Monday, August 29, 2005

A God who answers your prayers!

We serve a God who not only hears but answers our prayers!

Kyla Alexander writes:

You may remember the following request for prayer sent in early August:

We would like to ask you to join with us in prayer about an urgent matter within ICC’s Changsha project. Last year during the move of the children into the community two flats in an apartment complex called “Hong Xuan” were rented for a specific group of children. These children have lived in these flats for almost a year. Unfortunately our rental contract on the boy’s home cannot be renewed because the owners are selling the property and a new home needs to be found in this same complex for them to move into.

Our deadline was for the end of this month to find a home for these 8 boys.

I would like to thank all those who joined with us in prayer, but, most of all I would like to ask you to join with us in thanking our Heavenly Father for the miracle that He has worked on behalf of our children today.

Time has been moving on and just today we came to the decision to rent an apartment on the 9th floor. This apartment did not meet all the criteria, being on the 9th floor rather than a lower floor and had less space, making it less than ideal for providing for the children’s therapy and educational needs. However, with a moving deadline of September 1st (only 5 days away) we had to make a decision. Just one hour before signing the contract on the 9th floor apartment, the new owners of the apartment on the 1st floor where the boys are currently living arrived, and very quickly agreed to continue renting the apartment to us. We had been led to believe that they did not want tenants. What a relief that this answers all of our prayers for an ideal home, with the amazing blessing of not having to move the children at all. The move would have not just involved the simple move of the children and equipment but the installation of a kitchen, air conditioning and some other modifications to the apartment itself.

Thanks again to everyone for your prayers. I would also like to ask you to praise Father for the amazing staff members who worked so hard to resolve this situation over the last few weeks, particularly Lucy Chua who took the lead on this.

Blessings
Kyla Alexander

Thursday, May 26, 2005

A GRAND DAY OUT

For fans of British claymation characters Wallace and Gromit, sorry to disappoint you, as this post has nothing to do with sheep, space rockets or Wensleydale cheese.

We wanted to tell you about ICC’s very own “Grand Day Out”, which took place recently. Imagine the scene – a typical spring Sunday morning in Changsha, the weather cool and fresh after two days of rain, and an eager group of children and young adults waiting for the bus in readiness for a long-anticipated day of fun. As the bus pulled up, seventeen year old Zhou Jing ran to meet it, shouting “We’re going to the windows of the world! We’re going to the windows of the world!!”

“Windows of the World” is a theme park, aimed at giving children glimpses of other cultures from around the world. As well as exhibits and shows, there are plenty of rides to keep visitors entertained.

The young people had a fantastic day, exploring everything the park had to offer. Sun Wu couldn’t contain her excitement as she watched the spectacle of tigers leaping through rings of fire. Her knuckles were white as she gripped the arms of her seat and shouted “Ooooo! Wow!! Yeah!!!”

The Log Flume ride was a big hit. Despite her disability (spina bifida), ten year old Yao Fang was determined to ride the waves, and with a little help from Justin and one of her carers she was able to do it. Before the ride was over she was shouting “ Wow! That was awesome! Can we do it again please?”

The outing was a big success and the group went home tired but with lots of happy memories of a fun-filled, action packed day. To those of you who support the children, know that you too played a part.

Lisa Anemaat
Changsha

Thursday, May 12, 2005

Tuesday, March 15, 2005

Piggies

I was talking to Ray Doussett, ICC's Asia Office representative recently. We were chatting about how we often carry burdens we don't need to be hauling around with us. Ray sent me the following story.

It helped me to get one or two things in perspective. Maybe it will help you too.

PIGGIES

I recall walking along a Texas creek many years ago with my brother-in-law Ed and his 3 year-old son David. David had been collecting smooth, round stones from the stream while we walked. He called them “piggies”, because their rounded shape reminded him of little pigs.

David had stuffed a number of “piggies” in his pockets, and after running out of pockets he began carrying them in his arms. After a while he began to stagger under the load and lag behind. It was obvious he would never make it back to the house without help, so Ed said, “Here, David, let me carry your piggies.”

Reluctance clouded David’s face for a moment, and then it lit up. “I know,” he said. “You carry me and I’ll carry my piggies.”

I’ve often thought of that incident and my own childish insistence that I must carry my own load. Jes.. offers to take all of my burdens but I resist out of stubbornness and pride. “You carry me,” I say, “but I’ll carry my ‘piggies.’”

How foolish is it to try to carry all your burdens on your own when Jes.. asks you to “cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Pet.. 5:7).

Have you put all your “piggies” in Jes..’ strong arms today?

The "T" files....

So here I am, finalising preparations for the March short term team before heading off to Hong Kong on Sunday. Karen Norman and I are co-leading this team, and we're both looking forward to meeting everyone when they get to the YMCA next week.

The last couple of weeks have been a bit crazy - getting back from China - thinking I had plenty of time to sort the last minute details out, then coming down with some kind of flu. A couple of kind "friends" suggested I had bird flu - so I am checking daily for signs of an emerging beak. Don't be surprised if I start to quack.

I can't wait to get back to Heng Yang again, and the team are all raring to go. From comments people have made, there seems to be a real desire to serve the children and staff. This makes me smile. From experience, I know that through their service, the team will be blessed too.

We'll be in China for Easter, which will be a new experience for most of us. I am packing "special" supplies for Easter day, and I'm sure we'll have a good time or worship, fellowship and fun together.

I always have a sense of excitement and expectation before a team begins - I'm looking forward to seeing what God is going to accomplish this time.

So, if you have a moment, spare a thought and a prayer for us. I'll let you all know how we get on.

Tuesday, March 08, 2005

ICC Changsha Staff and National Office Coordinators - March 2005

A month goes by...

It is amazing how time can fly so quickly. A month has passed since I last wrote on ICC's blog. Apologies to those of you who have checked for new updates and have seem the same old information.

I just got back from a month long ministry trip to Asia. I am sure that in the future we will look back and realise just how significant it was!

ICC's work continues to move forward on many different fronts - let me share with you some of what has been happening:

1. We have been connecting with a couple of mature believers who have shown interest in the currently vacant China Operations Director's position. Whilst nothing is set at this point, it is encouraging to know that there are believers out there who are searching for the right ministry fit, and who are willing to consider serving China's abandoned and orphaned children. Please pray that God will raise up the right person.

2. ICC's National Office Coordinators met in Changsha for a week of meetings. It was a wonderful time of reconnecting with each other. In seven countries there are ICC Coordinators that work hard to raise the profile of ICC, and to connect the church with the work we are doing in China.

During the week of meetings the ICC Coordinators were able to visit ICC's projects, meet our Chinese and overseas staff, as well as travel to Heng Yang - our new project location. It was an amazing time of encouragement, and each of the Coordinators went home with a renewed vision for the future, and plans for how to serve China's children better.

3. My time was primarily focused on working through some management restructuring of ICC's work in Changsha. You are aware of all the changes that have happened in the work of ICC over the last year. Oasis House and Hope House are now gone, and all our children are living in new community-based care situations - either group homes, foster care or our new residential unit (Hope House Community).

These changes have meant that ICC's management has had to change. We had come to a crossroads and needed some input. With the expertise and support of Alex Smith (A Canadian-based South African business consultant) we were able to take a look at our management systems and begin to move towards a system that will truly enable us to care for our kids in improved ways.

It was exciting to see both our Chinese and overseas staff getting excited about how we can manage our work in the future.

4. We had a wonderful oppportunity to meet with the leadership of the Civil Affairs Bureau in Heng Yang and the Directors of Heng Yang Welfare Center. This is the government department that overseas all social welfare work. The Director of the Civil Affairs - Director Ou extended an invitation for ICC to plant a full time team in his city. This is truly an open door for which we are thankful.

In the coming weeks ICC will finalize a proposal for our work in Heng Yang and put this before the board of ICC. Please pray for us as we discern God's will for these children.

All in all it was an excellent trip, that although full, has given a new sense of excitement and energy to our Chinese staff, overseas staff, and National Office Coordinators.

Thanks for your prayers - I believe that this new time of excitement is built upon that firm foundation you give to us.

In closing, next week ICC's Executive Leadership Team will meet to look at how we should continue to move ICC's work forward. Please pray that we would see clearly all that the Lord is putting before us.

God Bless and keep on watching this space!

Sunday, February 06, 2005

Coming Together - ICC's National Office Network

In just a few days ICC's National Office Representatives from Australia, USA, UK, Canada, the Netherlands and Hong Kong will gather together in Changsha, China for a week of meetings (Feb 19th - 25th). It is going to be an exciting time of connecting with ICC's children and staff, as well as planning for the future development of National Office Network.

Since 1993, ICC has worked to share the message of China's abandoned and orphaned children with the world-wide church of Jesus Christ. Our vision states that we believe God wants to 'raise up an army from amongst His church'. ICC's National Offices have been key in not only sharing the need of China's orphans, but in also encouraging believers that they can play a part in changing those tragic circumstances through praying, giving and going.

During the week of meetings, ICC's National Office Representatives will spend time visiting all of ICC's projects - Training, Group Homes, Foster Care, Residential Care, Therapy, Medical Care and Education. They will hear afresh the amazing work that God is doing in the lives of the children through each of these ministries, seeing for themselves the changes in the children.

So much change took place in the work of ICC in 2003 that the time that our representatives spend in our projects will enable them to more thoroughly represent us to churches and individuals who wish to know more of ICC.

The National Office Representatives will also have an exciting opportunity to visit Heng Yang. Many of you will have read of the great opportunities that the Lord is opening up for us there. It will be exciting for each representative to see this new work for themselves, to catch hold of the vision and to return back to their home country with the desire to challenge the church to join us in making a difference.

Please pray for these meetings - that God would meet with each representative and fill them afresh with His passion for these children. Please pray that each representative would be encouraged through hearing of the great work being done in their sister-offices around the world.

Thanks for standing with us!

Thursday, February 03, 2005

Short Term Team Report from Heng Yang

Kyla Alexander (ICC Short Term Teams Leader and Heng Yang Development Officer) writes:

Thanks so much for your prayers during the recent short term team when I reported about the conditions at the Heng Yang welfare centre when I took the short term team there. When we left the centre there was still no change on the heating system, however, when the team was leaving ICC was able to give some finances to the centre leadership to go towards installing chimneys to pipe the carbon monoxide from the coal burners they were using out of the rooms.

When our National Office staff visit the centre in February I will be asking them to follow up on whether this situation has been fixed.

During the two week team 4 new little babies were placed in the disabled children's area, where they were not receiving adequate care and attention, 3 of these children had been abandoned at local hospitals.

Sadly, 3 of these children passed away. I advocated for the 4th child, a little baby girl with Down's Syndrome, asking the leaders at the centre if they could move her in with the other infants, they very quickly moved her and when the team left she was getting lots of love and care from one of the carers in that area. I look forward to my next visit to see her and see how she is progressing. Please pray that they will continue to value her life.

During the team I had several meetings with the welfare centre leaders who are very enthusiastic about gaining ICC's long term support and help in the future. During the time they gave me a proposal of how they see ICC could work with them in the future.

We are excited to work with the Heng Yang Welfare Center and will continue to consider their proposal in the coming weeks.

Please pray for the Heng Yang children that each one will continue to know the Father's love.

Tuesday, January 18, 2005

Update from Heng Yang

Kyla Alexander - ICC's Short Term Team COordinator and Heng Yang Development Officer:

Dear Friends,

I just wanted to touch base with you all and let you know how things are going as I am currently leading a team in Heng Yang again. The team has 23 people in it, mostly young Australians, plus some lovely english and american people who are being very tolerant of the australian humour. The team are a great bunch and are working together well.

This time with the children has been a lot more grief filled than the last team. A lot more of the problems here have become apparent. There is no proper heating for the children. They are using coal burners without chimneys and so the rooms have been filling with Carbon Monoxide, despite having the doors and windows open. Some of the children have been very drowsy and lethargic from the fumes, and some have had seizures from it. I have asked the orphanage leaders to install chimneys, please pray that they do this.

I also discovered a few days ago that there were three new babies in the disabled children's area, instead of with the infants where they would receive proper care.

One of the babies had a severe liver disease (probably hepatitis), one of them was a year old with Cerebral Palsy and the other one was a tiny new baby girl with Down's Syndrome. I advocated for the children to move them to the infants block where they could receive proper care, but it was too late for the baby with CP, he passed away the night before last.

The Down's baby, however, was moved to the disabled baby room, where I believe Wu AiYi will take good care of her. PTL that this child was moved there. Please pray that they will value the life of this child. The third baby with liver disease is still in the disabled children's area, they are concerned this child will spread infection to the healthy infants if he is moved. Please pray for this baby that he will receive the love and care that he needs. Where he is living there is only 2 carers to 44 children, all who have special needs.

The orphanage leaders have been extremely open and have been discussing "future things". They really want a future with ICC and this is so exciting. I have been dreaming lots!!!! Please pray for patience for me to wait for the time I can move here permanently and work out these dreams.

The children have been making great progress with the team around. One particular child called Ping Ping sang a song yesterday and I nearly fell over with joy to hear it. She has suffered such severe neglect that she cannot smile or make eye contact, she has been totally unresponsive since I have known her, but she is starting to respond. Vidette from the last STT in November put so much into this little girl, and the current team is also working with her constantly to heal the hurt in her heart, and she is making incredible progress.

Thanks again guys for your love, support and prayers.

Kyla

Monday, January 17, 2005

Heng Yang - Part of ICC's future

For the last months short term teams have been travelling to a welfare center in Heng Yang to work with the children and assess how ICC can best help the abandoned and orphaned children there.

Just recently Kyla Alexander - the coordinator for developing our work in Heng Yang forwarded on this letter she had received from the Director of the Heng Yang Welfare Center (orphanage).

Please be in prayer for Director Song, his staff and for God to make clear the work that ICC should establish in this place.

Here is what Director Song wrote:

Dear Ms Kyla,

I hope you are well!

I am very happy to receive your fax and your Christmas card. My colleagues and I are very much appreciated all you and your team did for our children. Your sincere loving heart and hard - working have won the trust and love of our children. We are moved to see that our children were so reluctant to part with you. Your great loving heart deeply warms the hearts of our children.

Please give my warm regards and best wishes to Mr. Gotts and the other directors of ICC's board. I wish to thank you, Mr. Gotts and other directors of board for your support of our welfare cause. We will continuously welcome your team to visit and work in our welfare center, and will organize our staff to work with you to meet the needs of children.

My colleagues and I will come to Changsha to visit your project by the scheduled time, and we value this learning opportunity.

Wish you success in work and a happy life.

Director Song
Heng Yang Welfare Center


Thursday, January 06, 2005

Allison (Left) and Kyla Alexander (Right) with a young man from the Heng Yang Welfare Center.

A New Team in a New City

2005 is here and is going to be an exciting year for us at ICC. At a recent International Board Meeting ICC's leadership felt God leading us into new vision for the coming five years.

Between 2005 and 2010 we believe that God is leading us to establish ten new teams in cities across China. More than ever we know that God's heart is broken by the situation that China's abandoned and orphaned children face each and every day. We also know that He has called ICC to go as His hands and feet and make a difference whereever children are suffering in China.

Historically ICC's work has been located in Changsha, Hunan. Whilst we have had opportunities to minister in other parts of China, up until recently we have not sensed God was leading to plant new long term teams in those places. That is until now.

Over the last months Kyla Alexander - an ICC staff member based in Changsha - has been building relationship with an orphanage in the city of Heng Yang, Hunan. Heng Yang is about three hours south of Changsha and is quite a large city.

The social welfare leaders have welcomed ICC to build a relationship with the Heng Yang Children's Welfare Center. This relationship has developed to the point that many of ICC's short term teams now travel to this orphanage and spend time there ministering to the children.

Just recently the leadership of this orphanage travelled to Changsha to further understand the work ICC has done. They were excited about our group homes, foster care, residential care, training, medical, education and therapy work and are wanting to see similar works established for their children.

We are excited about the opportunity and the possibility to expand the number of children benefiting from ICC's care. We believe that God will provide the people we need to plant a team into Heng Yang by the end of 2005. This will be the first step on the road to walking out the vision the Lord has given.

Will you stand with us as we embark on this vision to see more children know of the Father's love? Will you pray for us - that God will provide the wisdom and understanding of what our work should look like in this particular city? And will you ask God to release all that is needed - prayer, people and finance to enable this to become a reality.

If we at ICC know that you are on your knees praying for us then we will move forward with confidence that this 'new team in a new city' will soon be joined by other new teams in new cities.

Step by step, city by city we will change this nation!