Walking Through Bethelehem

Just completed our 4th Annual Walk Through Bethlehem presentation. Three nights. More than 7000 guests enjoyed the experience. Nothing like seeing, tasting, touching and smelling Bethlehem without leaving Southern California.

Bert the camel and the petting zoo section assure the smell component.

Great weather. Good time for families. What I enjoy most is watching the eyes of children as they come through. For those under six I suspect they actually think they have entered Bethlehem.

Share some pictures here for you.

Hope you are each enjoying your preparations for Christmas Day. What a day it was!

Walk Through Bethlehem!

We are delighted to host the premier Christmas experience in the San Gabriel Valley each year.

Walk Through Bethlehem begins this Friday night and runs for three consecutive nights (December 12,13,14) from 5-9:00 p.m.

If you've attended previously, I'm confident you'll return. If you have not found your way to 1515 South Glendora Avenue in Glendora, California - pack up the family and come on over. The line moves quickly and the experience of walking through first century Bethlehem will be a memory you'll keep for the remainder of the season.

Be prepared for the rantings of Herod, the pushiness of Roman guards, the smell of animals which would have pervaded the manger scene, and have your picture taken with Bert-the-camel. The Beduin shop keepers and beggars may try to separate you from your money but a polite "no thank you" usually sends them scurrying.

I spent a day at Disneyland last weekend and while the Christmas Season was in full swing, there is a notable absence of the "Christ" part. Kind of empty actually.

If you are looking for something fun to do which won't cost you much---like FREE---then this is what you want to do. Bring the family. Bring the neighborhood. See you at our best ever WALK THROUGH BETHLEHEM.

*For more info on Walk Thru Bethlehem, please go to www.grace-church.com

Earthquakes, Typhoons and Fires

Last week while in Tampa Bay some people ask me how bad things were back home in the LA area with the fires. At the time I had not seen the news so I responded nonchalantly, "Fires during the Santa Ana winds in LA are like hurricanes on the coast of Florida. They are bad if they hit your home otherwise most people are almost unaware."

My apologies. This year is worse. Hundreds of homes lost and the fires are spread across amazingly diverse neighborhoods.

However, there is reality to what I originally said. Looking back over the most recent catastrophes of 2008 we see this. Not one but perhaps hundreds (of lesser tremors) hit central China. To the outsiders it seems only one quake hit and that was in Chengdu. Nothing could be further from the truth. The quake damage was in several provinces and many hit over months. While those hit most severely are still suffering greatly, the larger population continues life as normal.

Typhoons in the Pacific Rim are a routine of nature. They are often followed by flooding and mud slides on the hillsides illegally harvested of timber. People die. Homes are destroyed. But the larger communities take it in stride and move on.

Fires in Los Angeles are part of our eco-culture. We have a long dry summer. Normal. We also have a 12 month growing season. One friend told me regarding landscaping in Southern California, at first you fight to get plants and trees to grow. THEN you spend the rest of the time just fighting them. Everything grows. Sun and underground sprinkler systems are a pretty effective combination. No winter dormant season here.

So~ long dry summers. Brush growing on the hillsides. Then the Santa Ana winds hit blowing the dry wind at high speeds. Strike a match and suddenly the hills are ablaze and not with the sound of music. Just a bad combination of factors.

When one's house is destroyed it is a true catastrophe. Few can really afford to fully insure their homes. Too expensive. The law of averages dictates fires will probably not touch your home. Take the risk.

What must make the loss of your home and everything you've worked a lifetime for and were counting on for retirement even worse is that most of those around you move on without missing a beat. Ouch.

Adding to the hurt in Southern California is our relative wealth. Unlike Katrina and mud slides in poor countries, few feel too sorry. Truth be told. How do you find pity for people living in million dollar homes?

Here you are possibly waiting for me to pull together some principles or moral lessons. I'm trying but all I have today are some realities observed.

I do know life is not fair. Learned that as a child. I do know bad things happen to good people and some pretty bad people seem to escape unscathed.

I also believe it probably does not hurt for us to reflect upon a old question. "Who is my neighbor?" The answer offered originally was, "If someone in my scope of awareness has a need...regardless of the reason for it...and I have the ability to help. I should."

Setting Sun

Here in Tampa Bay for a few days this week. My publisher, Churchsmart Resources is hosting a training event. My role is two and one-half days of facilitating a seminar on leading turnaround.
Great group gathered here from 32 different states. It is good to meet with such a diverse group of hungry leaders.

They have hosted us at the Historic (translate old) Belleview Biltmore Resort. It is actually quite impressive. The halls are double-wide and literally stretch for over 150 yards. I found myself wondering if I could roll a bowling ball from one end to the other on hard wood floors with my best effort. I doubt it. Could I throw a baseball from one end to the other? Not sure.

At night there are a lot of doors with padlocks on them. Not sure what is behind them.

OK perhaps I have a little too much time on my hands.

Made it here the first night to watch the sun set over the Bay. Had a momentary pause. How could I be watching the sun set over the ocean when I'm on the East Coast?

Don't worry, I figured it out. It's a Bay. But it reminded me that sometimes small things (inlets) in life can give the wrong perspective. Sometimes when I am certain where I am yet encounter short-term challenges, I don't necessarily need to conclude I'm on the wrong side.

OK enough philosophizing. I'm going to go out and see if I can find a bowling ball.

Three Days After

The elections are behind us. You know what I know. Just feel compelled to share some of my feelings.

Confess I went to bed Tuesday night feeling a bit sick. Not sure how much of the nausea was the results of the elections and how much was serious jet-lag. Just arrived back home from Asia 72 hours earlier. My wife was gone so I fixed my own food. Perhaps it was the Wienerschnitzel. Whatever!

I am thankful three states voted to recognize what the Bible declares fact. Marriage is between a man and a woman. This is the way God ordered it and at least for the moment our country is affirming this is best for society, mental health and for our children and grandchildren.

I am thankful to live in a country where we can elect a black president! This shouts loudly how far we have come to break down destructive racial barriers. This makes me proud.

I am thankful to live in a country where we could have elected a woman to a position one heartbeat away from the highest office in the land. That makes me proud.

I am thankful to live in a country where we can host a peaceful change of power without blood shed and violence.

I am thankful to live in a country where we can proclaim our beliefs loudly and without fear of reprisal to our families when we do so. It is healthy to be able to post signs in our front yards which differ in sentiment to our neighbors.

Do I have some fears? Certainly. Do I feel some sadness. Yes.

But the benefit of waiting three days to step back and evaluate the landscape helps. My glocal travels leave me convinced the USA is still the best place on the earth to raise a family, serve one's country, and proclaim truth. I'm thankful to be in America.

I'm thankful I waited three days to write this blog.

End of the World

Still Some Places

I visited a location in Southern China last week which defies description. Might be able to put some pictures on soon to help describe it for you.

We rode to the end of the road then hiked straight up the side of a mountain on rocks until we encountered a group of people singing.

We eventually descended. I sat at the bottom with my interpreter who lives in Shanghai. The other group a young group of courageous men and women from Corona California made the second hike to deliver the "literature" promised.

While waiting for two hours we engaged them in conversation. They let me know they had never had a white visitor. I apologized for my strange pale complexion. They kindly extended an invitation to "stop by again next time I was in the area."

I then explained that was unlikely. They asked how far away I lived. I told them "it takes 30 hours to travel from Los Angeles to Shanghai to the airport nearest their location." They said "Oh, did you come by train?"

Obviously they had no idea of the other side of the globe.

They asked "how much did it cost to come?" My interpreter informed me they measured distances by how many RMB it costs to travel.

I shared "Probably about 20,000 rmb."

The man who led the village marveled. He matter of factly stated "that would last us for a life time."

I marveled equally at the remote nature of their location. I asked him "how long have your relatives lived in this valley?"

He said with a smile. "Since God created the earth!"

A few days later we were taken to another location to see our first micro-financing sight. This is in the Northern Section of China. We parked the van then hiked once again along the ridge of a mountain. The people lived in caves. I stood on a crest looking down at their "sub-division" and thought I have never seen a sight which could have been exactly like the living conditions of the 1st Century.

There we found 53 acres of licorice planted. Good news. Those sponsored by the project are Christians. While planting the crops about 50 people had professed faith in Christ. A church and school has been started.

Readers. Forgive me for taking so long to write. I hereby commit myself to write more often. Please check back in.

Love to have you share my life and experiences. Not all will be so unique. Most of my life back home is as mundane as yours. But welcome you to this blog.

First Hand Olympic observations

I have observed the progress of China for the past 10 years. I remember seeing the digital count down announcing "Only 325 days till the Olympics."

I have seen first hand the amazing - probably unprecedented in the history of the world - transformation of a city here in Beijing.

I have watched as 1.3 billion people set their minds to making a statement to the world.

Now that the Olympics have ended, we all are aware of how one country has marched from a single Gold Medal in Los Angeles in 1984 to 63 Gold Medals in 2008.

China should be justifiably proud.

Last week I happened to be staying at the Grand Stanford Hotel in Hong Kong. Our servers casually mentioned that the eating area would be off limits to guests for 30 minutes as they briefly provided welcome refreshments to some special guests. Those guests included all 63 Gold Medal winners from China and the Olympic committee. I had the opportunity to stand in a receiving line in the lobby at 12:30 that afternoon and cheer and clap as these modern day heroes entered. I was thrilled for China.

I wish I had some interesting story to tell you like how Gua Jing Jing stopped and shared with me personally the thrill of her 3 golds. Or the entire men's gymnastics team stopped to take a photo op. But such would be lying. The security was heavy from the night before. Someone on the internet threated a bomb. If I was not staying there I would not have been within 100 yards. Their itinerary was full and they were quickly ushered to behind closed doors. Why not? This group represents a national treasure. And probably as much collective worth now as the USA national debt.

It is good to see progress celebrated. Now, many young children can watch their television screens and have hope. China is now, too, a "land of opportunity"...for some.

Lest you think I'm being a little syrupy and naive, you should know the work of G4Asia focuses almost exclusively on the rural countryside of China.

Many villages we visit - perhaps half - state we are the first foreigners they remember visiting their home. I have seen poverty. More than I wish I had. I understand vividly the great divide which still exists between the wealthy citizenry and the vast majority of the Chinese.

But that does not alter the reality that China is changing rapidly and for the good.

Today, we visited the Birds Nest. An amazing athletic and event center which will be the sight of many more world events for decades to come. The para Olympics begin in two days. At lunch, in the Crown Plaza within walking distance, we saw many competitors in the public areas.

Signs of accommodations for the physically challenged are everywhere. This, too, is good. China does wish to take a step toward all their citizens.

I see how traffic has been at least temporarily controlled and air quality is visibly superior to even one year ago. This, too, is good. The massive modern buildings constructed in Beijing during the past decades are mind blowing.

I want to think that soon this vision and change will sweep out to the 800 million who still live below the international poverty line.

Years ago, Dr. Han Wenzao challenged me with the words, "If you want to know what is going on in China, come and see." I am coming and I am seeing.

All good people should be celebrating the positive changes in China. The progress of this country is worthy of our support.

Do we have to agree with or like all the policies in China? Of course not. But negativity and uneducated and uniformed criticism does nothing but build walls. Walls curtail communications. Without communications, none of us can help.

Final footnote: We were able to coordinate the efforts of 10 medical professionals in Henan Province this past week. It is amazing to see the good that can be accomplished when we work with our friends here in China-openly, legally, honestly.

Much good going on. What can you do?

Doing More

I just finished speaking at a conference in a serene mountain setting not far from San Jose, California. It was hosted by a Filipino group.

We discussed money, family life, dreams, spirituality and frustrations. We ate together. We laughed a lot. If you know the Pinoy community, you understand that is guaranteed.

Because of our focus with Grace for Asia, of course, we talked much about home; Philippines. We now have a condo in Manila. Many of the attendees have been gone from the country for 10,20, or more years. But no matter how long they have been absent, it is still home.

As we visited during breaks we discovered common experiences, common friends and most of all, common needs and hurts.

In time, our conversation turned to exactly what can be done to "fix the Philippines!"

Answer seems obvious, but tragic. Nothing can be done until the government there stems the epidemic tide of corruption.

Why start a business if double-taxation will drain it dry?

Why send medical equipment and supplies in to assist those who cannot pay for medical treatment as long as custom officials extract 20, 30 or 40% for their own pockets?

Why educate young people if jobs are not given to the most deserving, but to the most connected?

Why send more OFW overseas who must send all their money home when those at home refuse to work and simply waste the funds on a lazy lifestyle?

Why vote if the votes won't be counted?

After 10 years of hearing the same statements and frustration I admit it is tempting to give up. But I return to a couple basic premises which should drive all efforts. Not just in the Philippines, but around the world.

1) Because we cannot help everyone does not mean we should help no one.

2) Teaching people to fish is superior to giving them a fish.

Grace for Asia will continue to do all we are able. Just sitting here in another airport (will be in 23 during the next 16 days) and feeling a bit wistful. Wish I knew how to do more. Feeling so strongly I would like to do more. Sharing the angst of those I have just been with.

We can do more. If we all work together. Let's not give up.

President Bush's comments on Religion in China

Like millions of viewers, I watched President Bush's interview with Bob Costos two days ago.

The president was pushed repeatedly on whether he continues to confront Hu Jintao on matters
of human rights and religious freedom. President Bush said, "Yes." He even offered that he made a point the previous Sunday to attend a church service in Beijing.

International politics are far beyond my pay scale. But I simply must make one comment regarding a specific comment. President Bush said he has encouraged Ju Jintao to: "Allow the house churches to register."

This is one matter we know a little bit about. We just came out of China last Saturday and spent some time with friends of the CCC (Protestant registered church) and RAB (Religious Affairs Buruean) in several provinces.

There is nothing preventing house churches from registering. In fact, according to notable leaders within the CCC, there is a campaign being initiated from the top down to encourage all house church leaders to register. Many of them are. Many more house churches are working closely alongside of the approximately 55,000 registered Protestant churches.

I am not here arguing these house churches should register. That is a complicated matter. Rules
and policies vary from Province to Province. Some may be able to register, operate legally and find virtually no change in their operations and ability to govern themselves with great autonomy.

Other house churches may find the restrictions brought upon them would be intolerable.

Those are internal and personal issues which the church in China must resolve.

For the record, however, our president, though surely well intentioned, mis-spoke himself. It is not that the Chinese authorities will not allow the house churches to register. The house churches, or at least many of them, have decided they would prefer not to.

China prior to the Olympics:

We are having a wonderful time here in China. The country has never been cleaner, safer, or better prepared to receive guests.

However, there are a few balancing observations.

First, as we travel from city to city, there is an obvious absence of the number of ex pats (foreign workers) one normally sees here in the major cities and hotels. I am not sure what number of VISA were granted for this summer but suspect the number is lower than last year during the summer vacationing season. As a regular visitor here in China, when I walk through public plaza areas and sit in the lobbies of hotels I am struck by the absence of white faces.

Friends who operate travel agencies in Beijing bemoan the lack of foreign guests and the hotels are not booking anywhere near the number of guests they had hoped for.

Second, the opportunities and open doors we usually enjoy have been decisively and suddenly shut. Each of our Chinese friends says sadly, "Be patient. After the Olympics we can enjoy the relationships we had previously."

Third, one must appreciate the control the central government exercises here in China. There seem to be few corners which have not been touched by central policy. For the first time in 10 years a host mentioned as we were escorted to our hotel room, "The PSB may come to you door this evening and ask you what you are doing here and where you are headed." They did not. The fact we needed to be prepared is significant. The public security is marvelously efficient and certainly is monitoring all activity not only in the large cities but throughout the countryside.

Fourth, our hosts on one occasion encouraged us to leave the city sooner than planned because of phone calls they have received. Another location gently suggested it would be in everyones best interest for us not to show up. We are happy to oblige but it is sad to see them feeling a loss of face in needing to ask this of old friends. We love our friends and wish them all the best.

Finally - all should be in prayer now for a successful, peaceful and harmonious Olympic Games.

For a short period politics and routine activity can be put on hold. It does not serve the people of China nor the world well to have the event disrupted. It certainly is the authorities right to govern as they deem best.

The overwhelming number of citizens here simply want to be good hosts and have the world come to appreciate the amazing progress their country has made in the last decade. We wish them well.

All for now--5 days before the Olympics.

Leadership in a Recession

Yep. The recession is real. As most leaders of non profit organizations I have been sitting quietly and hoping/praying the recession would fly over us and not touch down. Sort of like home owners when tornadoes blow into their neighborhood.

We expected gas prices to go up, but not from $1.85 to $4.20 overnight. Wow! I was on an overnight bike cruise with some other "Wild Hogs" last week. We rode 850 miles in a day and a half. Along the coast near Big Sur, we filled up at $5.40 per gallon. What a sense of savings we enjoyed at the next station when it was back down to $4.40.

We expected inflated housing prices would correct. But not by 20% in a year. The building boom and all industries related to it seem to have hit the skids.

Add in the presidential elections, a protracted war in Iraq, increasing college tuition, a couple of unprecedented natural disasters overseas, to say nothing of the price of Cold Stone ice cream and we have ourselves a good old recession.

As mentioned, I work in the non- profit world (and we prove it every day). What should religous, humanitarian, and social service providers do?

I'll share some commitments I want to make:

1) We will not become stingy. There are too many hurts and needs which must be met. If required, the dollar amount may go down, but the percentages will not. Note: I'm quite concerned the fuel prices are going to challenge our ability to do as much good overseas. Might drive some creative alternatives.

2) We will seriously evaluate where we get the most bang for the buck. This means, of course, as we prioritize, we will also de-prioritize some things we might otherwise wish to do.

3) We will look for and give high commitment to other organizations who share our values and vision and come to the table of service as sharing partners. I'm learning most organizations can be divided into two categories. Those who are taking and those who are giving. In lean times, we must find those who can offer parity. Synergy between two giving entities is powerful.

4) We will live within our means. Simply we will not spend what we do not have.

5) We will accept that survivorship is a worthy goal during difficult times. Recessions are not pleasant. Like you, I wish they did not come. But they do. They will force us to evaluate what is necessary to achieve our goals or calling and what is dispensable. When the recession ends, and it will, we will be prepared and structured for even more effective service and growth.

Would enjoy hearing from some of you if you have a list of your own for such times. What would you add? Found any articles on this topic?

Children's Day

Irony that this past week brought Children's Day in China with thousands of little children dead from the earthquake and thousands orphaned. Be a bit difficult to celebrate or should it be?

I have my personal feelings regarding China's one-child policy. I also have feelings about what is happening in other countries with a birth rate far beyond the people's ability to care for, nourish, provide medical care or education for the children being conceived.

I'm delighted to see the theme of "children" surfacing during this time of catastrophe. Somehow children touch us more deeply than adults. Are they more valuable? Probably not. But there is something in our human DNA which cries out for justice, fairness and protection for a child. Decent human beings love children and rush to care for them.

I pulled up in front of the house of my colleague (John Dix) to pick him up for a weekend retreat last Friday. His children rushed out to the car. "Hey, can you bring us home one of the little orphans from China?" I smiled. The reality is the agencies in Sichuan are receiving thousands of calls per day requesting these children. Being blessed with one of them would be like winning the lottery. Because of the one-child policy, they are highly sought in China. The rest of the world loves children, too.

Perhaps in some unexpected way this recent tragedy will alter the governments policy. I have no inside reason to suggest that. Just a gut guess--or perhaps a hope on my part.

Please join in praying for the children of China, all of Asia, and the world. They are the hope.

Friedman suggests in his book "The World is Flat" - the difference in the world is no longer between East and West. The big difference is between young and old. Put all the young people together and leave them alone they will quickly bond and become unified."

Thanks for caring about the children. If you would like to help we will send 100% of your donations to Hua Mei International and if you desire, desginate it exclusively for the children.

Our Most in Times of Crisis

From Manila:

Like most of you, I've received no short supply of opportunities to help serve the suffering in China this past 12 days. I have no desire to start questioning the integrity or credibility of anyone of those who have written to me. But, I would like to share some of the guideposts I choose to prioritize where funds will be sent in times of crisis. You might refer to this as "glocal guidelines."

1) Was the person or agency already on location prior to the disaster? Amazing how many groups seem ready to capitalize on other's misfortunes.
2) In extreme cases, perhaps those at ground zero are unable to serve because they are disabled by the event. In that case who is closest to the scene? They will probably have the most passion due to personal acquaintance with those suffering. They already know the culture, language, and knowledge to ferret out the truth from the bola bola (that is a tagalog expression, but most of you can figure it out).
3) How much of the money being asked for will go for travel expenses? And how much will go directly to those most deeply touched by the tragedy?
4) What is the capability of those traveling to the sight to actually help? Are we going to look or do something? This is one reason I decided NOT to travel to Chengdu; though I was only 2 hours away and have friends there.

Years ago when we lived in Ohio there was a tornado which passed close to our house. We sheltered in the basement with the children till it passed. The next day I loaded the family in the van and drove through the neighborhood where it had touched down. Whole tops of houses were ripped off. It looked like a war zone. People were standing dazed in the front yards either trying to clean up a little or search for lost belongings. As we cruised through the neighborhood our window was down and one man obviously beside himself looked at me and said honestly, "If you must come here you can at least get out and help."

That was many years ago. His words still haunt me. Am I going to look or do something?

Some countries such as the one I sit in now (Philippines) are a perpetual disaster zone. The GDP grows. The Asian market stated it is the second cheapest country to live in. Yet the ability of the general populace is not able to afford to live. What does it say? The money is in the hands of a very few. The country is in crisis.

We don't want to come and just look. We're hoping to provide jobs. I had a conversation with a person today which indicates we can join another foundation for still bigger things. We may fail. But don't want to just look.

Glocal and Provision Financing

I'm in Manila tonight. Meeting today with our Provision Financing team.
They have just returned from visiting four quite diverse sights. Fair to say
they are excited with the possibilities, though weary.

We have crafted some guiding posts to help us in this endeavor. What we will do is quite similar to the more customary micro financing plans well established but include some distinctive features. Let me share an abbreviated list:

1) We agree it is more important to teach people to fish rather than give them a a fish.
2) Because we cannot help everyone does not mean we will help no one.
3) We will charge no interest. That's right - zero interest. This means those who participate in funding loans are using gift money, not investment money.
4) Those who loan will never take their money back. However, they will be ruthless about expecting results. Results mean those who receive the loan become capable of funding their own employment after the loan into perpetuity.

More to come on this matter, but expecting some tremendously fulfilling results in this arena. Already the stories from our first tests are encouraging.

By the way, the gap between the rich and poor appears to be widening here in the Philippines. Be great to see an increasing middle class.

The team just called to say they took a taxi home - five in one very small cab. 45 minutes later they found themselves on the other side of the city at the Mall of Asia. Opposite direction from our condo. It is pouring rain and hard to find a taxi at all. Before they arrive home they should know what sardines feel like. :) Ah, they joys of traveling away from home!

Just a few thoughts to share tonight.

Time to Mourn

Human suffering! We watch here in China with bated breath to hear the last death toll figure.
50,000 now and sure to climb.

As the taxi took me to the hotel the flags are flying at half mast. I've never seen that in another country. A country mourns.

As I checked in at the hotel they informed me "we" have just begun 3 days of government dictated mourning. For 3 minutes - the time of the earthquake - we will observe silence. No mention of prayer.

For the next 3 days there will be no entertainment in the hotel. No music. No movies or frivolous television shows. Only news (and hotel promotion).

There will be plenty of time for dissecting the tragedy here. Why did so many schools collapse and government buildings remain standing? Why so long to allow foreign aid? Why...?

But for the moment there are millions of human beings in need of fresh water, emergency medical care, and some parents --- or children --they will never see again. For the moment it is good to congratulate the Chinese government of the level of transparency they are allowing. For the moment we should pray for the hundreds of thousands of Chinese military, emergency crews and common citizens who are going without sleep trying to minimize the damage of this act of nature.

For now surely we can take at least 3 days and mourn together. But as we mourn let's not forget the emptiness of saying 'be warm and be fed while doing nothing."

Because we cannot help everyone does not mean we should help no one. What can you do?

Famous Chinese Hospitality

I have just completed a long day of celebration at the new Amity Printing Press in Nanjing China. This is boasted to be the world's largest bible printing press. It is capable of printing 12 million bibles per year.

That is not to say 12 million bibles will be printed. The current number is much less and many of those are exported to other countries. Currently, the alloted number for Chinese bibles is at 3.2 million.

It was a great day. I estimate 250 were in attendance. The new leaders of the CCC were present. Rev. Gau, head of the CCC, is a wonderful gentleman and scholar. We shared dinner tonight. He has a delightful personality and I'm expecting he will prove to be a superb leader for the Protestant Church of China. Elder Fu is the new leader for TSPM. We have been honored to host him at Grace Church and it is good to see him moving into leadership as well. He expressed the heavy burden this position brings and has asked for our support.

Sometimes the hearts of leaders are discovered in the small symbols.Throughout the celebration were repeated expressions of concerns for the people of Sichuan.
In fact the planned banquet was canceled so those funds could be channeled to assist in the relief effort. The United Bible Society which has partnered with Amity press since the beginning has committed to funding all the bibles necessary for those who have been displaced in this disaster.

I have traveled in China for the past 10 years. I am sensing recently that a positive change is in the wind. Younger leaders are assuming positions both in the church and in government roles.

I cannot help but recall the words of Thomas Friedman in his book "The World is Flat." He declares, "The difference in the world today is no longer between East and West, but between the young and the old."

I will go to sleep tonight encouraged as to what the future holds in China.

Just a word of encouragement. Would you join me in praying for a peaceful and successful Olympic Games in Beijing? Regardless of political views it serves no purpose whatsoever for the Games to be disrupted by violence or tension.

Chinese people sincerely wish for the world to see the best of their culture and to be good hosts to the world in this coming out party.

I had a good day. Hope you did as well.

50,000 Dead - China Earthquake

Liping Lan, our Director for Grace for Asia, carried on a conversation with our Director of Hua Mei International in Chengdu last Sunday night at 10:00 PM. Future plans were casually discussed. Then she said goodnight. All was normal.

One hour later, the Wenchuan Earthquake hit. The next night Richard (director), his wife, and little son (whom they gave an English name "Gene") were sleeping on the street because their home, though still still, intact was deemed unsafe due to the aftershocks. The epicenter was 60 miles from their home

As I sit in Nanjing this morning with the news playing the background, I am reminded again of two basic truths.

One, how tenuous our lives are. We reside in safety and normalcy one moment and find our world turned upside down the next.

Two, how small the world has become. This is the new glocal reality. While many may not have heard of Chengdu, for many of us this is close to home. I travel to Chengdu at least once a year for board meetings. It is the home of Hua Mei International a registered Christian NGO.

They newspaper here in China edited by Xinhau News Services ran the headlines "50,000 Feared Dead." At least 4 million people are homeless.

It is refreshing after the recent SARS scare to see how the Chinese government has responded to the need. President Hu Jintao and Premier Win Jiabao are both visible and compassionate. They have mobilized at least 130,000 military troops to assist. There is no cover up but what appears to be a transparent and sincere desire to meet this catastrophe with all the resources of the nation. Evidence, at least to me, of the positive progress inside China.

What can we do? Of course we can and should be praying. Additionally we should help. Words of concern without action are neither helpful nor Christian.

For some you may wonder how you can maximize your giving so that the love you express is offered in the name of Christ. If that is your concern then we welcome you to consider donating to the crisis through Hua Mei International. They are in the midst of the situation and as the ONLY Christian NGO in Chengdu will be ably equipped to serve as your arm for this purpose.

If you wish to donate please go to www.grace-church.com and more information will be available there.

This is not an organization which has suddenly sprung up to capitalize on a crisis. Hua Mei was begun years ago with an eye to serving the community of Sichuan in the name of Christ. I was able to be present for the founding meeting of the board. The principals live there. They are perhaps uniquely situated to serve at this time.

Glocal Happens

Sat in Shanghai and had dinner a couple of days ago with a wonderful mix of people:

...my publisher and his wife (from Illinois), a young couple from Texas, a business man from Singapore, a couple living in Shanghai---(she is originally from Hong Kong but met her husband in Minneapolis), a Chinese citizen born in China, a farmer from Pennsylvania, two business men from Manila and myself.

Now that pretty much illustrates the power and reality of glocal. We flew from around the world to join hands for a common purpose. Race, distance, and backgrounds blurred as we focused on a common goal.

Just getting back from China and am still in an airport and feeling a bit jet-lagged. But anxious to share some of the lessons I am learning about this new glocal reality.

By the way, if current prices are any indication of what is to come--you may want to avoid Beijing this summer. Wow!

Gene

Effective "Glocal" Involvement at the 2008 Beijing Olympics
Subtitle: It's all About the Toilets!

A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to sit with about 36 individuals for a briefing in Hong Kong at the Chinese University. Most were Chinese. I was among the handful of white faces. Therefore, I understood my role was to learn. I believe I achieved that goal and walked away with an enhanced understanding of the continuing changes in China today and what it is going to take to serve effectively alongside our Chinese partners.

The final presentation was by Peng Liu. He is a communist. He also serves as a consultant for the Chinese government in matters regarding Western Religion.

His speech was pithily titled: "The impact of Religion Upon Sino-American Relations-Problems, Root Causes and Solutions."

To begin with, Liu demonstrated an accurate understanding of how we, in the USA, view religion and human rights. He then pointed out how devastating it is from the Chinese perspective when all negotiations at any level eventually end up with a discussion of religious freedoms.

Liu stated that when government officials (and remember Religious Affairs personnel are government officials) are asked, "Why don' t you change your laws on religious matters?" it is a conversation stopper. Not because the Chinese have no opinions or thoughts on these matters, but because China has NO LAWS governing religion, freedom of speech or freedoms of the press. There is nothing in their constitution and by-laws to change.

What China has are policies and regulations on these matters. One of the challenges is that these vary from province to province and city to city. He asked, "How many various regulations do you have in the USA - at the city, state, and national levels - on such matters? Do some of these conflict with one another?"
The answer is an obvious "yes."

His concluding challenge to those of us who wish to have long-term relations in China was as to stop worrying about changing China's laws and focus on a kind and on-going dialogue with those we have good relationships with inside of China.
He says "Chinese will hear the words of their friends." If enough people present strong arguments and seem concerned about a particular matter, in time, it is likely changes will occur.

He left us with the following illustration. Years ago when China opened up to tourism, millions flocked to see the Great Wall. Many foreign guests expressed concern because there were not Western toilets. Word came that some guests even waited until they returned to their hotel in Beijing to go to the bathroom.

To the Chinese this was amusing. They had been visiting the Great Wall for hundreds of years with no complaints.

However, as more and more guests expressed interest in the lack of Western toilets, the Chinese people, as good friends, responded. Today when you go to the Great Wall during the Olympics, you will find some of the finest toilet facilities in the world waiting for you when you go to your bus.

"That" said Liu, "is how change comes about in China!"

For the work of Grace for Asia, we are going to keep signs posted where all are reminded: "REMEMBER THE TOILETS!"