October 21st - Bangladesh

October 21, 2012

The trip back to Dhaka yesterday was another traffic battle all the way.  There is just no way of describing the experience of participating in driving as a competitive sport on a two-lane road with way more vehicles than there is space, at speeds that defy understanding.  God is so gracious.  He not only protected us, but he provided us with a very skilled driver who took our safety very seriously.

Another 10 hours on the road found us back in the capital of Dhaka.  We just had time to check into a Christian guest house and walk a few blocks to the Dhaka Church of God for an evening with the congregation, celebrating the launching of the sponsorship program in Bangladesh.

It was a significant and enjoyable evening together.  The church leaders from across the country were present for this occasion.  The Church of God in Bangladesh is very excited and grateful for the opening of the program.  The need is great, and they are committed to working with COP to help as many children as possible.  The evening was a great launch for the program, even though the electricity went out during dinner and cell phones and a few flashlights had to provide dinner lighting.  J

I had the privilege of sharing with them about the program and from the Word of God.  We agreed together that the Bangladesh program would focus on those children whose need was greatest and who had the least opportunity for help from any other sources.

We spent the last day in Bangladesh seeing some of the city and spending time with Shikha and Tapan, their two children, and several members of the committee.

I’m happy to report that several more children have been sponsored since the trip began, including two by people in Bangladesh.  I was humbled by the sacrifice of these two families, wanting sincerely to help the children in their country, and willing to do so through Children of Promise.  It will be a sacrifice indeed.  But, then, that’s so indicative of our sponsors everywhere – you sacrifice willingly so that children can eat, go to school, be healthy, and be nurtured spiritually. 

If you would like to join the growing number of people helping children in Bangladesh, contact our office today at 800-848-2464 (ext. 2206 – Vicky Creamer), or request a child on our website at www.echildrenofpromise.org.  We will be happy – no EXCITED – to help you help a child.  

October 20th- Meet Lata - Bangladesh

October 20, 2012

After meeting the first group of children yesterday, we continued driving again for about three hours to another site where children will be sponsored.  In fact, the FIRST sponsored child (one!) in Bangladesh lives in this village, so we were very excited to meet her, and to participate in the second distribution of benefits to Lata.  This village also sits in a very isolated rural area, also amidst rice fields and other agricultural concerns.  As we rounded the narrow dirt road into the main part of the settlement, the path was lined with children and adults, waiting to see these strangers.  Again, stares and serious whispering were prevalent.  I wondered what thoughts were going through their heads as we disembarked from the van. 

The sun was just about down, so we walked through the maze of homes first, arriving at Lata’s home where the whole village quietly and attentively observed the committee sharing the program benefits with her, including rice, nutritionally fortified biscuits, and dal (a yellow split pea – staple in the diet), school bag, soap, etc.  The father painstakingly signed the benefit forms, indicating that the child had received the benefits.  The villagers were especially excited to have Lata try on the new school dress provided – and she happily did so.  That was when her smile really came to life.  Young children in this area do not wear a prescribed uniform, but girls must have a tunic (dress) with pants underneath.  Lata was very happy with her dress – and so were the villagers.  She is six.

We made our way to a covered area with some lighting to conduct the interviews.  Again, the children were reticent and unsure of themselves, not only because of the presence of we foreigners and the whole experience of interacting with us, but also because the entire village gathered to observe.  As we had done with the first group, we asked detailed questions about their health and did a visual check of their teeth.  A number need dental treatment as soon as we can find sponsors.  Many of them need to be treated for worms, and the committee decided to make this a semi-annual occurrence for all children in the program.

Again, we shared the salvation bracelets with all who were present – children, parents, friends, relatives, villagers, etc.

Eddye Davis, sponsor of several children in Africa through COP (hailing from Seattle, Washington), helped me interview (as she has done throughout the trip), and was so encouraging to the children.  They could not help but warm to her smile and obvious love for them.

This long day ended late in the evening as we fell into bed, tired, but satisfied knowing that help for these children is just around the corner.

October 19th- A Few Days of "Firsts" - Bangladesh

October 19, 2012                  

Bangladesh – A Few Days of “Firsts”

Eddye Davis and I left Myanmar on Thursday around noon, flying to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and then on to Dhaka, Bangladesh for the first Children of Promise visit in that country.  The sponsorship program is new, having just opened in June of 2012.  This was a trip not to check on the children’s progress, but to make sure all is in order to begin caring for the growing number of children soon to be receiving care.

Shikha Biswas and her husband, Tapan Borman (national leader of the Church of God in Bangladesh), met us at the Dhaka airport.  By the time we retrieved our luggage, it was about 2:00 a.m.  We loaded everything into a rented van, and took off across the dark night, beginning another long journey to the far northwest corner of the country where the first two sponsorship sites are located.  After driving eight hours through the night, battling for space on a two-lane road crowded with hundreds of overloaded trucks, we arrived at a hotel, where we left our belongings, and continued driving for another hour and a half to our first site, set between rice fields and fish farms.  The families of the children are part of a house church that meets in their settlement.

This was a visit of firsts.

This was the first time the committee, director, and I have worked together in person.  The committee, under Shikha’s leadership, has been working hard to organize and put into place all the details necessary to begin providing benefits for the children.  I’m happy to say that this is a very fine committee of eight women from across the spectrum of the Church of God in Bangladesh.  They are sharp, committed, organized, and thoughtful.  I was so impressed with their desire to do things well, to make sure that the children would be cared for in the best way possible.  And – they love to get the best deal when shopping.  So, they will carefully make sure the sponsors’ donations are used to go as far as possible for the benefit of the children.

This was the first time to see first-hand the living conditions and situations in which the children live that are awaiting sponsorship.  This proved to be especially eye-opening.  The first children selected for sponsorship are from the caste group known as the “untouchables.”  In Bangladesh culture, they are at the bottom of the social ladder.  They do not mingle with those in higher castes; they are often not allowed to use public facilities, drinking fountains, restrooms, etc.  There is little hope of ever living more than a subsistence existence at the very lowest level – except for two things:  the hope that knowing Christ and his power brings – and the hope of an education. 

There are 21 families living huddled together in a group of interconnected mud houses.  Privacy is not something to be enjoyed; cooking facilities are open fires in the walkway between the small dwellings.  They share a public restroom (a hole in the ground surrounded by makeshift walls of mat and plastic).  They do have a public well with a pump.  A few of the homes had actual beds (no mattresses that I remember); most slept on a wooden platform – all the family members on one bed.  Roofs were made of tin sheets tied down by wire.

As we pulled up to the settlement, the waiting children and their parents were sitting on the ground under a tarp, anticipating our arrival.  It was clear that some of the children had not seen many people different from themselves.  The stares were long and penetrating.  But it was easy to bring about smiles with big ones of our own.

This was also the first time to talk with the children personally.  As we interviewed the children individually, it was clear that their exposure to the outside world was limited; not surprisingly, they had difficulty answering some of the questions like what they would like to do when they grew up, or what had happened in their lives that had been significant.  Some had trouble with some of the basic information like their age.  Education is so sorely needed, as is encouragement, support, love, and affirmation.

As we usually do in settings like this all over the world, we shared the message of salvation using the salvation bracelets made by Mildred Maxfield of Longview, Washington.  Mildred has made over 90,000 of these bracelets to be shared with children and their families around the world.  It is an integral part of our program.  Mildred celebrated her 93^rd birthday during this trip. ( Happy birthday, Mom!)

I am so excited that this vibrant and energetic committee stands poised to work lovingly with these children.  All we need is sponsors – people who will reach their hands and hearts to this first group of children who desperately need assistance.

October 16th-17th - Indochina

October  16 - 17, 2012

The children from MYB and MYSP arrived right on time in the “used-to-be truck” buses.  We met as a group and worshiped and distributed the salvation bracelets.  Since today was the 93^rd birthday of the salvation bracelet maker, the group gave a choral “happy birthday” greeting for Mildred Maxfield which was videoed.  The children had obviously been taught the salvation message thoroughly, as they knew all the colors and their meanings.  

We interviewed all day again, noting medical and other special issues.  After interviewing, we traveled to MYS where we met several children who could not come in to the capital.  Several days before our arrival, the government announced that the first round of school examinations would be held during our visit schedule, so some of the children had no choice but to remain in their communities and attend special preparation classes for the examinations.  We visited the church in MYS before the interviews. 

The next day was spent visiting a new potential site for sponsorship, meeting with the pastor, and discussing the needs and plans.  This was about two hours out of the capital.  We enjoyed some historical and cultural sites also.

Dinner with the staff of volunteers and pastors concluded our time together in this Indochina country.  While we are so very happy that the political situation is improving fairly rapidly, with this new freedom comes increased persecution and harassment by radical Buddhists who are trying to eliminate Christianity from the country.  Pray for the leaders, the children, the families, and the church as they continue to face hardship as believers.

October 14th-15th - Indochina

October 14 – 15, 2011

We arrived in the capital around 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, flying from Chiang Mai through Bangkok.  Dorothy Colney and Shelly Win met us at the airport.   After dropping our things at Shelly’s place, we went immediately to the church for the 5:00 service. 

I always enjoy the singing at the central church.  It is lively, harmonious, and beautiful.  They have some excellent musicians.  It was a pleasure to worship with them.

Monday morning found us at the church meeting the children from MYS and MYH.  These two communities are outside of the capital proper, each about an hour away.  Conditions for the church and for individuals have improved greatly in the last months, as the government has begun to allow the country to open politically and culturally.  This has resulted in a lifting of the U. S. embargo.  But, there is still fear that a visit by our COP delegation to the outlying villages would cause too much attention and might result in ramifications for the children, their families, and/or the church.  So, the children were bused to the capital to meet with us.

They arrived in the typical bus in Indochina.  It is an old truck bed that has been converted to a bus by adding some slatted side walls, a roof, and some benches.  When the children arrived, some of them were carsick from the ride, a combination of driving conditions and their lack of experience riding in a vehicle.

We sang together as well as shared about Children of Promise.  We also shared the salvation bracelet message.  Afterward, we spent most of the rest of the day interviewing the children individually.  Eddye Davis interviewed, with translation by Shelly and Rosemary, one of the ministerial trainees.  There were a good number of children who have health issues; a few we sent to the doctor on the spot.  Dental treatment, worms/parasites, and fever were the most common ailments.  We kept a detailed record and the local COP committees will follow-up with doctor/dentist appointments, lab work, etc.  Many of these children are malnourished in the first five years before being sponsored, and the weakness and ill effects of the malnutrition continue to present problems even though they are eating more nutritious food now.

It was especially gratifying to meet the young blind man who is a gifted musician.  We have been helping him to take music training.  He sang in the evening service, and after talking with him during the interview, we were able to arrange for him to continue taking keyboard classes as well as vocal training. 

After the interviews, we traveled to the community of MYSP.  This is a fast-growing area of very poor families, many of whom have come in from outlying areas to the metro area, hoping for work.  Conditions are very crowded.  The church in this community recently dedicated a new building in memory of missionary Cheryl Barton, a great friend and supporter of the work of the church in this country.  It was a special moment to visit the building and hear of its dedication in her honor.  Cheryl was also a great friend and advocate for Children of Promise. 

Tomorrow, another two groups arrive for interviewing.

October 11-13- Thailand

October 11, 2012

Today was a travel day.  We flew from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Thailand this morning.  Chiang Mai is a city of over one million people situated in the northwest area of the country.  It sits in the mountains and has a small-town feel compared to the sprawling metropolis of Bangkok.  Several thousand missionaries make this their base for ministry into northern Thailand and the surrounding areas.

We were met at the airport by Don and Caroline Armstrong, regional coordinators for Asia and the Pacific (Global Missions).  We enjoyed a great lunch along the main river that runs through Chiang Mai.  The evening included a walking trip into the night bazaar.  Vendors set up along a main street around 6:00 p.m., selling wares that include clothes, souvenirs, household items, etc.  The bazaar runs every night until about midnight.  What fun it was to wind our way through the stalls, interacting with the people.

October 12, 2012

Today was another travel day.  This time by van from Chiang Mai to Khun Yuam, a small town in the northwest corner of Thailand, near the Myanmar border.   Again, the scenery was stunning, as we drove on winding roads through mountains and farmland. 

The children in Khun Yuam were engaging from the first moment we drove into the church yard.  They giggled, waved, and smiled as we tried to bridge the communication gap between Thai and English through sign language, smiles, gestures, and eye-to-heart contact.

I was struck again during the interviews at how healthy the children were.  As I compared the interview records of the last visit (especially regarding their health), I was so pleased to see that the issues of concern last time had been addressed, and the children were healthy and strong.  A number of them had had medical treatment and care as a follow-up to the last visit, and with additional attention on a regular basis to their health, were in much better stead than earlier.  I couldn’t help but think what a difference a sponsor’s commitment makes to a child. 

The parents of these children primarily work as farmers.  Most do not own their own land, but work for land-owners.  They grow rice and vegetables, working long hours in the fields.  An education is the only way to provide the hope for a future beyond illiteracy and basic survival.  I spoke with the children about the importance of education.  It is heartbreaking to see that sometimes the families pull the kids from school as they get older because they need their labor to help support the family.  Please pray that these older children will stay in school long enough to finish high school.  It will, in the long run, assist the families so much more.  This is one of the challenges facing the rural programs in Thailand. 

We drove south from Khun Yuam to Mae Sariang, a small town right by the Myanmar border.  This will be our base as we visit a small village known as Mae Kom Pae tomorrow.

October 13, 2012

I was feeling very eager to get to Mae Kom Pae.  I have always loved this village.  Primarily made up of Karen tribe refugees from Myanmar, the people are warm, colorful, and creative.  And the church is vibrant and strong.  Pastored by a strong, committed widow, the congregation is active in ministering in the community, and gives the children the support, love, and encouragement as a close-knit community of believers can do. 

Some of the children arrived in the native Karen dress.  Everyone made sure that their flip-flops or shoes were left on the stairs of the church.  After a song and words of welcome, we interviewed the children.

There are children here who want to be doctors, nurses, and teachers – lots of teachers.  What a great thing for this village’s future. 

We visited several children’s homes after the interviews.  As I climbed the ladder into one home, I was struck immediately by the fact that it was empty.  Space was abundant, but there was nothing in the house.  The family slept on the floor and also used the floor for sitting, but beyond that, there were no other possessions or conveniences.  I couldn’t help draw comparisons to the filled rooms of “things” in my house and in those of all my friends.  We are indeed blessed with conveniences – but this view inside this home reminded me that as the scripture says, “life does not consist of the things we own.”  The happiness, smiles, and joyful interaction underlined this fact as we conversed and chatted with the family.  While they kept thanking me for visiting their home, I kept thinking, “The honor is mine.”  I have again been reminded that simplicity and core values are at the heart of living, that we can find those basic needs of love, affection, commitment, joy, and peace in a small, empty wooden house.  Life indeed does not consist of what we purchase and own.  We see that example in Jesus, who probably owned very little or nothing, yet serves as an example to us of so many important virtues and values.  God’s love and saving grace are our greatest possessions, thanks to His bountiful love.

The Journey Continues - Thailand

October 10, 2012

The Journey Continues . . . .Thailand

Yesterday we flew from Manila to Bangkok, saying goodbye to Ryan, Bob, Pete, Carla, and Tom in the Hong Kong airport.  We settled in to the guest house in Bangkok and explored the city a bit. 

Early this morning, Jan Kanjanamukda, director of COP in Thailand, met us with a van and driver for the 4-hour drive to Buriram, a central district in Thailand where we met the first group of children at the Nang Rong Church of God.  The drive was beautiful – Thailand is stunning.  Greens abound with colored flowers, variegated rice fields, hills, and beautiful people. 

 

Lunch was ready when we arrived – rice, vegetables, fresh fruit (especially pomelo – a sweet dryer version of grapefruit), and noodles. 

The first thing I noticed as the children gathered for our meeting was how much healthier they looked compared to my last visit.  As they sang and danced for us, their smiles and their enjoyment caught our attention. 

We interviewed each child individually after sharing the story of the salvation bracelets.  As we heard about their living situations and dreams, I realized again how important a helping hand is.  Some of these children could not attend school without their sponsors’ help.  Just think what a difference that will make in their lives – to have an education compared to being illiterate for life. 

After the interviews, we visited two homes of recently sponsored children.  One is a home where all the living takes place inside.  The other is more typical in which most of the living takes places outside, with an enclosed building for sleeping.  Speaking of sleeping, that takes place on a wooden floor, sometimes with a reed mat, sometimes not.  Cooking is usually done outside under a covered lean-to.  Wide platform benches provide a place to sit cross-legged or in a squat position when it is not possible to sit on the ground because of the rain.

The family was so pleased to have us visit.  They insisted on various combinations of photos.  I was cognizant of the large clay water receptacles in the background, fed by tin drains from the roof of the sleeping quarters.  A rudimentary water-catching system, but an effective one, provided a supply of water for washing, cooking, and bathing needs.

Sponsors were thanked and thanked and thanked.  And we promised to relay that message. 

So many thoughts and feelings crowded our minds as we made the trip back to Bangkok.  The most prevalent thing in my mind was a constant recognition of what an honor it is to be a part of these children’s lives.  To be allowed to know them and to lend that helping hand. . . what a pleasure and a privilege for all of us as sponsors.