July 31st Post

Greetings!

Chris Funk here, just a quick update on our Saturday here.

Today was a really good day, there was no teaching English but was rather focused on spiritual renewal and rest of the leaders. We are almost halfway through with the English camp and all the teachers really needed a day to be fed instead of feeding the students and just some down time. This morning was a very special morning for me, I got to experience a Chinese church service. There were only 10 of us that got to attend church because of all the restrictions that are being imposed. The rest of the teachers went to Jim’s (camp leader) house and had worship, a devotional time a also some sharing what God is doing within the camp time.

Church was an incredible experience, there was the whole language barrier, but it wasn't as noticeable as I first anticipated because I could feel God there. We sang "Washed in the blood of the lamb", had some special music by the choir, listened to a message by Pastor Wu on Psalm 42:1-2, and finished the service off with communion and prayer. It was amazing to connect with the strangers solely based upon our mutual love of Christ. It really helped me visualize and portrayed the universality of Christ's love and the bond that it can create with fellow believes no matter what. With the help of a translator I got a few phrases of what Pastor Wu was saying and I think they are a great representation of what this church believes in and just awesome things to remember:

“God is our power”
“Thirst for the living God”
“We are weak, but God’s grace is tremendous”
“Invite people to come to our living God”
“Jesus Christ is steadfast love”

Church was the most exciting and memorable part of the day. There was supposed to be a concert at school by Jared and our own Mark Siefert, but an amazingly powerful thunderstorm blew in and it got cancelled. Therefore, some more time was spent walking around downtown, getting greeting by all the locals or anybody who knows the word “hello”, and then more time as a team planning stuff for tomorrow’s camp activities.

Tomorrow will return to normal and we only have 4 more days of teaching including tomorrow, time is just flying back. Just be in prayer for the Bazhong church and their ministries, they are building a new church because they have outgrown their current one (that is soooo exciting) and for opportunities to share no matter how minute they might be.

In Him,
Chris Funk

July 30th Post

Hello. My name is Andy, what is your name? …

…

… I gave you time to respond

That is a good name. How are you today?

…

… You say “I am fine, thank you, and you?”



I am fine too.



CONGRADULATIONS!!!! You can have a conversation in English!



This is the first dialogue the students have learned it is followed by the harder questions like:

Who is your teacher?

How old are you?

How long have you studied English?

What sports do you like?

And for the advanced students:

What is your favorite western food/movie/song/singer/book?

But despite the sometimes gargantuan language barrier we are starting to glimpse the hearts of the students and we love what we see.



I am teaching the seventh level class with two Canadians (Albert and Rejean) and a Chinese T.A. named Mandy. Our class has decided to name themselves SOUL and I hope that this will provide an opportunity to minister to them. Our class contains 15 boys and four girls all about sixteen and up to nineteen years old. It is a difficult age to teach because it is hard to tell what they understand. Unlike the younger kids they have shed their enthusiasm and unlike the higher-level students they don’t just tell us when they have a question. To fix this we have incorporated a little Chinese into our lesson. “Dong Bu Dong” which means “Do you understand?” It seems to be a success but some cultural differences remain. Today during an activity one boy (Larry) sat and didn’t participate because he didn’t have a pencil. This was due to a small oversight when we passed around the pencils that we assumed would be corrected by any of students by asking for a pencil. But the boy just sat there instead.

Sometimes the lesson is too easy for the students so it requires lots of improvisation. For instance today to help the students with their pronunciation I taught them a poem actors use to practice speaking clearly. We also have to make games up in the spur of the moment and follow tangents in the subject. These changes can be quite challenging to explain to the students. If you don’t believe me then go talk to a class of third graders and teach them some descriptive dualities like Tall/Short or Thin/Fat or Smart/ not smart and then tell them not to call each other mean (that means hurtful) things. It won’t go over very well. Then try to explain tact. You shouldn’t call someone big or fat but you could call them strong and you wouldn’t call someone without friends unfriendly instead you call them shy. It can be crazy to teach a single lesson but then we must hurry up and try to learn the next lesson before the next class.



Thankfully each team has one night off and ours was tonight. We went to a fancy western style restaurant for pizza. Unfortunately this was done in a single van in two trips. The driver only speaks Chinese so we weren’t sure which restaurant was the one we had made reservations for. So we waited an minute or two out front until Mark saw that ne of the restaurants was labeled American Food. However the restaurant next to it was an European restaurant and we expected pizza so that was still no good. Unfortunately the van was clearly stuck in traffic and we couldn’t meet with the second half of the group containing Chloe the Chinese girl from Hong Kong and Eric. We decided that it must be the American restaurant because it was closer to where the van had dropped us off. So we walked up to the restaurant and met a waitress who didn’t speak any English. The group turned to me to try and tell her that we didn’t know which restaurant we were supposed to be in or that we had a reservation. They thought that my little bit of high school Chinese would allow me to talk with the waitress. Through lots of gesturing and a little bit of Chinese and the card for the taxi to drive us to the hotel I managed to have them call the hotel and put me on the line with one of the T.A.s she thought that it was the right restaurant so we just had to wait for everyone to arrive. I had to figure out how to tell the waitress that we wanted to wait for the other seven people and that I didn’t know if we wanted a private room. Here is the end of that conversation.



Video to come



That is all for tonight, thank you for your support and your prayers, tomorrow I am going to a Chinese church for service and it promises to be both radically foreign and comfortingly similar.



--Andy Ingle

July 29th Post

Greetings from China!
Yesterday we had an awesome 3rd day of camp. The morning assembly was on the good samaritan. It was beautifully retold in a modern way by the Arizona team. The man was attacked by robbers then was walked past by a rock star, a business woman, and finally a Bazong middle school student who stopped an helped him. It was a great lesson to share with the kids and they loved it! The lessons focused on occupations and what the kids wanted to be when they grow up. The evening was ended with half the leaders helping lead a dance at the camp while the other half enjoyed a night off. We are all ready for our 4th day of camp!

Blessings from China!
Chris Willecke

July 28th Post - A little late sorry ~ Adam

Things/Ideas I will bring back to the Unites States:
1) Squatting toilets: Here is a great timesaving tip… combine your restroom time with a workout! What better way to work out your quads while using the toilet!
2) Traffic causes many people to get angry. Solution: Cross the double yellow lines to get around it, they are more like guidelines anyway.
3) The spices that Mark made me eat at lunch that numbed my tongue. Yea that was a lot of fun… thanks Markie-Poo!

Today was our second day at camp. In the morning we had our morning assembly (“honesty” was the theme of the day) during which the kids looked at pictures from the previous day. Joey, Erik and myself were the leaders of the morning activities during which we played two games. The first involved hula-hoops where the kids got in a line, held hands and had to figure out how to get everyone through the hoop until in reached the end. The second game each team had a tablecloth; the object was to fit all of the kids on it. Once that was accomplished the tablecloth was folded in half and now they needed to still fit on the cloth but with less room. It was then folded two more times after that until it was too small for the kids to fit. Whoever got their whole class on the smallest tablecloth won… which was my team of course. I was very proud!

After activates the teachers and students were separated into classrooms. This was our first time with the students that we will be working with for the next two weeks. We spent today getting a feel on how much English our students know and learning a little bit about them. Classes went really well and it was a lot of fun getting to know the Chinese kids. Lunchtime at the camp was interesting to say the least. Many people from our team enjoy lunch I, however, have a harder time stomaching the food so I decided to stick to the cliff bar. We then returned to the hotel to rest for an hour, take a shower or hang out with the team. Then it was right back to the school to teach our second lesson. Again the class went great. Dinner went a lot better than lunch for me, which was good.

The last two hours on campus the “international team” (team members are from Canada, Hong Kong, & Philippines) did four activities that the kids really enjoyed. Because I was not leading the activities this gave me a great chance to take pictures of the kids.

Jim (our camp director) pulled away the leaders at the end of the day to share some unfortunate news. The police came today and were very suspicious and curious why we were all here (apparently the principal of the school where we are conducting the camp didn’t send in his required paper work to them in time). This means we need to be extra careful NOT be overly zealous in sharing our faith and most likely will no longer be able to attend a Chinese church this Sunday. Jim will make the final decision on this later this week. We ask for you all to pray that some how God will show us a way to minister to some of these children. Thank you for everyone who has commented on our posts, we had a chance to read them today and it’s really refreshing to hear what you have to say back. Thank you for all your prayers and support!
God Bless,
Bri

July 27th Post

China Team Blog 7-27-10
By Erik Burklin

Well, we just finished our first day with the Chinese students at the English Camp in Bazhong. We had a fantastic day which started out with an opening ceremony with school and local government officials during which they played “Janky Doodle Dandy” with a brass band….it was surreal. After that, we tested all the 167 Chinese students in their English proficiency which helps Hua Mei Int. (HMI) divide them into comparable classes. The students were so excited to see us; many have planned to come to this camp for months. After the testing, our team had lunch with the students on the school campus (where the camp is being held). It was fun to start getting to know the kids who we will be ministering to over the next two weeks.

After lunch it was back to our hotel for some rest time. At 3pm we went back to the school campus to prepare for our English lessons and conduct several fun activities with the kids. Then back to the hotel for dinner and then back to the campus one more time for an evening activity, the A-Z scavenger hunt; student had to find items on the school property that started with all the letters of the alphabet...a real blast. We wrapped up with a coupled of songs and then went back to the hotel.

Our team appreciates all your prayers.


Mark adds: If you are so intrigued by the progress of this trip that you would like to read another blog, Chris Funk has found a way to hack through the mainframe of China's block on YouTube, Google, and blogging sites: http://funkgoestochina.wordpress.com/

July 26th Post

Hey guys,
This is Jordan updating you on on trip. Yesterday was a travel day from Chengdu to Bazhong. The bus ride took about nine hours because we were diverted from the highway. The ride was a good opportunity to recharge and get ready for the beginning of the camp. During the drive I was looking out the window a lot taking in the country we were driving through when I couldn't help but notice the number of individual houses that were just off the highway. These houses were usually surrounded by farmland and fairly close to the river. When I first began to see these houses I was amazed and taken aback. I couldn't understand what life would be like in a situation like that. I feel like God took these images to remind me of how vast his kingdom is. The kids we will be teaching all come from different situations and different backgrounds but we have the opportunity to connect with them on a personal level and plant a seed for Christ. On another note the group has continued to grow closer. A very challenging game of Pterodactyl began during the trip. I am proud to say that I was the champion of the final game. I hope everyone in the US is doing well. I appreciate everyones prayers and support and can't wait to see you all again.

Jordan Ivey

July 25th Post

Thank you all so much for praying for us. We just finished our Sunday of training, and we are tired!

This morning at breakfast we discovered what we call call the 'electric clove'. It's a strange spice that makes a person's tongue go numb.

After breakfast we began our training with the other teachers. There are a total of 32 of us. Mark led us in worship and then we began learning about the town we'll be serving in, the schedule and the curriculum we'll be teaching. Additionally, we were given our teaching partner assignments. In short, it was a lot to take in, and it looks like we are going to have a very rigorous couple of weeks.

One surprising element about the next few weeks is that we will be in a town of 400,000 people and we have been told that we will not see one other foreigner the whole time we are there. We're truly going to a remote location.

We'll have 167 kids at the camp. Please pray that God will fill us up so that we will have His grace and love and truth to pour out. We're already feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Unto our King Jesus,

Grace China Team

July 24th Post

Hey Hey Hey! This is Joey Scavuzzo speaking/writing. First of all, we had an amazing day! This morning we visited Tiananmen Square then onto the Forbidden City. Each place we entertained the Chinese people by throwing the frisbee around with each other and some local folk. They were very interested with a saucer like object flying through the air. Andy just about hit someone, luckily they were agile enough to dive out of the way. Before we left Beijing this afternoon, we went bargaining in the Silk Market. Not to be boastful, but our team have become extreme bargainers with the Chinese. When we get back, we'll teach you all how to lower your grocery bill. This evening, after a two hour flight, we made it to our hotel in Sichuan where we will have training for teaching purposes. Hopefully Mark won't fall asleep, he tends to fall asleep with his head in his own lap. I don't understand how he does it...God be with him.

On a more serious note, we have been growing closer together as a team. We've been having great conversations about the differences between our culture and the Chinese's culture. I personally feel that God is preparing our hearts to do His will in the next couple of weeks. We ask that you would pray for us as we continue to strive to be the light that God calls us to be and that we show everyone his love and glory.

Go Rockies!

1st full day in China!

Our first full day in China was a blast! We started off the morning with pork and three delicacies dumplings at a wonderful Chinese restaurant. We then traveled to the Great Wall and hiked up the steep steps up to one of the tall watch towers. The hike was hot and sweaty but tons of fun! After the Great Wall we went to a Chinese market and exercised our expert bargaining skills. As the only girl I had a hard time understanding the boy's affinity for switch blades, throwing stars, and laser pointers. But then again they didn't understand the pearls and purses. For dinner we dined at a Peking Duck restaurant. All nine of us plus our two translators sat around one round table with an enormous lazy susan in the middle. Our mouths watered as they brought dish after dish of duck prepared in an assortment of dishes with delicious sides. Our team favorite was a mixture of vegetables and meat kept warm in a dish over a sterno. After dinner everyone was exhausted and we went straight to bed.

Praise God no one has been sick yet and please pray for safety as we travel to Chengdu this afternoon.

Bri and Erik, We can't wait to see you!! Safe travels.
~Natalie Margason

Day 2

Hello Friends, Family, Followers, and Financiers,

We are here! By God's grace and goodness we've landed safely in Beijing. One unexpected event on the flight was our meeting the team members from Arizona who we will be co-teaching with. It looks like our teams are going to get along great. Also there were a number of NBA players on our flight who were coming here to play basketball. Once we arrived here, we were met by two great Chinese Christians - Gloria and Andrew. Gloria works at a local church and has studied theology. Andrew has just graduated from high school, and speaks perfect English. They have both been so helpful in getting us transported to the hotel, checked in, getting money exchanged, and telling us where to go for a walk tonight. We are now back at the hotel and finally ready for a good night's sleep.

Tomorrow we're starting the day with prayer, then breakfast, then out to the Great Wall. Please pray that we would have meaningful interaction with people, and specifically that we would be able to encourage our Chinese hosts in their walk with Jesus.

Thank you all for praying. May God bless us with Himself tomorrow.

GCT (Grace China Team)

Day 1

Well we have successfully made it to Seattle...Mark slept through the entire flight (with a good 20 pictures as evidence) and Joey is already that person on the team that always has to go to the bathroom. In 15 hours we will be in Beijing! Please pray for our safety/sanity on the flight and that we would be able to settle into our hotel without issue. On top of that, pray for Natalie as she is in a group of all guys for 3 or 4 days...she didn't know what she was getting herself into.
We'll let you know when we make it to the other side of the pond!
China Team

A Brief Overview of Our Schedule

july 21
5 a.m. leave grace chapel
5:45 arrive at DEN
8:05 depart on AS 677
9:54 arrive at SEA
2 p.m. depart on HU 496

july 22–24
beijing

july 25
orientation in chengdu

july 26
travel to baozhong
campus tour

july 27
opening ceremony
placement testing
scavenger hunt

july 28-31
morning assembly
morning lesson
morning activity
afternoon lesson
evening activity

august 1
church
olympics
concert
august 2
morning assembly
morning lesson
morning activity
afternoon lesson
evening activity

august 3
hike
afternoon lesson
evening activity

august 4, 5
morning assembly
morning lesson
morning activity
afternoon lesson
evening activity

august 6
closing ceremony
travel to chengdu
closing banquet

august 7
8:30 a.m. arrive at CTU
11:30 depart on HU 7148
2:00 p.m. arrive at PEK
4:20 depart on HU 495

august 7 in usa
12:05 p.m. arrive at SEA
5:45 depart on AS 678

We leave in just two days!

Thank you to everyone who has supported out trip, both through prayer and financially and through caring for us.

Below are specific prayer requests. We will be posting updates on almost a daily basis of what God is doing and how you can be praying.

As an overview of our trip, we will be running a two-week Enlish camp and there are already over 150 students enrolled! They are so excited to meet Americans, to talk to us, and to get to know us. This allows for an incredible opportunity to tell kids about Jesus. We will use Bible stories to teach conversational English which allows for great discussions around important issues like morality, God, purpose, destiny, and Heaven. We wouldn’t even be able to do that in an American school!

The town we will serve in is one of the main cities in the Sichuan Province hit by the massive earthquake two years ago, and people are still recovering. We are praying God uses our team for the good He wants to accomplish; both on a practical level and a spiritual level. We want to be a significant part of what God is doing in China by conveying His love and compassion.

China Team 2010 – Prayer Requests

China Team 2010 – Prayer Requests

Chris Funk

– Honesty and accountability among the team.

– Safe travels.

– Opportunity for sharing what I believe.

– Teaching help.

– Strength throughout the days.

Erik Burklin

- That God would make me humble and patient.

- Feel God’s presence on a daily basis.

Joey Scavuzzo

- Stronger faith in God.

- God would soften the student’s hearts towards Him.

Chris Willecke

- Nervousness before leaving.

- Homesickness while there.

Andy Ingle

- Focus on our purpose.

- It’s not about us, it’s about the students and translators and everyone we meet.

Bri Burklin

- I want the kids to see a difference in our group so we can spread God’s word to them.

- No sickness.

Jordan Ivey

- Feel at ease about preparation for new job when I get back.

- God would open my heart and use me as His servant during our time in China.

- Keep my mind focused on the true purpose of our trip.

Steve Whitlock

- Health and safety

- God would let us see eternal fruit from this trip, including what He’s doing in and through us.

- Unity in our trip and for real friendship.

Mitch Staut

- Connecting with kids.

- Serving God.

- Loving others.

Natalie Margason

- We'd not be in a hurry.

- We'd care for each other.

- Safety.

Mark Seifert

- Joy. Happiness. Love.