China: it is the people

How does one start to share a two week trip that has been overwhelming since before it began? where does one begin? There are so many God sightings (seeing God at work using you in others' lives, or others in your life); so many experiences;so many "ahah!"'s.

In wrestling this through with my Father, the one theme that kept recurring was the people, His people. People that He cares about that are trapped and need to be set free ... one at a time.

We saw the en-masse, and we experienced them as individuals.

One co-worker that was able to visit many students who had returned home came to the conclusion that we need to do more to reach and teach them while they are here. We need to go extra miles and invest all we can.

The challenges as they return home are huge, especially if their culture is, not nurturing for their new faith.

We saw alot, experienced alot and are left with alot of God's heart for His people, the ones who do not yet know His amazing love.

In many ways, for all the differences, they are just like us.

Countdown to China

God is going ahead of us!

We are in the final phases of preparations for our trip to China. The list of many details is diminishing. Richard is working to settle issues for Fall ministry start-ups and training events we will hopefully hold when we return. In the midst of this my Asian friend, personal English partner (PEP), has been helping/teaching us about one of the cities we will visit as it is her husband's home city. This has been great fun until she gently/politely informed me that the hotel we would be using is, well, not very good. And it is not in a very good part of the city. When I told her we were not able to make a change because we are traveling in a group she suggested, "Perhaps you should bring your own towels at least." I told her not to worry because God would take care of us ... fast forward ... I call our group leader for some information and he tells me "Oh, by the way, I had to up grade your hotel in ___." (heh, heh, heh!) THANK YOU FATHER!!! Now to tell my friend!

The new place!

When God has His eye on an area we see Him attract a cluster of churches . Sometimes this happens in "prominent", "important" areas like Baltimore, MD, Washington D.C., or NewYork City. Other times we are called to remote places like Northville, NY or Lewisburg, PA. Areas like these small towns have community colleges and small private colleges. One might never suspect a future world leader coming out of a school like this - but they do! Kofi Annan from Ghana, former Secretary General of the United Nations, is one example. He began his college education

in a small community college in PA.

Because our Father knows all things we are happy to go where-ever He leads and encourage His people to reach out in His love to the future world leaders among us.

We are blessed to serve with others who catch the vision for the potential in the international students here.

on RETURN

We are always blessed when Daniel returns home. We enjoy his company and are challenged by God's work in and through him. Assisting Dan's desire to have a concert is a pleasure. But this time God and Dan really overwhelmed us!

Many of you know that our ISI National Staff Conference will be in Hong Kong this summer. This is challenging from many perspectives. We have never been to Asia, the cost is, well, very expensive .... Because we are required to attend we are counting on Our Father's resources to make it happen for us. By Faith we made plans, bought tickets and applied for visas.


The stage was set; our travels kept us distracted so we missed some clues; and halfway through this wonderful evening concert a "special video presentation" highlighted our upcoming 40th wedding anniversary and trip to HongKong for ISI. We were totally surprised by what came next. Daniel announced that the performers and technicians had all donated their time and talents so that 100% of the evenings proceeds could be donated to us for the China trip! WOW!

Even now I am overwhelmed and blessed and speechless at this outpouring of love and grace! Praise God! We are one/third there!

Another Rockville!

A blessed and fruitful time in Rockville, Maryland!

We left Ithica, New York and drove to Rockville, Maryland. There we enjoyed the hospitality of a wonderful couple that reaches out to international students through ESL classes held in their home! Richard shared in 2 services in their church on Sunday, and Carol shared in their ESL Sunday class. Richard told "Gau's" story of his first time in a church. Gau heard a message by a departing intern sharing God's leading and saying goodbye to the church family. Gau shared, " When I heard of the faithfulness and love of God it seemed altogether reasonable to me to open my heart to Him." Such a sweet story, for this man had yet much to learn about our wonderfull Savior ... but he was ready to receive. Richard encouraged us to be a faithful and loveful witness as we reach out to international students and love them into the kingdom.

We met some former international students who told us that Richard was telling their story and as a result, they now want to be involved in reaching out to others ... I love it when God turns on the light! We are so blessed to see this ministry warmly received by pastors and laity alike. Many signed up to do whatever they could to help.

NE Reg'l Staff Conference: Ithica, NY

dateline: March 11, 2011 We traveled to Ithica, NewYork; location of Cornell University for our annual regional staff conference. Dr. Koshi was our main speaker. He came to Syracuse, NY as an international student and stayed to answer God's call to be able to address the despair and lonliness international students feel with Christian love and hospitality. He determined to come and share with us despite illness and was visibly strengthened after prayer. He challenged us to love lavishly and sacrificially, like Jesus loves us.

Our prayer times strengthened us all and help us get acquainted with folks who are new or visiting.

We had 5 guests as a result of our contacts. One husband was so excited that he decided to become an active partner with his wife in this ministry and could see his giftings fitting in to extend the kingdom! Another young man left encouraged, considering becoming staff.

On Saturday we prayer walked the local campus, Cornell. It is exciting to see that the local staff are already experiencing breakthroughs with students as a result of the prayer that weekend! God is good! One student of Hindu background prayed to renounce all influence of hindu gods. A muslim student sought to begin an intensive Bible study. We are blessed to be a part of this family of believers and excited to see God moving in student lives in this new outreach area.

Strangers, Foreigners, Aliens ...Lev 19:33

In conversations recently with international students, Richard and I separately had the same experience. God is confirming something here. Each student mentioned the kindness and friendliness of their experience with believers was drawing them to know Jesus.

One student wants to be like these people so much he is calling himself a believer even though he does not yet know the whole story of what that means. How powerful, how simple ... a cup of water in Jesus name:

a dish of food prepared, a ride to the grocery store, helping hands, a song sung, a listening ear...a word in season, and a sound simple teaching when Holy Spirit prompts us.

Americans have a reputation world wide for making poor friends. Students tell us "People say 'how are you?' but don't even stop to listen. They don't really care."
Let us raise the weapon of kindness and friendship, and watch strongholds come tumbling down ... so the King of Glory can come in! 2 Cor 10: 3-5