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.
Monday, June 30, 2008
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.
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