VCBC iiConnect Newsletter, June 2012 issue

Global Outreach: International China Concern (ICC)

by Melanie Au

Melanie went to Changsha with ICC to help at the government Welfare Centre for 2 weeks.

The lessons learned from my trip to China began even before I stepped on the plane.

And they came in forms that I didn’t quite expect.

With my application to ICC approved, vacation from work granted, and my health doing well, I felt like everything was falling into place - until my visa to China was denied. I was confused – had I heard God’s calling wrong? I had been so sure He had distinctly spoken to me about going to China.

But as quickly as my questions arose, the Holy Spirit also began to encourage me: “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me...” (Psalm 138:8) “Blessed is she who believes that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished” (Luke 1:45).

And as I struggled to trust God with the situation, I began to see His purpose: “...to humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart”(Deut 8:1). Did I think I was qualified to go because of my own abilities? Did I desire to go to China or to obey God no matter what – even if it meant staying in Vancouver? God was teaching me that He had the right to choose how, when and where I served Him, and that His purpose for me was to bring Him glory through obedience.

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By the time I stepped on the plane, I was much more aware of God’s grace and truly saw my trip as a gift.

Of course the lessons didn’t stop there. Our team was frustratingly delayed for one night in Shenzhen when we discovered that train tickets into Changsha had been all sold out. But what we view as detours are often an opportunity to see God work. Our stay in Shenzhen allowed our team time to pray and commission each other -- and this became the most powerful experience of fellowship and revelation of God’s plan for each of us on the entire trip.

Couples Interview continued from pg. 1 that suit our family needs, helping us meet our financial needs. It has not been easy as sometimes it requires a lot of patience on our part to see what God is doing.

E: What are your thoughts on living together before marriage?

W&W: We're not saying it's impossible, but we feel it would be really difficult to remain sexually pure if a couple was living together before marriage. A few years ago, we seriously contemplated going to Japan together to complete a teaching ESL course. In the end, we felt it was unwise to put ourselves in a setting in which sexual temptation may become a real issue.

June 2012

F&M: [We follow] Hebrews 13:4: marriage should be honoured by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.

E: In Canada, the average age of marriage is 31 for men and 29 for women (Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, 2008); what are your thoughts about this?

W&W: Oh really? Interesting, we learn something new everyday. Thanks iiConnect!

F&M: We got married around that age so it is not any different. Ming feels that you need some time to know yourself and what you want to do with your life. Because of that, getting married at the age is good.

E: What is one piece of advice you would give to couples who are engaged or about to be married?

W&W: Enjoy this time…but don't forget the importance of the church community! Stay connected!

F&M: Learn about each other. Do not assume that the person will understand you and know all your needs.

Continue to communicate with each other. This requires work. ”Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.” – Ps 85:10 E: What is one piece of advice that you would give to singles looking for potential spouses in the future?

It was definitely heartbreaking to see so many children not receiving the care and love they need. Many of them have never been hugged or played with and had bedsores and scars on their wrists and ankles from being tied to their beds. I’ll never forget the children who cried when we put them back in their beds after working with them each day.

But there is great hope as well: living conditions are much improved and the government is welcoming ICC teams and therapists into the centre. More able-bodied children are allowed to roam the halls in walkers and some workers show real care for the children. Although we were only with the children for two weeks, some of them who were unresponsive at first were laughing by the end.

W&W: God is watching, watching over you. 24/7 watching over you. Your life is in His hands ...woh woh....He's got great big plans 'cause He's watching over you. Seriously, God cares for you and He is preparing something that is more than what you can ask or imagine.

But I knew the biggest change was not in the children –! it was in me. I left with a profound sense of God’s sovereignty, knowing that he was using these children to teach me to love more deeply and depend on him. I was inspired by the ICC staff who left their homes and families to serve God in a smoggy city where crossing the street means putting your life at risk. I have greater faith that God can change any situation, no matter how challenging.

To be honest, when I first got the email from Pastor Cindy about writing an article about marriage, I really didn’t think I was the most qualified person that iiConnect could’ve found, and if I was, then we were in serious trouble. I was very relieved when I found out that the article would be about comparing a newlywed couple with another couple that has been married for years and years and years. After a few emails, I received answers from Willis and Winnie, whom have been married for almost a year and from Ming and Francis, a couple who have experienced many seasons of marriage. Their answers were insightful and interesting and I hope you will find that as well! — Einar Wong

F&M: Be content with yourself. As you are looking, go and do things that you would like to do, not waiting for a spouse to do it with. Learn new things. You do not know if you can do them after you are married and what skills you need when you are married. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

Willis & Winnie

Francis & Ming

Couples!

Interview:!

Willis!&!

Winnie!Wong,!

Francis!&!

Ming!Leung Interviewed!by!Einar!Wong

Einar: What was the first impression of your spouse when you first began dating?

Willis & Winnie: When we first met each other, our first impression of the other person was nothing special. However, when we first began dating, we felt that each other was nothing but special.

Francis & Ming: F - Ming was warm, friendly, open and approachable (still); M - Francis was very polite and kind.

E: Was there any difference between how you imagined your wedding to go and how it actually went?

W&W: In terms of how the wedding day went compared to how we planned it, we thought it was everything we asked for and more.

F&M: F - A wedding is just a wedding - a party. It doesn't prepare you for the marriage that follows; M - It went well. What did not go well, no one else knows.

E: How are household chores divided up in your marriage?

W&W: We once read in a book that marriage isn't a team sport in the sense that each person has a role to play and as long as each person plays his/her role, the team would have success. The book described marriage as more of a two-person sailing expedition. Each person needs to do whatever is needed to make sure the journey is successful.

F&M: It depends on what is going on in our lives. It first started with being even. Then Ming was working in the house, looking after the kids. At that time, she did more of the household chores. Now she is working more, Francis is doing more of the household chores and he is better at it. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in

humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3-4 E: How do you deal with conflict in your marriage?

W&W: Commitment to communicate, no matter what.

F&M: James 1:19: My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

Proverbs 10:19: sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.

Proverbs 12:18: the words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

We try to live by these principles. One thing we do not do is to deal with our conflict in the public.

E: How do you keep your romance alive?

W&W: We've only been married for less than a year...maybe ask us again in 10 years? or 5 ....haha F&M: We had kept our romance by spending time with each other. When the kids were young, we managed to dedicate time at night, early morning or coffee break during the weekend. Now that we have not raising any kids, we need to find an activity other than eating to keep our romance alive. (Francis read the book Song of Songs more) E: How have you seen God through your own marriage?

W&W: God often uses our spouse to reveal certain things about ourselves. He often

speaks truth through our spouse to keep us accountable.

He also uses our spouse to encourage us and to pick us up when we are down.

F&M: God has given us a lot of blessings through out marriage - raising our kids, finding jobs Interview continues on pg. 6

PUBLISHED BY Vancouver Chinese Baptist Church 7474 Culloden St. Vancouver, BC V5X 4K2 CONTENTS 1 Couples Interview 2 Two Tales of One City 3 Science Time 3 Young Wisdom 4 Prison Ministry 4 Perspectives Away from Home 5 Path to Baptism 5 Youth Coffee House 6 Global Outreach 6 Couples Interview Cont’d 7 An interview with Pearl WEBSITE vcbc.bc.ca/english Like us on Facebook vcbcenglish

Two Tales of One City Part 1 By Christy Lew It's been four months since I started my internship living with the Servants Vancouver community in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) and it's been an amazing ride so far – I've been so blessed to live, learn, and serve down here!! I'm so excited to be able to share a little of my experience with you...

First off, what do I do?! Kind of tough to explain, but basically I live full-time with a Christian community in this neighbourhood, practicing radical hospitality and building relationships with folks in the area.!

We host open dinners three times a week, have daily prayer rhythms, visit friends in the hospital, hang out at drop-in centres, prayer-walk the streets, journey with friends detoxing before rehab, celebrate birthdays, study the bible together, grow things in our urban garden, fly kites at the park with the community's kids, make and eat amazing food from (almost) expired donations, squabble over dishes, laugh, sing, and dance – and a million other seemingly ordinary things.!

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It's more than that, though.! What makes them something special is who we choose to do these things with.! First, we do them in the context of a community because, really, we need each other.! Living and serving with other people who are following Jesus means we have support – brothers and sisters who will back you up, walk with you, and speak truth into your life when you need to be challenged and called higher.! And second, we do these things with people in the DTES, because God seems to have a special concern for the poor, marginalized, abandoned (just take a skim through scripture!).! And as people wanting to follow God, we're starting to get His heart for those at the edges of society.

Life is both hard and easy here.! Well, by 'easy' I mean that the neighbourhood is saturated with services for food, shelter, clothing, laundry, advocacy, taxes, pharmacies, clinics, needle exchanges, drop-ins...pretty much anything you'd ever need.! It's hard because these things don't mean much up against deeply entrenched, systemic hurts, like addiction, mental illness, poverty, abuse, violence, trauma, and neglect.! The heart of the matter doesn't lie in the nature of drugs or the lack of affordable housing (though maybe important), but in the need for healing – healing that comes from God and within community.! That's what I've been learning: that we're all on a journey of healing from pain and brokenness in our lives.

It's been a humbling experience to be down here.! I came to help, but found that I had very little to offer.! I came to serve, but found I needed to learn instead.! I wanted to see change, but found myself being changed in the process.! I think I'm starting to get a better idea of what it's like to experience the Kingdom of God here on earth; I'm getting a glimpse of what it must've been like when the early church started, when it was made up of tax collectors, fisherman, and prostituted women doing life together, sharing their things, and being serious about the work of prayer, teaching and making disciples.!

What a beautiful image of church that is when people from very different cultures, income brackets, careers, social classes, etc. come together in unity because of an encounter with Jesus, and a relationship with Him that calls them to love God and love others.

I've grown up in church, and VCBC has amazing people and a lot of wonderful things happening, but I'd love to see God's heart for the poor and His call to radical discipleship be more fully realized in our congregation.! I'm seeing that you find God in the margins, and it's there where you fall in love with His priorities and the people He loves, where His Word comes alive, your faith is grown, and you can see His mighty power at work in your life and those around you.

T w o Ta l e s of One City Part 2

By Yolanda Bonkowski When Aaron and I first moved to Vancouver, our new GPS told us to go through East Hastings on a journey from downtown to Lynn Canyon loop. So we did, and exited the most beautiful part of the city, and turned into the stretch of East Hastings where it was filled with homeless people everywhere, lying, sitting and sleeping on the street. My heart sank. This was the first time I had ever driven down East Hastings.

I began to question this surreal encounter, and God slowly chipped away at my soul. After reading the books “Under the Overpass” and “Irresistible Revolution” lent to us by Alfred Lu, a theme between the rich and the poor kept on reoccurring as I read the Bible. “... but when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.

Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14: 12-14) If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? (James 2:3-4) I think God was trying to tell me something, that what I saw was real. There is a lot of inequality in this world and in this city; what are you going to do about it? After a conversation with Christy Lew, she invited me to visit this place called Jacob's Well. It is not your typical come-andserve type of place, we just hung out in a space much like a cozy coffee shop and we shared time together with tea, baked goods, card games and conversation much like a family visit in the living room but with Downtown East Side (DTES) neighbourhood friends. It was great.

I soon joined the Wednesday team which included an art time, and it has been such a blessing to get to know some of the people in this neighbourhood and erase the misconception I had of them.

I still remember the fear I had when I first got off the bus at the corner of Main and Hastings. This is the ONE corner I had always been afraid of while driving, and now I had to walk from there to Jacob's Well. But soon this ridiculous arrogant fear I had of people attacking me, and stealing from me was gone. People are people and God accepts each of us the way we are, so why do I have to marginalize them when they are different from me? Being in DTES weekly has led me to look at people with fresh eyes, and reminded me to look for the image of God in each individual.

After all, we are all made in God's image, and He called it good.

Path to Baptism

By Shirley Zhai December 18, 2011 I was born and grew up in China. From very young, we were taught to believe that there is no God. People who believe in super powers were mostly illiterate and definitely considered superstitious. We were atheists. But when I grew older, questions like “Where were we from?” “Where are we going?”

“What is the meaning of life?” started to come into my mind.

After I moved to Canada, I met Grace Lu. She brought me to the block fair in the summer of 2010 and it totally changed my view toward Christianity. I was deeply touched by the huge amount of volunteers of all age groups, who were all welcoming and sincerely kind.

Then Grace invited me to come to Sunday worship. Since Sep. 2010, I’ve been coming to this church.

I remember coming into the church so many times after a heavy week; the burdens of my heart were lifted by hearing the wisdom and calling of Jesus Christ during preaching, and during Dr. Jack’s classes. Wisdom from Jesus Christ drew me to come, and slowly and gradually I saw Him, and felt His presence.

Fifteen years ago, while I was studying in Belgium, an English couple invited me to join their Bible reading Group. However, I was never touched by the stories because I didn’t believe in miracles. It has been difficult for me to admit that I am a human being with lots of Five years later, I worked in brokenness. In conflicts, I always Shanghai and met a lady who was blamed others and made excuses for like an angel to me. She once said my own contributions. Through prayer, “Sister Xiaowei, since I believed in God revealed to me that I could either God, I am joyful and happy.” I remain stuck feeling resentful for the admired her, but at that time I still rest of my life, or I could do something was not sure of God’s existence. to improve relationships. Not long ago,

Youth Coffee House (May 19)

By Ernest Law (Grade 8) The Coffee House was a very splendid event for newcomers and believers of God at VCBC. The Coffee House had games, performances from the EDF Band (Elim Daniel Fellowship Band), a drama from the Elim group, very delicious food, Stop Believing, “Safe and Sound”, people sharing about how they and, “T.G.I.F.” (with rewritten lyrics). met God, and not to mention a Another very awesome thing that sharing on what faith is about. happened at the Coffee House was The thing I enjoyed the most was the games. There was a variety of performing for everyone with my g a m e s a n d t h e y r a n g e d f r o m fellow EDF Band members. There interesting ones like, “Rock, Paper, were 5 of us in the group and we Scissors, Squirt!” to games that were performed the songs, “Don’t hilarious like, “Can You Dance Like Matt?” What I loved the most was the

I plucked my courage and took the first step to thaw the ice with my in-laws. I didn’t expect the positive response from my husband. For the first time I saw Jesus’ saving love, not only affects myself but also my husband. I am continuing to pray to God to show me the way along this journey of reconciliation with my in-laws.

I am thankful for having the Bible; learning from it nourishes my heart and soul. I thank God for opening my blinded eyes, giving me strength while I am weak, telling me that I am worthy and lovable when I feel bad about myself and for shining light in the darkness of my soul.

I would like to thank the following people who assisted in my spiritual journey: Chris and May from Belgium, Grace He from Shanghai, and Grace Lu for being a mentor. I also thank Pastor Cindy, Dr. Jack and Lisa, and Alfred Lu, for their support.

Above all, I thank my heavenly father for His unconditional love.

He never lost his hold of my hand even at the moment I was in doubt about him. food. It was buffetstyle and there were homemade pizza bites, M&M cookies, b r o w n i e s , strawberries, fries, chicken fingers, spicy salsa chips, melons, pretzels, and not to mention my favourite food BBQ chips and much more.

One last thing to mention about the Coffee House is the fact that a lot of people came to the Coffee House. It just felt warm and spiritual because of the fact that there were so many believers of God that attended. I also really felt that the newcomers were drawn more to our faith and to our youth group as well.

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Science Time with Interviewed by Uncle Stanley Christopher Cheung

Young Wisdom

Christopher: What is your profession?!

by Christopher Cheung & Wes Liu

Stanley: I am a researcher in particle and nuclear physics.

C: When did you start doing JCKidz?!! !

S: About 15 years ago.

C: What is a normal Sunday like at JCKidz?!

S: Initial order turning into utter chaos as more and more kids pile into the room!

C: Do you have a favourite demonstration? Or do you remember a demonstration (s) the kids really loved?! !

S: The kids love to do things that make noise, fly around, or especially, activities that involve playing with fire.!

However, as of 2 years ago, I'm not allowed to do fire any more.

C: A lot of people think that God and science can't exist at the same time. What is your view on the role science plays in Christianity?!

S: Monotheism, i.e. the Judeo-Christian belief in a single God, is actually the philosophical basis of modern science.! Scientists like Kepler, Newton and Faraday believed that there should be rational and logical explanations for the natural world because this world was created by a rational and logical Creator.! God is the author of both the book of the Bible (special revelation) and the book of nature (general revelation), and when these are properly understood, there will be no conflict between them.! All truth is God's truth.! The intellectual challenge for believers is that no one has a perfect understanding of either of these books, and so apparent contradictions can arise.

C: How do you think your role as a Christian scientist is different from an atheist scientist?!

S: Atheist scientists don't believe that there is anything apart from the physical universe that we can observe and measure, and these measurements are the only source of dependable knowledge.! These atheists view all else (e.g. morals and values) as being mere matters of opinion, not absolute truth.! ! Atheistic scientists have no explanation for science itself, i.e.! why there should be beauty and logic in the laws of physics and chemistry, or why there should be a universe to observe at all.! Scientists who are Christians believe that there is a Lawgiver behind these laws of science, and the beauty and logical arises from the mind of the Creator.! Moreover, this same Creator of the physical universe is also the foundation of our moral values.! ! In our day-to-day work, both atheist and Christian scientists will use the same apparatus and methodology to make the same discoveries, but the

Question: ! What do you think God looks like?

Peter Lu: Somebody!

Joanna Lee: He looks like a man!

Bismarck Lee: He looks like Peeta.

Chris: Who's Peeta?

Bismarck Lee: No one.

Michelle: A man.

Chris: An old man or a young man?

Michelle: A medium man.

Lindsay: A person that lives in heaven.

Trinity: Big. Chris: Big? Trinity: He looks like what he looks like!

Emma: The sun Question: what do you think your parents did for fun before they had kids?

Simon T (age 6?)!

Go Check their Gmail Simon C: fly on a plane to any place they like

Aidan: Bungee jumping Logan: Bungee jumping Question: what's your favourite part about JCKids Bismarck: Reading Sonic books Beverley: Crafts, making a guitar!

Question: how old do you think Melody is?

Peter: Ummm I think she's 26 Simon: She's 100 Simon T: 16 Question: what are you most afraid of?

Beverley: Shadows Peter: The dark Question: What makes you feel better when you're afraid?

Peter: God? God is bigger than the boogie man Question: How many pushups can your dad do?

Aidan: ten How many can your mom do?

Aidan: one

philosophical context in which they place their discoveries are very different.! I believe that the Christian scientist has a richer, more comprehensive, worldview which integrates the physical, moral and spiritual realities that every human being feels as essential parts of their existence.! The atheist has a disconnect between the physical and the moral/spiritual realms.

C: With even more developments in science today, how do you think religion/science will clash?

S: If and when the day comes that we have thinking computers that behave exactly like human beings, or when astronomers discover that some of the 700 exoplanets around other stars are teeming with alien life that can think rationally, that will severely test our understanding of Man as the bearer of God's image.

C: Do you think science will ever be able to explain God fully?!!

S: No, I don't believe that science can explain God at all, because science deals only with things that we can measure and quantify and control. God is above and beyond the physical universe. At best, science offers glimpses into how the physical universe that God created works, but science can never say anything about why or for what purpose.! For that, we need God's revelation.

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Prison Ministry

Perspectives Away from Home Charlotte Leung

by Brian Lew

Brian is part of a team of guys (Lewis Chan & Thomas Chan) who are involved in prison ministry. They visit once a month. Brian has been involved in prison ministry for a few months. Lewis about a year. Thomas has been involved for 24 years since 1988.

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Interviewed by Christopher Cheung

Why prison ministry? Was it burning bushes, prophetic dreams, or perhaps deep personal convictions? Truth be told, I was asked and couldn’t come up with a good excuse. Now that I think about it, a similar pattern holds for all church activities in which I’ve ever been implicated, like writing this article for instance. Talk to Thomas or Lewis for something more inspirational.

Christopher: Where do you go to school and what do you study there?

Charlotte: I go to Queens over in Kingston, Ontario and I am studying economics.

After ambiguously agreeing to “try out” prison ministry, I eventually filled out volunteer applications for both low and medium security prisons in Mission. It was actually quite irritating since the application would ask deep questions such as “why do you want to volunteer in the penitentiary system?” I ended up taking some creative liberties since it seemed inappropriate to state my motivations as previously articulated. After submission, there was a half year delay and countless unanswered emails before finally receiving clearance at the medium security prison.

Ironically, I’m still not cleared for the low security one. I’ve never lost heart in the face of all these obstacles, although this is likely due to initially low levels of heart to begin with, rather than virtue.

Christopher: What was it like to move away from home?

Charlotte: It was definitely a bit weird a first, getting used to living alone and having to do my own laundry but living in [the dorms] was great, felt like I just got 500 siblings all at once!

Christopher: ! How did your parents react to your moving away?

Charlotte: I think it was a little bit hard for them since I’m an only child, but once I left, I think they were Is prison ministry scary? We meet with the bad guys face to face pretty happy not having to take cook in the chapel; no holds barred, no bars to hold, and just spaces and clean after me. They miss me between us. Consider that I’m not a physically intimidating sometimes I think. presence unless I don’t shave for a week. My main worry, though, Christopher: I heard rumours that is encountering the higher proportion of psychopaths than you or your parents visited you to some cooking and I would normally encounter (unless you’ve been involved with JC perform cleaning. Is there any truth in Kidz). We were informed during orientation that psychopathic these rumours? tendencies could manifest in the manipulation of volunteers. Charlotte: Yes, my mom came to Coincidently, I’m rather easily manipulated (as proven by the visit early in the year! She did my existence of this article). laundry, cleaned my room, brought me a rice cooker, and pre-cooked In retrospect, though, I think prison ministry is actually a good fit homemade food in packages! for me, and that God is ultimately the one pulling the strings.

There are several reasons for this. First, I’m extremely talented at Christopher: How long did these delicious packages last? being quiet and passive. Prisoners ask questions, often those A couple months, but then difficult ones that cannot be answered. Contrary to school, Charlotte: I realized it didn’t taste so good though, formulating the correct answer is not as important as anymore.! They probably went bad, listening to the question. Hearing their struggles and problems is but I finished it anyway! probably more affirming than the assertion of my own agenda, Christopher: ! Did you manage to i.e. aggressively evangelizing them.!Some would argue that being meet up with any Christians over quiet and passive are actually my weaknesses, in which case, it there at Queens? follows the pattern of God taking weakness and utilizing it for His Charlotte: There was 1 who lived on purpose. my floor in [my dorm], so I met some of her friends and went with them to Secondly, the cancellation of the annual prison tennis tournament church a couple times. due to construction was further confirmation, because it was Christopher: ! What was it like replaced with TABLE TENNIS!! Win! fitting into a new Christian Lastly, I share more commonalities with the prisoners than I’d like community? to believe. We’re all sinners and real people. I’ve always known Charlotte: I didn’t really have one that I’m a sinner, but it’s more readily forgotten when not cause I was trying out new churches associated with physical incarceration. Likewise, I’ve always to find the right one, then school got or it got too cold to walk to known that I’m a real person, but it’s easy to forget about others busy, church but when I started to go that I don’t readily encounter. Prisoners are real people that need again by myself, it was near the end affirmation because they often aren’t treated like real people. of the year.! I’m excited to hopefully They feel forgotten but God hasn’t forgotten them; instead God be a part of one next year and settle reveals Himself in unique and powerful ways. If you’re interested at the church I found. in joining us six months down the road, sign up now! Otherwise, Christopher: Of course, university life is also notorious for lots of please remember this ministry in your prayers.

partying and other wild activities.

What is it like living as a Christian among that?

Charlotte: That’s a hard question…I think it’s just knowing right from wrong – little things like saying no to drugs when people offer them to you. Although I did party, I took care of my friends a lot of the time, and sometimes just giving up my night to help others; little things show that I do try to live a Christian life even when I do have fun.

Christopher: ! Good answer to a tough question! So I understand you attended fellowship, Sunday school, helped out with kids etc. throughout high school here at VCBC. How do you think growing up at a church helped you prepare for your future?

Charlotte: ! Growing up at a church definitely helps you prepare for the future. Through the stress, peer pressure, and hard times I always know to rely on God for everything and just pray about it. And when I needed advice, I always knew I could ask my Christian friends and that they would be there for me.

Christopher:!You mentioned that you were studying economics.

How has God played a role in preparing your future? Do you ever pray about your career path?

Charlotte: ! Right now I’m studying economics because it’s my highest mark and it was the deadline to pick a major, but I don’t really know what I want to do yet.! I've prayed about it and hopefully by taking a variety of new courses next year and prayer, I’ll be able to find the right career path.

Christopher: Any advice for high schoolers moving away from home and confused about their future? ! Also, how can we pray for you and other people who move away?!

Charlotte: My advice to high schoolers moving away would be to find a church sooner rather than later. Even though I read my devotions and prayed during those few months I didn’t go to church, I really missed it. It’s not the same and being around other Christians really helps.

As for prayer requests, pray for me that I would be able to find a career path I enjoy, and for others that they would enjoy their time at university but always keep God as their number 1 priority throughout this new adventure they embark on.

Two Tales of One City Part 1 By Christy Lew It's been four months since I started my internship living with the Servants Vancouver community in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) and it's been an amazing ride so far – I've been so blessed to live, learn, and serve down here!! I'm so excited to be able to share a little of my experience with you...

First off, what do I do?! Kind of tough to explain, but basically I live full-time with a Christian community in this neighbourhood, practicing radical hospitality and building relationships with folks in the area.!

We host open dinners three times a week, have daily prayer rhythms, visit friends in the hospital, hang out at drop-in centres, prayer-walk the streets, journey with friends detoxing before rehab, celebrate birthdays, study the bible together, grow things in our urban garden, fly kites at the park with the community's kids, make and eat amazing food from (almost) expired donations, squabble over dishes, laugh, sing, and dance – and a million other seemingly ordinary things.!

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It's more than that, though.! What makes them something special is who we choose to do these things with.! First, we do them in the context of a community because, really, we need each other.! Living and serving with other people who are following Jesus means we have support – brothers and sisters who will back you up, walk with you, and speak truth into your life when you need to be challenged and called higher.! And second, we do these things with people in the DTES, because God seems to have a special concern for the poor, marginalized, abandoned (just take a skim through scripture!).! And as people wanting to follow God, we're starting to get His heart for those at the edges of society.

Life is both hard and easy here.! Well, by 'easy' I mean that the neighbourhood is saturated with services for food, shelter, clothing, laundry, advocacy, taxes, pharmacies, clinics, needle exchanges, drop-ins...pretty much anything you'd ever need.! It's hard because these things don't mean much up against deeply entrenched, systemic hurts, like addiction, mental illness, poverty, abuse, violence, trauma, and neglect.! The heart of the matter doesn't lie in the nature of drugs or the lack of affordable housing (though maybe important), but in the need for healing – healing that comes from God and within community.! That's what I've been learning: that we're all on a journey of healing from pain and brokenness in our lives.

It's been a humbling experience to be down here.! I came to help, but found that I had very little to offer.! I came to serve, but found I needed to learn instead.! I wanted to see change, but found myself being changed in the process.! I think I'm starting to get a better idea of what it's like to experience the Kingdom of God here on earth; I'm getting a glimpse of what it must've been like when the early church started, when it was made up of tax collectors, fisherman, and prostituted women doing life together, sharing their things, and being serious about the work of prayer, teaching and making disciples.!

What a beautiful image of church that is when people from very different cultures, income brackets, careers, social classes, etc. come together in unity because of an encounter with Jesus, and a relationship with Him that calls them to love God and love others.

I've grown up in church, and VCBC has amazing people and a lot of wonderful things happening, but I'd love to see God's heart for the poor and His call to radical discipleship be more fully realized in our congregation.! I'm seeing that you find God in the margins, and it's there where you fall in love with His priorities and the people He loves, where His Word comes alive, your faith is grown, and you can see His mighty power at work in your life and those around you.

T w o Ta l e s of One City Part 2

By Yolanda Bonkowski When Aaron and I first moved to Vancouver, our new GPS told us to go through East Hastings on a journey from downtown to Lynn Canyon loop. So we did, and exited the most beautiful part of the city, and turned into the stretch of East Hastings where it was filled with homeless people everywhere, lying, sitting and sleeping on the street. My heart sank. This was the first time I had ever driven down East Hastings.

I began to question this surreal encounter, and God slowly chipped away at my soul. After reading the books “Under the Overpass” and “Irresistible Revolution” lent to us by Alfred Lu, a theme between the rich and the poor kept on reoccurring as I read the Bible. “... but when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.

Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14: 12-14) If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? (James 2:3-4) I think God was trying to tell me something, that what I saw was real. There is a lot of inequality in this world and in this city; what are you going to do about it? After a conversation with Christy Lew, she invited me to visit this place called Jacob's Well. It is not your typical come-andserve type of place, we just hung out in a space much like a cozy coffee shop and we shared time together with tea, baked goods, card games and conversation much like a family visit in the living room but with Downtown East Side (DTES) neighbourhood friends. It was great.

I soon joined the Wednesday team which included an art time, and it has been such a blessing to get to know some of the people in this neighbourhood and erase the misconception I had of them.

I still remember the fear I had when I first got off the bus at the corner of Main and Hastings. This is the ONE corner I had always been afraid of while driving, and now I had to walk from there to Jacob's Well. But soon this ridiculous arrogant fear I had of people attacking me, and stealing from me was gone. People are people and God accepts each of us the way we are, so why do I have to marginalize them when they are different from me? Being in DTES weekly has led me to look at people with fresh eyes, and reminded me to look for the image of God in each individual.

After all, we are all made in God's image, and He called it good.

Path to Baptism

By Shirley Zhai December 18, 2011 I was born and grew up in China. From very young, we were taught to believe that there is no God. People who believe in super powers were mostly illiterate and definitely considered superstitious. We were atheists. But when I grew older, questions like “Where were we from?” “Where are we going?”

“What is the meaning of life?” started to come into my mind.

After I moved to Canada, I met Grace Lu. She brought me to the block fair in the summer of 2010 and it totally changed my view toward Christianity. I was deeply touched by the huge amount of volunteers of all age groups, who were all welcoming and sincerely kind.

Then Grace invited me to come to Sunday worship. Since Sep. 2010, I’ve been coming to this church.

I remember coming into the church so many times after a heavy week; the burdens of my heart were lifted by hearing the wisdom and calling of Jesus Christ during preaching, and during Dr. Jack’s classes. Wisdom from Jesus Christ drew me to come, and slowly and gradually I saw Him, and felt His presence.

Fifteen years ago, while I was studying in Belgium, an English couple invited me to join their Bible reading Group. However, I was never touched by the stories because I didn’t believe in miracles. It has been difficult for me to admit that I am a human being with lots of Five years later, I worked in brokenness. In conflicts, I always Shanghai and met a lady who was blamed others and made excuses for like an angel to me. She once said my own contributions. Through prayer, “Sister Xiaowei, since I believed in God revealed to me that I could either God, I am joyful and happy.” I remain stuck feeling resentful for the admired her, but at that time I still rest of my life, or I could do something was not sure of God’s existence. to improve relationships. Not long ago,

Youth Coffee House (May 19)

By Ernest Law (Grade 8) The Coffee House was a very splendid event for newcomers and believers of God at VCBC. The Coffee House had games, performances from the EDF Band (Elim Daniel Fellowship Band), a drama from the Elim group, very delicious food, Stop Believing, “Safe and Sound”, people sharing about how they and, “T.G.I.F.” (with rewritten lyrics). met God, and not to mention a Another very awesome thing that sharing on what faith is about. happened at the Coffee House was The thing I enjoyed the most was the games. There was a variety of performing for everyone with my g a m e s a n d t h e y r a n g e d f r o m fellow EDF Band members. There interesting ones like, “Rock, Paper, were 5 of us in the group and we Scissors, Squirt!” to games that were performed the songs, “Don’t hilarious like, “Can You Dance Like Matt?” What I loved the most was the

I plucked my courage and took the first step to thaw the ice with my in-laws. I didn’t expect the positive response from my husband. For the first time I saw Jesus’ saving love, not only affects myself but also my husband. I am continuing to pray to God to show me the way along this journey of reconciliation with my in-laws.

I am thankful for having the Bible; learning from it nourishes my heart and soul. I thank God for opening my blinded eyes, giving me strength while I am weak, telling me that I am worthy and lovable when I feel bad about myself and for shining light in the darkness of my soul.

I would like to thank the following people who assisted in my spiritual journey: Chris and May from Belgium, Grace He from Shanghai, and Grace Lu for being a mentor. I also thank Pastor Cindy, Dr. Jack and Lisa, and Alfred Lu, for their support.

Above all, I thank my heavenly father for His unconditional love.

He never lost his hold of my hand even at the moment I was in doubt about him. food. It was buffetstyle and there were homemade pizza bites, M&M cookies, b r o w n i e s , strawberries, fries, chicken fingers, spicy salsa chips, melons, pretzels, and not to mention my favourite food BBQ chips and much more.

One last thing to mention about the Coffee House is the fact that a lot of people came to the Coffee House. It just felt warm and spiritual because of the fact that there were so many believers of God that attended. I also really felt that the newcomers were drawn more to our faith and to our youth group as well.

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Global Outreach: International China Concern (ICC)

by Melanie Au

Melanie went to Changsha with ICC to help at the government Welfare Centre for 2 weeks.

The lessons learned from my trip to China began even before I stepped on the plane.

And they came in forms that I didn’t quite expect.

With my application to ICC approved, vacation from work granted, and my health doing well, I felt like everything was falling into place - until my visa to China was denied. I was confused – had I heard God’s calling wrong? I had been so sure He had distinctly spoken to me about going to China.

But as quickly as my questions arose, the Holy Spirit also began to encourage me: “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me...” (Psalm 138:8) “Blessed is she who believes that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished” (Luke 1:45).

And as I struggled to trust God with the situation, I began to see His purpose: “...to humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart”(Deut 8:1). Did I think I was qualified to go because of my own abilities? Did I desire to go to China or to obey God no matter what – even if it meant staying in Vancouver? God was teaching me that He had the right to choose how, when and where I served Him, and that His purpose for me was to bring Him glory through obedience.

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By the time I stepped on the plane, I was much more aware of God’s grace and truly saw my trip as a gift.

Of course the lessons didn’t stop there. Our team was frustratingly delayed for one night in Shenzhen when we discovered that train tickets into Changsha had been all sold out. But what we view as detours are often an opportunity to see God work. Our stay in Shenzhen allowed our team time to pray and commission each other -- and this became the most powerful experience of fellowship and revelation of God’s plan for each of us on the entire trip.

Couples Interview continued from pg. 1 that suit our family needs, helping us meet our financial needs. It has not been easy as sometimes it requires a lot of patience on our part to see what God is doing.

E: What are your thoughts on living together before marriage?

W&W: We're not saying it's impossible, but we feel it would be really difficult to remain sexually pure if a couple was living together before marriage. A few years ago, we seriously contemplated going to Japan together to complete a teaching ESL course. In the end, we felt it was unwise to put ourselves in a setting in which sexual temptation may become a real issue.

June 2012

F&M: [We follow] Hebrews 13:4: marriage should be honoured by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.

E: In Canada, the average age of marriage is 31 for men and 29 for women (Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, 2008); what are your thoughts about this?

W&W: Oh really? Interesting, we learn something new everyday. Thanks iiConnect!

F&M: We got married around that age so it is not any different. Ming feels that you need some time to know yourself and what you want to do with your life. Because of that, getting married at the age is good.

E: What is one piece of advice you would give to couples who are engaged or about to be married?

W&W: Enjoy this time…but don't forget the importance of the church community! Stay connected!

F&M: Learn about each other. Do not assume that the person will understand you and know all your needs.

Continue to communicate with each other. This requires work. ”Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.” – Ps 85:10 E: What is one piece of advice that you would give to singles looking for potential spouses in the future?

It was definitely heartbreaking to see so many children not receiving the care and love they need. Many of them have never been hugged or played with and had bedsores and scars on their wrists and ankles from being tied to their beds. I’ll never forget the children who cried when we put them back in their beds after working with them each day.

But there is great hope as well: living conditions are much improved and the government is welcoming ICC teams and therapists into the centre. More able-bodied children are allowed to roam the halls in walkers and some workers show real care for the children. Although we were only with the children for two weeks, some of them who were unresponsive at first were laughing by the end.

W&W: God is watching, watching over you. 24/7 watching over you. Your life is in His hands ...woh woh....He's got great big plans 'cause He's watching over you. Seriously, God cares for you and He is preparing something that is more than what you can ask or imagine.

But I knew the biggest change was not in the children –! it was in me. I left with a profound sense of God’s sovereignty, knowing that he was using these children to teach me to love more deeply and depend on him. I was inspired by the ICC staff who left their homes and families to serve God in a smoggy city where crossing the street means putting your life at risk. I have greater faith that God can change any situation, no matter how challenging.

To be honest, when I first got the email from Pastor Cindy about writing an article about marriage, I really didn’t think I was the most qualified person that iiConnect could’ve found, and if I was, then we were in serious trouble. I was very relieved when I found out that the article would be about comparing a newlywed couple with another couple that has been married for years and years and years. After a few emails, I received answers from Willis and Winnie, whom have been married for almost a year and from Ming and Francis, a couple who have experienced many seasons of marriage. Their answers were insightful and interesting and I hope you will find that as well! — Einar Wong

F&M: Be content with yourself. As you are looking, go and do things that you would like to do, not waiting for a spouse to do it with. Learn new things. You do not know if you can do them after you are married and what skills you need when you are married. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

Willis & Winnie

Francis & Ming

Couples!

Interview:!

Willis!&!

Winnie!Wong,!

Francis!&!

Ming!Leung Interviewed!by!Einar!Wong

Einar: What was the first impression of your spouse when you first began dating?

Willis & Winnie: When we first met each other, our first impression of the other person was nothing special. However, when we first began dating, we felt that each other was nothing but special.

Francis & Ming: F - Ming was warm, friendly, open and approachable (still); M - Francis was very polite and kind.

E: Was there any difference between how you imagined your wedding to go and how it actually went?

W&W: In terms of how the wedding day went compared to how we planned it, we thought it was everything we asked for and more.

F&M: F - A wedding is just a wedding - a party. It doesn't prepare you for the marriage that follows; M - It went well. What did not go well, no one else knows.

E: How are household chores divided up in your marriage?

W&W: We once read in a book that marriage isn't a team sport in the sense that each person has a role to play and as long as each person plays his/her role, the team would have success. The book described marriage as more of a two-person sailing expedition. Each person needs to do whatever is needed to make sure the journey is successful.

F&M: It depends on what is going on in our lives. It first started with being even. Then Ming was working in the house, looking after the kids. At that time, she did more of the household chores. Now she is working more, Francis is doing more of the household chores and he is better at it. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in

humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3-4 E: How do you deal with conflict in your marriage?

W&W: Commitment to communicate, no matter what.

F&M: James 1:19: My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

Proverbs 10:19: sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.

Proverbs 12:18: the words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

We try to live by these principles. One thing we do not do is to deal with our conflict in the public.

E: How do you keep your romance alive?

W&W: We've only been married for less than a year...maybe ask us again in 10 years? or 5 ....haha F&M: We had kept our romance by spending time with each other. When the kids were young, we managed to dedicate time at night, early morning or coffee break during the weekend. Now that we have not raising any kids, we need to find an activity other than eating to keep our romance alive. (Francis read the book Song of Songs more) E: How have you seen God through your own marriage?

W&W: God often uses our spouse to reveal certain things about ourselves. He often

speaks truth through our spouse to keep us accountable.

He also uses our spouse to encourage us and to pick us up when we are down.

F&M: God has given us a lot of blessings through out marriage - raising our kids, finding jobs Interview continues on pg. 6

PUBLISHED BY Vancouver Chinese Baptist Church 7474 Culloden St. Vancouver, BC V5X 4K2 CONTENTS 1 Couples Interview 2 Two Tales of One City 3 Science Time 3 Young Wisdom 4 Prison Ministry 4 Perspectives Away from Home 5 Path to Baptism 5 Youth Coffee House 6 Global Outreach 6 Couples Interview Cont’d 7 An interview with Pearl WEBSITE vcbc.bc.ca/english Like us on Facebook vcbcenglish

To the only God our Savior be glory! (Jude 1:25) …

An Interview with Pearl Chiu Interviewed by Kathy Jung on May 24, 2012

Pearl: God has blessed us and prepared the way …

Eddie and Pearl have 3 wonderful adult children, and believe it or not, they also have a granddaughter. In 2010, Pearl was beginning to think about retirement. Learning from daughter Odelia that a first grandchild was on the way made her decision all the easier. Eddie and Pearl live their lives fully, so they traveled before the duties of grandparenthood took over.

In August 2011, a possible job opportunity brought their son, Nathan, home from Taiwan. He never did get that job. He readily turned down another job near Christmas when Eddie's diagnosis became clear. Nathan has recently been helping out with the family business for his dad, and according to Eddie, he's been doing a good job.

In January 2012, Charissa was considering quitting her nursing studies in Ottawa to come home to nurse for real. With her parents’ encouragement, she finished her degree and is now home to help as only a healthcare insider can.

Pearl:! We prayed and hoped … we saw ill friends get better … When would it be our turn? … God loves us. We are not exempt from the pains of this world … God is sovereign.

Sometimes I feel hesitant about asking how things are, but Pearl puts all that uncertainty to rest.

Eddie received 4 chemotherapy treatments for cancer in his lungs. But because the cancer in his lungs is only a secondary site, and the primary site is unknown, the treatment was not helping. He currently receives maintenance therapy. His days include getting up in the mid-afternoon, eating (though he doesn't feel like it), taking his hydromorphone, and going for monthly tests and assessments. Praise God his lungs are now clear of fluid. Last week's intravenous hydration has improved his mobility and appetite. He's lost 40 pounds and he's had 2 falls.

What Strength Looks Like Pearl:! We totally surrender and rely on Him … We trust He will not give us more than what we can bear … We ask God for our daily strength … We stay connected …

Pearl has recently finished her 7th year in BSF. She had thought about quitting, but the disciplined study of God's word and hearing about others’ circumstances has kept her from self-pity and a narrow perspective. She's started polewalking with a friend. She is creative in helping while preserving Eddie's dignity. Every two weeks, their cell group meets in their home, just as it has for the past 12 years.

Whenever he is able to, Eddie goes to church because it's like coming home to be with family. He goes out for lunch with friends on Fridays and seems to eat just a bit more. Pearl says Eddie has never complained about his circumstances, and his faith is strong.

Pearl: We didn't know we had so many friends!

Pearl and Eddie want to express their thanks for the many cards, hugs and prayers. They encourage the calls and letters to keep coming. A message to let them know they are remembered in prayer left on voicemail, but not expected to be returned, is health to their spirits.

Please pray that Eddie and Pearl will receive the daily comfort and strengthening of God and His church. Pray that their children, Eddie's mother, and their extended families will have hearts prepared to receive God's perfect will without bitterness. And above all else, pray along with Eddie and Pearl that in their lives, God would be glorified.

Pearl has learned to receive the generosity poured out to her and Eddie and to turn it back into an opportunity to pray for others. And so, as I leave, I receive from Pearl a warm hug and her prayers for me.

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever. “ —Psalm 30:11-12

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