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.
Monday, November 29, 2004
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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