From right to left: Developmental Interventionist Suzann, Angel House Early Childhood Division manager Ms. Fan, and me, while we are still fresh! I facilitated the training by acting as interpreter, and as the days went by we grew tired but were very satisfied with what we accomplished.
Dear All,
How to start? Many good things are happening, and I do not know where to begin to share! (But lots of pictures from my recent two week visit to Nanning help!)
In October, developmental interventionist Suzann returned to Nanning for the 5th time, continuing training and support services for the Early Intervention program at Angel House. As Angel House prepares to relocate to new facilities and expand their services, the early intervention program will transition into the Early Childhood Division, serving birth through aged 3. The Children Division will serve children aged 3 to 12, and the Youth Division will serve those aged 13 and older. Pray especially for me and Ms. Fan, the lead teacher and manager of the Early Childhood Division. There is much for us to learn together, and I am playing the role of consultant. I sometimes feel like the blind leading the blind! Pray that we can establish the Early Childhood Division and provide a sound foundation for future growth.
I also had the opportunity to visit the future site of Guangxi Lay Training Center. The pictures below tell the story of Pastor Wang’s envisioning that future. For quick reminder, lay training is important for the churches in Guangxi. With over 100,000 believers in the province, there are only about 28 ordained pastors. Lay leaders play significant roles in the life of the churches. In addition, it is from the lay leadership classes that future seminary students can be selected, based not only on their attitude and aptitude for study, but more importantly for demonstrating their heart-felt call to serve Guangxi.
We are approaching the Thanksgiving holiday, so let me take this opportunity to say thank you for your many prayers and gifts in support of Angel House and the leadership training program of Guangxi Christian Council. I visited with the students of the 15th Lay Leader Training Program to give greetings, and they are praying for you, their brothers and sisters in America, even as you pray for them.
Brenda
The second Angel House board meeting, held Oct. 31 via skype conference call on our computer. Director Kate and I were in Nanning, and the third board member participating was in Hong Kong. We are thankful for modern technology that makes this possible!
Pastor Wang envisioning the future, as friends of CBF Tom & Irene look on. The land was a miracle, as Pastor Wang explained that that were able to get 23 acres, market value 20 million Chinese dollars for only a fraction, 2.5 million Chinese dollars, because of government advocating on their behalf. The development will include not only the Lay Training Center, with student dorms, dining hall, and library, but also a sports ground, a new church building, and apartments for pastors and Guangxi Christian Council staff.
Discussing the various buildings of the Center with the architect and others. Pray that the development plans will be approved and that the funds will be provided—the leaders and brothers and sisters are going forward, watching and waiting on God to lead the way.
From right to left: CBF affiliate Cyndi and her husband Marc, Pastor Wang, myself, and friend of CBF Tom, learning about the life of the church in Guangxi, and the leadership training program of Guangxi Christian Council.
Affiliate Cyndi—I didn’t know she played piano! But she plays for the opening assembly of the Sunday night English classes at the church that she and her husband serve as volunteer teachers.
Husband Marc leads the songs as Cyndi plays, and a Chinese co-teacher translates as needed. A very active and effective team for the Sunday night English classes!
Suzann with Ms. Fan (right) and Mother (middle), on a home visit demonstrating activities and ways for the family to work with their son in addressing developmental delays.
I wrapped up the week with a visit to my friend’s granddaughter—some of you may still remember Ou Mei, who sometimes helped us with summer programs and lead singing at the church. She is in Germany, but I still visit her family and here I am with Bao Bao and her mother, very happy this time because last time, I couldn’t even enter the apartment without Bao Bao crying. But thankfully she is through that stage now!
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