As we come to the end of the year I would like to thank you for your prayers throughout 2004. It has been a challenging year for ICC and I am convinced that without your prayers it would have been even more challenging. Despite the changes in government policy and the resulting pressure, we can testify to the presence and provision of our God. He has sustained us and, I believe, brought us to a new place where we are ready to take up the opportunities He brings our way in 2005. I am glad that we finish this year with a renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm as we take hold of God’s vision for ICC’s future.
Change has happened on a massive scale during this year. Much of what we began the year with looks quite different now. Let me try to paint that picture for you.
At the beginning of the year ICC had two main residential projects – Oasis House (caring for 45 children and youth with disabilities) and Hope House (caring for 60+ babies, toddlers and children up to the age of eight years old). These two homes were located on one large welfare center compound, along with ICC’s offices, therapy services, medical services, and education services.
In response to the changes in social welfare policy much of ICC's work has been in transition this year. As of November 22nd, 2004 both Oasis House and Hope House were vacated. These premises have been returned back to the Chinese government. ICC’s children (previously housed in these two premises) have now been dispersed into three kinds of community-based care all in Changsha city, transforming our work.
Group Homes – The Moving On Project is made up of 4 small group homes which each have 4 bedrooms, are in the community, and have been purchased, renovated and equipped by ICC. Each home has between six to ten residents and the aim of the unit is to encourage semi-independent living. We currently have one unit for young men and one unit for young women in an apartment complex called Wan Shi Jia. We call these two units ‘Moving On Group Homes @ Wan Shi Jia’. We also have another two units; one for young men and one for young women in an apartment complex called Sen Yu Jia Yuan. These two group homes are called ‘Moving On Group Homes @ Sen Yu Jia Yuan’. In total these four units accommodate 33 children and youth – 25 long-term residents and 8 residents that will be placed in foster families during 2005/6.
Foster Care – Our Foster Care Project called ‘Nurture’ was set up in June of 2004. We currently have eight children that have been placed with foster families. Due to the high standards of our program the numbers of children placed in foster care will increase gradually, as selection, evaluation, matching and placement need to be done carefully. We have a further 30+ children that will be placed in foster families in the coming year. These children have been temporarily placed in either group homes, or our new residential care unit in the community – Hope House Community (Please see below). By the end of 2005/6 ICC will have 38 children in foster care.
Residential care unit in the community – Some of ICC’s children have more severe level disabilities and after careful consideration we felt that they were not suited to either group home care, or foster care. These children require more intensive care, medical support and therapy. ‘Hope House Community’ - made up of three care units, provides that care according to the children’s needs.
Two of the Hope House Community units are located in an apartment complex called Hong Xuan (also in Changsha city). These two units (one for girls and one for boys) are both large apartments which not only provide a living space, but also have sufficient space for the carrying out of therapy for the children that need it. These two units are called Hope House Community @ Hong Xuan. In total 16 children are resident in these two units – 10 of whom will be long-term residents and 6 of whom we plan to place in foster families during 2005/6.
The final unit that makes up Hope House Community is in a the district of Ya Tang Cun in Changsha. This large house is comprised of several apartments. Each apartment houses a group of children. In total 47 children live in this house, however 17 of these residents are temporary residents and are awaiting placement in a foster family. The remaining 30 children will be long-term residents due to their need for more intensive care.
Due to the higher demand for medical support for children at Hope House Community @ Ya Tang Cun, the medical department is located there.
In summary, ICC has moved from having 2 large residential children’s homes to having three kinds of community-care situation located in four different areas of the city with a total of seven care units of varying size.
The offices and other support services needed to provide administration, therapy, special education are still located on the Changsha No1 Welfare Center compound. Moving from having all the children in two larger units to having them geographically spread out means that much is changing in the management and provision of services.
As you read through all this it will help you to understand the significant degree of change that ICC has walked through in 2004. These changes, whilst difficult to realize, have moved ICC to once again be on the cutting edge of children’s social welfare in China. Changsha city has a model from which other cities can develop their community-based care for the future.
I am keenly aware that these changes have come about by a lot of hard work, but more importantly because of your prayers. Thank you for your prayer-investment in our future. The future is bright and we look forward believing that God is going to grow this work beyond Changsha according to His will.
Thanks and Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Monday, December 20, 2004
Nurture Foster Care - A time of Training
Foster Care Training
On the weekend of December 11th and 12th, ICC’s foster care department held its first parents training. This training was attended by eight families, including three young people, university students who were actively supporting their parents in fostering a child. During the training the fostered children enjoyed activities organized by the foreign ICC team – including a special Christmas party, and a trip to the park. Both the families and the children had a fun and profitable weekend.
One of the foremost goals of the foster care training was to get the foster families together, to allow them time to meet other people taking on the same challenges as they, and to be encouraged by being in a community. The training was organized in such a way that much of the teaching was through games and group discussions. With high participation, the families learnt from each other as much as from the teachers. This style of teaching is not usual in China, but the families took to it straight away as they learnt through the various different mediums of seeing, listening and doing.
At one point in the training, the foster siblings were asked to share their experience of foster care. A young lady of 20 years of age stood up and told her story. As she talked, she cried. She told about how her foster sister had come to live with them 3 months ago. She developed a deep love and care for her straight away, but was stressed by the pressure they were receiving from family and community, because of the child’s disability. At that time she felt conflicted, she loved this child immensely, and didn’t want to see her go, but she wasn’t sure that she could take on the pressure that was facing her. Through the encouragement of her mother and a relative, this young lady has taken on the difficulties put before her, to challenge the views of society that would discriminate against such children. As this young lady talked about her experience, most of the people in the room were moved to tears. Everyone understood to some degree the pressure in this society of looking after a disabled child. To watch this young lady with her little sister is such a joy, they have a warm relationship, and the care between them is obvious.
Overall the foster care training was an incredible encouragement to the whole of the ICC team in Changsha. Those two days we saw that there are incredible people in the community who deeply cared for these children’s every need.
On the weekend of December 11th and 12th, ICC’s foster care department held its first parents training. This training was attended by eight families, including three young people, university students who were actively supporting their parents in fostering a child. During the training the fostered children enjoyed activities organized by the foreign ICC team – including a special Christmas party, and a trip to the park. Both the families and the children had a fun and profitable weekend.
One of the foremost goals of the foster care training was to get the foster families together, to allow them time to meet other people taking on the same challenges as they, and to be encouraged by being in a community. The training was organized in such a way that much of the teaching was through games and group discussions. With high participation, the families learnt from each other as much as from the teachers. This style of teaching is not usual in China, but the families took to it straight away as they learnt through the various different mediums of seeing, listening and doing.
At one point in the training, the foster siblings were asked to share their experience of foster care. A young lady of 20 years of age stood up and told her story. As she talked, she cried. She told about how her foster sister had come to live with them 3 months ago. She developed a deep love and care for her straight away, but was stressed by the pressure they were receiving from family and community, because of the child’s disability. At that time she felt conflicted, she loved this child immensely, and didn’t want to see her go, but she wasn’t sure that she could take on the pressure that was facing her. Through the encouragement of her mother and a relative, this young lady has taken on the difficulties put before her, to challenge the views of society that would discriminate against such children. As this young lady talked about her experience, most of the people in the room were moved to tears. Everyone understood to some degree the pressure in this society of looking after a disabled child. To watch this young lady with her little sister is such a joy, they have a warm relationship, and the care between them is obvious.
Overall the foster care training was an incredible encouragement to the whole of the ICC team in Changsha. Those two days we saw that there are incredible people in the community who deeply cared for these children’s every need.
Monday, December 13, 2004
The Year of Change
It is hard to believe how much the work of ICC has changed in this last twelve months! As we entered 2004 we hoped for a year of 'quiet' advancement in our work. However God had other plans.
As we come to the end of the year we can look back and feel somewhat like a victim of circumstance. We have faced abitrary government decisions that force change to happen quickly and somewhat chaotically, and yet....
I was reminded when reading Henri Nouwen's book 'Reaching Out' as to how God's uses the circumstances that unfold around us to bring about an opportunity for out continued growth and conversion. What seems arbitrary and chaotic, in hindsight can be clearly seen as the Potter moulding His clay in order to create that which lies in His heart.
ICC has been transformed from an organization with two residential care units with support services, to a community-based care organization with six group homes, a residential unit for children with more severe disabilities, and a vibrant and growing foster care program. Our support services such as therapy, education and medical care continue to serve the children in each of their new settings.
As we begin to look forward to 2005 I feel a renewed sense of excitment, purpose and vision rising up inside me. God has used these times to transform us, and I am more convinced than ever that this is in order to make us ready for the greater works that lie ahead.
Let me ask you to pray for us as this year comes to a close - that God would enable us to move through the struggles that this year has brought, and to raise our eyes to the exciting new developments ahead in 2005.
Join us in believing for our great God to great things!
As we come to the end of the year we can look back and feel somewhat like a victim of circumstance. We have faced abitrary government decisions that force change to happen quickly and somewhat chaotically, and yet....
I was reminded when reading Henri Nouwen's book 'Reaching Out' as to how God's uses the circumstances that unfold around us to bring about an opportunity for out continued growth and conversion. What seems arbitrary and chaotic, in hindsight can be clearly seen as the Potter moulding His clay in order to create that which lies in His heart.
ICC has been transformed from an organization with two residential care units with support services, to a community-based care organization with six group homes, a residential unit for children with more severe disabilities, and a vibrant and growing foster care program. Our support services such as therapy, education and medical care continue to serve the children in each of their new settings.
As we begin to look forward to 2005 I feel a renewed sense of excitment, purpose and vision rising up inside me. God has used these times to transform us, and I am more convinced than ever that this is in order to make us ready for the greater works that lie ahead.
Let me ask you to pray for us as this year comes to a close - that God would enable us to move through the struggles that this year has brought, and to raise our eyes to the exciting new developments ahead in 2005.
Join us in believing for our great God to great things!
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Blessed to be a blessing!
Have you every considered why God has so blessed your life?
Could it be that He has blessed you in order that you can pour out that blessing into someone else's life?
When we look around the world we see much suffering - just two days ago 341 people were killed in a typhoon in the Philippines (where we are having our annual retreat at this very time).
We can look at the nations of India, the continent of Africa, the great land of China and see much that breaks the heart of God.
As you consider the blessings of God in your life today - consider how you can pass that on to someone in a more needy position than yourself.
Sponsor an ICC child in China - or maybe support a micro-enterprise project in Africa.
Use what you have to make a difference!
Could it be that He has blessed you in order that you can pour out that blessing into someone else's life?
When we look around the world we see much suffering - just two days ago 341 people were killed in a typhoon in the Philippines (where we are having our annual retreat at this very time).
We can look at the nations of India, the continent of Africa, the great land of China and see much that breaks the heart of God.
As you consider the blessings of God in your life today - consider how you can pass that on to someone in a more needy position than yourself.
Sponsor an ICC child in China - or maybe support a micro-enterprise project in Africa.
Use what you have to make a difference!
Monday, November 29, 2004
From beautiful Bororcay
Sometimes getting away can be just what we need - especially after such an intense time.
The kids are moved - yes, there is still work to do, but after the craziness of recent months it is wonderful for the ICC staff team to come together to rest, relax, have fun, worship and get some fantastic input into our lives.
We met together in Hong Kong on Saturday and had a long, but enjoyable day as we flew to Manila before taking another flight to Kalebo, and then a rocky boat ride to the Island of Borocay.
Arriving in the dark meant that we only caught a glimpse of this part of God's incredible creation. We were tired and thankful to have arrived.
Since our arrival the sun has shone, the beach is amazing and the relaxation is beginning to happen.
We are blessed to have Tom and Jacinta Read leading us in worship, and Stephen and Jean Imbach leading us in a guided prayer retreat. Through Psalm 23 we are encountering the living presence of Jesus Christ as our Shepherd - digging richly into what that means and drinking from the living water that flows from this scripture.
We have till Saturday to enjoy this wonderful part of the world, to spend time in God's presence and to have our batteries recharged before heading into 2005. I can already sense from the work that God is doing that He is meeting us and ministering to us - helping us to bring the stressful and crazy experiences of this year to Him - in order that He can make sense of all that has been happening in, around, through and to us.
Please pray for us as we enjoy this time. Pray that God would meet us each one in a deep way. Pray for the Chinese staff as they continue to hold the fort in these days - and for the kids and staff as they settle into the new homes in the community. Especially pray for Mrs Chen - our Project Manager as she oversees the work.
Thanks - your prayers make all the difference.
No photos to post today - they're just oo beautiful and we wouldn't want to make you jealous.
The kids are moved - yes, there is still work to do, but after the craziness of recent months it is wonderful for the ICC staff team to come together to rest, relax, have fun, worship and get some fantastic input into our lives.
We met together in Hong Kong on Saturday and had a long, but enjoyable day as we flew to Manila before taking another flight to Kalebo, and then a rocky boat ride to the Island of Borocay.
Arriving in the dark meant that we only caught a glimpse of this part of God's incredible creation. We were tired and thankful to have arrived.
Since our arrival the sun has shone, the beach is amazing and the relaxation is beginning to happen.
We are blessed to have Tom and Jacinta Read leading us in worship, and Stephen and Jean Imbach leading us in a guided prayer retreat. Through Psalm 23 we are encountering the living presence of Jesus Christ as our Shepherd - digging richly into what that means and drinking from the living water that flows from this scripture.
We have till Saturday to enjoy this wonderful part of the world, to spend time in God's presence and to have our batteries recharged before heading into 2005. I can already sense from the work that God is doing that He is meeting us and ministering to us - helping us to bring the stressful and crazy experiences of this year to Him - in order that He can make sense of all that has been happening in, around, through and to us.
Please pray for us as we enjoy this time. Pray that God would meet us each one in a deep way. Pray for the Chinese staff as they continue to hold the fort in these days - and for the kids and staff as they settle into the new homes in the community. Especially pray for Mrs Chen - our Project Manager as she oversees the work.
Thanks - your prayers make all the difference.
No photos to post today - they're just oo beautiful and we wouldn't want to make you jealous.
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Wrapping up
I am just wrapping up my last day here in the office in Vancouver before heading off to Asia with Linda my wife, to join ICC's staff for our annual retreat. Each year all ICC's overseas staff have the opportunity to take a week out to relax and get input into their lives.
This year the staff have worked so hard with all the changes that have taken place - and so I am really excited that we get to travel to the Philippines and enjoy the holiday island of Borocay.
Many of ICC's staff are exhausted from all the work that that has needed to be done in order to get the children moved into the community by the government imposed deadline. However they have done it - and now they deserve the break. It will be fun to swim, eat, play, relax and just hang out with each other.
The children and staff are settling into their new homes and work environments day by day. Please pray that they will sense the Father's presence during this time that we are away. Special pray for Mrs Chen - our project manager.
Thanks for standing with us!
This year the staff have worked so hard with all the changes that have taken place - and so I am really excited that we get to travel to the Philippines and enjoy the holiday island of Borocay.
Many of ICC's staff are exhausted from all the work that that has needed to be done in order to get the children moved into the community by the government imposed deadline. However they have done it - and now they deserve the break. It will be fun to swim, eat, play, relax and just hang out with each other.
The children and staff are settling into their new homes and work environments day by day. Please pray that they will sense the Father's presence during this time that we are away. Special pray for Mrs Chen - our project manager.
Thanks for standing with us!
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Thankfulness
It is hard to believe that just nine months ago we embarked upon a journey of transforming our work with Chinese abandoned and orphaned children with disabilities. Central government policy and local government plans all combined to put us under immense pressure to relocate our children from their two homes - Hope House and Oasis House - into smaller community-based care settings.
From the outset we were both excited and challenged by what lay ahead of us. It was exciting that finally many of our children would be able to be integrated into small community based group homes, and for those appropriate - to be placed in foster care families. This is what we had prayed for - and dreamt of.
The challenge of achieving all this in just nine months seemed overwhelming. The reality of setting up six group homes, a new care facility for children with more severe disabilities, a home that would care for foster care children still awaiting placement and the foster care program itself, all seemed like monumental tasks.
In these months we have had to struggle to find the reality of God's provision, love and strength. We have faced giants, strong city walls, those who want to pull down the work and therefore the lives of the children we care for. We have been stressed, pressured, oppressed and bruised - sometimes literally - in these months. Yet God has shown His faithfulness to us.
It can be hard sometimes to understand how God works in our situations. We want the difficulties and hardship to be removed - yet it seems the lesson that we are led to learn is not about God's ability to miraculously change the cirucmstances, but that He is with us - walking with us, caring for us, moving us towards the realisation of His plans and purposes even without us knowing it.
On this last Monday the last group of ICC children moved from their old living situations in the new. The nine-months are up - the tasks have been accomplished and the challenges overcome.
We are still standing - tired, exhausted, bruised, shaken, in need of rest - but none-the-less we ARE still standing. And we are sure in our knowledge that God has walked with us, taught us, cared for us, changed us, as He has brought about His plans for these precious children.
Already I can begin to look back over this time with a spirit of thankfulness. It has not been easy - in fact it has been incredibly hard, however the thankfulness is there.
I am thankful to Kirsten - our China Operations Manager - who has guided this process so well, Mrs Chen - our Project Manager - who has done an amazing job of leading the change, Sue Munday - our therapy and group homes manager - who has quietly worked so hard and has been a mainstay through this time, Lucy - our Special Education Manager - whose support and work have enabled us all to go on.
There are so many others I am thankful for - Jan, Karen, Hannah, Kyla, Wu Shuang, Wang Li, Liz, Edith, Lisa, Justin, Mei Koh, Yang Hao, Li Ming, Gu Ai Yi.....the list goes on.
Overall I am thankful to our God - He who has walked with us, met us, guided us, cared for us, stretched us, taught us, protected us.......in short 'Gotten us through with smiles still on our faces'.
For your prayers - Thank you on behalf of the ICC family.
From the outset we were both excited and challenged by what lay ahead of us. It was exciting that finally many of our children would be able to be integrated into small community based group homes, and for those appropriate - to be placed in foster care families. This is what we had prayed for - and dreamt of.
The challenge of achieving all this in just nine months seemed overwhelming. The reality of setting up six group homes, a new care facility for children with more severe disabilities, a home that would care for foster care children still awaiting placement and the foster care program itself, all seemed like monumental tasks.
In these months we have had to struggle to find the reality of God's provision, love and strength. We have faced giants, strong city walls, those who want to pull down the work and therefore the lives of the children we care for. We have been stressed, pressured, oppressed and bruised - sometimes literally - in these months. Yet God has shown His faithfulness to us.
It can be hard sometimes to understand how God works in our situations. We want the difficulties and hardship to be removed - yet it seems the lesson that we are led to learn is not about God's ability to miraculously change the cirucmstances, but that He is with us - walking with us, caring for us, moving us towards the realisation of His plans and purposes even without us knowing it.
On this last Monday the last group of ICC children moved from their old living situations in the new. The nine-months are up - the tasks have been accomplished and the challenges overcome.
We are still standing - tired, exhausted, bruised, shaken, in need of rest - but none-the-less we ARE still standing. And we are sure in our knowledge that God has walked with us, taught us, cared for us, changed us, as He has brought about His plans for these precious children.
Already I can begin to look back over this time with a spirit of thankfulness. It has not been easy - in fact it has been incredibly hard, however the thankfulness is there.
I am thankful to Kirsten - our China Operations Manager - who has guided this process so well, Mrs Chen - our Project Manager - who has done an amazing job of leading the change, Sue Munday - our therapy and group homes manager - who has quietly worked so hard and has been a mainstay through this time, Lucy - our Special Education Manager - whose support and work have enabled us all to go on.
There are so many others I am thankful for - Jan, Karen, Hannah, Kyla, Wu Shuang, Wang Li, Liz, Edith, Lisa, Justin, Mei Koh, Yang Hao, Li Ming, Gu Ai Yi.....the list goes on.
Overall I am thankful to our God - He who has walked with us, met us, guided us, cared for us, stretched us, taught us, protected us.......in short 'Gotten us through with smiles still on our faces'.
For your prayers - Thank you on behalf of the ICC family.
Friday, November 19, 2004
Chen Shi (John) - in his own words.
Hello,
I am one of the handicapped young people in a welfare centre in Hunan, China. My Chinese name is Chen Shi and my English name is John. This is my story.
As early as I can remember, I have lived and grown up in the welfare centre. From childhood, I have had problems with my lower body, though my upper body remains strong and healthy. Regardless of my condition, I have embraced life without apprehension, hesitation or resentfulness, as I’ve found myself to be blessed with joyous moments and great friends.
At 13 years of age I had not yet begun regular school, so was very much like a child, naïve about the world. Every day I sought only to play. I sometimes helped my carers with errands like helping to feed or change the other children’s’ clothes. At that time I was living at the welfare centre under the care of the government.
In 1997 I was transferred to Oasis House and to the care of ICC. I’m still residing here 7 years later! I feel as though I have changed so much these past 7 years. Perhaps it is because I’ve grown from a child into a young man. I am currently in my third year of middle school. My teachers and classmates treat me very well and are very willing to help me. My favourite subjects include computer class, English and art. Other than schoolwork, my interests span computer graphics to drawing, painting and playing keyboards and guitar.
My friends, do you know why I’ve changed so much? It is because I’ve realised the many gifts that God has blessed me with. He is well in control of all circumstances and I feel as though He has chosen me. He loves me. Of course I am eternally grateful to you, my friends who have helped me so much. You have been ceaselessly praying for me, for everyone, for the whole world. Thank you.
As I grow up the numbers who pray for me also grow. So with all my heart, mind and soul, I thank the Lord and I thank you, my dear friends. For Him alone, I strive to do better.
John (Chen Shi)
I am one of the handicapped young people in a welfare centre in Hunan, China. My Chinese name is Chen Shi and my English name is John. This is my story.
As early as I can remember, I have lived and grown up in the welfare centre. From childhood, I have had problems with my lower body, though my upper body remains strong and healthy. Regardless of my condition, I have embraced life without apprehension, hesitation or resentfulness, as I’ve found myself to be blessed with joyous moments and great friends.
At 13 years of age I had not yet begun regular school, so was very much like a child, naïve about the world. Every day I sought only to play. I sometimes helped my carers with errands like helping to feed or change the other children’s’ clothes. At that time I was living at the welfare centre under the care of the government.
In 1997 I was transferred to Oasis House and to the care of ICC. I’m still residing here 7 years later! I feel as though I have changed so much these past 7 years. Perhaps it is because I’ve grown from a child into a young man. I am currently in my third year of middle school. My teachers and classmates treat me very well and are very willing to help me. My favourite subjects include computer class, English and art. Other than schoolwork, my interests span computer graphics to drawing, painting and playing keyboards and guitar.
My friends, do you know why I’ve changed so much? It is because I’ve realised the many gifts that God has blessed me with. He is well in control of all circumstances and I feel as though He has chosen me. He loves me. Of course I am eternally grateful to you, my friends who have helped me so much. You have been ceaselessly praying for me, for everyone, for the whole world. Thank you.
As I grow up the numbers who pray for me also grow. So with all my heart, mind and soul, I thank the Lord and I thank you, my dear friends. For Him alone, I strive to do better.
John (Chen Shi)
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Take a look below...
I was looking through photos of our work in China and came across these shots taken of those that have chosen to give of their time and energy to share their love with China's children. It is amazing the difference that our 'going' can make. We may encounter the language barrier, but we can transcend it with the language of God’s love. This love is a universal one - communicated through smiles, touch and care.
Take a look at the pictures below and enjoy.
Take a look at the pictures below and enjoy.
Welcome!
I want to take the opportunity to welcome you to the beginning of the ICC - Words from the Director's blog. I hope that you will check in frequently to get updates on what is happening in the ministry of ICC.
International China Concern began back in 1993 as an outreach to abandoned and orphaned children. Eleven years later we continue to reach out to some of China's most needy children - providing them with residential care, therapy, education, and medical support.
Recent weeks have seen a flurry of activity in our ministry - as we prepare to transition many of our children into community-based care. Check back in the coming days to see photos and receive updates on how things are going.
Thanks for journeying with us on this blog!
International China Concern began back in 1993 as an outreach to abandoned and orphaned children. Eleven years later we continue to reach out to some of China's most needy children - providing them with residential care, therapy, education, and medical support.
Recent weeks have seen a flurry of activity in our ministry - as we prepare to transition many of our children into community-based care. Check back in the coming days to see photos and receive updates on how things are going.
Thanks for journeying with us on this blog!
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