Mission Trip to Asia 2007, VBS 2008, VBS 2009, VBS 2010, Mission Trip 2011, VBS 2012

 July 2nd: Returning to Hong Kong had its mixed emotions.  We look forward to the ministry here but know that there is still great work left in the Philippines.  I am reminded though, that God has placed people in different settings and situations and will accomplish His will through them.  We just need to be willing to be used wherever and however God has planned.

As we reviewed our schedule, July will be full of activities.  Getting back to the schedule of preparing for Sunday services, we also have to prepare for VBS.  During the second week, we will be training our Chinese helpers teach in English.  The following week, our VBS will be held in a Nepalese neighborhood.  We will be partnering with the Inner City Ministries.  Our basketball camp will have a slight change.  During our time here, we will have open gym to see what type of response we will get to prepare for a basketball outreach during the fall.  This is the area wherein Harmony Baptist Church will be establishing their ministry.  

Last Sunday, we had communion and a praise  service.  It is an amazing experience to share the same God, who all-powerful--the same God of the prophets and the apostles, with people around the world!  Our worship, no matter in what language, is about our holy and gracious God. 

Cassie and Mikaela are involved in the music and I'm involved with helping set-up and part of the program.  I wasn't asked to sing yet.  After each service, our small groups discuss Biblical applications and share the blessings received during the worship service.  This time becomes more intimate as people share their thoughts and prayer requests.  Then the members stay until the evening for fellowship.  We were blessed with a prayer by our Muslim convert in his native tongue.  How beautiful it was to hear!  What truth is found in Philippians 2:11, "and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Today, we started construction on one part of the rooftop (which is under a canopy) to enclose it.   We still have much work to accomplish but it was a good start.  Where are my power tools!

July 10th:  It was very different not being able to celebrate the 4th in our usual manner.  I actually watched a fireworks display on the internet.  Being homesick was suppressed because we're with family and because of the busyness.  But I think a little bit of that was hitting me during this time.  It does remind me about how thankful I am for our country.  Many times one does not realize what he has until he has seen some parts of the world.  It does remind me of the freedoms I've taken for granted, the opportunities I have, and the responsibilities I have to maintain those freedoms (Galatians 5:13).  I am thankful for our Godly heritage yet saddened by those who want to destroy them.  By God's grace, I am blessed that my family is ministering at HBC and TCS.  I am encouraged by God's principle found in 2 Chronicles 7:14. 

It's been a privilege to work with Chris and Maylin in setting up the curriculum for VBS and establishing church policies.  Those college courses and years in the ministry have been invaluable!  Developing a curriculum from scratch and giving responsibilities to different teachers (directing music, performing skits, telling Bible stories) have been exhilarating.  The grave responsibility of sharing wisdom in establishing church policies brought on an experience that is also convicting (Galatians 6; Matthew 7:1-5).  Chris shared with Mikaela and his two sons the importance of our work and the value of the experiences we've had being reared in Christian homes.  It is a legacy they need to appreciate, learn, and practice into adulthood.  What an awesome privilege and responsibility!

The ministry at Harmony Baptist Church is very unique.  In Hong Kong, many families would contract helpers from the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and India for at least two years.  They would have to leave their families.  The money they make is sent home.  The ladies would work six days a week and is on call for 24 hours.  On their day off, which is usually on Sundays, they need to leave the house to get a break.  If they don't, they will be ask to work without pay.  So they congregate in the malls or the streets.  Most of the men are hired as drivers, musicians, or cooks.  Harmony Baptist Church reaches out to these people. 

Being away from home has its concerns and struggles.  Many of them need salvation, and Biblical guidance and encouragements.  Pray for the struggles they may encounter, for spiritual growth, and for the temptations both here and at home.  Pray for a site for the Ministry Center that HBC is seeking so that they may be able to minister to these communities.

July 17th:  Sunday's services brought on a bitter-sweet experience.  Two of the members are going home.  Sally, going home to the Philippines to her family for good.  Mr. "T", going home to Pakistan, not knowing what God will have in store for him nor his mother.  It was sad because we don't know when we'd see them again in this earth.  But the songs we sang Are You Ready to Meet Him, Take Time to Be Holy, His Way with Thee, As the Deer, and I Am Crucified with Christ were a challenge and an encouragement about our relationship with Christ and all our circumstances leads to our dependence upon Him.  We were glad because of the reunion they will have with their appropriate families.  It is an experience that is hard to explain unless you've experienced it yourself.  We just met these members and we will only be with them for the summer, but we feel a closeness with them (I Corinthians 12:12).  Chris has been speaking on Ephesians.  The theme that we've been discussing is about unity.  The unity doesn't have to be isolated within your own surroundings or your church.  It is to be evident in God's kingdom and His kingdom reaches throughout the world.  I've realized how tunnel-visioned I have been.  I thought I had God's vision..while sitting comfortably in the pews of my church I've been involved in ministry, doing my part in evangelism and Biblical instruction.  I've come to realize there's more I can do in my own personal life: through prayer, finances, communication, and establishing relationships.  I've had opportunities to evaluate my time and my priorities; how do I spend my time and money?  It is hard sometimes to think about the luxuries one may have and see that there's a great need somewhere else.  It has been convicting to have the Biblical training and ministry opportunities when others don't have the basic needs as Bibles or Sunday School materials.  It's been humbling when I've met two Muslims who were converted because they sought the truth by simply reading the Bible.  They couldn't put it down until they've completely read the Bible even though it was a danger to their lives.  One commented that he couldn't just stop at the Old Testament because he wanted to learn more about Jesus, who was spoken of in the New Testament.  Oh, to have the hunger of the Word (Psalm 119:97-104).

Please pray for our initial meeting with the students this week on July 18-20.  We will be having activities on these days to invite students to VBS next week.  On Wednesday, we will have games, singing, and lunch for the students.  On Thursday, we will be going to the zoo. On Friday, we will be going to the beach.  Please pray for safety and that the students will be excited to attend VBS next week.  Pray for Lem's parents as they minister to the moms and helpers.  Continue to pray for our Chinese learning-to-teach-in-English students.  They are great to work with.    Praise for the financial support for the VBS program!

July 25th:  VBS started well with an average of 22 students with 16 workers.  The students are really excited and full of energy.  On Monday, the treasure is creation.  Students were taugth that God created everything.  On Tuesday, the treasure is sin/holy.  Because of man's sin, God punished mankind because He is holy.  On Wednesday, the treasure is love.  Because of God's love for us, He sent his Son to die on the cross to be our Savior.  During our craft time and game time, we centered our activities on those themes.  Please pray for the students that they understand the Biblical principles.  Thank God for three decisions about salvation.  Please pray for the follow-up and discipleship for these decisions.  We also thank God for the workers we have.  We have a program on Friday and have invited the parents to come.  Please pray for this time especially as we share the gospel message. 

July 28th:  VBS was a success not because of the numbers or all of the accomplishments.  It is because God was in control.  When things are done in God's will, done in God's way, everything else will fall in place.  I experienced God's hand in everything that were accomplished.  Sometimes my attitude was not in the right place and I've had to confess that to God.  He has always given me the strength when I need it. (Psalm 18:32-36; Ecclesiastes 3:14 NIV)

On Thursday, our treasure was God's faithfulness.  "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrew 13:8)  It was great to see the progression of the week illustrating our sinfulness to God's grace.  On Friday, we worked on the wordless bracelets.  The students were given God's principles about salvation.  God allowed us to plant the seed and we are praying that the follow-up would be fruitful.  God blessed us with 31 students and 10 adults in attendance.  Five students and one adult were saved. 

We were so blessed to have many leaders volunteer to work with us.  Please remember them in your prayers as they continue to serve God in other areas in their lives.  Pheobe, Summny, Fanny, and Celia are our Chinese helpers who also were in our English class. Faruk is from Bangladesh.  He was saved while in Hong Kong and is seeking assylum because he can't go back home now that he is a Christan.  He has a family in Bangladesh.  ICM leaders: Caroline (Indian), Dahn (Nepalese), Jenny (Korean), and Shiron (Chinese).  These ladies worked with us extensively, making sure that the students understand and were very instrumental in getting the students to VBS.  The love and care they demonstrate to these students is phenomenal.  Sally and Olive are from HBC.  They were exceptional especially in dealing with discipline.

After the program, we all headed to ICM's meeting place.  We crowded the 15 x 15 room with all these children and the leaders.  The students made some of their national dish and we had great fellowship.  Soon afterwards, we took them to a nearby park and spent some time playing.  Nobody wanted to go home.  What a refreshing feeling.  Everybody was just enjoying our time together!  We were then surprised with a special treat.  (A few young ladies came in to VBS in their native outfits...very beautiful.)  Caroline and Dahn, ICM leaders, sang as a couple of the young ladies danced for us as a "Thank You" and a "Goodbye."  Then we went back up to ICM's meeting place and danced some more.  I've seen Hollywood movies depicting the culture that I've ministered to this week.  I've come to understand and have come to appreciate them more.  The beauty and the expression of friendliness and gratefulness of these group is unexplainable.  Words cannot explain what we've experienced.  We thank God for the opportunities we've had to minister to them.

July 5th:  Today I (Cass) had the opportunity to go with Maylin to Mei Foo to meet with some of her friends.  Mei Foo is on the west side of Shatin (about a 25 minute bus ride and a 10 minute walk).  We arrived at the home of Luna, where we were met by Miki and Ouissem and two other friends of Luna.  Luna is Chinese, who's husband is a Taoist.  She, herself, doesn't believe anything - whatever is convenient at the time.  Miki is Japanese and has been saved for two years, but is struggling in her faith.  Ouissem is Algerian and Muslim.  We enjoyed our lunchtime together:  risotto rice with greens and other veggies, pasta, pasta salad, potato salad with apples/melon, fruit salad, beef/curry, pork, dumplings, and a dish made of fish balls and squid tentacles. 

Conversation was very interesting:  a mixture of 1/2 Cantonese and 1/2 English or all Cantonese.  Ouissem and I were the only two who spoke no Cantonese, but the ladies were gracious enough to translate.  I am trying to pick up some of the phrases, but tonal languages are very difficult.

After lunch, Maylin met with Miki to do a Cantonese Bible study, and I met with Ouissem.  I had so many questions about the Muslim faith and the Koran, which she answered fully.  Maylin has been sharing with her for about six years, but Ouissem is very argumentative.  She believes that there is God, but finds it very offensive when Jesus is put in the Godhead.  I am learning how to share and how to explain things very clearly.  We will have the opportunity to meet with her again next Wednesday.  I am very much looking forward to our visit and am praying for open doors.

We headed back to the bus stop via the wet market.  This is an area where live fish are sold.  They splash all around in their holding tanks and water is everywhere (hence the name).  Signs are posted to watch out for the slippery floors, but I about wiped out anyway.  Thankfully I was able to catch myself and not be another spectacle. 

Our bus passed the building that we having been praying for.  This building is next to Mei Foo in the estate of Sham Shui Po (basically suburbs).  This area is mostly Southeast Asian:  Filipino, Tai, Indonesian, Nepalese, and Pakistani.  As we drove by, the streets are crowded with people who are hustling and bustling (busy going and doing what needs to be done).  They are in so much need of hearing the word of God and about our Savior.  We will be spending some of our time there during Bible School.  Please pray for open doors and for language to not be a barrier.

As I stood at the window of Luna's flat, I was able to look across the city at the mountains shrouded in clouds.  Many things are not clear to us while we are ministering here in Hong Kong...what our ministry will hold.  But Scripture encourages us to be strong and faithful, and God will take care of the rest.

July 12th:  We met with Ian, the director of ICM (Inner City Ministeries).  He showed us the main office and we visited the site where the VBS is going to be held.  Ian was saved in Hong Kong where his family resides.  He has been a blessing and an encouragement to us.

ICM is supported by local churches and their ministry involves working with children and adults.  It is amazing how ministeries like this function.  They would request the government for a building to meet, but not as a church or a Christian organization.  They would run the centers to meet the needs of the community and in turn, they would use the facilities to further the gospel and train others to function in society as born again believers. We have met and learned about asylum seekers to drug addicts.  The testimonies we heard confirms what God's Word says about a "new creature" (2 Corinthians 5:17). 

One example is about Kaushak, of Indian descent and Hinduism as his background.  He teaches adults to become chefs.  After being saved, he has been ministering to many students who have become successful in the business.  Adults who may have nothing to look forward to in life, but was changed because of this ministry.  While teaching the men, the Word is always part of the course.  Many have accepted Christ as their Saviour.

Later in the afternoon, we met with the Pastor of the church where the VBS would be held.  Then we met our team to discuss the week of VBS and delegated the teaching responsibilities.  The ladies that we are working with have some understanding in English.  But we are still using this opportunity to help them refine their English as part of the English camp.  It was very interesting to study them as they are learning the language.  Words that are so common to us became more vivid and exciting.  I had to slow down and remember not talk so fast.  I had to use pictures, synonyms, and even body language to illustrate words or phrases.  That just reminded me about sharing the gospel.  Many times we use words/terms that we take for granted that people know or understand.  We get frustrated because they do not understand what we are talking about.  This gave me a new insight of what the unsaved might be experiencing.  It is a different language!  We have to put the gospel message in their level, in their situation so they may understand what we're saying.  One tool that we have been using, which I learned from my sister, is to use the ten commandments as the basis of one's sinful condition (Romans 3:23).  It is amazing to hear people say that they actually think they are good.  Many are religous.  But the first commandment itself, condemns us!  There is no way around it (Matthew 19:16-22)

It is great to know these ladies.  There's a couple of them who are still teenagers.  But their willingness to minister to the students and do the work that we have assigned them have been encouraging.  They do giggle a lot.

As I was observing our meetings, my heart became burdened for our children.  Please pray that Mikaela, Preston, and Josiah will have the same burden of their parents.  They are doing the work because they are part of our family.  They are seeing first hand what God is doing in many people's lives.  But I am afraid that if their hearts are not in the ministry, they may resent it.  Our prayer for our children is that they may have the burden for lost souls and that they conduct their lives Biblically.  I hope that is also your prayer for your children.

July 18th:  Last week Maylin and I (Cass) again had the opportunity to meet with Ouissem and Luna for lunch.  This time we met at Ouissem's place.  We had a variety of different foods:  Bengali fish, pasta, spicy chicken, spinach with tofu, potato salad, and Bengali mangos.  We had a good time of fellowship and laughter!  We did have the opportunity to share with both ladies.  Luna left the table to play with the children and didn't take part in our conversation.  Ouissem talked more about the Koran (the Islamic Holy Book) and the Hadith (the sayings of the prophet for every day life).  As we talked about sin, Ouissem stated that Adam didn't sin - he chose to disobey.  Man does not have a sin nature, he is just weak.  Therefore one would do good deeds in the hope that Allah would show mercy.  Ouissem says that she is reading the Bible that Maylin has given to her and the book entitiled, The Cause for Christ.  Yet it doesn't seem to be penetrating her soul.  She reads to find what contradicts the Koran and goes "against her beliefs".  My heart aches to see the totality with which these two women reject the Lord.  It is my prayer that their hearts will be softened, eyes will be opened, and that they will come to a saving knowledge of our Lord and Savior.  Maylin and I know that God calls us to be faithful:  whether it be planting or watering...He will give the increase. 

Today we had the first of our pre-VBS meeings.  We had 29 children ranging in ages from 2-12.  As the children entered our rooms, we played an icebreaker game and sangs songs.  It was wonderful to watch these little ones learn the songs and participate.  We divided the children into two groups for games and lunch.  After a rambunctious time of both, we brought the children back together for more singing and a visit from Safari Bob (Lem).  He did a great job of introducing the theme for next week - Treasure Hunting.  The children were in the palm of his hand.  Each day we will hunt for the treasure in God's Word and see what He wants us to learn. 

July 21st:  We had a great time meeting the students and getting acquainted with them.  On Thursday, we went to the zoo.  The zoo is a little smaller than Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago but the kids enjoyed all the animals.  We were also able to play some games after lunch.  On Friday, we went to Shek O Beach on the South China Sea.  The weather was very hot but the water was cool.  Everybody had a great time playing in the water.  It is a sight to see that most of the people were under a shade (eg. under trees or under a beach umbrella).  The sun is just so hot.  Unless you are in the water to help cool yourself, the sun actually hurts.  The ICM staff have been very helpful in preparing the lunches for the students.  We were able to rent a bus for the zoo and the beach.  This was a treat for the students!  The fellowship in the bus was exciting as rambunctious as the kids were.   After three days, the students were worn out.  Asked if they are ready for VBS next week, a loud and excited cheer echoed, "Yes!"  It is a great concept to have a pre-VBS meeting with the students as we prepared them for the week-long program.  God has truly blessed the work.

We are working mostly with Nepalese children.  I am very much interested in knowing about them.   They are very interesting and their language is beautiful to hear.  We actually learned a few words and phrases.  We had fun learning them as much as the students enjoyed teaching us.  Their songs are very enchanting.

An interesting experience while swimming at the beach.  We noticed that there was a boundary around the area we were swimming.  At first I thought it was for safety reasons and that the lifeguards don't want swimmers to be out so far away from the shore.  Then we saw a flag that had a picture of a fin.  That fin looked very familiar.  So I asked Chris about it and he told me that the flag is a warning stating that a shark has been sighted.  The boundary is a net so that sharks won't be able to swim toward the shore were the swimmers are (we heard later that they have found some areas where there were holes big enough for sharks could get through!  yikes!).  I felt like I was in the movie Jaws!  Believe it or not, people do take chances and swim past the boundaries!

Along with the excitement of VBS, we encountered some personal struggles.  Dealing with different cultures and religious beliefs, we have to remember that sometimes our personal, American way of thinking has to be put aside.  We were reminded that we are here to minister and that how we present ourselves represents Christ to others.  It is so easy to just ignore these social and religious "etiquette."  But then, people won't have the respect to listen to you.  I am reminded of the principles taught in I Corinthians 8 and I Peter 2.  But we also need to balance that with the Biblical principles we are to follow when issues are addressed (I Peter 3:15).

July 30th: Yesterday, we celebrated our last Sunday with HBC.  It was very refreshing to hear the testimonies about what God has done in the lives of these members.  During our time here, two ladies, Imelda and Melody, were saved.  Many are going through evangelism and Christian growth classes.  We shared our own testimonies indicating that we've come here to minister.  But God and these people have ministered to us.  God gave us a clearer vision for the unsaved and His kingdom.  We had a different perspective on other cultures and the needs of the unsaved.  Our own personal faith, prayer life, and devotional life has been challenged and encouraged. 

It was sad to say our goodbyes.  Yet we know that one day, we will be together again.  Tears of joy were shed; embraces exchanged.  I am amazed of the Christian love we have shared even though we've only known them for several weeks.  That's all about the love of Christ.  It has no bounds.

We went to Victoria Park after our afternoon service to go on a prayer walk.  As I have mentioned before, the helpers leave their homes on their day off, usually on Sundays, so they are not asked to work.  Depending on their nationality, they would congregate in different parts of the city.  The group that we encountered in Victoria Park were the Indonesians.  Hundreds lined the park.  Many have been there since early morning until they have to go home late at night.  They brought their food, entertaiment, and some mats for napping and for prayer.  It was an unusual sight to see the different garments they wore.  There was a variety of Muslim attire, from the conservatives to the "free" spirited.  We would walk to different places and pray about the unsaved asking God for opportunities to witness and the hope that many will be able to hear the gospel.  Many in our groups did have a chance to witness to several ladies.  It was also interesting to see some who were exercising their spiritual prayers, songs, and reading.  I wasn't sure what to expect.  But I left there with a heavy heart. 

As we're getting ready to go back to the states, the thought came to mind about all these people, even in the States, needing the Lord.  There's so many people who still haven't heard.  What is our responsibility?  I felt so overwhelmed!  I was reminded that I do need to do my part wherever God has placed me.  I am encouraged and challenged by my sister's vigor in sharing the gospel.  I've never seen anyone find any situation and use it to share the gospel.  My family has been challenged to always be looking for opportunities, being sensitive to the Spirit's call.  As a reminder, one needs to be in the Word to accomplish that.  Our daily dependence of God is the key.  I've seen it, I've experienced it.  "Busyness is not a sign of spirituality."  I am reminded of the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42.  If we were to chart our time and activities everyday, does it indicate that we have spent quality time with our Lord?