothing spectacular or too exciting that happened. But afterward I thought about the people being baptized and those that were helping with the baptism. Of those being baptized, three are ladies who are part of a small group that was formed by some women in the church willing to invest their love and time into the lives of others. The other, Lia Kauffman, is the daughter of one of the missionaries here. June Kauffman (Lia's mother) and Rita (another member of the church)have both been involved with the women's small group and led each person into the water to be baptized. The two men doing the actual baptism were Glenn Kauffman (husband of June and father of Lia) and Mr. Fu (the pastor who just recently joined the ministry at Tuen Mun). Glenn has been working with the Mennonite church in Hong Kong for about 15 years and Mr. Fu just came on board a few weeks ago, but has taken an active role in the church at Tuen Mun which has been really neat to see.
Above, from right to left, Rita, one of the ladies being baptized, June, Pastor Fu, and Glenn.
Well, that's a lot of details, so you're probably wondering what the point is. I guess it is just neat to think about all the little pieces that formed this rather nondescript-looking picture. So many different people involved in little ways that, seen from the outside, doesn't really look like much -- just a few people getting dunked in the ocean while a small crowd watches. But it is really a small picture of what God's work looks like: one event leading to another, one little opportunity taken to reach out into the life of someone else leading to another opportunity, one small commitment of time leading to a greater commitment -- an ongoing cycle that can radically transform lives, which goes on so slowly that it is little known or recognized by the world, yet celebrated with all sorts of rejoicing in Heaven.
So what opportunities am I missing? Too focused on the big picture and the big problems that need to be fixed, I lose track of the details and the day-by-day ordinary-looking choices, which is where God desires me to be acting. The truly great things, the things that will last the longest, are not one time here-and-done events, but a culmination of hundreds if not thousands of tiny choices, which seem so insignificant on their own. Sometimes none of the affects are ever seen until many years later, but the big picture never happens unless the small steps are taken.
Praises:
- How God is working, even when we don't see big immediate consequences of our actions.
- The blessing that the visit from Maria's parents was.
- The concern that the church here has shown for our brothers and sisters affected by the earthquake in China, resulting in an outpouring of prayer as well as financial support.
Prayer Requests:
- That we as a team could remain focused on our work here, not disengaging from the work until it is time for us to go home.
- That we would remain strong and able to continue doing whatever we need to be doing, even with the increasing heat and humidity that can be quite draining.
Maria with Lia Kauffman
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Team Hong Kong Newsletter #22
Prayer
May 19, 2008
by Karen Martin
I glanced at the speedometer and then looked a second time. The indicator really was resting at zero. Meanwhile the taxi was moving quite rapidly. The pouring rain was making it hard for the driver to navigate the slick rutted dirt road. And so began the journey from Cambodia to Thailand. In the midst of this I prayed, asking that God would protect us and allow us to arrive safely at the Thailand border.
I was sitting under a mango tree in a Thai village two days later. Slurping yet another piece of delicious mango and gazing peacefully at my surroundings - the fields of rice, the dirt road, the village houses, and the villagers gathered on the porch a few feet away. Could I really be in Thailand? I listened as a Thai believer shared with the villagers. It was the first time many of them had heard about our Creator. This time I prayed that God would stir the hearts of the villagers.
Finally, I was climbing the steps to Agape Church. Tired after 24 hours of traveling by truck, train, taxi, airplane, and bus. My teammates and I stopped to thank God for bringing us back to Hong Kong safely and to praise Him for all the experiences of the past two weeks.
Stories of our trip to Cambodia and Thailand are still fresh in my mind. I wish I could describe the entire experience or just take you there. I hope that you've caught a glimpse and also recognized the theme of prayer. It's vital.
There is heart felt sadness here in Hong Kong. We continue to see and hear the stories of those effected by the earthquake in China. This is the homeland of many who live in Hong Kong. What can I do? What have I seen my brothers and sisters in Christ do? Let's start by praying.
Praises:
- We have happily settled back into our normal routines and look forward to the coming weeks we have here in Hong Kong
- We are thankful for the wide variety of experiences we had in Cambodia and Thailand
- The past week we've had sunshine and lower humidity when usually it rains at this time of the year
-Maria's parents have arrived safely
Prayer Requests:
- That we can use the remaining time in Hong Kong wisely
- For those who feel the effects of the earthquake in China
Prayer
May 19, 2008
by Karen Martin
I glanced at the speedometer and then looked a second time. The indicator really was resting at zero. Meanwhile the taxi was moving quite rapidly. The pouring rain was making it hard for the driver to navigate the slick rutted dirt road. And so began the journey from Cambodia to Thailand. In the midst of this I prayed, asking that God would protect us and allow us to arrive safely at the Thailand border.
I was sitting under a mango tree in a Thai village two days later. Slurping yet another piece of delicious mango and gazing peacefully at my surroundings - the fields of rice, the dirt road, the village houses, and the villagers gathered on the porch a few feet away. Could I really be in Thailand? I listened as a Thai believer shared with the villagers. It was the first time many of them had heard about our Creator. This time I prayed that God would stir the hearts of the villagers.
Finally, I was climbing the steps to Agape Church. Tired after 24 hours of traveling by truck, train, taxi, airplane, and bus. My teammates and I stopped to thank God for bringing us back to Hong Kong safely and to praise Him for all the experiences of the past two weeks.
Stories of our trip to Cambodia and Thailand are still fresh in my mind. I wish I could describe the entire experience or just take you there. I hope that you've caught a glimpse and also recognized the theme of prayer. It's vital.
There is heart felt sadness here in Hong Kong. We continue to see and hear the stories of those effected by the earthquake in China. This is the homeland of many who live in Hong Kong. What can I do? What have I seen my brothers and sisters in Christ do? Let's start by praying.
Praises:
- We have happily settled back into our normal routines and look forward to the coming weeks we have here in Hong Kong
- We are thankful for the wide variety of experiences we had in Cambodia and Thailand
- The past week we've had sunshine and lower humidity when usually it rains at this time of the year
-Maria's parents have arrived safely
Prayer Requests:
- That we can use the remaining time in Hong Kong wisely
- For those who feel the effects of the earthquake in China
Funny English China Edition
I love Chinglish and it's great in China (go figure). Here's some we saw in just four days.
I guess there's nothing wrong with self flattery
I guess if it's not actually fresh, this provides a nice loop hole
There once was a felephant who tried to use the felephone
Hongy dew fiavouned ice cream anyone?
I guess there's nothing wrong with self flattery
I guess if it's not actually fresh, this provides a nice loop hole
There once was a felephant who tried to use the felephone
Hongy dew fiavouned ice cream anyone?
Advertisement for an arcade if you couldn't make that out
To this I quite simply have no explanation
Most are great, but if you only have time for one, read #5
And the grand prize winner is:
bum
bum
bum
bum
bum
bum
Monday, May 12, 2008
Cambodia/Thailand
Team Hong Kong Newsletter #21
Angkor Wat
May 12, 2008
by Ben Herr
"Pineapple lady!?" (!? indicates a rising vocal tone, contrary to the standard high-then-low tone we would generally apply to a sales call such as "Peanuts! Popcorn!") "Mangos, bananas, cold drinks sir!?"
As you probably already know, the last two weeks we were in Cambodia, to provide child care at the EMM retreat, and Thailand, for our team vacation. During our time in Cambodia, we had the wonderful opportunity to visit Angkor Wat and the temples around it. At each and every entrance to each and every temple, you could hear the voices of people selling fresh fruit and cold drinks (see above) mixed with the more subtle voices of small kids surrounding you, all selling postcards, bracelets, and bags. When all the voices blended together, the resulting sound was as distinctive as the temples.
While we were walking through the temples, which are now sometimes referred to as ruins, I kept wondering what it must have looked like when it was built. The tall towers, structures, and carvings are still impressive, but the plants growing on them, the continual restoration work, and the way trees are slowly pulling parts of one temple apart was a constant reminder that their glory days were long past. Other people who were at the retreat had some similar and some slightly different observations, but they all seemed to zero in on the same thing: Man-made kingdoms come and go; only God's kingdom is eternal.
Praises:
-We had a good time with the kids at the retreat.
-Safety in travel.
-God's protection. In Thailand I was bit by a 6-inch centipede that can sometimes be poisonous/people can have bad allergic reactions to them. I only got two small bumps that went away in a couple of days.
Prayer Requests:
-For renewed focus now that the retreat, which was something we were doing a lot of planning for and looking at as "the next big thing" is over.
Here are some pictures from our trip.
One of the smaller temples
Another lesser known temple, but my favorite
Some trees growing on the structures
We got to see Greta in Cambodia! (We trained with her in Harrisburg, and she goes to my church. Or I go to hers. I don't know.)
steep stairs
Playing doctor with retreat kids
Angkor Wat
the Bayon
Some waterfalls in a national park we visited in Thailand
Angkor Wat
May 12, 2008
by Ben Herr
"Pineapple lady!?" (!? indicates a rising vocal tone, contrary to the standard high-then-low tone we would generally apply to a sales call such as "Peanuts! Popcorn!") "Mangos, bananas, cold drinks sir!?"
As you probably already know, the last two weeks we were in Cambodia, to provide child care at the EMM retreat, and Thailand, for our team vacation. During our time in Cambodia, we had the wonderful opportunity to visit Angkor Wat and the temples around it. At each and every entrance to each and every temple, you could hear the voices of people selling fresh fruit and cold drinks (see above) mixed with the more subtle voices of small kids surrounding you, all selling postcards, bracelets, and bags. When all the voices blended together, the resulting sound was as distinctive as the temples.
While we were walking through the temples, which are now sometimes referred to as ruins, I kept wondering what it must have looked like when it was built. The tall towers, structures, and carvings are still impressive, but the plants growing on them, the continual restoration work, and the way trees are slowly pulling parts of one temple apart was a constant reminder that their glory days were long past. Other people who were at the retreat had some similar and some slightly different observations, but they all seemed to zero in on the same thing: Man-made kingdoms come and go; only God's kingdom is eternal.
Praises:
-We had a good time with the kids at the retreat.
-Safety in travel.
-God's protection. In Thailand I was bit by a 6-inch centipede that can sometimes be poisonous/people can have bad allergic reactions to them. I only got two small bumps that went away in a couple of days.
Prayer Requests:
-For renewed focus now that the retreat, which was something we were doing a lot of planning for and looking at as "the next big thing" is over.
Here are some pictures from our trip.
One of the smaller temples
Another lesser known temple, but my favorite
Some trees growing on the structures
We got to see Greta in Cambodia! (We trained with her in Harrisburg, and she goes to my church. Or I go to hers. I don't know.)
steep stairs
Playing doctor with retreat kids
Angkor Wat
the Bayon
Some waterfalls in a national park we visited in Thailand
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Team Hong Kong Newsletter # 20
China
April 26, 2008
by Maria Sensenig
I hate to admit what a complete tourist I was. Everywhere I went I was snapping pictures left and right. This put me in grave danger as the chances of stepping on something or being plowed over by a moving object are quite high when one is distracted, even for a moment. I decided the risk was worth it, even though deep down inside I knew that no matter how hard I tried there was no way I could capture what I was feeling and seeing.
One thing I thought about a lot was all the contrasts that were around us. One moment we were out in the country surrounded by newly planted rice fields and everything was so fresh and a vibrant green. Soon after we were on a bus passing factory after factory, tall, drab, and depressing. One minute we wondering the aisles of a huge department store, the next we were in the wet market passing piles of jumping frogs and side-stepping pools of chicken blood. One morning we walked through a rural village with a population of about 30; by evening we were walking a city street that had 100 times that many people.
It only took a few moments in this place to realize that it isn't Hong Kong and everything moves at a much slower pace. I really enjoyed the laidback feel, but after spending more time there and discussing this with June we realized that it was actually a hopelessness we were seeing. But was there a contrast to this hopelessness? Yes, there certainly was. Hope in the form of a teenager who has no longer been bothered by evil spirits since committing his life to Christ. Hope in the form of several churches in this region that have been able to re-open since being closed during the cultural revolution. Hope in the form of a baby being dedicated to the Lord by her parents and church family. Praise God for the way He's moving among these wonderful people!
Praises:
- We had a safe an enjoyable trip to China.
Praises:
- We had a safe an enjoyable trip to China.
Prayer Requests:
- We will be leaving for Cambodia tomorrow and then going from there to Thailand. Please pray for safety as we're traveling, continued wisdom and energy as we take care of the kids, and a relaxing vacation!
- We will be leaving for Cambodia tomorrow and then going from there to Thailand. Please pray for safety as we're traveling, continued wisdom and energy as we take care of the kids, and a relaxing vacation!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Funny English 2
Here is another tiny taste of the phenomenon that is bad English. Sometimes I wonder how it would turn out if I tried to write something in Chinese. 
and Greetings, all of you faithful readers, as I'm living in Hong Kong! Enjoy every blog...Boony
and Greetings, all of you faithful readers, as I'm living in Hong Kong! Enjoy every blog...Boony
If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times! stop it!
"many old people thought by themselves and earrled ll oul." Also says "noving nation" under Iron block 66.
And for the high class, we have fountain rens
"I'm a surfer and I'm surfing all day. When I don't surf I eat some food. I'm always in " (the surfer's head cuts off the rest)
found on the edge of a fountain/pool. Our best guess is that padding is something done in the water?
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