I have put many of my pictures on photobucket and am putting my link to the pictures here. you can see them individualy or see them in small short slide shows that will run automatically once you open them. Most are in order but the first picture and the first slide show is the end of the trip.
The trip was wonderful. This is my second time to go to the SEA program in Hong Kong. I highly recommend it and hope to keep returning. When I went for the first time, I never dreamed I would feel this way. I want to thank all those who donated, prayed or supported us in any way. We could not have done this with out you.I have talked about the SEA program quite a bit at Church. In case you have missed it or do not remember, here is some background info. The Swatow (this is a Chinese ethnic group at one time) churches sponsor the program. They have a church history in HK that goes back a 100 years or more. One of the churches was having its 100th anniversary either this year or next.
The program is very organized and it reaches many children. About 40 to 50 English speaking people come from all over and join together in HK. Last year I think 5 to 7 individual churches participated. The churches recruit children to come to the program, hoping to get as many non Christians as possible. There will also be a percentage of Christian children who come and they are important too because they become friends with the other kids and give them encouragement. Learning English is viewed with utmost importance by Chinese people because of the economic consequenses…jobs etc. Parents are willing to send their children to the churches because they know their children will have the opportunity to practice their English with us. Therefore, the English speaking people are the hooks that bring the children into the program. We taught easy, conversational English and built relationships. The program is much like vacation bible school. Lots of games, fun, etc with a learning purpose. The Gospel is presented consistently , both during the 2 week program at the churches and at the Gospel Camp which is only a couple days. Many youth make decisions to ask Christ into their lives and many want to learn more. The individual churches are very good at following up with these kids and incorporating them into their churches, youth groups , etc. Right now there is such a religious void in China. Religion of any kind. These kids are open and listening.
The churches say it is very encouraging for them to have us there. This year I was returning to my church from last year. They were very excited that I wanted to return and said we had not idea how much this meant to them. . When we teach, we are in teams. We may have one other English speaking person with us and will have one to two teaching assistants with us who are from HK and who speak english. These assistants are any where from 17 to 23 years old. These kids are incredible in all they do. They are there to build relationships too, to interpret for us and do what ever we need. They will do much of the follow up work with the kids, incorporating them into their churches and youth groups. The church I was at had a large youth group which was very active. Many had participated as students in the SEA program in years past. The churches are truly raising a generation of Christian leaders who will be in the market place and who themselves are going on Missionary trips to areas we as white people and Americans cannot go or reach.
After the SEA program was over a small group of us went to inland China with a group from the swatow churches. We taught English at a rural ,state run school. The swatow church has an ongoing 10 year ministry in the area. We had limitations as to what we could say, but the kids and school definitely knew we were Christians and that we came out of love for them. Though we could not be direct, many seeds were planted. The kids are easy to make quick relationships with. Leaving was hard and there were tears. Many in the town had never seen white people before. We were not only able to go to the school, but to visit in some of their homes and meet their families, which they considered quite a privilege WE did too!
It was such a privilege to go on this trip, to be in China, to meet the students and all the other people we were with. This trip has a huge impact on many levels. Not only are the lives of our students and assistants changed, but ours change. I hope shared information has has an impact on our congregation as they view China and future mission trips.
Graduation night was exciting. Each of the three classes performed for friends and family. The youngest class sang “Jesus Loves Me” and then recited John 3:16. They were marvelous. Class #2 presented a play entitled “The First Day of Class”. The students acted out their impression of their first day of learning English. Class #3 also presented a play based on the Manga Messiah book that all of the classes had been reading the second week. It portrayed the birth of our Savior and was executed very well. We then handed out an award certificate to each student. They were all very thrilled with their awards. The ceremony was concluded by the pastor of the mother church and her message was delivered in Cantonese. Then there was mingling with the parents and refreshments and then goodbyes. There were tears as we left but we promised to stay in touch. It was the grand finale of an experience we’ll not soon forget.
It is surprising how fast the time passes. Even though this is Tuesday morning this week is so packed with planning by the kids. They are to take me to see a significant place in Hong Kong tomorrow and we have graduation Friday evening. Each group will have to put on a 15 minute skit to demonstrate their English for the parents.
Leslie, Lindsey and I lead worship yesterday morning. That would include leading the singing of several songs. If any of you know us singing is not our strong suit but we did just fine-I think. Courtney Gott gave her testimony and did a very nice job. All of us gave have given our testimony before the kids during morning praise and worship. These kids seldom see adults talk of such things and be vulnerable at times. They absorb everything and hear everything. Because of the intensity of their school system they are extremely bright, quick thinkers and very mature for their age.
I have enjoyed the experience. I feel that I have not done very well at teaching but I am sure God will make perfect my imperfect teaching. My kids and I have become close and now they feel free to talk and ask me questions in English. This is really the motive and for that I think all of us have succeeded.
Must go and begin our trek to our church which will take us about 40 minutes but that includes a stop at Starbucks!
See everyone in Nashville/Franklin.
Mike
Yesterday Sai Wan Ho teachers were taken to Tai O by our two pastors. What an experience! After taking the subway to its farthest point, we were taken up a mountain on an extremely exciting (and breath-holding) trip. Our senior pastor, Pastor Lam, lived in Tai O before relocating to Hong Kong. The current pastor of Tai O escorted us through the town showing us many interesting aspects of the fishing village. We ate a snack of black sesame pudding before heading up a mountain where we were blessed with an absolutely beautiful view and a breathtaking sunset. Then, back down the mountain to Dim Sum for dinner. We were served delicacies such as squid tenticles and fried tofu. Yum! The bus ride down the mountain was equally as exciting as the trip up the mountain. All in all it was an excellent adventure that we all enjoyed. Praise the Lord!
We saw the second part of the movie today. I think it gave the teachers as much insight as the students. We learned a lot about their relationships, homes, etc. The ending was pretty dramatic, and some kids did not like that the main character died, but it left open lots of good questions for discussion. I was blown away by one of the examples in the movie where they cut a piece of paper and made a cross, which also held the names of eternity, hell, and several more meaningful words in Chinese. One of my TA’s reproduced it. GREAT DISCUSSION! This weekend we have some time off. Saturday is off. Sunday we go to church at our home churches and then ours is taking us out to eat. Some of us plan to build our own Olympic games…wish us luck. We do have a lesson plan to follow on this. Also, a funny bit…to keep the kids from speaking Chinese in class our assistants said the person who broke the English rule the most would be fined $10 Hong Kong dollars (about $1.20 USA). They followed through. It improved the English/Chinese problem and the kids paid. That would never work in USA.
Don’t miss Laurie’s singing debut at Sai Wan Ho. Armed with a student’s IPOD, she tries her hand at Cantonese in a sing-along. She’s being watched by Capitol and Sony! See her at www.covenantmissions.com/MVI_0130.AVI . Let us know if this doesn’t open up. 
We’ve created this Blog so that we can stay in touch with our Covenant Family, family members, and friends who want to follow us through these next few weeks.
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