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.