International China Concern - News and Views

We've Moved!

2008-03-18T08:02:00.005-08:00

Thanks for visiting our old blog. We've now moved and you can see updates about the work of International China Concern at:

http://www.chinaconcern.org/

Please visit the website where you'll find lots of information about how we continue to bring love, hope and opportunity to abandoned and disabled children in China.

Rich and Chloe's Great Wall Run - China

2007-05-22T03:06:00.000-08:00

Rich writes:

The day begins at 1.30 am, leaving the hotel to get to the buses that leave at 3 am from Beijing and dawns over some beautiful countryside northwest of Beijing. When we arrived it was very cold and we took over a restaurant that was opening for breakfast for warmth and preparation. There was a mad dash for the Chinese loos as nerves set in, the first time I’ve ever seen them so popular.

We eventually found the start, unsignposted outside, inside a large stone fort in the base of the valley. Music and aerobics seemed a wasteful use of energy but eventually each stage was crouching at the ‘4 minute to start’ signal. Then we were off! Not too fast, we are soon at the base of a 5km rising hill – and I thought Heartbreak Hill in Boston was bad. The road was a long, long steep ramp leading constantly upwards. There were many walkers but we found it more ethically satisfying to trot often no more than walking pace, occasionally faster. Then the road opened up to car park with the path still leading upwards. The first steps upwards for 5 minutes - then the Wall.

First steps seemed huge, well over knee height, long flights up to the first tower and water, lots of water stops - no longer cold!, with temperatures rising fast to 30 degrees. The air was very dry so we were barely sweating. Top to the tower then down - no stops except to photo. Wall narrows - a lot of single file. Walking on the rising stages now, more towers with often a 90 degree turn right or left sometimes straight on to a vertigo-inducing steepness, the large steps hitting us in the knees going down now. More single file and areas with no side wall. A scuff sends a stone into the forest far below last moved by a builder, perhaps 500 years ago? Most of the path is heavy stone so little major damage is caused by the 1,000 runners. Down a steep track where the wall ends - the hill is now so steep that no wall would hold and the watchtowers top and bottom guard even that gap. Some, like us, are sliding past runners who are taking the steep path slowly, then across the bridge and back on the fort. In, out and around the ramparts then a decision point: left is up a couple of hundred metres (oh no!); right down goes down to the road. Phew, the marshal signals right and we are back down to road level in the base of the valley. We grab some water bottles, now downing half a bottle without noticing, the rest over our heads. 10 minutes of running and a sign comes up 12 km. Seven miles in an hour and a half! How slow - but that is after 3,200 steps and hundreds of vertical metres, in 30 degree heat. (The marathon winner took over 60 minutes longer than his expected time on the flat.) Mentally being on the flat makes it very tough. A long slow grind along the road, very polluted by ancient diesel engines with lots of heavy traffic ignoring the slow signs and the occasional police car.

After too long a time on the tarmac, we exit down an unmetalled road down to Dongzhuan village, down to the village, more water. I touch my uncomfortable knees and they feel swollen, my back hurts. Then through the old village of some size - in and out of old alleyways, past old men and small children holding out their hands and saying Ni Hao, Jia You, hello, come on!! Muddy alleyways, packed houses, in and out, up and down, and then up to the top of the village to run alongside unplanted, flat dry fields, an economy that looks past. More down hill, more twisting and then across the bridge over the river for the last time …. with only a long 6 km to go. Still half an hour. Very tired along the unmade track and out onto the polluted road again. This time it is sheer grit and determination keeping me going, not going to be beaten by the road or by myself. Chloe was fantastic in her encouragement skipping along like a gazelle, having passed her longest ever run at the 10 km mark, even taking pictures as she runs! Then a few spectators clapping, calling encouragement and into the last last kilometer, not daring to think that it is. Keep going for another 50 I tell myself to keep going.

Finally, not too well signposted, the entrance to the fort. Chloe and I join hands and run up the stone ramp to Yin Yang Square, ouch ! even that hurts, a sharp bend and we can see the final portal, we are there and through. Lots of shouting and noise. In a daze, I felt my hand shaken and a red-banded medallion put around my neck. It shows a very steep but empty section of the Wall with a tower at the top. I look down and read the inscription, it says - ‘The Great Wall Marathon, 19^th May 2007’.

A special thank you to all of our sponsors who so generously gave to International China Concern for abandoned and disabled children in China.

Celebrating Youth Day

2007-05-16T07:09:00.000-08:00

Kyla Alexander, Hengyang Project Manager writes:

'Youth Day, in China, is celebrated May 4 each year. We decided to bless the Hengyang youth with an outdoor cinema experience - and blessed and excited they were.

A big white screen was set up against the wall and amplifiers were hired, thanks to a fundraiser held by a UK church youth group. As the youth waited for the sun to set and the movie to start, many grabbed the microphone and took turns to serenade the crowd. Even the Welfare Centre Director sang solo!

Walt Disney’s ‘Cars’ captured the attention of many of the more hyperactive boys. They were captivated by the big screen and the big sound, and quietly watched the movie. Many living on the welfare centre grounds, including some of the elderly, joined in the fun. The youth even brought some of the babies up to join the celebration.

At the end of the night we heard the following:

‘Is there another movie tomorrow night?’
‘That is the first real movie I’ve ever seen, thanks!’

The biggest reward for us was the smiles on their faces as they went to bed.’

Who Are We?

2007-05-09T01:50:00.000-08:00

A bunch of highly energetic, fun-loving folks, mostly from Hong Kong, comprised of special education professionals, therapists, a counselor and volunteers.

When and Where Did We Go?
April 7-12, 2007. One day in International China Concern’s Hengyang Project and the rest of the time in the Changsha Project.

What We Did

Built relationship with local staff with the aim of supporting them in the future in special education, therapy and counseling
Offered local staff practical suggestions, feedback and support related to special education, occupational therapy, speech therapy and counseling
Led classes as well as circle times with the ‘aiyi’s’ (aunties or carers) during one-on-one time with the kids

Highlights
There are just too many to share, but here are a few:

Meeting the many wonderful people who are serving as His ‘hands and feet’
Time with the kids! Laughing, playing, hugging, kissing
For some, seeing their sponsored child for the first time

What Next ?
In a nutshell, the team is excited about what is happening in the projects and enthusiastic about supporting International China Concern from Hong Kong! We will meet again in Hong Kong and consider how to provide ongoing support to the ICC staff.

Going Dutch

2007-05-03T02:52:00.002-08:00

Last weekend ICC Netherlands Coordinators Hans and Joke, in cooperation with their church, set up a stall to sell goods and raise money for ICC's work in China. The weather was great and the day was a huge success. Joke (above) writes:

‘We did face painting, the children were living statues, people sold their old stuff and we had drummers…the children did great; they gave all the money they earned to ICC…we had nice conversations at the stand and people stood still to look at the Chinese things so that gave us time to talk to them. Their reactions were different. Some were interested and wanted to know more which was great as ICC is not well known in The Netherlands.’

Thanks, Hans and Joke, for all your hard work for the abandoned and disabled in China!

Love, Hope and Opportunity for Every Disabled Child

2007-04-23T01:21:00.000-08:00

This is ICC’s vision and yes, our new logo which will be officially launched in the coming weeks.

ICC’s ‘heart’ may look different but it’s the same heart we’ve always had for God, for China, for her people and especially for the abandoned and disabled. The new colour, the Chinese characters and calligraphy simply communicate that message to supporters in China as well as supporters around the world. The logo combines the Chinese ‘zhong’ character which literally means ‘centre’ (also the Chinese character for ‘China’) and a heart.

As an organisation and as leaders we’ve asked ourselves – What is the essence of what we do and who we are? Do our current logo, vision and mission statements effectively communicate who we’ve become and where we’re heading? ICC’s work has evolved over the past thirteen years and we agree it’s time to acknowledge the change.

Our vision is simple but by no means small – Love, hope and opportunity for every disabled child. We currently care for more than 200 children and young adults and over the last six years have trained almost 500 Chinese social welfare workers but there remains much to be done.

ICC remains committed to the vision for the long haul and will continue to:

Innovate projects that provide holistic care and support services to the abandoned and disabled in China’s state welfare system and reduce abandonment of those with disabilities
Provide training services that address the needs of China’s developing social welfare system in the areas of management, and support and disability services
Advocate on behalf of China’s abandoned and disabled to all sectors of government and society
Empower Chinese leaders and the community to respond to the needs of China’s abandoned and disabled.

So expect changes as we launch the new face of ICC!

UK Reps in China

2007-04-10T02:11:00.000-08:00

ICC

Representatives, Ken and Sandra Jones, are currently in China for three months, serving the Changsha Project and international volunteers. They wrote to us today:

'We are at the stage of feeling that our time here is flying by. Due to our great age and infirmity (!!!!) we are only working half days – which is nice really and means that we can be on hand for baby cuddling, playing zoos and trains etc. with Lisa’s crew. We take the bus out to Ya Tang Cun (home to the profoundly disabled and babies and toddlers) two mornings a week to take the boys for walks. They love it and get so excited when they see us because they rarely get the opportunity to leave the building and see cars, diggers, tractors and dogs in the streets around the apartment. Last week we just stood and watched some men cementing the road by a local factory. One boy just loved the back and forth movement of the workman’s trowel; another liked the cement mixer noises; one was very fearful of the noises and another just wanted to stroke the shiny cars he walked past. All valuable experiences for these precious lads and a joy for us to share such times with them. We also have two sessions a week in the sheltered workshops where we have great fun helping with card and jewellery production. We are humbled by the diligence and tenacity of the young adults as they struggle to overcome their difficulties to thread beads, apply glue or simply fold squares of paper. It’s so special to have this opportunity – we wouldn’t have missed it for the world. I doubt if we have been much use to them but they have certainly been a great blessing to us! Today, during the rest period, we taught them the ‘Hokey Kokey’.

We thought about you all this morning in our 7am gathering and trust that your portion of blessing will encourage and sustain you all in every aspect of your lives. Much love – Ken and Sandra.’

Touching Hearts, Changing Lives

2007-03-26T02:33:00.000-08:00

If you’re a regular visitor to our blog you’ll know that we’re celebrating our tenth anniversary this year. Our leaders have been in China for the last couple of weeks and on March 17th attended a very significant event – a banquet to mark ten years of partnership with the Chinese Government in Hunan Province. Over one hundred children and carers attended the meal and cruise down the Xiang river. It really was a high profile night. There were TV cameras galore and the local police turned out to provide an escort.

At Chinese celebrations everyone loves to make a speech. It’s like having a wedding with umpteen best men! ICC leaders, Government officials and ICC staff all joined in. One of the young men who has been in our care since the very early days was invited to make a speech too.

Chen Shi spoke about how he’s experienced love, received hope and been given an opportunity to grow, develop and study. He spoke of the sense of family and belonging that he knows and described life in the group homes, proudly sharing how he contributes by shopping and cooking. He has a place at University and shared his dream of an independent life in the future. As he spoke, he paused frequently and touched his heart as if to take strength from within. His face shone with love and joy at all he had to celebrate and his moving speech was one of the highlights of the evening.

I can guarantee there’ll be many more stories like this over the coming months, so please keep reading and join us in thanking God for all He has done in the life of Chen Shi and many others. He truly is awesome!

A Gift from the River

2007-03-19T03:47:00.000-08:00

Most of us know the story of Moses. We may even have acted it out in Sunday school, dressed in Dad’s dressing gown and with the obligatory tea towel on our heads. You can imagine how stunned we were when we saw part of that story become a twenty-first century reality. International volunteer Alison Kennedy tells what happened:

“Yang Hong Tao was found floating in a basket down a local river during the floods of July 2006. We met him in hospital, where he received treatment for a few weeks before being discharged, parentless, into our care at the welfare centre.

In hospital he was known to giggle and share his smiles, but it seems the shock of moving to the welfare centre caused him to withdraw and for the first few months his feelings, other than pain, weren’t freely shown.

Meeting Yang Hong Tao today you would not believe him capable of hiding his emotions. A quick head massage or armpit tickle and Tao Tao’s glowing face breaks into an infectious giggle. This week when he uttered his first words a new joy stirred - the joy that fans flames of hope and encourages us to press on with the task of bringing God’s love to children like Tao Tao, who are trapped by circumstances and their physical bodies. “

I can’t begin to imagine what Tao Tao’s parents must have gone through, or what drove their decision to abandon him. It’s unlikely they’ll read this blog, but somehow I hope they know that he is safe, well and happy. I’ll be in Hengyang in a couple of weeks and I can’t wait to meet him.

Come on and Celebrate!

2007-03-05T08:24:00.000-08:00

Now that I’ve reached a certain age, it seems like policemen look ever younger and time flies by at great speed. I can hardly believe it’s ten years since ICC opened Oasis House in Changsha. Yet the calendar confirms that it’s true. Things have changed so much since the first group of disabled children came into our care – now we have community group homes in four locations around Changsha city, as well as our project in Heng Yang. We run a foster care programme, a training and education department, and a sheltered workshop.

If you read this blog regularly you’ll know we like to mark significant steps in our journey, so throughout 2007 we’ll be celebrating our Tenth Anniversary. We began in January with parties in all our homes, where everyone performed songs, skits and dances. One of our Chinese managers has been with ICC since the early days. She gave a heartfelt speech during the celebrations:

‘We are a family, whether we are carers, therapists, nurses, children or volunteers, and we remember each other. We remember all who have been a part of this family over the years; all the workers, all the volunteers and we remember all the children we have loved - not just the ones who are here but also the ones who are in foster families.”

These past ten years, we have seen many people play a part in this work and our manager has seen most of them come and go. I can imagine the journey she has seen the children and young adults make as she’s watched their lives change before her eyes. From a place of desperate need she has seen them become happy, joyful people with hope for the future.

It’s encouraging to look back and see how far we’ve travelled and exciting to contemplate what is yet to be. God has blessed, guided and provided for all our needs, not least the many people who have partnered with us. Thanks for reading the blog, for your support, and for your companionship on our ten year journey.

Let’s celebrate!

Happy New Year, Chinese Style!

2007-02-20T02:11:00.000-08:00

Xin Nian Kuai Le! That’s “Happy New Year” to the none Mandarin speakers among us. On February 18 a sixth of the world’s population celebrated Chinese New Year, marking the beginning of the Year of the Boar.

Celebrations vary from place to place, but the underlying message is one of peace and happiness. This is a time of reunion, a time for sharing special food, giving gifts and a time to reinforce the bonds of family love and devotion.

In Changsha our celebrations began on February 17 when everyone enjoyed a big meal together. On New Year’s Day the children and young adults visited their friends and enjoyed traditional fireworks, along with the rest of Changsha’s population. It was very, very loud!

We’re celebrating in Hengyang too. For many of the children and young adults this is the first time they’ve ever joined in with the New Year Celebrations. It’s easy to imagine how excited they’ll be. There’ll be lots of big smiles around the place.

Everyone has received new clothes so they can look their best on the big day. There’ll be lots of fun preparing traditional dumplings (jiao zi) and other dishes over the fifteen day holiday. The best part of the whole celebration is that those we care for know they are loved and valued as part of our family.

China Team Update

2007-02-05T08:56:00.000-08:00

Judy Elliott has just returned from co-leading an ICC China Team. She writes:

'I remember the day the team gathered outside the office to board the bus. Without warning firecrackers began to go off very near to us, giving one or two near heart attacks! A black car was parked by the entrance to the welfare centre baby area and the fire crackers were exploding near the car. Our translator explained that a Chinese family was collecting a baby for adoption. As the car pulled away I couldn’t help thinking about that baby – their new family were proudly fussing over her in the back seat and celebrating. The contrast was marked the next day when a police car arrived with a newly abandoned baby boy, born with a cleft lip and palette. He arrived under less auspicious circumstances and was quietly and quickly taken to the admission room for a thorough check up. What potentially different lives for these two babies!

Having been part of the first China Team to visit Heng Yang in November 2004 it was great to see some of the changes first hand. One of the most surprising was the way the older boys behaved during their afternoon craft session. It used to be utter chaos! Leisel Luscombe (ICC international volunteer) has worked very hard with these boys in difficult circumstances, many of them with very challenging behaviours. They are now used to Leisel’s afternoon craft session and obviously look forward to it. As she arrived and shepherded them round a table I stood amazed. The boys continued to sit relatively quietly waiting for her to return with all the equipment and spent the afternoon engaging them in cutting, gluing and pasting. This is a major step forward and an incredible achievement bearing in mind many of them, until recently, couldn’t even sit for any length of time. It may not sound much but this is another great success for the work in Heng Yang.'

Come and join an ICC China Team – you could change someone’s life, even your own!
www.intlchinaconcern.org

Changing Lives, Building Faith…

2007-01-22T06:20:00.000-08:00

January is almost over and our latest China Team will soon be coming to an end. It is a constant encouragement that so many are prepared to give what it takes to serve China’s abandoned and disabled.

Team leader Judy Elliott shares the latest news:

“As usual, the team has been really good. Despite some tough days, everyone has kept going and worked brilliantly together. At last night’s team meeting, lots of people shared how they have seen signs of change in many of the kids. Babies are becoming more alert and are rolling around as they learn to play. One of the older autistic boys settled down quietly to enjoy a painting session. He finds it hard to concentrate for more than a few minutes at a time, so this was major progress.

Many of the team have also shared that they’ve experienced an amazing time of personal growth, which they didn’t really expect! Jesus is doing things in their lives through the kids, and they are gaining more than they are giving.”

Over the years we’ve come to recognise that God does indeed change lives through our China teams. As well as hugely benefiting the children and young adults, God graciously blesses those who participate.

I’m looking forward to catching up with the team and hearing about all that God has done. Teams are a mix of fun, hard work and vulnerability. There may be challenges along the way, but ultimately, being part of a China Team is a faith building experience.

The First Christmas in Heng Yang

2007-01-12T08:10:00.000-08:00

It’s hard to believe there are children who have never celebrated Christmas, never heard the story of Jesus’ birth and never received a Christmas present, yet for those in ICC’s care in Heng Yang, this was their first and it was memorable.

Kyla Alexander, Heng Yang Spring Project manager, shares her Christmas memories:

'In China Christmas is mostly associated with Santa Claus, trees and flashing lights. We wanted to make sure the children and staff heard the real meaning of Christmas as well as having a blessed and happy time. Parties were organised for all the kids, each one received a small gift and they all, for the first time, saw the nativity play.

We decided because we didn’t have a big enough space to gather everyone if the weather was bad that we would have three separate parties – one for the young girls, one for the boys and one for the older girls and students. At each party we presented a story about three trees, acted out the nativity play, sang carols and watched items presented by the children. At the end of each party every child received a small gift.

At the little girls party Xiao Feng, who is autistic and loves to get in things, decided to get in the manger Leisel had made out of a cardboard box. Everyone was greatly amused by this. She seemed to miss the point of the play, but she did have fun with the manger. She then turned up at the older girls’ party to climb into their manager!

We also had the most enjoyable Christmas Eve I can remember. We decided to bless the whole welfare centre with carols and serenaded everyone from the youngest to the eldest ensuring no one missed out. The retired folks at the centre seemed to really enjoy the singing and candles. The kids were enthralled and their excitement and joy was infectious. At the end of the day, after the fireworks, I heard the house parents saying ‘next year there will be more’. I think Christmas will now be something the children and staff in Heng Yang will look forward to with excitement.'

Happy New Year!

2006-12-19T03:28:00.000-08:00

How time flies! It doesn't seem long since we were at the beginning of 2006, looking ahead with excitement to the opening of the Heng Yang Spring Project. But twelve months have passed in which we have seen positive changes in many young lives.

New Year is traditionally a time for making resolutions – you know the kind of thing – eat a bit less, exercise more smile at traffic wardens. These are usually short lived and we soon find ourselves slipping back into old ways.

However, we at ICC have determined that 2007 will be a year in which we pursue our goals with commitment and dedication. We will continue to develop projects that provide holistic care to the abandoned and disabled in China's state welfare system. We will provide training services to address the needs of China's developing social welfare system. We will act as advocates on behalf of China's abandoned and disabled, and we will continue to empower Chinese leaders and the community to respond to the needs of the disabled and abandoned.

Thank you all for your support and for standing with us throughout 2006. We look forward to partnering with you in the future and wish you a very happy new year!

Sun, Sea and Mango Shakes!

2006-12-14T04:20:00.000-08:00

Each year ICC says 'thank you' to the dedicated team of international volunteers serving in China, sending them on a week long retreat. The destination this year was Boracay Island in the Philippines – brilliant beaches and the best ever mango shakes!

Retreat gives those who have been serving in China the opportunity to relax, reflect and recharge. It also provides space to share experiences, give thanks for the past year and to share plans and dreams for the coming year.

Sam Hills writes, 'It was a really wonderful week – refreshing, relaxing, encouraging and inspiring. We had a really great speaker, Alistair Beattie, who besides bringing a great message and leading some powerful times of prayer, was a lot of fun to chat with throughout the week. He has an impressive ministry in the UK to students.

It was encouraging to think about all the changes that have happened throughout the year. Sometimes in this work I find myself focusing on all the challenges and find it difficult to see the improvements and changes that are happening in the kids' lives but when you look back over a year it all seems pretty amazing. '

International China Concern - News and Views

2006-11-21T04:17:00.000-08:00

Short Term Team News - Sparkling Eyes

Our latest short term team has just returned from China. It's been a blessing to hear news about what a great time the kids and team had together.

We always ask team members "What was your most memorable experience?" and I had to share this lovely response with you. Australian Pastor David writes:

"My most memorable experience was when two of the girls first looked into my eyes and smiled. These were separate events, but I can still see the sparkle in their eyes, and what came across was a heartfelt appreciation for my presence. They seemed to trust me and while we could not communicate verbally, I'd like to think they both got a sense of how much I cared for them. I will never forget those two sets of eyes."

If you'd like to share a similar experience, visit the teams pages on our website to find out how you can take part. I promise that you'll be challenged, changed and blessed.

See you next year in China, maybe?

See you in China, maybe?

International China Concern - News and Views

2006-11-07T07:23:00.000-08:00

Mid-autumn Festival

Every Chinese festival is accompanied by some kind of special food. During the recent mid-autumn festival moon cakes were given and eaten as a symbol of good relationships between friends and family.

These pastries are often round and contain many different fillings, inluding sesame paste, lotus seeds, preserved eggs and fruit.

Believe it or not, most Chinese people don't know how to make moon cakes, preferring to buy them at the local shop. But our intrepid carers in Changhsa looked up the recipe on the internet and made moon cakes with some of the young people in the Group Homes.

Apparently a great time was had by all as they mixed pastry and prepared their favourite fillings. The best bit was sharing moon cakes with friends and neighbours, and of course eating them. The worst bit was clearing up afterwards!

We might take the ability to bake a cake for granted, but these young people were thrilled to put their recently learned cooking skills to such good use. It is a blessing to see them grow and develop as they learn to live as part of their local community.

International China Concern - News and Views

2006-10-26T02:31:00.000-08:00

International China Concern - News and Views

NEW APPOINTMENTS

For the last eighteen months we've been searching for the right person to take up the post of China Operations (COC) Director. Thank you for standing with us as we've waited patiently for this particular need to be met.

We're delighted to announce that the waiting time is over. Mr Hang Khee Tan has accepted our offer and will be taking up his new role as COC Director with ICC at the beginning of March 2007. Hang Khee and his wife, Victoria, are originally from Singapore. Currently based in Sabah, Malaysia, Mandarin speaker Hang Khee will be completing his work there before visiting Changsha in early 2007 to organise accomodation. We are so grateful that this highly gifted couple will be working with us in China, and wish them every blessing as they prepare to make the move.

We've also been searching for a new Member Care Director, as well as the right person to take up the newly created role of Personnel Director, and we're very pleased to say that these two key positions have now been filled. Jannene Wall, based in Queensland, Australia, is already doing an excellent job looking after our Personnel Department. She will soon be joined by Susanna Lynam, also from Australia, who has just accepted the role of Member Care Director. As of November 2006, Susanna will provide encouragement and support to our full-time team in China. Both Jannene and Susanna are old friends and supporters to ICC, so it's a privilege to serve with them.

Please join us in giving thanks for these gifted, dedicated people. We are so very grateful!

Hammocks, music, shaving cream, massage - this is therapy?

2006-08-23T08:35:00.000-08:00

Yes, this is sensory therapy! Some of the children in the International China Concern (ICC) Changsha project have been receiving 'sensory therapy' once or twice a week for the past four months. Most of the children receiving this therapy have autism, a sensory processing problem or because of their disabilities, have had very limited sensory experiences in life and so have not developed good sensory integration skills. They all have difficulty processing the sensory information their body receives and are over-sensitive or under-sensitive to different types of sensory input.

Lis and Sam (Occupational Therapists) currently carry out sensory therapy in the 'Sensory Room' at Ya Tang Cun three days a week. They use many different types of sensory play to assess and address sensory integration problems. Activities with the kids often include swinging in a hammock, lying on a vibration mat, lying under weighted blankets, massage, water or shaving cream play, bouncing or rocking on a therapy ball, rice play, play with cause and effect toys and listening to music.

This type of therapy usually takes a long time to see results and for it to impact and improve a child's daily life but we are encouraged by the children's responses so far. One boy, Du Zhen, used to throw long and daily tantrums. Since beginning sensory therapy his tantrums have started to decrease and he looks forward to therapy sessions. We have had many, many smiles, laughter and other positive responses from other children, many of whom are usually quiet and withdrawn. We will soon begin training our Chinese therapy assistants to do this type of therapy so that it can benefit more children.

Summer Camp

2006-08-01T07:01:00.000-08:00

Most of our kids would agree that summer camp is the highlight of the year. Summer camp is all about fun but it's also where we see significant changes take place in the hearts of our kids. Here's just one of the many stories we are hearing from summer camp 2006.

Sam Hills writes:
One of the girls on camp was 'Ping Ping' from the Heng Yang Spring Project. When ICC first met Ping Ping a couple of years ago she was extremely withdrawn. She didn't talk, didn't play and didn't make eye contact – she had shut down and there was no hint of a joyful, playful child.

The theme for camp this year was music and the theme song, 'Everybody Dance':

Dance, dance, everybody dance
Everybody sing
For joy is in this place now

Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now I'm found
Was blind but now I see

Throughout camp I watched Ping Ping with tears in my eyes because every time the singing began, especially this song, she was up the front or in the middle of the room dancing and twirling around in her dress. God showed me, through her, what he is doing in so many of the kids lives, all the time, not just at camp. He is taking their lives and transforming them so that they can go from a place where all seems to be lost to a place of great joy, dancing and singing.

Small Steps

2006-07-24T04:25:00.000-08:00

Working with China's abandoned and orphaned children is a journey that is filled with gradual steps. Changes are often small and measured in terms of smiles, or words spoken for the first time. Enjoy these stories from ICC's staff.

Melissa Potter (Speech Therapist) from the Changsha Project writes:
'The children at one of our homes (Hong Xuan) continue to make great progress with their Makaton signing, use of gesture and PECS. We have just been covering the basic topics and we have been doing lots of signing for 'I hear', 'I like' and 'I see'. We've done lots of pretend shopping for food and it never fails to amaze me how quickly a child can learn to sign for things like biscuits and bananas! It has been great to have a number of the children starting to spontaneously use some signing. I nearly cried the day that one of our little girls, Zeng Feng, came and signed 'I love you'. She is like my shadow, always wanting to play! She is very bright but has no verbal language due to cerebral palsy severely affecting her speech muscles.'

Sam Hill from the Changsha Project writes:
Just thought I would update you on Ren Chao. She has been doing some speech therapy work with Melissa recently and is increasing her repertoire of words.

She can now say
• 'ai' (aiyi (carer) or love)
• 'ba' (8) and 'baba' (dad)
• 'mama' (mum)
• 'pao pao' (bubbles)
• 'Vrrrrroooooomm' (the sound of a car)
• 'pop' (when the bubbles burst)
• 'bye bye'

She is also trying to say more things but at the moment when she tries, raspberries just come out. She is also learning many makaton signs (drink, cat, dog and others) and is using PECS (picture exchange communication) for some things.

The main thing is she is trying really hard in all parts of communication and is making lots of progress.

Kyla Alexander from the Heng Yang Spring Project writes:
'One of the biggest changes we have seen in the children's lives since being in Heng Yang is a couple of the older children's nutritional status. In March after we first moved to the welfare centre Yang Jian Hua was very thin, weighing in at just 19 kg, very little for her height. Due to regularly missing out on food she would grab at food on the floor and was anxious at mealtimes.

In March we started boosting the children' nutrition through a snack program. We also started organising the children into smaller groups to eat, providing tables and chairs for them to sit on to eat in smaller groups. The children adapted surprisingly quickly to the new routine and enjoyed the safer eating environment. It was no longer 'survival of the fittest' at meal times as all children got fed and were protected whilst eating.

Just last week, less than three months later, a healthier, chubbier looking Yang Jian Hua got on the scales and weighed in at 25 kg. That is a one third increase in body weight, a very significant amount. Her hair, which was sparse from the nutrition and her habit of pulling it out, is still growing but Jian Hua is a healthier, happier little girl all round.'

Children's Day

2006-06-16T12:37:00.000-08:00

Allison Kennedy writes:

"I thought you might like these photos from Children's Day. It was such fun - shame you can't capture the laughter and email it!

'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' was performed outdoors in town where Kyla made a great speech and the Ping An Insurance Company gave a generous donation to the welfare centre. The kids ate cake, popped balloons and generally had a great time.

We had a water fight in the afternoon which was fabulous and the care givers seemed to love it; throwing water balloons and enjoying the kids excitement as much as we did!

Alison

Heng Yang Update - May 20th

2006-05-20T08:51:00.000-08:00

Kyla Alexander, the ICC Project Manager for the Heng Yang Spring Project writes:

Hi,

Alison and I were talking about how so much has happened over the last few weeks in the Heng Yang Project, there is so much to give thanks for. And so, I thought it important to do a little update for the National Offices, Supporters, Intercessors and Short Term Team members on the progress and significant changes. Please disseminate this information to the relevant people.

We have launched Phase One of the project. On May 8th the Heng Yang Spring Service Centre (joint management between ICC and the Welfare Centre) took over the employment and management of all the staff caring for the disabled children and infants in the centre. From May 8-12th we ran training for the old and new staff on basic hygiene, first aid, emotional care, behaviour management, etc. The total number of staff working with the children has increased from 10 to 25. There are 8 workers caring for the children each day, and 5 at night.
With so many recent admissions, and the survival of these children because of the improved care the number of the children in the project has increased to 70 infants, children and young people. Space is a significant problem that we are currently trying to solve.
A baby care unit was opened on May 14th to care for the increasing numbers of disabled infants we are receiving. At the moment this unit is staffed by some loving carers. There are currently 8 children in the unit.
2 young children with special needs are currently in foster care in the community.
We have broken the children into 6 groups according to age and sex. The groups are called Lilly, Lotus, Jasmine, Poplar and Bamboo. The carers are all assigned to care for a specific group of children and this system is so far working well.
The children are now separated into groups to eat and this is working very well. The children are learning to sit and eat without fighting and grabbing each others food. There is a significant difference already in the mealtimes.
To boost their nutrition a snack program was commenced in March. Several of the children have put on weight since this started. One significant change is in a little girl called Yang Jian Hua who is significantly heavier and healthier.
With the employment of new staff as carers we employed one of the old staff as a teacher. She has experience teaching kindergarten. This lady called Teacher Chen has commenced a class with 8 younger children who are intellectually normal but unable to attend school because of disability or trauma. The classes started on May 15th and the children are doing very well. One of the children called Yang Jian Ping began to speak in the class.
We are currently working on improving the clothing and physical appearance of the children. The children’s hair will no longer be shaved. The clothing is also being upgraded and all the children received a new pair of summer shoes this week.
Next week on May 22nd Hannah is starting craft classes with some of the teenagers. One of the groups will be learning to make cards.

Please keep praying for us as we continue to face the daily difficulties and struggles of setting up this project, but it is great to see the little progresses and changes in the children. Thank you for your support.

God Bless
Kyla

Heng Yang transformation

2006-03-17T15:07:00.000-08:00

I first visited Heng Yang in November 2004, and was struck by a little girl called Ping Ping. Something just seemed to draw me to her. At that time she was very withdrawn and unresponsive. She would sit quietly on your knee with no expression on her face, and would not make eye contact with anyone.

Imagine my delight when I arrived back in HY in January 2006 and almost didn't recognise Ping Ping because she had changed so much. Now she smiles, giggles, plays and cuddles everyone. On my first day at the orphanage I took her for a walk and realised she was humming to herself. When I listened more closely, I heard that she was singing the tune to "Jesus loves me, this I know". That was a real kleenex moment, as I thought of all the people who had invested in her life, praying and singing over her. Thanks to our loving Father and His people, Ping Ping now has a hope and a future. That is true for all the kids who have been touched by the ministry of ICC.

Allison Davies
ICC Short term team co-ordinator

Trafficking of babies in Hunan Province

2006-03-09T10:34:00.000-08:00

In the last months both Chinese and international media have reported the discovery of a child trafficking ring in Hunan Province. It has been reported that up to 80 children were sold by traffickers to orphanages in Hunan Province. These children were then put up for adoption. An investigation by Chinese authorities has resulted in the prosecution and dismissal of leaders from the Civil Affairs Bureau in Hunan Province.

International China Concern whole-heartedly supports the investigation conducted by the Chinese authorities and supports the punishment of those involved in this reprehensible crime against helpless children.

The Heng Yang Welfare Centre has not been significantly affected by this incident. The leadership of ICC is confident that the incidents that have taken place in Heng Yang Country and other parts of Hunan Province will not affect the project that is being established at the Heng Yang City Social Welfare Institute. ICC fully expects to be able to provide the care, therapy, education and medical to 50 abandoned and orphaned babies children with disabilities.

Should you have further enquiries regarding this issue then please contact David Gotts at djgotts@intlchinaoncern.org

8th March 2006 – 12.15 p.m.

Reflections on lives changes

2006-03-07T14:01:00.000-08:00

Children remembering the Christ child
Christmas was an excellent time as the team spent time with all the children having an opportunity to share the true meaning of Christmas and how it impacts their lives. The group homes, particularly the Moving On Group Home @ Sen Yu Jia Yuen did an excellent job of making sure every child, no matter what degree of disability, was able to enter into celebrating Christ’s birth.

One young woman, Liu Chu in particular stood out. She is normally shy and quiet, stands in the background and won't talk unless spoken to. She was up there singing, and acting a part in a play. It is so encouraging to see her do this. It shows that she is gaining more self confidence. She looked like she was enjoying herself in the process!

Enabling Heads to be held high
In December Dong Liang and Wang Hua (two of our young disabled adults in Changsha) received their special wheelchair seating supports. For Dong Liang this has made a huge difference as he is now able to sit holding his head erect for much longer and his feeding has improved. Wang Hua has taken longer to get used to it as it is more restricting than her previous seat but it has improved her posture greatly.

For many of us life is often measured in terms of achievement and usually the bigger the achievement the better. I think that world changing achievement gladdens the heart of Jesus no more than Dong Liang and Wang Hua being able to sit with their heads held high in every sense of the word.

Sharing Hope and Remembering the Past
Around Chinese New Year a group of our Changsha young adults traveled to the Heng Yang Welfare Center to meet those children that are about to join the ICC family. The trip had a great impact. Eleven young adults, themselves previously ‘forgotten children’ were able to share the hope that they have encountered through ICC with those who are desperately waiting for hope. Chen Shi, an ICC young adult, took the opportunity to share not only how what ICC had changed his life, but how Jesus was now living in his heart.

Sun Ping – a resident of Moving On in Changsha said that visiting Heng Yang reminded him of how his living situation in the Changsha Welfare Center used to be. He said, “We should be grateful, but often we forget and cause problems”.

Learning through touch
A new sensory integration therapy room at Ya Tang Cun is enabling Tang Wang and Du Sheng to make progress. Learning through touch will become a part of the therapy program for many of our Ya Tang Cun children in the coming weeks.

From frost-bite to new life in Heng Yang

Yang Dong was a very withdrawn little girl when we first met her in Nov 2005. Her heart seemed hidden behind an expressionless face in what seemed like an attempt to survive the traumas of her past and present.

During the last 3 months Yang Dong has suffered with frost bite, a 3 week hospital stay and the amputation of two of her toes. Despite all of this the Father turned these sad events into a wonderful story of healing. While in hospital Yang Dong was cared for by Auntie Li, whose love for this little one was heaven sent. Once an emotionally shut down child she is now a cheeky character full of life and laughter. Since her return to the orphanage she hasn't lost her sparkle. The toes she lost would never have been useful for walking due to the spina bifida but the life she gained will always be a reminder to me of how God causes streams to flow in dry and desperate places.

The life of Yang Fu Shan

2006-03-07T13:34:00.000-08:00

This is a story about the life of Yang Fu Shan written by Karen Norman, one of our long term staff:

"Kyla, Alison and I stopped in at the Heng Yang welfare centre with the plan of staying there for ½ hr before returning to Changsha. When we arrived we found that there was a new baby there who was 3 days old. We were told that he was born without an anus so he was going to die.

We felt that we needed to give this young boy a chance to have a full life so we asked permission to take him to the hospital so that he could have surgery. At this stage his breathing was very fast and difficult due to his very swollen abdomen. We knew that we needed to put a naso gastric tube up his nose into his stomach to remove some of the stomach contents and relieve some of the pressure on his lungs. As there was no naso gastric tube available we improvised using an intravenous therapy tube. We then took him to the hospital that Yang Dong was in.

Just before leaving for the hospital the welfare centre nurse was asked to give him a name as he didn’t have one. It was Yang Fu Shan (Timothy). The doctors at the hospital told us that none of the hospitals in Heng Yang were able to perform this operation and we were told that we would need to take him to the children’s hospital in Changsha. We organized a taxi and arrived at the Children’s hospital where Liu Yi Sheng from ICC Changsha project was waiting for us.

She helped us negotiate are way through the hospital system and see that this young boy received appropriate care. Following tests, Yang Fu Shan was operated on the next day. He was a little slow to start breathing after surgery but seemed to be doing well. The next day we were told that he had a hole in his bowel and that he required further surgery, so again this little man was taken to surgery and this time was given a colostomy.

The surgery went well and he was doing well when he came down with an infection that was causing his lungs to bleed. Timothy was taken to the Intensive care unit and placed on a ventilator. He was given antibiotics and over the next 3 days was making wonderful progress. He was even able to come off of the ventilator!

However a couple of days later he again came down with an infection and was put back on a ventilator. Sadly this time the treatment did not help and he went to be with his Heavenly Father. It was very sad seeing the progress and then losing this little man.

Even though Timothy’s life was so short I am amazed at how many lives he touched around the world. People were daily praying for him. I know of several people who have since decided to join a short term team because they want to come and love the children and to be His hands and feet."

A prayer request for one of our intercessor's

2006-03-03T16:00:00.000-08:00

We appreciate so much the committment of our intercessors so when I got a call yesterday from one of those faithful members asking for prayer for himself it made sense to let you know of his request too as the kingdom includes all of us.

John Kerr, 61, would like prayer for three things:

-his health,
-his job situation. He recently felt the Lord asking him to leave his job because of it's questionable ethics. Before he got a chance to do anything about it, his job was terminated. He feels it's the Lord's hand but is now wondering what to do about an income
-John would like to go to China but doesn't have much clear direction

If you would be kind enough to include this dear man in your prayers, I know he would be truly thankful.

Blessings to you all,

Karen Nielsen
ICC Canada Administrator

Changsha young people visit the Heng Yang welfare centre

2006-03-03T15:48:00.000-08:00

Recently, a group of young people from our project in Changsha went to visit the Heng Yang welfare centre and these are some of the highlights of that visit written by Karen Norman, a long term ICC staffer:

"The Chansgha young people and visiting Heng Yang was a wonderful time. Some of the key stories would be:

Chen Shi giving his coat, hat and gloves away to one of the Heng Yang kids. Then he went around encouraging each child telling them that he remembers what it was like in Changsha when he was young and that things will improve. He also spent some time with Yanzi (she and her husband are both disabled and grew up in the centre, their son spends a lot of time at the centre as he lives just outside the gates and goes to school with the other children from the centre. He went on summer camp and heard about Jesus and prays everyday before he eats his food) Chen Shi was sharing with Yanzi encouraging her to not only pray when things are bad but to spend time each day with God talking to him and getting to know Him.

Sun Ping was great with the kids letting some of the little ones sit on his knee and encouraging others that things will get better. A group of Heng Yang girls pulled off Sun Ping's hat and were horrified to find that he has very little hair. They ran backwards making all sorts of comments about it and laughing, then one of the Heng Yang girls stepped forward and told him that it didn’t matter that he didn’t have hair and she spent time sitting down talking to him.

The Changsha staff spent a lot of time sitting cuddling the Heng Yang kids and talking to the Heng Yang caring staff. They showed by example how to love the kids."

Intercession short term team highlights

2006-02-28T16:21:00.000-08:00

Karen Norman, one of ICC's long term staff and one of the team members that moved to Heng Yang earlier this month gives us these highlights of the Nov/Dec 2005 intercession short term team:

"There were 6 people on the team plus myself, then Hannah joined later and Kyla and Alison participated as available. We divided into pairs and we used the existing 12 prayer areas that had been marked on a map by another group.

One of the things we really prayed about at the (welfare) centre was the locked room where we had previously found children. It was very strong on our hearts to see that door opened. When I went back in January we found the room unlocked and the door wide open it has stayed that way.

Also during that team Lennie and I were in an area with a Catholic church that we wanted to go to so we could pray. In asking directions we got put on a bus that took us out of our walking zone for that day and we ended up at the local Protestant church. It was a Saturday afternoon but key people were there and available to talk with us. They were keen to assist us and to be part of the work. Since then we have continued to have contact with them and they are willing to help us to find staff and volunteers. If we had arrived at the church 10 minutes later or the day before when we were walking that zone we would have missed those key people, it really was a divine appointment."

An update from Kirsten Britcher

2006-02-27T10:29:00.000-08:00

I thought I’d begin this update by answering the five most frequently asked questions:

So where are you?
I’m still in Changsha, living at Sue’s house; same complex, different building. I moved two weeks ago and have rice bags full of luggage lining the walls, the latest in home decorating!

When are you moving to the UK?
A few days ago I would have said – I don’t know! But I now have a return ticket to the UK and will be leaving HK for London and Newcastle March 17. I’m due back in China for Board meetings April 19 so will only be in the UK for a month.

My UK Work Permit is in process and won’t be approved in time for this first trip so I’ll be in the UK on a tourist visa. I won’t begin working for the ICC UK company until all the right paperwork and visas are processed so the plan is to take a little time to settle into Morpeth, take a short holiday, continue to oversee the China (ICC HK Company) work and meet with Richard, fellow Board member. I’ll begin development and work for the ICC UK Company when I return in May and I’ll continue to provide oversight for the China work until a new director is appointed.

Has the team moved to Heng Yang yet?
Yes Kyla, Alison and Karen moved to Heng Yang to set up new homes and to establish the Heng Yang Spring Project February 9. We pr-yed for clear skies and ended up with rain, hail and snow! Oh well… The team will be joined by Hannah and Leisel in the coming months and, in cooperation with the Heng Yang Welfare Centre, will provide services for over 50 abandoned, orphaned children and youth with disabilities.

The needs in the Heng Yang centre are desperate; inadequate basic care, food, clothing, education, medical care and therapy. Children fight over rice on the ground and beat each other, often just for attention and as a way of showing affection. It’s all they know. The need is great but so is the potential.

The Spring Project’s mission is to touch these children and the surrounding community with the Father’s love through providing services that significantly improves quality of life and decreases the high mortality rate at the centre. ICC is committed to empowering the government and local community of Heng Yang in the care of disabled orphans, training local people to work within the project and bringing community transformation.

Yang Dong’s life is already being transformed.

Yang Dong is 6 years old and was recently abandoned. Frostbite and lack of treatment led to her having a gangrenous toe, infection all the way up to her knee and a blackened toe and ball of her foot. She’s since had her toe amputated and at one point we wondered if her whole foot would be lost. This situation could have been avoided had Yang Dong been living in a warm environment with adequate clothing and footwear, had someone noticed the frostbite and immediately treated it. It’s frustrating and hard to see needless suffering but it can work for good.

When Kyla and the team discovered Yang Dong they admitted her to hospital and employed a lady to care for her and feed her. Within a couple of days she had become a very different little girl, smiling and laughing. She was no longer shut down and there was a sparkle in her eye. What she’d needed as much as treatment was someone to care for her, just her. She’d needed someone to notice her, listen to her and love her. Yang Dong and her carer now share a special bond and this once shut down little girl is blossoming. It’s amazing just how much a little love and hope can do for the soul.

How’s your health?
I’ve managed to keep out of hospital these past months but I’m still struggling to breathe at times. I look forward to getting fit again and not always feeling exhausted. And maybe people will stop asking – are you OK? You don’t look good…

So how do we contact you?
From now until March 16 you can continue to contact me in China.

I leave China, home for 5 years, feeling very much a part of it but still very much a foreigner. And the longer I stay the more China and her people remain a mystery. Just when I think I have it worked out I discover the rules have changed or my assumptions were wrong! That’s the amazing thing, one can never really generalise about China; one can only share experiences. What I value most about my time is the relationships I have with the staff and the children, the fact that I’ve been able to make a difference, no matter how small. There are a few nationals with whom I’ve had the privilege of sharing my heart, my hopes and fears and they have trusted me with theirs. This is a rare and precious gift.

I’ll sign off for now but I want to thank you for your friendship, for walking with me these past years. I look forward to sharing with you news of new friends, a new country and new adventures.

Kirsten Britcher
Acting COC Director and Director of Communications.

Exciting Times Challenging Times

2006-02-14T16:30:00.000-08:00

I just got back from spending time with the ICC teams in Changsha and Heng Yang. It was a busy time, but one filled with some great blessings.

The first part of my trip was interviewing a strong candidate for the position of China Operations Director. I know that many of you have been praying that God will provide the right person. Whilst no final decision has been made, we were encouraged at how God seems to be moving in this process. Please pray that we will have wisdom as we consider this candidate.

It was also good to spend time with the Changsha Team. As many of you know the team is going through quite a lot of change - especially with part of the team moving down to Heng Yang to begin our work there. It was encouraging to see all that God is doing both in the team and also in the work. The team, whilst feeling the loss of their team mates, are also excited about the future. A meeting with the Director of the Changsha Welfare Center finished with his approval to begin searching for new premises to house our children from Ya Tang Cun. We hope that during 2006 these children will be able to move into much more ideal accommodation which can facilitate their care, education, therapy and play. Please keep praying as we seek God to lead us in this and provide for us financially.

The latter part of my time was with the team in Heng Yang. The team moved down to the city on February 8th and so they were still living out of boxes during my visit. However the work doesn't stop. The new ICC offices in the HY welfare center are coming along well, Yang Dong (the little girl with frost bite) is recovering after her surgery, the team's homes are getting sorted out, and there is a sense of God's presence in the midst of the busyness.

As I left China for Hong Kong I could not help feel excited. Excited that God is doing something new work in our midst. I also felt challenged - as there are many gaps that still need to be filled. Please pray that God would provide abundantly for every gap that we have.

During my brief stop in Hong Kong I got to meet with several people, one of whom is well connnected with the Hunan Provincal Government. He is willing to advocate for us to be given a piece of land on which we can then develop a new children's and youth center in Changsha. Please pray for Mr Huang that God will continue to move on his heart and that he will actively work to bring about this provision.

Thanks for your prayers and your care. The work of ICC rests upon the prayers of the saints - we value each one of you.

In Him,

David

David Gotts
Executive Director

Heng Yang update

2006-01-19T16:14:00.000-08:00

Thank you for your prayers for ICC's work and the Heng Yang Project. At the moment we have an international short term team in Heng Yang working with the children. During the last weeks we have had significant progress in working towards settling a long term team in Heng Yang. We have found housing for the team in the nearby local community, and will be signing a contract to rent this house next Monday. Please pray that the final negotiations go smoothly and that the land lord is fair. After that time Karen, Alison and myself will be preparing to move to Heng Yang, our planned move date is the week starting February 6th, please pray that the house is prepared to live in, that everything will go smoothly, that the work that needs to be done
in the house would be done well and that despite it being Chinese New Year we can find the workmen to do the necessary work.

We have recently employed our first staff member for the Heng Yang Project, her English name is Selena, she is working as assistant to the foreign team and translator. (This is one of the items on the Prayer Calendar for today! We can give thanks and pray for Selena by name!) She knows our Father, please pray for her to come closer to Him through her work with us and that she would settle into her role quickly. So far she has given me a lot of help in my work.

This week we have also been allocated a place for our offices at the welfare centre. We have two good size rooms that are to have some very basic renovations done to them. At this moment I can hear the hammers as the work men lay the roof. They are local work men, please pray
that they will do a good and thorough job so that our office roof will not leak!

This week we have also begun the set up of the unit for disabled infants and palliative care. At the beginning of the week we had three babies, but sadly one little boy of about 4 months with Down's Syndrome died just a few hours after coming in, and another little baby with Cerebral Palsy passed away last night, her disabilities were severe and she was no longer able to feed, she had also only come into the centre a few days ago. During their few days and hours at the centre these little babies received much love from the team members. A gorgeous little 6 week old baby boy with a severe cardiac condition is still living in this unit and receiving love and care from a short term team member, Sue from Australia. Karen took this little boy who they have
named David to the hospital on Wednesday for tests, his condition is currently not operable, and quite dangerous. Please pray for his safety and healing. He is currently bright and alert. Praise God that we have been able to give these infants so much love and care.

Please pray also for the children in the centre who have epilepsy. This week many of the children have been having seizures. Please pray that we would be able to find a good local doctor and hospital with the knowledge and experience to assess and treat these children appropriately so that their seizures are controlled. Please pray for healing for these little ones as well. Thank you so much for your care and support for the children in Heng Yang as we set up this project. This current season is one when we need much coverage in prayer.

Blessings
Kyla Alexander
Heng Yang Project Manager

2006-01-11T16:51:00.000-08:00

Enjoying the Sun and Sand!

Ever wondered what ICC's China staff look like? Take a look at the photo on the left. This photo was taken at the ICC staff retreat in November 2005.

Each year ICC holds a retreat for our missions staff in order to give them some rest, bless them for all the hard work they do and provide some much needed spiritual input and refreshment.

New Year 2006

2006-01-05T16:56:00.000-08:00

It always amazes me how time goes by so quickly and that we are already beginning 2006. I wanted to take a moment to share a couple of reflections from a time of prayer on New Years Eve.

It was great to attend a prayer service on New Years Eve and to have the chance to reflect back over 2005 and to prayerfully look forward to this coming year. As I thought back on 2005 I was very grateful to God for how He has continued to walk with us in ICC. 2003 and 2004 were both very challenging years for all of us in ICC. 2005, whilst not as difficult, has had its challenges as we settle into the changes brought about during the previous two years. Dealing with the difficulties and changes that we have experienced is not easy and can wear us down. Settling into the new management in Changsha, working out the inevitable problems that have arisen with the move into the community and the development of the Heng Yang project are all changes which have both positive and negative sides. Positive in that we are moving to a way of working that we believe will give our children and youth a better life. Positive because we have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of another 50 children in Heng Yang, yet negative because change bring about stress, challenges our sense of security, sometimes overwhelms us and alters the network of relationships that is so important to us.

As I write I ask find myself asking these questions – Do I trust that God has been in the midst of all that we have walked through? Do I believe that He continues to guide, lead and form ICC through the changes and circumstances that we encounter? Do I trust that, despite how things sometimes look and feel that He is blessing the work of ICC and moving us towards realizing our vision? Is He changing the lives of the children that He has given into our care?

In the day to day slog of walking out the ministry we have been called to we can lose sight of what He is doing as we deal with the changes, the lacks, the gaps that we see, the frustrations that we have, and the unanswered questions that leave us disappointed. But upon reflection, sitting in church on New Years Eve, and sitting here now in my office, I know in my heart that God is in the midst of all that we have walked through. I know that He is guiding, leading and forming us through the circumstances we encounter, that He is blessing the work of ICC, despite the challenges, and that most importantly there are children who are coming to know Jesus either for the first time or in increasing measure through the faithful day to day work that we do.

I am grateful to God that I have finished 2005 with the certainty of those things, and that encourages me to turn my eyes to 2006 with a sense of expectancy.

2006, I am sure, will continue to be a year of change. Change whilst sometimes hard is both inevitable and good. A minister I heard speak a few months ago said it this way:

Healthy things grow
Growing things change
Changing things challenge us
Challenging things force us to trust God
Trust leads to obedience
Obedience makes you healthy
Healthy things grow…..

Firstly, I hope that for each one of us the primary change is one of growing a little more into the image of Jesus. Secondly, I hope that each of us will experience closeness with Jesus that enables us to have joy in the midst of the changes we encounter. Thirdly, I hope that we will have confidence in knowing that He walks with us in all that unfolds in ICC.

I trust that God will gift to us those three things in this coming year.

Here are some of the things that we trust God will establish in 2006:

In China:
A new COC Director for our China work
The beginning of the Heng Yang team and project
New accommodation for the children at Ya Tang Cun in Changsha
A new vocational workshop for our youth
The strengthening of our Changsha team with new staff.
Good input into our Chinese leadership to develop their leadership and management skills, including a trip to visit social welfare projects in Hong Kong in June.
Identify and employ a new assistant project manager, therapy manager, education manager and translator for the Changsha Project
Strengthen our relationship with the government departments that we work with.

Outside of China:
Our National Offices and staff – that they will continue to see the vital role they play in the work that we do for China’s children
Strengthen the support, input and communication with our national offices.
The beginning set up of new National Offices in Taiwan, Singapore and an office to deal with Chinese enquiries.
Our website being translated into Chinese.
Strengthen recruitment of long term staff.
A pool of specialist people who can come and train staff and work with the children.

The things listed above have all been identified as we have talked together, shared our views and recognized the needs of the work that we do. When I look at these things, and the many more smaller items that are not listed here, I begin to feel somewhat like Gideon. In other words, if it is up to me then there is no way these things can be done. If it is up to us then a rational mind would say that we are too few people. However we trust that God will bring about the realization of these things in his timing and in his way, just as He brought about Gideon’s victory with a handful of people at Gideon’s side.

In short, we are being given an opportunity to trust – an opportunity to trust that God will bring about all that He wants in ICC in 2006. I believe that those three words ‘opportunity to trust’ that came to me whilst praying on New Years Eve are God’s word and challenge for me in 2006. I want to ask you to join with me in taking up this ‘opportunity to trust’ for ICC in 2006. When the challenges come, when the circumstances are hard, when we don’t see the way forward, when it feels like a slog each day or our hopes are dashed then let us stand together and take up this opportunity to trust in our God and Father. As we do that I believe that God will do all that He wants in and through us.

In closing, I want to encourage you to see that ICC is a family – a diverse one - spread across countries, cities, with different personalities and foibles – yet one that is united in our belief that we have been called to care for one another and ‘go’ make a difference to the lives to China’s abandoned and orphaned children.

God Bless you and may you know His joy, peace and provision in 2006.

In Him,

David

David J. Gotts
Executive Director
International China Concern

No...not forgotten

2005-12-16T16:24:00.000-08:00

This was written by Jacob Li who was on our November short term team,

"Remember the phrase "Ming Tian Jian" (see you tomorrow)? Three simple words the kids love to hear. Three simple words they instantly respond to with a smile, filled with hope and joy. Three simple words we'd love to say to the kids right now, if only we could.

Today, as I pause from the busyness of my daily routine and marvel at the photos from Heng Yang, I remember vividly our amazing encounter with Christ in China. I recall only a month ago, we were in a different world, in a land at the verge of prosperity, where crossing the street each day can be a "near-death-experience." Yet it's a land burdened with desperate needs, where people are forgotten, and children are abandoned. I remember how incredibly tired we were each day, yet at the same time, feeling completely enriched and fulfilled, having worked alongside Jesus that day. I think of the many tears that were shed, but also the tremendous comfort we always receive from His words and His spirit. I think of the close fellowship and time of worship we all shared, which became the sources of our strength.

No, that was not long ago. But have we already forgotten about our encounter with Christ? Have we already dismissed in our minds the great needs we've seen in China? Have the faces of those precious children already faded in our hearts?

No, we have not forgotten!

So during this Christmas season, as we rush between work and the busy shopping mall, or from one giant dinner feast to the next, let us just take a moment to remember, one by one, the faces of those beautiful kids in Heng Yang and say a little prayer for them. That, perhaps, is the most precious gift they'll ever receive this year!

I don't know what tomorrow will bring to kids like Ping Ping, Jackie Chan, or Zipper Boy. Nor do I know what they would want for this Christmas. Perhaps it's just the simple gift of a warm, tasty meal, or just the caring presence of a loving friend. Yet my prayer is that God will bless them this Christmas, not just with the abundance of life, but also with His loving presence and the promise of eternity with Christ.

Merry Christmas everyone, and blessings to all,

Jacob"

Heng Yang update

2005-12-15T14:56:00.000-08:00

In the November Prayer Calendar we sent out a specific prayer request about Heng Yang – I am very excited to be able to update you all on the current progress.

On November 30th ICC signed a contract with the Heng Yang City Civil Affairs Bureau (the body of government that looks after social welfare for the city) to set up the project to care for the disabled children in the city welfare centre. The contract signing went smoothly and the support of the local city government was huge. The day even made it onto local TV news!
All of those present were greatly encouraged by the time.

The next day, December 1st, the Changsha team and others that were present for the signing ceremony were able to spend time visiting the children at the centre. They were very pleased to see the team again.

The Heng Yang initiative has been named ‘The Spring Project’ after God spoke to the team through Psalm 84 "...As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs..."

There is a definite sense of a ‘spring’ theme over Heng Yang, where God has promised to bring a season of new life, and new hope to these children.

Thank you for praying…… and I hope that you will experience great joy as share with us in this good news!

Yours In Christ

Richard, Allison, Nicola and Judy
International Office
Morpeth
United Kingdom

Another short-term team comment

2005-11-24T12:16:00.000-08:00

This is taken from an email that we received from one of the short-term team members of July 2005.

"China was amazing, I think that goes without saying. The kids were just wonderful, and the whole trip was just so blessed. There were a few complications with visas and lost tickets, but all in all, wow does God ever provide.

One of the coolest things for me was being able to see the children through their Maker's eyes; I don't think any of us saw their disabilities or even stumbled at the language barrier. I was blessed with abundant patience and joy at our work, and I know that could only come from God. I fell in love with every child I met, and of course I signed up for the Hand-in-Hand sponsorship program the moment I got home. I'm very excited to be able to contribute to one of the kids' lives."

Kind of makes you want to go doesn't it?

highlights of a short term team member

2005-09-08T13:10:00.000-08:00

This trip (short term team in July 2005) was a very blessed awesome experience for me. The highlights were:

-The times I held my buddy on the bus (Liu Xiang) as it reminded me of how Jesus holds me.
-The 7:00 am prayer time with the team as it reminds me how good and right it is to start the day this way.
-Meeting all the people that God brought together for this short term team... and the way we got along so well as a team and worked together in love. An amazing experience of His church and my family in Christ.
-A chance to work with a child with Autism as I haven't had that experience before... Adapting to her needs and behavior and seeing her smile and gaze into my eyes was amazing.
-I was impressed at the conditions that the kids live in and the care they receive from the caregiver. ICC has done an amazing job of moving the kids into the community within such a short time frame. It reminded me of God's faithfulness and His love for these children whom He has not abandoned. I praise Him for the obedience of all those called to ICC work. It also reminded me again that we ARE His hands and feet and we have a choice to be His vessels no matter what we are doing.
-I also had practice trusting in God's power, faithfulness and His ways, which human eyes don't often see. I may not have seen immediate results, nor the effects that all our interactions had on the community, local authorities, hotel staff and college students. However, I recognize this and praise God for His sovereignty and that He is not limited by my perspective. I am just called to be obedient and trust He will use me (us) for His purposes... no authority here can stop His will.
-I have a hard time explaining in detail, but God just provided all I needed personally... A peace that passes understanding... I was blessed in the relationships that developed, in having a chance to lead the group in worship, in assuming the role of team nurse, in enjoying the new foods, in protection over my health/hydration/ and MSG migranes, in recieving rest... Everything seemed to flow as I felt Jesus and His love with me in all things at all times.

This was written by Rebecca Brooke of North Shore Alliance Church (NSAC) who went on a short term team with ICC along with 13 of her friends from NSAC.

A God who answers your prayers!

2005-08-29T08:26:00.000-08:00

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

Summer Camps

2005-08-04T10:18:00.000-08:00

This is a short story from one of our top people, Kyla Alexander, about her experience with summer camps:

"Earlier in July we were able to take 34 children and young people from the Heng Yang Welfare Centre away on summer camps. This was an amazing time for the kids, they sung songs, did crafts, swum in the pool, they played with adults, and other children, and received personal love and care. It was nothing less than amazing to give these children their first holiday. The hardest part was returning the children to the Welfare Centre at the end of the camp. Most of the children cried the 40 minute journey back to the centre, when we got there they returned to their room and cried. There was no mother to comfort them, no one to ask them what they did at camp, there was no one to look at the crafts they had done and praise them. This experience reminded me of their loneliness, and cemented my resolve to be used by God to bring love and care into their lives."

Thank you, Kyla, for this snapshot. It certainly has an emotional impact with its' mix of joy and sadness in it.

We are so grateful to our staff who give of their lives for these children on a daily basis. We are equally grateful for each child that God created with His own hands. May His will be done in their lives!

Training Dept. update

2005-06-17T10:24:00.000-08:00

Since 1997 ICC has been training teachers, nurses, doctors and care givers in how to provide care that will improve the quality of life for disabled children in China’s orphanages. Over the 7 ½ years we have had contact with 60 orphanages, numerous NGO’s, and have trained over 415 people. We have had people from as far away as Xinjiang Province in the north west to people from Jilin in the north east. A number of orphanages have seen the benefit of training their staff and have consistently sent their workers for training. The training is growing at such a rate that this year we are expecting to train approximately 110 people. Last year we began to take the training mobile and to this time we have done one Basic Carer training in the north west and one in the north east. Of course this requires a lot of work and commitment of our teachers, some who come from overseas especially to teach in the trainings.

It is exciting work as we see the attitudes change toward people with disabilities and workers becoming excited to see that their work will make a difference in the lives of the children under their care. This March we had students doing some practical experience in our project here in Changsha. The following is one student’s story. “Saturday I worked in Peace Room with ZY. When I told him I would take him out today, he smiled. Although I didn’t do anything special for him, through the short contact my heart was deeply moved. I know I have nothing special, but now at the moment I am the most important person in ZY’s life. Seeing the ICC staff with love on their faces, I am grateful the children enjoy their rights. They are unlucky but at the same time they are lucky. They have love, and enjoy love. If we give our love the world will become a better place. Thank you ZY. Through contact with him I can see the beauty of life and realize my own importance.”

A GRAND DAY OUT

2005-05-26T03:20:00.000-08:00

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

2005-05-12T00:56:00.000-08:00

March Short term team

2005-04-28T12:16:00.000-08:00

This is an exerpt from one of the team leaders of our short term team in March. Allison writes:

"May I tell you a couple of stories about what has been happening at Heng Yang?
In July 2004, ICC staff met a little girl called Xiu Xiu. You may have read about her in Compassion Update, or in Kyla’s newsletter. This little girl had spent so many hours tied to a potty chair that she was unable to straighten her legs. But through the help of people on short term teams, Xiu Xiu has learned to stand, to walk, and now, to run. I thought my heart would burst with love for her and for the Lord when she ran for the first time. I realised too how much I take for granted about life back home.
There children run all the time. It’s what they do. But for this little girl in China, it was a sign of the amazing progress she has made, and a sign of God’s love for her."

Heng Yang Short Term Team

2005-04-15T15:23:00.000-08:00

Here is an excerpt from one of our staff regarding a recent short term team to Heng Yang. Lis Strahan writes:

"The Short Term Team in January was such a blessing for both those who came from abroad and also for the children. The majority of the team was young people and aussies! It was such a privilege to serve those kids who have never had love in their lives. There are many hurting kids in Heng Yang, and when we first started out not many smiles, but it was amazing to see how quickly they responded to our love. Of course there was one little man there who stole my heart (Xiu Xiu) and I was able to spend lots of time with him. At eight years of age he has already built a wall around his heart so no-one can touch him. It was wonderful to see the changes in him, and how he began to be more receptive to me and join in with the games! It was also great to see him and other children smile and laugh, and have some of them run out to greet us when we arrived for the day. There is still a great work to be done there in Heng Yang and teams continue to go in there on a regular basis to bless the kids. "

Introducing myself

2005-04-07T10:43:00.000-08:00

Hi, my name is Karen Nielsen and I work with David Gotts, ICC's Executive Director, in the Vancouver office. Over the next 3 months, I'm going to be posting information to ICC's blog to keep you all updated on what is happening in our work. If you have any comments on the information posted, then please feel free to post a comment.

Let me tell you a little more about myself. I have been married now for just over 6 years to my husband, Craig. We have one daughter, Anika, who is almost 2 and a delight to us. We attend Vancouver South Vineyard Church where I have been quite involved for over 9 years.
I've only been with ICC for 5 months now but it has quickly felt like to home to me. I had the opportunity to go to China in February to see first hand what ICC is doing in the lives of the children there. It was a wonderful experience that I'll never forget. If you ever get the chance to go and visit, please do. I know you'd come away feeling inspired.

A Message from David Gotts

2005-03-31T12:47:00.000-08:00

Piggies

2005-03-15T05:52:00.000-08:00

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....

2005-03-15T05:33:00.000-08:00

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.

2005-03-08T16:19:00.000-08:00

ICC Changsha Staff and National Office Coordinators - March 2005

A month goes by...

2005-03-08T15:56:00.000-08:00

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!

Coming Together - ICC's National Office Network

2005-02-06T23:39:00.000-08:00

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!

Short Term Team Report from Heng Yang

2005-02-03T14:10:00.000-08:00

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.

Update from Heng Yang

2005-01-18T09:24:00.000-08:00

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

Heng Yang - Part of ICC's future

2005-01-17T14:43:00.000-08:00

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

2005-01-06T14:44:00.000-08:00

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

A New Team in a New City

2005-01-06T14:16:00.000-08:00

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!

Thanks and Merry Christmas!

2004-12-23T11:14:00.000-08:00

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!

Nurture Foster Care - A time of Training

2004-12-20T14:10:00.000-08:00

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.

The Year of Change

2004-12-13T11:58:00.000-08:00

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!

Blessed to be a blessing!

2004-12-01T23:05:00.000-08:00

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!

From beautiful Bororcay

2004-11-29T20:21:00.000-08:00

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.

2004-11-24T15:44:00.000-08:00

The new Hope House Community Care Home (operational as of 22/11/04) for children with severe disabilities and children awaiting foster care placement (Shown whilst under renovations in October 04).

Wrapping up

2004-11-24T15:36:00.000-08:00

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!

2004-11-23T13:12:00.001-08:00

A group of ICC young adults in their new community-based group home.

Thankfulness

2004-11-23T13:12:00.000-08:00

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.

2004-11-19T10:09:00.000-08:00

Chen Shi (John) - check out Chen Shi's story below in his own words.

Chen Shi (John) - in his own words.

2004-11-19T09:59:00.000-08:00

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)

Take a look below...

2004-11-18T19:48:00.000-08:00

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.

2004-11-18T19:20:00.000-08:00

A short term team member from the US working alongside a Chinese care-giver caring for abandoned babies.

2004-11-18T19:15:00.000-08:00

Short Term Team Coordinator - Kyla Alexander (right) with Allison (short term volunteer) and a young man from a Chinese Welfare Center

Welcome!

2004-11-18T18:10:00.000-08:00

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!