Our Praise Reports

These Prayer & Praise Pages are based on TEL's Temporary Prayer List as found in the Timothy Training Prayer Pages.

Requests for our family and ministry are listed as they arise, with the date we began praying for each item. As God answers, we record the date answered and how God fulfills each request.

So check back often to see what we're praying for, to pray along with us, and to watch how God answers all of us.

Countless Blessings

We Asked Prayer For:
7/26/2010
Mark's decision whether or not to go to Shanghai at the end of August for the team's "Thanksgiving" celebration.
We Praise God For:
7/26/2010
Leading Mark to go for to Shanghai "Thanksgiving" Celebration.
We Asked Prayer For:
7/12/2010
Encouragement for Mark's spirit that would lift him out of his depression.
We Praise God For:
8/17/2010
NEW!
Mark returning pretty much back to normal emotionally and spiritually.
We Asked Prayer For:
5/4/2010
Sufficient funds to cover Mark's Asian trip expenses, which include $1,300 for the flight tickets and another $500-800 for China retreat and travel expenses.
We Praise God For:
7/12/2010
The completion of the trip, with most of the money coming in.
We Asked Prayer For:
3/10/2010
Mark and Micah as they head to Los Angeles for BIOLA's Student Missions Conference. Pray for safety, yes, but even more for the right connections with those whom God is preparing to serve with TEL.
We Praise God For:
3/29/2010
They've returned safe and sound--thank you!
We Asked Prayer For:
2/7/2010
A China visa for Mark. He'll be applying for a visa in the next few weeks and he'd sure like to receive one!
We Praise God For:
3/10/2010
Finally getting the application in the mail.
3/29/2010
An answer far above what we asked or imagined: a year-long visa good for multiple entries! Mark can go back to China!
We Asked Prayer For:
2/2/2010
Mark and Daniel, who will be traveling to Pennsylvania in the middle of this month to host a booth at Missions Fest Lancaster.
We Praise God For:
3/10/2010
Mark and Daniel had a safe and beautiful trip there and back again. The snowscape was wonderful, the fellowship along the way and in Lancaster even better.
We Asked Prayer For:
1/22/2010
David, who will have minor surgery Tuesday the 26th of January to remove a lump from his neck.
We Praise God For:
1/28/2010
David coming through the surgery just fine--was done in all about an hour--and has bounced back to normal within a couple days.
We Asked Prayer For:
12/7/2009
Christmas program preparations in Shanghai. Our team there will be hosting their own meeting in a local hotel, and again leading the big Christmas party for one of the Three-Self churches. Last year God filled the church to capacity; pray especially for the organization of the counseling immediately after the meeting, which overwhelmed the team last year.
We Praise God For:
1/11/2010
Between the two meetings, 100 people came to Christ and many have already joined follow-up meetings.
We Asked Prayer For:
12/7/2009
Mark's safety to and from Urbana 2009, held this year in St. Louis, Missouri. He'll be leaving the day after Christmas and returning New Year's day, if everything goes according to plan.
We Praise God For:
1/11/2010
Mark made it back safe and sound!
We Asked Prayer For:
8/29/2009
Tong, whose been having heart palpitations and pains in his chest, that God would clear those up and let them be little or nothing.
We Praise God For:
12/7/2009
The palpitations have lessened, and his doctor assures him that they will go away on their own.
We Asked Prayer For:
7/29/2009
Safety for Mark and extra grace for Rachel and the boys while Mark's in Hong Kong and Vietnam for the next two weeks.
We Praise God For:
8/29/2009
Everyone's survival. Rachel and the boys did some fun stuff while Mark was away, while Mark enjoyed his time abroad.
We Asked Prayer For:
6/6/2009
Fruit from our Fourth of July outreach in Little Elm, TX, in partnership with Living Word Baptist Church.
We Praise God For:
7/29/2009
Handing out a lot of literature, but were disappointed that we didn't have more conversations.
We Asked Prayer For:
3/3/2009
The discipleship opportunities we have through our church, that our students would study these lessons diligently and have opportunity to apply them in their lives.
We Praise God For:
7/29/2009
The dozen students who finished the formal class (ended July 26). With all the traveling we'll do in the next several months, we won't have much opportunity to follow-up with them all. But we hope to continue to encourage them once things settle down for us again.
We Asked Prayer For:
3/3/2009
The planning and preparation of our annual Chinese Co-laborers' retreat, again in Hong Kong this year in July or August. Our teams in Shanghai and Shenzhen are eager to nail things down so they can make vacation arrangements.
We Praise God For:
4/1/2009
The Chinese retreat date, set for August 2-6. Now we need to nail down the attendees.
6/6/2009
The 34 co-laborers who have committed to joining us this summer. Just about all preparations are complete; all that remains is a successful execution!
8/29/2009
The thirty staff and volunteer co-laborers who joined the retreat this year. Everyone was challenged by the teaching, and we made some new plans for the future expansion of the ministry.
We Asked Prayer For:
3/2/2009
Mark's two-week trip to Indonesia and India. Both he and Rachel (and the boys) need prayer to be a blessing to everyone around them while they're separated by the globe for so long. Rachel will need extra grace with the boys, the boys will need extra grace with their mother, and Mark will need extra grace with the new cultures and a whole lot of curry.
We Praise God For:
4/1/2009
Bringing Mark safely back home, where the boys had risen above themselves to serve their Mom and each other more than usual in Dad's absence.
We Asked Prayer For:
1/9/2009
Safety and encouraging visits with TEL supporters as Mark drives to (and from) Atlanta for the National Short Term Missions conference; he'll be on the road from January 21-28.
We Praise God For:
3/2/2009
A safe return and great fellowship with TEL supporters along the way. Mark has a better understanding of current trends in short-term missions, as well as some of the pitfalls and how to avoid them.
We Asked Prayer For:
12/30/2008
George, who was admitted to the hospital last night with labored breathing. He's come down with Bronchiolitis, possibly caused by a Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection. Basically the smallest air passages of his lungs are inflamed and filled with mucus. He seems stable now, possibly slightly improved, but they want to continue watching him. If his breathing becomes more labored or his oxygen levels fall too low, he'll be moved to a children's hospital in Fort Worth. He needs to cough all that mucus out, but his coughing reflex is still too immature.
We Praise God For:
12/31/2008
George's release from the hospital. He's not over it yet, but he's much better.
1/9/2009
George's pretty much complete recovery! Thanks for praying.
We Asked Prayer For:
12/30/2008
Tong, whom we shared extensively about on our last furlough. Mark's key disciple is again at an employment crossroads, and is seeking God's guidance. Should he seek a university professorship or a long-term research position--or something very different? And where would God have him go?
We Praise God For:
3/2/2009
Tong's decision to spend the month of March with our TEL Gospel team in Shanghai. He'll join the ministry and gain experience we weren't able to give him in Hong Kong. Pray also that God will use this time to give clearer direction for his life.
4/1/2009
Tong's great time in Shanghai, for both the experience and a potential wife! We also praise God for the new job he'll start in the middle of April in Shenzhen, where he can join the ministry of another of our disciple's.
We Asked Prayer For:
9/13/2008
The things we shipped from Hong Kong, that they would arrive as soon as possible. Now that we have a home, we'd like to fully settle in, but as far as we know, our things haven't left Hong Kong yet.
We Praise God For:
11/12/2008
The arrival of our goods...in New York! Now they need to make it through Customs and then onto a truck for Texas. Almost here....
12/30/2008
The delivery of our shipment on December 19th. Now all we need are bookshelves!
We Asked Prayer For:
9/13/2008
The transition from "being in transition" to starting our new responsibilities. Mark especially will need courage, wisdom and boldness to get the word out about TEL--and faith to trust that God will stabilize TEL's funding and allow the organization to expand. (We've seen God guide and provide in so many different ways; we just need to keep trusting!)
We Praise God For:
3/2/2009
The completion of all the preparations for Mark to do his new job. Though he's already been busy working for the organization, he didn't feel he could really get going until the new brochure and a couple other things were completed. Those are now in hand! A letter is in the works that will kick off this new phase!
We Asked Prayer For:
7/15/2008
Our most urgent State-side needs: 1) a temporary minivan to get the whole family around while we look for 2) the right home (big enough for guests to comfortably stay with us, but less expensive than what we pay now). But eventually we'll need our own 3) 8-passenger minivan (which seem less common than we expected).
We Praise God For:
8/16/2008
A van we can use for a week, and we have our eye on several 8-passenger vans. God willing, we'll have long-term transport sorted out within a week.
8/19/2008
Our very own 8-passenger van! We bought a 2000 Pontiac Montana from the original owners--a neat Christian family.
9/3/2008
We have a home! And we've already started moving in. Our new address is 9005 Wagon Trl, Aubrey, TX 76227. We'll eventually have a guest room, once we get proper beds for the boys, so please do start to make plans to visit!
We Asked Prayer For:
6/19/2008
An extra US$12,000 to help cover the cost of TEL's Chinese Retreat, moving ourselves and our most valuable things back to Texas, and setting up house in that "foreign" land.
We Praise God For:
6/19/2008
The graciousness of the US Government and many friends here in Hong Kong and China. Between them almost US$4,000 have been promised or already received.
6/29/2008
The dear friends at two different Cantonese churches where we have worshiped and served. Together they have given us about US$3,000 to help us with our transition back to the States!
7/1/2008
Faithful friends and supporters in the States who have given an extra US$4,000 to us this month! That puts us just US$1,000 shy of our need. The Lord and His people continually amaze us!
7/15/2008
God has abundantly supplied above and beyond all we could ask or imagine. The full US$12,000--and then some--has come in so quickly; we stand in awe of our God.
We Asked Prayer For:
5/27/2008
A supernatural tying up of loose ends here in Hong Kong and move to Texas in August.
We Praise God For:
5/29/2008
The low-priced tickets we just purchased, which will have our whole family arriving in Texas on August 15. So the date and the relocation of the family are now set.
9/3/2008
The wonderful blessings of all our friends, especially in the last few days. Things wound up wonderfully, with all loose ends smoothly being tied off. We had great fellowship with all our friends over the last few weeks of our time there.
We Asked Prayer For:
5/27/2008
Rachel and the new baby (babies?) forming within her. Might we finally be getting a daughter? We'll be thrilled with whatever God provides.
We Praise God For:
6/3/2008
The careful check-up at the teaching hospital here in Hong Kong. There is only one baby. Rachel's disappointed, but we're rejoicing that this baby is developing well and on track for a December delivery. Still don't know if we need to get some girl clothes, though.
6/30/2008
Morning sickness, because it lets us know that the baby is doing well. Still, since it hits Rachel pretty hard, we're always grateful for when she reaches the fourth month and morning sickness drops off. She's there now, and except for the larger belly, is pretty much back to normal--for which we praise God.
8/8/2008
It's a boy! God is allowing us to keep a long-standing family tradition (that we only found out about a year and a half ago), so his name is already set.
9/13/2008
A doctor who's willing to give us another "trial of labor," which means we get another opportunity to try for a natural delivery, rather than a c-section. Please be much in prayer!
11/12/2008
Rachel's been approved for Medicaid--we have no usable insurance for the US--so the cost of this delivery is now covered. We're registered at the hospital, so now all we have to do is wait and trust God for a natural delivery.
12/12/2008
George is here! With the help of God and a great believing doctor, all 8 lbs. 13 ozs. of him popped into the world NATURALLY at about 2:30 this morning (December 12th)! We're so excited! Baby is very pleased with things; mom's exhausted.
We Asked Prayer For:
5/10/2008
The Robertson family, and all of TEL. The Lord chose to take Roy, TEL's founder and director, to be with Himself yesterday. May He comfort and give clear direction to us all.
We Praise God For:
5/27/2008
The comfort He has given. Roy was 87 years old when he departed, but was in overall good health. It was a shock to everyone, but at the same time, not entirely unexpected. The memorial service was wonderfully honoring, as was the burial.
We Asked Prayer For:
5/10/2008
Rachel and the boys while Mark travels alone to Denton, TX. He'll be gone for two weeks for Roy Robertson's funeral, as well as for meetings to plan out the leadership transition for TEL.
We Praise God For:
5/27/2008
All the "angels" God sent to minister to Rachel and the boys (often including the boys themselves!) while Mark was away. Mark is safely home again, but this trip has far-reaching consequences for us. Check out our news page for details.
We Asked Prayer For:
4/10/2008
The family and future of Lufang, a young lady living in our home for training. Pray with us that her relationship with her parents would be strengthened, and her interaction with them would reflect Christ's will and influence them toward Him. Pray also for Christ's clear leading in regard to her current boyfriend, as well as her remaining time in Hong Kong.
We Praise God For:
3/2/2009
Lufang's marriage to her long-time boyfriend. Coworkers in a nearby province were willing to counsel them, and gave them great encouragement. We look forward to seeing how God leads them in ministry as a couple.
We Asked Prayer For:
2/2/2008
Scheduling and organization of TEL's international staff conference. This time around, responsibility falls on us in Hong Kong to host the conference. Fortunately, our coworkers here have connections in Thailand and are heading up the arrangements.
We Praise God For:
5/27/2008
The delay in making these arrangments, because it has now been decided to cancel this conference in light of Roy Robertson's passing. Instead, TEL's three new leaders will tour the different fields sometime next year.
We Asked Prayer For:
2/2/2008
The planning and content for TEL-China's annual Chinese Colaborers retreat. With big changes on the horizon, we especially want to use this retreat to share TEL vision, history and direction with our Chinese colaborers.
We Praise God For:
2/2/2008
The quick booking of a retreat center! Now all we need is the content of the retreat.
7/31/2008
This time with our Chinese staff and coworkers. It was great to be with them for a week, but even better to challenge their thinking in so many foundational areas, including creation, finances and relationships. That also received a Biblical defense of Roy's vision for TEL, which hopefully will stick with them wherever they serve.
We Asked Prayer For:
12/2/2007
Negotiations with our landlord: It doesn't feel like it, but it's been two years since we moved to Shung Him Tong Village. That means it's time to sign a new lease--or move. Pray for favor as we negotiate a new lease, or guidance to an even better apartment elsewhere.
We Praise God For:
2/2/2008
Our landlord's graciousness. They originally wanted to increase our rent 20%, but they quickly settled for 10%.
We Asked Prayer For:
11/26/2007
Our director and his wife, Roy and Phyllis Robertson, as well as their extended family. The afternoon before we arrived for a visit, Phyllis suffered a major hemorrhage in her brain. She is not expected to survive. The family is already beginning the grieving process.
We Praise God For:
11/28/2007
Phyllis' entry into her final rest and reward on Monday, November 26, at about 4 in the afternoon. She has left behind a wonderful legacy of godliness and pursuit of God, and no doubt is enjoying the richest of rewards in the presence of Jesus. She is already sorely missed, but we know we will see her again in Heaven.
We Asked Prayer For:
11/19/2007
Good health and safety as we "complete the loop" and drive back to Washington--via Texas, Arizona and California. We'll be visiting headquarters, friends, supporters and family. God willing, we'll be pulling into Washington around December 9th or 10th.
We Praise God For:
12/25/2007
A safe trip not only back to Washington, but also smoothly all the way back to Hong Kong. It was certainly not an uneventful trip, as our plans were dramatically changed when we stopped in a headquarters, but there were no difficulties with travel.
We Asked Prayer For:
11/19/2007
Wisdom and direction from God as we evaluate a couple of invitations to train church leaders in two other Southeast Asian countries. Should we go, and if so, when?
We Praise God For:
4/10/2008
His closing of these doors of opportunity. Our contact in Myanmar has not followed up on his request, and a trip to Nepal has been overruled by several factors.
We Asked Prayer For:
10/30/2007
A new job for Tong that would allow him to continue working with us in Hong Kong. (His current work contract ends on December 31.) Tong has been a faithful disciple in Hong Kong and we would love to continue training him for even more service.
We Praise God For:
11/28/2007
An offer from two different professors to take Tong on as an assistant, doing research for one professor and teaching for another. They would extend his time in Hong Kong another eight months.
12/25/2007
The confirmation of both these positions. In fact, Tong has already begun both of them.
We Asked Prayer For:
10/11/2007
Our continued safety as we travel in and around Iowa, and that we would truly be a blessing everywhere we go.
We Praise God For:
11/19/2007
The safety we have enjoyed as we've traveled through much of Iowa these past two months. It would seem we have been a blessing, but for sure, we have been greatly blessed!
We Asked Prayer For:
8/31/2007
Safety, fun and great fellowship while we travel in a van full of clothes, camping gear and boys from Washington to Iowa at a snail's pace over the next two weeks.
We Praise God For:
9/25/2007
All the things (and people) we saw and did between Washington and Iowa. We had a great trip, though we only camped once (or maybe that's because we only camped once). But of course, we were glad to get to Iowa and settle in again.
We Asked Prayer For:
7/3/2007
Our Shanghai team's summer retreat. They're going ahead with it on their own, since we're away for the summer (and fall). They plan to do lots of personal evangelism, as well as focus in on deepening the team's follow-up and discipleship skills. At the end of the week, they'll close with an evangelistic meeting and hand the follow-up over to a local church.
We Praise God For:
8/1/2007
The fruitful completion of this retreat. There were a few adjustments during the course of the week, but between an afternoon's campus evangelism and two evangelistic meetings, more than 50 people decided to trust in Christ.
We Asked Prayer For:
6/1/2007
Our boys, two of whom have broken out in Chicken Pox, that they would all be over and done with it before we fly--on the 28th!
We Praise God For:
6/11/2007
Joshua and Micah's return to health. They're happy they can finally return to the great outdoors! (Of course, we've now entered a very rainy period in Hong Kong, so there really aren't many chances to go outside.)
6/11/2007
Daniel's outbreak of Chicken Pox, which began yesterday. That leaves only two.
6/12/2007
David's first pox appearing overnight!
6/18/2007
Daniel's recovery, David's near completion of his Chicken Pox, and the appearance of Timothy's first crop of pox!
7/3/2007
Our arrival in Washington! Obviously, David and Timothy cleared up before we flew. Actually, we're still not totally sure whether Timothy got it or not, as it was so slight as to be almost invisible. So he either had it first and we never really noticed or he had it last and so lightly that we hardly noticed. Either way, we're here!
We Asked Prayer For:
3/4/2007
The possible expansion of our ministry to countries outside of Hong Kong and China, especially those bordering China or with significant Chinese populations. Our TEL-China website has brought invitations and requests for training from other SE Asian countries, and we would like clear guidance as to how we should respond.
We Praise God For:
5/30/2007
The permission we have received from our International Director to pursue regional evangelistic training opportunities.
We Asked Prayer For:
2/8/2007
Our furlough preparations, mainly logistical details of our time in the States, but also arrangements for our home, car and administration duties while we're away from Hong Kong. We ask also for wisdom in how best to present our work from the last five years (since our last furlough).
We Praise God For:
3/7/2007
The plane tickets we just bought and paid for: We'll be arriving in Seattle June 28 and flying back to Hong Kong December 18!
6/19/2007
The five people who will be watching our home while we're away. Three of them are from the Mandarin ministry we work with at Chinese University; it is a special blessing to us to be able to help them even as they help us.
7/3/2007
More blessings than we can list! Our flight was great; both sets of grandparents met us at the airport (the Searcys brought their van for us to use for furlough); our missionary home in Washington is just gorgeous; food for several days was waiting for us (we still haven't finished it). And last night we had our first full night's sleep! We're here!
We Asked Prayer For:
2/2/2007
The growth and development of the "Gospel" small group leadership team in the Mandarin Fellowship at CUHK. Mark has volunteered to take responsibility for their growth and encouragement, and also wants to help them become more proactive in evangelism.
We Praise God For:
7/3/2007
A couple of key people who are continuing on in the Gospel group. While several are graduating and moving on and others have been moved over to help other groups, Lucy and Tong are seeing more what needs to happen to reach the campus and are taking more responsibility for the Gospel group. We feel bad about leaving on furlough, since we want to see how things go, but we also feel better about leaving, since we're leaving the group in good hands.
8/31/2007
Tong's promotion in the fellowship to assistant student leader. He's also been handed responsibility for organizing next Friday's new semester Welcome Party. (Do pray that it will be evangelistic and fruitful.)
We Asked Prayer For:
8/24/2006
Prepared hearts and parents ready to try new things when we go back to Tuen Mun in October to a different church and conduct a parenting class.
We Praise God For:
10/16/2006
The high turnout for our class: More than twenty people have joined and each week new people show up (yesterday was our third lesson). According to church leaders, seven of the families represented have never been to the church before and some of them are not yet Christian. Also, yesterday after class, our translator led one mother--the mother of one of her students--to Christ!
1/29/2007
The many families who completed our parenting course. We held our last lesson yesterday, and throughout the course attendance remained just over twenty. The last few weeks parents have been talking with us privately about various issues, which makes it hard for us to finish and leave the church. Teaching them these things has been the easy part; the challenge will be for them to understand and put these teachings into practice in their families. They will need much grace and support, and we hope they'll be willing to follow up with us even if we're not at the church.
We Asked Prayer For:
8/24/2006
The right words of encouragement and challenge when Mark speaks with a fellowship of Christian Customs officers in September.
We Praise God For:
9/28/2006
The good response from the dozen or so Customs officers and staff that joined the fellowship. They were grateful to hear Mark's ministry testimony, how he came to believe in Christ, go to China to share the Gospel, and what God has done and is still doing in China.
We Asked Prayer For:
8/24/2006
A great harvest of souls (and good weather!) at Chinese University as Mark and his trainees there start evangelizing in earnest over the next several weeks leading up to the Mandarin fellowship's Welcome party on September 15.
We Praise God For:
9/28/2006
The good attendance, even though it poured rain that afteroon and evening. Though no one came to Christ, Mark and the guys did get the word out to many people about the fellowship. May God use their continuing efforts to engage the campus!
We Asked Prayer For:
7/19/2006
Preparations and fruit from Rachel and Melody's Good News Club (August 7-11) at the church in our village.
We Praise God For:
8/24/2006
The seven young souls who trusted in Christ as a result of this Good News Club. May we and the church faithfully follow up on these decisions.
We Asked Prayer For:
7/1/2006
The right place to hold an evangelistic meeting as part of TEL's National Staff Retreat this year.
We Praise God For:
7/18/2006
The graciousness of Hong Kong Mandarin Bible Church for allowing us to rent space at half price for our evangelistic meeting!
8/24/2006
The smooth last minute change of location to the Church of Christ in China's Mandarin Church.
We Asked Prayer For:
6/6/2006
God's leading and guidance as Mark prepares a Father's Day message for the church next door.
We Praise God For:
6/22/2006
His grace along the way in preparing this message. Mark rewrote it from scratch three or four times, and the night before he spoke, God was still speaking new things to him. Mark's translator did a great job and also shared how he and his family had been encouraged by the message. A couple of days later two university students who were challeneged by the message came by to learn more. So we have been greatly blessed, and trust that we have been a great blessing to the church.
We Asked Prayer For:
6/6/2006
Preparations for TEL's National Staff Retreat this August, that it would be a time of imparting and encouraging vision, as well as a great time of team-building and fellowship.
We Praise God For:
8/24/2006
The great fellowship, challenging teaching and one more sister in Christ as a result of our demonstration Evangelistic Meeting on the last night of the retreat!
We Asked Prayer For:
4/29/2006
The right place for this year's National Staff and Colaborers' Retreat.
We Praise God For:
6/6/2006
The holiday houses on Lantau Island that we were able to book.
We Asked Prayer For:
4/4/2006
The faithful growth and protection of the young Christians Mark is working with at Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), including Ryan, John, Seamus and Jiefeng. Especially as the semester comes to a close, they can feel overwhelmed with assignments, projects and exams and let God fall by the wayside.
We Praise God For:
7/3/2007
The growth of especially John and Jiefeng. Both have moved into leadership in the Mandarin fellowship, and both are reasons for our encouragement as we leave on furlough. They are beginning to have a burden for the development of the fellowship and are starting to take steps to promote its spiritual and numerical growth!
We Asked Prayer For:
4/4/2006
Direction in where to worship and serve. With the end of our parenting class in Tuen Mun, we have several opportunities. Our friends in Tuen Mun would like us to stay at their church. Our old church keeps wondering when we'll return. The church next door has offered several service opportunities. And of course, our hearts are drawn to the Mandarin church, whose outreach fellowship Mark attends on Friday nights.
We Praise God For:
6/6/2006
The leading God's given us to worship this summer at the Mandarin church. In the Fall, we'll answer the call of another Cantontese church in Tuen Mun, who've asked us to do our parenting course there.
We Asked Prayer For:
1/26/2006
Albert and Vania, who have been instrumental in bringing about the parenting classes in Tuen Mun. They have a desire to build relationships with other members of the class, many of whom they've not known before, so as to develop a core group of parents to mutually encourage one another once the classes finish. To that end, they have decided to invite us and at least one other family from the class to their home after each Sunday service. Pray that God grants their desire to develop such a group of parents and that all these families are truly transformed into a living testimony to the wisdom and power of God.
We Praise God For:
7/2/2008
The heart of this couple. This is one of the dear families that we will be saying "goodbye" to. We trust they'll stay faithful in learning and growing and influencing their brothers and sisters in Christ.
We Asked Prayer For:
1/26/2006
Michael (who Mark has been discipling) and his wife Ivy, who married shortly before Michael came to Hong Kong and Ivy went to the US to further her studies. This is a common occurance among Chinese, but both are now seeing how hard it is on their marriage. Please pray with Michael and us that God would open the way for them to be reunited. (We personally ask that Ivy would give up her studies and come to be with her husband here in Hong Kong to receive training alongside him for ministering in the Mainland.)
We Praise God For:
7/3/2007
Michael's acceptance at a university in Indiana. When he arrives in August, he'll be just an hour or two away from his wife, and will hopefully be able to transfer to her university within a year or so.
We Asked Prayer For:
1/26/2006
The re-establishment of study times with the four men Mark has been training at Chinese University. The university just finished their Christmas holiday and now they are breaking for Chinese New Year. Mark managed to meet a couple of times with the guys, but pray the momentum isn't lost with this holiday break. Pray also that things would settle down enough for Mark to begin taking them out on campus for evangelism practice each week.
We Praise God For:
3/9/2006
The routine that Mark and his students are beginning to settle into. His activities at the university are now spread more evenly over three days each week. He has even started campus evangelism with Jiefeng on Wednesday evenings.
We Asked Prayer For:
1/26/2006
The opportunity to visit friends in China later this year.
We Praise God For:
1/29/2007
The clear answer to this request: The door still has not opened. With preparations under way for our furlough, we probably won't have a chance to try again until after we return.
We Asked Prayer For:
11/28/2005
Our Shanghai team, which this Summer and Fall was developing a greater love and confidence in reaching more for Christ. One member has fallen heavily under the crippling influence of Satan's lies and is dragging others, even key leaders, after her. It is shaking the entire team and distracting them from the work of the Gospel.
We Praise God For:
1/26/2006
How the team has pulled together to put on a Christmas evangelistic meeting in mid-December, as well as to put on another two meetings (in one day!) in Shandong Province. Also, the key leader who has been most influenced by this gal has begun to take steps to separate himself from her, and return to greater involvement in the ministry.
2/2/2007
The restoration of relationships with this leader and the way the team has grown stronger through these trials.
We Asked Prayer For:
10/29/2005
The right price, location and home to move to, in light of the needs of both our local and national ministries. Our current lease expires early next year, and we'd like to move to a cheaper place that's better suited to the various needs of our work.
We Praise God For:
1/26/2006
Our new home! We're leaving Fairview Park and moving to a village just down the street from where our international director lives when in Hong Kong. The house is about US$100/month cheaper, yet it's larger than our current home by about half. It also puts Mark closer to the University by about 10-15 minutes. We will have a proper guest room for visiting staff and friends (so feel free to drop by!), plus a school room and lots of space inside for the boys to play without getting underfoot!
We Asked Prayer For:
10/20/2005
The arrangements for a series of parenting seminars at King Fook Church in Tuen Mun. Pray for the best timing so that the most number of parents could attend. Pray for the parents as they prepare questions for us, and pray for us as we prepare both lectures and answers to their questions.
We Praise God For:
10/28/2005
The feedback from a church-wide questionnaire. More than two dozen parents have responded, and several good questions have come up. According to the request of most parents, we've set the time for Sunday morning, beginning in November.
11/7/2005
The very positive response to our first lesson, which far exceeded our expectations. Twelve people originally confirmed they would join the seminars, but as many as 17 showed up, with several of our confirmed attendees missing. A number of the people commented afterward that they found our explanation of the Biblical view of the family very encouraging and enlightening. The organizers are sure more people will join next week.
11/28/2005
The hunger and longing of the people here at King Fook Church to know what the Bible says about the family. The organizers were right: Around 25 parents joined our second class, and numbers have held steady for our third class. As one friend put it, "We are all desperate." May God's Word be proved right in their midst; may they have faith to trust God's Word and live by it, putting aside the so-called "wisdom" of the world. And may God show Himself strong and gracious on their behalf.
3/9/2006
The continued interest in what we have to say. Our class is still going strong, with probably another month of sessions. We've settled into about a half-dozen families that consistently attend, and we're talking again about changing the time to allow for more discussion.
4/4/2006
The near completion of our parenting class. We have only one class left, but we've already scheduled a follow-up meeting for the Monday after Easter. We want that to be a casual time of question-and-answer and discussion and prayer, perhaps leading to other follow-up meetings.
5/2/2006
The successful completion of this parenting class. What makes it most successful is the news we hear of good changes taking place. There, of course, is no easy or quick fix for any parenting problem, but as we and these parents take steps to bring our practices more in line with God's Word, God promises to be faithful to do His wonderful work in our hearts and in the hearts of our children. We're excited to hear such stories from these families.
We Asked Prayer For:
9/19/2005
Michael, a new graduate student at Chinese University, who is hungry to learn how to serve the Lord better. Pray for Mark's time with him each week, that it would be fruitful and encouraging for both.
We Praise God For:
11/7/2005
Michael's testimony among his classmates, which drew three of them to an evangelistic meeting this past weekend. Though none of them accepted Christ, it was a great encouragement to Michael to see that God is indeed using him. On the way to the meeting, he also applied his most recent lesson with Mark, making a new friend on the bus and sharing some about Christ with him.
1/26/2006
Michael's completion of the Timothy Training. Mark is now teaching him an inductive Bible study method. He has been asked to help lead a small group in the Mandarin fellowship, so our Bible study will be aimed at preparing for that each time he is called on to lead.
We Asked Prayer For:
9/14/2005
Mark's health. Since mid-July, his vision has frequently been clouded by migraine-like "auras," but without the accompanying headache. A visit to the doctor today showed elevated blood pressure, which may or may not be related. Tomorrow he'll "have his head examined" by CT scan, but it may be a week or more before we know the results.
We Praise God For:
9/19/2005
A good report from the blood work and CT scan: Everything looks normal. While comforting, still it means we don't know what's causing Mark's problems.
10/29/2005
What appears to be the culprit: Sleep--or rather a lack of it. For a few weeks, Mark was getting better sleep, and the auras disappeared. Recently, there have been a few nights where he slept poorly and the auras started to return.
We Asked Prayer For:
8/1/2005
Shirley, a high-school girl in our neighborhood, that God would arrange the right time for her to hear the Gospel (we've invited Annie to help share) and open her heart to believe. Her Buddhist mother doesn't want her to learn from us.
We Praise God For:
10/28/2005
The opportunity Rachel had to share the Gospel with Shirley two days ago. Shirley listened carefully and at the end said she really wanted to receive Jesus. She's afraid to tell her parents, who don't want her to have anything to do with us. She asked if Jesus would hear her if she prayed alone in her room that night; Rachel assured her that He would. Continue to pray for a change in her parents' hearts, and that Shirley would indeed trust in Christ and begin growing in Him.
11/7/2005
Shirley's visit last weekend. She came to make cookies for a class, but we made sure to ask whether or not she'd received the Bread of Life yet. She had, so now the challenge is how to help her grow in her new relationship with Christ.
We Asked Prayer For:
7/26/2005
Timothy's healthy development. While he's gaining all the right skills at all the right times, a recent examination revealed that he'd dropped from the 50th percentile in weight to the 5th percentile--perhaps because Rachel wanted to put off solid foods as long as possible, or perhaps because of the tiny hole in his heart. He has another check-up with the cardiologist July 28, which should give us a better understanding.
We Praise God For:
8/7/2005
The pediatric cardiologist's report that while Timothy still has a very slight heart murmur, it's not in any way affecting his growth or development. In regard to his significant drop in size percentile, he said we're just now seeing about where he will fall based on how God designed him. (He already seems to have bulked up now that Rachel's started him on solids!)
We Asked Prayer For:
7/26/2005
Mark's August English course. He'll again be assisting YauOi Church with their Summer English outreach class. This year along with 5 helpers from the church, Mark will have 20 students in his class. Pray that we'll be able to draw as many of the students as possible into a relationship with Christ.
We Praise God For:
9/14/2005
The successful completion of this course. The time was broken into about an hour of English instruction and a half hour of Faith discussion. Every helper shared their testimony with the students, but when I shared the Bridge with the class, all but about four students professed to be Christians. The remaining four were not at this time interested in trusting Christ. May their hearts open to Him soon.
We Asked Prayer For:
7/26/2005
Mark's preparations for teaching a Sunday school class on missions this Fall at Christ Harvest Church. Our desire is not only to increase understanding of the why's of missions, but also to encourage several individuals to give their lives to serving overseas.
We Praise God For:
9/14/2005
The communications mix-up that led to this class not being added to the Fall schedule. Instead it looks like another church may be asking us to conduct a Sunday school class on parenting.
We Asked Prayer For:
6/3/2005
Mark's sermon preparation for next Sunday, on the subject of "The Discipline of Becoming Holy" based on Nehemiah 13:23-31. There are so many directions in which this passage could be taken; Mark needs discernment to know which message God would have him share.
We Praise God For:
6/17/2005
Mark had enough material to preach for an hour without translation, but ended up finishing his message in 45 minutes, including translation. Wilson Cheung had a difficult task translating, as Mark moved through his message fairly quickly. Still many understood and appreciated the challenge toward a passion for God's people, a passion for God's ways, and the resulting priority of Christian accountability and discipline.
We Asked Prayer For:
4/8/2005
The planning, organization and implementation of this year's National Staff Retreat. We'll be focusing on evangelistic meeting skills, but also want to give the staff and colaborers a chance to relax and fellowship, as well as to develop and deepen relationships.
We Praise God For:
5/20/2005
Mark's recent trip to Macau. God closed the door to a street meeting--only local Macau organizations can apply for the permit. Now we're looking for the window He's opened. We also paid the deposit on our retreat housing, so that too is now set.
7/26/2005
The successful completion of this year's retreat. The bulk of the time was spent on studying Sowers International's Open-Air Evangelistic Meeting methods. Though exhausting, everyone in attendance passed the final exam. We hope to make next year much lighter in content, as we've packed a lot of stuff into these first two annual meetings!
We Asked Prayer For:
4/8/2005
Grace for Rachel and the boys from April 16-26, while Mark visits the Philippines to learn as much as he can about how our coworkers there organize and conduct village evangelistic meetings and trips.
We Praise God For:
4/27/2005
The tremendous outpouring of grace that God shed upon us. Rachel and the boys did just fine, and the boys really stepped up to serve Mom and lighten her load. And Mark returned safely last night, having thoroughly enjoyed his time with TEL's Philippine team.
We Asked Prayer For:
3/2/2005
An information and organization meeting for several families and a pastor from Samson and Anna's church on Saturday the 12th. We'll be discussing the possibility of starting another parenting class, but first they have lots of questions about us and what exactly the Bible says about parenting.
We Praise God For:
4/8/2005
Four families who are interested in a six-lesson infant management class. Our first meeting will be April 9.
We Asked Prayer For:
12/23/2004
Samson and Anna, one of the couples from our parenting study, and the safety of their coming baby. Shortly before we finished our parenting class, they announced they were pregnant with their second baby. But Samson just called to tell us that Anna has had bleeding off and on for the past several weeks. Pray for the safety of both Mom and baby, and that Jesus would be glorified through their testimony.
We Praise God For:
1/19/2005
Anna's good report from her doctor. She had bled just a little and has already stopped. When she saw the doctor this past Monday, he said everything was fine.
We Asked Prayer For:
12/18/2004
A friend, Kenny, from Hong Kong, who will visit our Shanghai team at the end of this month. He's eager to serve with them a few days, but also seeking God for insights on how better to serve here in Hong Kong.
We Praise God For:
1/18/2005
Kenny was greatly encouraged by the hunger of Mainland students to study the Bible, and impressed by the difficulties in sharing the gospel in the face of government restrictions and the courage of our staff and co-laborers to keep doing so. He hasn't had the chance to really process his time there, but is already interested in visiting again.
We Asked Prayer For:
12/16/2004
The 18 students that Mark has been given responsibility to follow up from CASCCMC's Gospel Week, that they would continue to seek the Lord, especially after the holiday break that delays follow-up, that Mark would be able to gather them together and encourage and establish them in their new (or renewed) relationship with Christ.
We Praise God For:
1/24/2005
A clear response from the Form 7 students. They've decided they don't really want to know more about Christ, so we will not be meeting for further study. Pray their choice would not sit well with them, and that they would again turn back to seek the Lord.
We Asked Prayer For:
12/3/2004
Strength, grace and creativity as we head into this busy Christmas season. We'll be taking part in many more activities than even last year. With Rachel nearing the end of her pregnancy--and feeling it! J--we're going to need that much more help to make it through without clouding over our Light.
We Praise God For:
12/28/2004
A successful holiday season, and now a chance to relax and enjoy the family!
We Asked Prayer For:
10/8/2004
Annie, that she would freely share her faith and see one of her classmates or friends come to Christ. Annie has just about completed the Timothy Training, and the latter part of the course focuses on spiritual reproduction, so our prayer is that she would have the privilege of leading one of her friends to Christ--perhaps even Sze (Ci), who continues to join her when she comes to our home.
We Praise God For:
6/28/2004
Annie's desire to live with us during the Summer holidays, to help around the house and to improve her English. We also think it would be a great way to help her grow in deeper ways. We plan to have her stay with Rachel while Mark's on his mission trip to Thailand.
5/30/2005
Annie answered many of her friend Kiki's questions and later brought her to her church, where Kiki prayed to receive Christ. Kiki then brought three of her friend to church, where two accepted Christ as Savior. And now that Sze's public exams are over, she's ready to learn more about a personal relationship with Christ.
6/13/2005
Annie and Sze called last night to tell us that Sze had put her faith in Christ yesterday! Annie's church was teaching her how to use the Four Spiritual Laws, so she started with that, but decided to switch to the Bridge when she came to the part about Jesus. In the end, God gave Annie the privilege of leading her best friend to Himself.
We Asked Prayer For:
9/23/2004
The development of a local TEL gospel team (of at least 5 members), that we would be able to expand and strengthen our evangelistic efforts in Hong Kong, and gain valuable experience for the development of teams elsewhere.
We Praise God For:
7/2/2008
His overruling of our plans. Given our imminent departure from Hong Kong, it appears that at least at this time, it's not His desire for us to start a Hong Kong gospel team. Perhaps things will change in the future.
We Asked Prayer For:
8/28/2004
At least one of Mark's recent CASCCMC high school graduates to work with him in evangelizing Chinese University. Four of his former upper Form Bible study students have made it into Chinese University and will be living on campus this year.
We Praise God For:
12/3/2004
Their continued--even increased--involvement in their local church. On campus, two of them have plugged into CCC and are growing as leaders. The other two are busy with classes and extra-curricular activities.
We Asked Prayer For:
8/28/2004
The training of new and old students at CASCCMC in evangelism and follow-up, that they would be able to more effectively reach out to their classmates. The Senior Form Fellowship begins again October 11th.
We Praise God For:
1/26/2006
The availability of Mainland students at Chinese University and the natural fit with Mark's Mandarin. But because of that, more and more of Mark's time is being spent at the university, which means he has less time available for these busy high school students. God is obviously shifting our focus back to university work.
We Asked Prayer For:
8/28/2004
A deeply relaxing time at Bethany House from September 6 to 13. This summer has been much more intense than past summers, what with Mark's Thailand missions trip, organizing and leading the national staff retreat and trying to figure out how best to fulfill his new responsibilities in TEL. The whole family has felt the stress.
We Praise God For:
9/15/2004
A very restful time at Bethany. Two days at the beach and the rest of the time was spent lounging around the house. The boys played and had a great time; Mom did all those little projects she had been longing to do; and Dad read and avoided all thought about ministry stuff!
We Asked Prayer For:
6/11/2004
The national staff retreat we're organizing for August 9-15. Now that Mark is TEL-China Ministry Leader, we've opened it up to all national staff and volunteer leaders, which could lead to filling the 22 places available at the retreat center. Pray for a constructive time of sharing and fellowship, of encouragement and relationship-building. Pray most of all for "vision-casting," as one coworker put it, that we would together see the desperate lostness of all of China and understand the role that God has given TEL in reaching this great country with the gospel.
We Praise God For:
8/16/2004
Every purpose for this retreat being met. We gave everyone a clearer idea of what TEL was all about, as well as letting everyone know Rachel and me better. I also got to know all of our staff and those volunteers better, to such an extent that it was (as usual) hard to let any of them return without me! We were also able not just to clarify TEL's vision for them, but also to help them see how our current structure and style of ministry fit into achieving that vision. Perhaps the most exciting part for me was listening to each team as they planned and strategized for the future: They will not just be maintaining their current ministries, but they will be working to develop their teams and abilities to carry the gospel beyond their present locations.
We Asked Prayer For:
6/11/2004
The planning and organization of a TEL rally in Hong Kong on August 14. Please pray that it would be an encouragement to all who attend, and that from it, TEL-China could reap the benefit of increased prayer and financial support. But even more, our desire is that God would move a number of people to join us in developing a local advisory board, and eventually a national advisory board.
We Praise God For:
7/21/2004
Wisdom to delay this project. It is our heart's desire to increase the awareness of our ministry among the people of Hong Kong and to further develop our organization here. But with my short-term mission trip coming right before it and all that remains to be done for the retreat, it was just too much to attempt this at this time.
We Asked Prayer For:
5/25/2004
Our new little Bemenderfer in the works. The day after we returned from our Philippine Conference, morning sickness hit Rachel hard--which makes us wonder if maybe there aren't two under construction J! Please pray with us for a smooth pregnancy and delivery, and for another healthy baby and servant of the Kingdom.
We Praise God For:
9/23/2004
The end of morning sickness shortly before our August conference. Since then, our doctor has confirmed that there is only one baby in the works. And although Rachel looks about two months further along than she really is, the doctor says that everything looks good.
12/16/2004
A date for delivery. Given all the advice we've received, especially from the local expert in high-risk pregnancies, we've decided to go with an early c-section. Rachel made the appointment today to deliver baby #5 on January 10th. Please keep praying!
1/11/2005
Timothy was delivered smoothly by c-section on January 10th. After a day of nausea, Mom is feeling great, is up and moving around, and almost completely taking care of herself and baby on her own. For his part, Timothy has taken to nursing like a fish to water. Praise God, this could be Rachel's easiest c-section to date!
We Asked Prayer For:
4/30/2004
An encouraging and constructive time at TEL's International Leadership Conference, May 16-23. Oh, and safety there and back again--and at the conference. (We should be far from any of the trouble spots.)
We Praise God For:
5/25/2004
The best conference yet. Not only were we kept safe (even as a typhoon blew by), but it seems everyone felt closer to one another than ever before. Tom Frakes was appointed Ministry Leader for India, and his old position (China Ministry Leader) was given to Mark.
We Asked Prayer For:
4/16/2004
Two new ministry opportunities at Christ Harvest Church: We have been given the green light to start a practical parenting Bible study at church; Mark will also help train the church's short-term mission team to Northern Thailand in evangelism. (They'll be ministering to Mandarin speakers, which is right up Mark's alley!) Please pray with us for the preparations involved in each of these projects, and also for clear guidance for Mark to know whether or not to join the team on their trip to Thailand.
We Praise God For:
5/6/2004
For the sake of further training and experience, Mark has decided to join the Northern Thailand trip.
8/3/2004
God's rich blessing on this Northern Thailand missions trip. Our team worked very well together and every one of us wished we could stay longer and serve more. We even had the privilege of leading 5 people to Christ!
We Asked Prayer For:
2/17/2004
Our Saturday parenting class, that each one of us would grow in our understanding of God and how He would have us raise up our children.
We Praise God For:
11/27/2004
Our parenting class has come to an end, but our parenting journeys are still far from complete. We celebrated our nine months together with a great Chinese dinner, and news that one family may be expecting a new baby! We look forward to continued contact and encouragement.
We Asked Prayer For:
1/2/2004
A trainee from Christ Harvest Church to work with Mark in evangelizing the church’s neighborhood. Pray with us, that this break from teaching Sunday School will give Mark the time and opportunity to disciple one or two people from the church.
We Praise God For:
1/26/2006
His redirection of our efforts and attention toward Mainland students at Chinese University. While our hearts are to serve wherever we can, our time and energy are limited, so we are giving up this request in order to focus on the men who have been given into our hands.
We Asked Prayer For:
12/16/2003
The 20-25 students from CASCCMC's Gospel Week that I am responsible to follow up. Pray that I would be able to make contact with them before the holidays (beginning this week!), and that they would be willing to learn and grow in their new faith. It will be especially challenging because once they return from the Christmas break, they'll have exams, then go on holiday again for Chinese New Year--we won't be able to meet regularly until February! Pray that God would guard their hearts during these intervening weeks and continue to draw them to Himself.
We Praise God For:
4/1/2004
About a dozen of these students and their friends have been coming to each meeting. Keep praying that they won't lose steam as we enter a two-week Easter holiday, but that they'll be as faithful in attendance after the holiday as before it.
6/11/2004
I just had my last meeting with the half-dozen students who attended most faithfully. They were sad to see the end of our Bible study and asked about meeting next year. I'm certainly game if they are! J
We Asked Prayer For:
11/29/2003
CASSCMC's Gospel Week, from Dec 1-9. There will be one-on-one evangelism activities, an open worship time, and a gospel assembly at the end of the week, among other things. Pray that Mark's students (upper- and lower-Form) would be active in sharing their faith, and that we would have opportunities to share even outside the structured events.
We Praise God For:
12/16/2003
The 99 decisions made during the 1-to-1 gospel sharing (everyone used the Bridge!) and gospel assembly, and for the huge turnout for the upper-form worship meeting. (About 5 newcomers showed up at the next regularly scheduled fellowship.)
We Asked Prayer For:
11/29/2003
A good time of fellowship and encouragement when we have Mark's CASSCMC students (upper- and lower-Form) over December 5th. We want it to be a time for them to relax and have fun, but we also hope to challenge them in how they live and what they're living for.
We Praise God For:
12/5/2003
The seven students who joined us, six from Mark's upper-form fellowship, and Simon from his Wednesday afternoon follow-up students. We had a barbeque, made Christmas cookies and talked about being concerned for the things of God, rather than worried about the things of the world.
We Asked Prayer For:
10/15/2003
Mark's Senior Form Fellowship small group, that they would catch a vision for living in pursuit of God's kingdom and righteousness, that such a vision would totally consume them no matter where God leads them, that their lives would be a dramatic testimony of the peace and blessing that God showers on those who find Him.
We Praise God For:
5/6/2004
The Form 7 students have finally completed their exams. They're thrilled! But they're also looking ahead to the future. Several of them have a desire to be better prepared to serve Christ when they reach the university campus. At least two of them are working with the church at CASCCMC until the end of the semester, receiving discipleship training and reaching out to lower Form students. Since they'd all like to visit our home again, we've invited them over on May 26th (Buddha's Birthday!) for some hiking, some lunch and to discuss training in evangelism.
We Asked Prayer For:
10/15/2003
Tony's growth and faithful attendance on Wednesday afternoons, and vision for Tommy and Simon to reach their classmates with the Gospel. Pray that all three (and any others who join us) would grow in love for Christ and faith in Him, that they would know Him in truth and trust Him with every aspect of their lives.
We Praise God For:
10/22/2003
Tommy, Tony and Simon invited two more Christian classmates to join our little Bible study. We'll see if they keep coming, as we're starting out with basic follow-up for Tony's sake, and that may not be challenging enough to keep their interest.
11/6/2003
Another of Tommy's classmates dropped by toward the end of this week's lesson. When we heard he wasn't a Christian, I suggested to Tommy that he take him to another table and share the gospel with him. Several minutes later when they returned, Philip had become a Christian. When I asked Tommy to bring Philip "up to speed" so he could join the regular group by next meeting (in two weeks), Tommy was pretty excited to be "promoted" to "assistant teacher!"
4/16/2004
Tommy has completed the Timothy Training, but he and has classmates have since become bogged down in their school work and other extra-curricular activities, so Mark doesn't see them much anymore. We look forward to when they're again available to meet.
We Asked Prayer For:
10/15/2003
A big turnout for English Time's first Movie Night, October 21. We've reserved a lecture hall at Chinese University, and are asking our regulars to bring friends. Beginning the Tuesday following this Movie Night, English Time will be heading outdoors, to make it more public and more flexible. Please pray for good weather and new attendance records!
We Praise God For:
10/22/2003
We had about a dozen altogether, with several newcomers taking the place of absent regulars. However not all stayed through the whole movie, so we didn't have a chance to interact with them.
We Asked Prayer For:
9/16/2003
Thursday afternoon's Follow-up class at Chinese University of Hong Kong. We've invited several students from English Time to study the Bible: Mr. Mao, who believed at this week's English Time; Susanna, a two-month-old Christian; Jonathan, who we started meeting before SARS hit, and a couple of others. Pray that all would come and that all would grow closer to Christ through this class.
We Praise God For:
11/16/2003
David Mao has been pretty busy lately. He's had to host a number of visiting scholars, and so has not had much time to make our meeting--or English Time, for that matter. (Susanna and Jonathan are already plugged into other fellowships.) Please pray he would continue to be eager to seek and know more of Christ, and that he would make time for our meeting, or suggest an alternate time.
12/29/2003
The chance to help and continue to encourage David in his walk with God. He still says he's been too busy to come on Thursdays, but he keeps coming to English Time, so we all can continue to encourage him then.
We Asked Prayer For:
9/14/2003
Wisdom, inspiration and creativity for Rachel in preparing for her new Pre-K Sunday school class at Christ Harvest Church. She was asked today if she would be interested in taking on an English Sunday school class for kids Micah & Daniel's age (Josh "assistant teaches" with Mark). We've wanted to get more involved at the church, so we're excited about this opportunity. This commitment will be from October through December.
We Praise God For:
12/29/2003
The success of Rachel's preschool class. She has invested much time and creativity, such that students, parents and church leaders alike are thrilled (and encouraged in their own faithfulness to prepare their own lessons!). Rachel has been asked to teach the next quarter as well.
We Asked Prayer For:
9/3/2003
Mark's fall Sunday school class. I'll be teaching how to do a simple chapter-analysis Bible study, but it will require the students to put some effort into preparing for each session. Please pray that they would value their relationship with God enough to invest the extra time in knowing Him.
We Praise God For:
12/29/2003
The opportunity to expose these students to tools by which they can deepen their fellowship with the Lord. Sadly, they're not really ready to use these tools, as they have yet to commit to daily Quiet Times.
We Asked Prayer For:
8/8/2003
Wisdom both to be and to speak a testimony for Christ as Mark teaches his new English class. Of the 10 students, only one professes to be a Christian. Another claims to be Buddhist, the rest believe in no particular religion. This class runs until August 23.
We Praise God For:
8/23/2003
I learned a lot through this class, gained more confidence in teaching English--something I've never had training in! I was able to show The Star of Christmas (VeggieTales, of course) to the class, though I think the English was a bit beyond them. While no one made a decision for Christ, I have made a friend or two that I hope to stay in touch with.
We Asked Prayer For:
7/19/2003
Sara Triplett and her time here, that this internship would give her valuable exposure to Asian culture as well as to the various forms of ministry available here, so that she could both apply what she has already learned in her college experience and gain great insight into the plans God has for her.
We Praise God For:
8/10/2003
A bit overwhelmed by all she saw, Sara came through it all a real trooper. Though the briefest but perhaps most packed segment of her trip, her time in the Mainland proved most inspiring. God willing, China will have another laborer for her vast harvest in the next few years!
We Asked Prayer For:
6/25/2003
An opportunity to begin a parenting Bible study. The need around us is so great that we can't ignore it. Our hearts are breaking for these parents and their children.
We Praise God For:
1/31/2004
It looks like we might finally start this study. We have two families, good friends of each other, that are eager to learn with us, and they're inviting friends and relatives. We plan to begin as soon as we can get the materials. Please pray that we'll be able to hold our first class before the end of February.
2/17/2004
Our first class will be February 21, with two classes each month following that, which should take us into October. We'll be hosting as well as leading, but we and the two or three families joining us will all be learning together.
We Asked Prayer For:
5/29/2003
Our witness to our neighbors. We’re surrounded by people who do not know Christ, and many whose families are at best in disarray. We long to be able to share Christ with them, as well as to help them restore their families. Pray for wisdom and opportunities for us to share with and encourage them.
We Praise God For:
5/6/2004
We've been inspired to start an outreach Neighborhood English Game Night. We'll be giving it a try the last weekend of this month with several of our neighbors. Pray for our preparations, and that those we invite would have the time and interest to join. And even more, pray that the end result would be a greater openness to Christ.
4/8/2005
The opportunity to help one of our neighbors with his English. Mark and Bo meet on Tuesday nights for casual conversation; they'll soon be adding more structured learning. And we've already been able to share more about Christ with both he and his wife.
3/9/2006
The relationships we have built over the years in Fairview Park. Though we have now moved to another part of Hong Kong, we hope to continue these relationships, but of course recognize that that will be much harder living so far apart. At the same time, we'll be looking forward to the new opportunities we'll have in our new neighborhood.
We Asked Prayer For:
5/29/2003
Mark's time with Jonathan (from Chinese University) and Rachel's time with Regina (a neighbor) each week, that the Lord would open their hearts to believe, and that they would be eager to grow in the Lord.
We Praise God For:
8/5/2003
A positive change in Regina. She's taken some of Rachel's advice and seen marked improvement in her relationship with her husband, so much so that she now would really like to have a child.
9/16/2003
I've invited Jonathan to the follow-up class we're starting on Thursday afternoon at Chinese University. Pray that he would come and believe!
10/15/2003
Regina still lacks time for a Bible study with Rachel, and Jonathan has not been interested in studying further. We still have opportunity to interact with them, and trust the Lord will open their hearts when He's ready.
We Asked Prayer For:
5/13/2003
Our "English Time" at Chinese University. We want to provide a casual atmosphere and non-threatening place for people to practice their English. Pray that many people would be attracted to this English opportunity, but most of all that they would have an interest in knowing Christ.
We Praise God For:
5/20/2003
A total of 9 people, with 4 newcomers!
6/17/2003
3 newcomers, 8 total!
7/15/2003
11 total!
8/12/2003
Another 11 total--with two regulars missing!
9/9/2003
12 total, and we're starting to talk seriously about moving it outside both for greater exposure and so that people can move more easily between conversation groups.
9/16/2003
10 tonight, and two heard the gospel! Susanna confirmed that she believed two months ago; Mr. Mao prayed to received Christ! Pray for their faithfulness to learn more and grow in their new relationships with Christ.
We Asked Prayer For:
4/29/2003
Mark's Timothy Training students at Christ Harvest Church. It appears that no one likes homework from Sunday school, even if it's designed to strengthen your relationship with Christ. They're just too busy. Pray that they would make the sacrifices needed to put their relationship with Christ first.
We Praise God For:
8/31/2003
The last class was the best, and most instructive. While these students have been exposed to a lot of the Timothy Training's teachings, they were eager to learn about Spiritual Reproduction and how to disciple another person.
We Asked Prayer For:
4/29/2003
Our neighbor, Connie, who is a nurse and for a little more than a week now has been assigned to work with SARS patients. Pray for her protection, but even more for her and her husband’s salvation.
We Praise God For:
6/25/2003
With Hong Kong declared SARS-free, Connie's made it through without infection!
We Asked Prayer For:
3/26/2003
Safety and good health in light of the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak. It appears to have begun in Guangdong Province, China, but has now taken up residence in Hong Kong, and from here it has spread throughout the world. The church we attend is in the same town as hospital with the majority of cases.
We Praise God For:
5/29/2003
What appears to be the end of the SARS outbreak in Hong Kong. At the end of May, WHO lifted its travel advisory, and a day later Hong Kong had no new cases. Since then, of course, cases continue to appear but mostly only in ones or twos. Recoveries continue to outpace new cases, so the number of patients receiving treatment in hospitals is dropping quickly.
6/25/2003
The WHO has declared Hong Kong "SARS free!" Praise the Lord! For more than 10 days straight, we've had no new cases, and almost all those undergoing treatment will be released from the hospital by the time you read this.