The Countdown Drumbeat

The first seminar in Tainan will be starting in four weeks. Boom. The staff team will be gathering in 3 weeks. Boom. Our early registration deadline is in one week. Boom, ba da Boom.

Every passing day is like a drumbeat, reminding me that the 2012 Taiwan Children's Institute Ministry trip is fast approaching.

This time of year has always been a test of faith for me. On the one hand, there's the worry that you won't be able to get everything ready in time. On the other hand, there's a worry that can be summed up in a single word.

In the past, the largest CIs and adult seminars
were held in arenas like these.
© http://www.flickr.com/photos/tyleroxendine/

Numbers.

How many people have registered? Do we have enough teachers? Will we have more children teachers? When will we break 50? Can we make at least a hundred at each seminar? Will we be able to break even in the end?

Looking back at the difference between the CIs then and the CIs now is disconcerting. That was the age of the mega seminars, the gigantic CIs. Back then, it was normal to have a CI with more than 1000 children. Though it was almost 20 years ago, I have vague recollections of attending the CIs of yore: the hordes of children, the cavernous auditoriums, the maze of teams separated by pipe and drape, the distant projections on gigantic screens of the action on stage, the armies of teachers required to keep everything running smoothly.

Taiwan CI attendance over the years

Now, instead of children in the thousands, we are lucky if we break a hundred. Instead of a large auditorium, we now comfortably fit into a classroom. Instead of needing an army of teachers, we can get more than comfortably by with a modest sized team.

Even though the seminars are smaller, that doesn't mean they are any easier to put on. Each year, we still have to scramble to line up the details, wearing ourselves out in the process, all the while praying our bodies will manage to stay healthy until the end of the trip.

After reading this, you may wonder why we keep doing the CIs year after year: that's a good question, this is something I ask myself too.

Bonding with the 2010 Taipei CI Student Assistants

Though I may have doubts, thought it can be easy to be caught up within statistics, I have to stop and remember the many blessings God has shown us year after year.

• The joys of close intimacy and fellowship that comes with having a smaller team of teachers.
• The greatly simplified logistics when you don't have to deal with moving several hundred bodies from one place to another.
• The connection that you can have with a crowd of children when you can recognize every face by the end of a week.
• The thank you letters from parents and children who are touched by the lessons they learned while attending the seminar.
• The excitement that comes from knowing that everyone, children AND teachers, are learning and growing in the ways of God together.

So, onward the march to next year's Children's Institutes!

Timothy Chen

從幫忙到參與兒童營

Now that the CI application for Taiwan based teachers is out, I asked my friend Sophia to share some of the different way she has participated as a CI teacher. 

在 2010 年台北兒童營

耶穌說，這些事你們既做在我這弟兄中一個最小的身上，就是做在我身上了。過去八年來，神透過我在兒童營的服事，教導我要如何愛那些「最小的」。

2004 年帶著忐忑的心的我，第一次擔任兒童營助教。本來帶著純粹幫忙翻譯的心情，但是沒想到卻從此愛上在兒童營的服事。每一次的營會都會碰到幾個「不可愛」的小孩，但看到上帝在短短幾天內如何改變一個孩子的態度，以及每一次孩子單純的禱告回應上帝的愛，是讓我每年都想要參與兒童營的最大原因。

從 2004 年開始，每年寒假我都會參與台北場的兒童營。一直到 2009 年，因為兒童營負責人慕天的邀請，我決定參與全程的營會。一開始我以為除了與老師們一起住以外，參與全程或單場不會有太大的差別。但上帝卻透過這一個月讓我更深的經歷祂。

以往參與單場場次時，比較覺得自己是「騰」出時間來服事，而參與全程就像是在參與一個短宣。在一個月的時間中，除了教導孩子以外，透過團隊中每天晨更、與外國老師的彼此分享，使我更深的經歷認識這位又真又活的神。在服事的過程中，有許多和老師們彼此相處、服事和禱告的機會，使我更多了解是什麼樣的原因使他們願意付上代價與一個月的時間來到台灣服事孩子。除此之外，和團隊一起相處及出去玩更是難忘的回憶。

過去每一年在兒童營中，神透過小組中一個孩子的改變或回應、一次團隊的靈修、一段與同工的對話等不同的方式來對我說話。也透過一年一年經驗的累積，學習如何帶領孩子來到神的面前。一個月的時間可以平淡的度過，也可以充實享受的與朋友在一同服事、經歷神的時間中度過，若你還沒參與過全程的兒童營，邀請你給自己一個機會讓神開拓你的視野!

Sophia Chen

陳舒慧

The 2012 CI trip is coming!

Here is our 2012 seminar promotional poster!

For those of you at unable to read Chinese, the tagline at the bottom says, “Who is willing to stand in the gap?” It is a reminder that God is looking for people who will live according to His ways, and the need to stand firm, even when society is pulling the people around us away from what is right.

The two cities listed on the poster are:

Tainan: January 17-21
Taipei: January 31-February 4

In addition, in the week between our two seminars, we will also be going to Hualien to hold a camp for children from smaller, underprivileged communities at a school. Last year was the first time we held a CI in Hualien, and it was a joy for all of our teachers being able to teach the children there.

For those who are not currently in Taiwan, and who are interested in coming as teachers, I’d encourage you to apply ASAP, because last year we had to turn some people away. Please contact the International Department at IBLP Headquarters for more information.

For those of you who are in Taiwan, I will be releasing more information about how to apply very soon.

Also, this coming year happens to be the FIFTEENTH year we are holding Children’s Institutes in Taiwan! Because of this, I wanted to take extra time in the preparation to think about where the CI has come from, how the CIs have changed over the years, and the future direction of the Taiwan CIs. To help crystalize my thoughts, I’ll be writing periodic blogs about the various random questions, ideas, and critiques that I have about the ministry.

If you have been involved in the CI ministry in the past, I’d love if you would follow along, and join in the discussion. Also, please keep the trip in your prayers.

Timothy Chen

Ending the Happy Way

Today was amazing! After a short nights sleep, (well for me anyway) the team got together to practice a Chinese song. At 9:15 we loaded up onto the bus and headed toward church. During the service, Tim translated for us. It's funny how accustomed I have become to hearing everything in both Chinese and English. It has become almost a part of life. After the offertory our team sang "Ye Su Ai Ni" (translation: Jesus Loves You). It was so beautiful hearing the voices as well as the harmonies rise together! We stayed longer to fellowship and eat lunch. Finally, we had to say "good bye" to Simon's parents, as well as 2 of my interpreters and several others we met.

Again, the bus carried us to another destination, downtown Hsinchu. Here we were able to shop for 3 hours in the rain as well as get to enjoy the city. 4:45 found a weary group of youth headed back to the seminary. Some rested, some packed and some hung out as staff secretly decorated the cafeteria for the farewell party.

At 6:30 we were let in and were surprised by our awesome companions singing, "You are our sunshines, our only sunshines." After an awesome meal of pizza, we played several games. First, we signed big hearts for the members of the team. Then all the guys and girls separated and make lists of "10 things guys/girls like about girls/guys." Then Madelyn, Nate, David and I read them out to the group. Next, our accountability groups completed against each other on a "survival" game. Each member wrote down 1 thing they could not have survived the trip without and then using those items we had to figure out how we would survive against starvation, a typhoon, savages, and then 30 years later to leave the island.

Lastly we also had to do a rendition of "You Are My Sunshine". Our team incorporated each "staff member" into our performance. It was so much fun! Then we all shared what God taught us on this trip or what was most difficult for us with the team. Lastly we enjoyed watching an awesome slideshow that Alana put together. (Thank you girl!).

Well to top it all off, several of us pulled an all-nighter and are now preparing to leave the most awesome place on earth for--home.

Katie Reeves

Last CI Day

Though we were all tired and sick of living out of suitcases, the last of the last children's Institute saddened us all. It honestly seems like it was years ago that we that we did the first CI in Taipei, but I loved every CI and would do it all again. It's amazing to see how far each one of us has come from week one until now, the lord has taught us all so much. I made tons of new friends from the kids, staff, teachers and not to mention the amazing interpreters! Thanks so much everybody for your prayers!

The Canadian (Ryan de Roos)

Serving God and Kids

This is my first time to come to CI. I’m so happy and excited but very nervous. Lol~ I love children so much and I want to learn more about interpreting, so I come to CI to serve children and God.

I learned about how to communicate with kids. Some kids were so shy and didn’t want to talk with teachers. But I tried to communicate with them, and I talked with them. Thank God~ He helped me a lot. And I also learned about faith during CI. I pray for God to help me have boldness and confidence in teaching the children. Today we learned about the Helmet of Salvation. I have to protect my thoughts. Sometimes I think a of not important things, so I think this class also reminded me of this.

I came to CI and learned a lot. I’m so happy. I’ll do my best to teach kids. Thank God!


Michelle Chao

Back In Taiwan!

We’re back in Taiwan where the weather is colder than Hong Kong! I’m really grateful for those long-sleeved shirts and jackets in my suitcase!

Today each teacher was given an opportunity to present a portion of a lesson of their choice to the rest of us. It was great practice for public speaking! Or, as Tim put it, a “getting rid of the fear of man” session.

During the trip, it’s easy for the lessons to become dry, predictable, stale and boring. Watching how others have illustrated the same lessons and the stories they’ve used was an excellent way to get new ideas.

God is continuing to bless the CI and the kids here. Please continue to pray for us as the trip comes to a close and we finish our last seminar.



From chilly, windy and rainy Hsinchu,
Laura Weaver

Starting Off Grand

Being here in Hsinchu is just another reminder of God’s everlasting, non-wavering love. This being our very last week of the whole CI trip, I am so very thankful for all God has done in the children’s lives and our lives. I have met so many amazing people on this trip. But God is not done working yet! How can I express all the treasured memories made for today?

Well, we started our day with a wisdom search in 2 Samuel chapter 7 led by Simon. I was very encouraged by his testimony he shared. After wisdom search we were able to meet and fellowship with all the new interpreters! And get to know and work with our new team assignments. I’m so thankful for my awesome leader, Yvonne Chiang, and for my amazing co-workers Daniel Wright and Sylvia Chow! We began our first CI here at around 6:45pm and it started off grand.

The children started piling in, they are all so sweet and precious. Witnessing first hand how God can work in people’s lives just makes me rejoice in how big our God really is. We are half way across the world and God is still showing His mighty hand. God has really taught me a lot about having faith in Him. I’ve made so many clay men and patience pencils these past weeks that I’m pretty sure I could do it in my sleep :-) On our way out of the church where the CI is held, we all go cookies. And then we headed out to our bus to travel back to our rooms to get a somewhat restful sleep and start the day all over again in the morning! All in all it was a very successful 1st day. Praise God for His faithfulness!



In Christ’s love and mine,
Madelyn Adams

Rejoicing In The Lord

“I will praise Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will show forth all Thy marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in Thee…” (Ps. 9:1-2a)

Today was our last day in Hong Kong, and I am rejoicing in how the Lord has been working on this trip. We’re all exhausted and several on the team are sick, but we serve an amazing God who has shown Himself strong in our weakness, and I’ve been encouraged by His faithfulness.

Our time in Hong Kong was awesome! It was great to see the Lord working in the hearts of the kids, and encouraging when several prayed to get saved. Our short time there was a wonderful opportunity to practice patience with out overly energetic kids :-) but I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. The kids are so cute and they always make me smile. I have many sweet memories of Hong Kong: my adorable little five year old who didn’t want to let go of me and loved to sit in my lap… how much my kids were amused when I attempted to sing the songs in Cantonese… when my sweet adopted little sister Katie ate a chicken head, brains and all :-) But like every place we’ve been, I absolutely loved all my kids, and it was so sad to have to say goodbye today.

After the CI ended today, we did some quick, last minute packing, and then rushed off to the airport to fly back to Taiwan. We start off the next seminar in Hsinchu right away tomorrow evening. I am excited that we get to teach another CI, but we are all so sad that we only have a few days left.

Please pray for all of us, that God would strengthen and heal us, so that we can finish this trip strong, and pray that God would continue His marvelous work in Hsinchu

Karissa Carlson

God Working in Hong Kong

Today the seminar started at 9:45. While its an early morning, I am continually amazed at how God always gives the strength that we need for every challenge!
God has been working throughout this trip, but even today it has been exciting got see what He has done! At cool down each day, I look forward to hearing what God has done that day on various teams and to hear the challenges and bring them before the Lord. We must expect God to work through these difficult children, sicknesses or whatever else for His glory. Today, it brought me great joy to see the boys and girls on my team listening intently to the message of the gospel that my wonderful assistant was sharing with them. We have prayed that God would reach the children's hearts with this message and He has been doing that here, as He has everywhere else! Praise God!
For dinner we went to a very nice restaurant and had a wonderful Chinese dinner and go to learn a few things from Tim about Hong Kong/ Chinese Tradition, which became quite hilarious at time, as always!
When we got back to the hotel, we spent some time together singing, praying and sharing. It is always a blessing to take the time to listen to the Lord, worship Him, and enjoy Him together. Our God is such an amazing and wonderful God

Bethany Reeves

First Day in Hong Kong

We started off a great day with breakfast in the staff's suite between 9:00 and 10:00 am. Getting there required elevator jumping as we were on the floor twelve and thirteen and they were on twenty two. First we had to ride the elevator down to the third floor and then take the elevatorWe started off a great day with breakfast in the staff's suite between 9:00 and 10:00 am. Getting there required elevator jumping as we were on the floor twelve and thirteen and they were on twenty two. First we had to ride the elevator down to the third floor and then take the elevator up to the the twenty second floor. But we get joy thrills from riding elevators, so this was right up our alley. (?!)
Lunch was awesome-some Korean barbecue. In addition to all the delicious food, Alana persuaded me to try sushi. The orange colored fish eggs, commonly called caviar, made me gag, but thankfully the cookies n' cream ice cream erased my taste buds memories. Sure does work wonders!
The after noon was diligently spent in teacher training sessions and craft preparation. After a lot of paper cutting, we were rewarded with getting to go shopping at the ladies' market in the evening. I am a huge fan of the reward system. It was pretty cool bargaining with the stall owners, and some of us got fun Asian style shirts and dresses. This was definitely the best thing that happened to me today! Thank you Jesus for your good gifts, and some calm before the storm of doing CI's every day this next week.
Julia Shir

Flying to Hong Kong!

We are going to Hong Kong! Morning we have a devotion at 10am after that we going to airport and fly to Hong Kong and now we here we are ! Thank God we are safely arrive! This is my first time to be here, and the city is so beautiful! After dinner we go to a bridge and a peak in Hong Kong. It was amazing. And thanks to all the people who fetch us and thank you for your enthusiasm and generosity. We appreciate it. Tomorrow we will be start some of the preparation work. We already finish three CI's in Taiwan and this will be the fourth CI here and I'm glad that I have this opportunity to come and serve the kids and I really pray that God will use these kids and will do his amazing think here in these three days!

Janet Pang