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Well, another month has flown by and here I am. As usual, a lot has happened and I’ve been quite busy. Before I get into the “update” part of the update, I feel the need to say something. I feel as though I owe many of you an apology. Most of you receive my emails and most of you consider that enough. However, there are those who do not have access to regular emails or my website. Most people who work in the field send out some kind of newsletter or something every so often. This is something I have been wanting to do, but every time I find the time for it I feel uninspired. It’s not that I don’t have anything to say. It’s just that I want to send out something that can capture everything that is going on. I’m a perfectionist in many ways and it’s something I’m trying very hard to work on. One of my biggest problems is that, being the perfectionist that I am, I won’t start on something unless I know I can do it to completion and have a perfect end result. So, to all of those who have not been able to receive regular updates, I apologize.

So, as always, many things have transpired since my last update. I came back from the conference in Hong Kong invigorated. I can see now why Dr. David’s ministry is flourishing as well as it is. He speaks with much authority on hearing and obeying God’s word (Logos and Rhema). However, as I believe we should with anyone who claims to be a modern day prophet/apostle, I didn’t agree with EVERYTHING he said. I won’t get into detail on that. It’s nothing really worth discussing. I came away from Hong Kong very secure in my belief that if we go around believing every teacher and teaching that comes across our path, then we are not only gullible, but we are also naive and are leaving ourselves open to destruction. That is why God gives us all the ability to discern things through the Holy Spirit. It’s just learning how to be discerning without being critical of everything and everyone.

Well, upon returning, I launched into some things here at Gift of Joy. We’ve been doing a lot of recording lately for the students and for the future English House program. Since Uncle Joe left (Chinese/American guy from LA) the place has seemed just a little empty. However, he left us with a very nice recording studio complete with a sound room. This has been great because before, every team that came through would have all kinds of ideas for songs and the only place they had to record was Uncle Joe’s apt. living room. It still sounded good since they were using good equipment, but it still had this amateur/open air ting to it. So that has been wonderful. It may even be possible for GOJ in the future to open up a recording business for some extra income. It’s so funny because different people will say something about having an idea for a song, and JR pops up and says, “Well let’s record it!” So we’ve begun to gather quite a collection of songs. It’s also where we record all of our English teaching material.

Of course alongside of all of that we’ve got all of our new students. They are all a great joy to be around. They are all very humorous and seem to like me very much. Being around them and seeing their joy really makes my stay here very pleasant. We’ve also recently been given guardianship of a young boy from GuangZhou. After his father, who was a fisherman, died a while back, he was passed between a few different fishing boats, eventually he ended up in the hands of a group of women who were living in China for a while. Well, bless their hearts, they did the worst thing they could do for him. They spoiled him to death. McDonald’s, KFC, all kinds of gadgets and brand clothing. They didn’t think ahead far enough to the time they would be leaving. Well, the idea was presented to Anita and JR to bring him here. After MUCH thought, they decided to bring him in. Its a little tough because he tends to do what he wants and doesn’t listen at all. However, he seems to be getting better. It’s just difficult because the rest of the students here went from the worst to average and he has gone from the best to average. So pray for patience for the staff here. They will all need it.

JR and Anita have both been gone all except for one week since the beginning of October. They will be returning the week after Christmas with another group from Kona. God has really been doing some amazing things while they’ve been out. JR made acquaintances with a man who heads an organization of businessmen and investors in the US who have a heart for China. He went to meet with them last week in Chicago. Afterwards he, Anita, and the kids headed down to Australia to meet with possible supporters and workers. Anna, the young lady from Australia who is working here until next October, is going home for Christmas. So this year its just going the students, YukLing, a small group of 4 or 5 women from Hong Kong, and myself. I told the students that I would try to make them some traditional American Christmas treats. That has turned out to be a no go, because, go figure, you cant find chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and of all things, chow mein noodles here in Wuhan. I guess if we were in a more international city, it would be easier. I’ve been informed that chow mein noodles, just like fortune cookies, are an American gimmick. Never come to China and ask for fortune cookies. They will either look at you like you’re daft, or laugh you out of their shop.

Okay, I’ll try to keep this last leg short. On the ministry front, things are going well. Once again, like before, it’s easy to get discouraged when your job is primarily administrative. I have my relationships around the city, but all but one of them are Christian, so it’s more of a role of discipleship. That, my friends, isn’t very easy when all of your friends are in university and are busier than a squirrel before winter. When you get only one or two days a week to hang out with them, you have to decide if that day is a hangout day, or a bible study day. Thankfully, they are eager. I feel so bad sometimes though because between their schedule and my schedule, we’re always having to cancel days and rearrange days and such. Of course, it’s also difficult because, regardless of their level, English is still their second language. When it comes to explaining things and their daily lifelong implications, it can be difficult. It’s been good though. Tough, but rewarding. You wouldn’t believe how exhausting it is hanging out with second language speakers for a whole day. Even when their English is everyday level. Its still exhausting.

So I’ll be coming home in February. My Visa expires on the 15th so I’m going to try to leave on the 14th. I really ask for all of your prayers and support during this time. This time is a very tough time financially. I’m trying to gather airfare for the ticket back home ($850 - $1000 depending on the departure date, route taken, and when I buy the ticket). I’m also trying to get enough together to pay for my water and electricity use since September (plus what I will owe when I leave, total is about $150). In the midst of all of this, I am also trying to gather some personal money. I am considering leaving China via Beijing so that I can spend a day or two there to see The Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Tian Nan Men Square. That is actually priority number 2 on my list of personal things. Priority number one is trying to gather a little bit of spending money so that I can stop off in Los Angeles for a few days to visit a friend who recently moved out there to pursue acting. I became close friends with her during my time in Hawaii last year and know that she has been in a strange place with no family and very few friends for the holidays, so I would like to stop in and she how she’s doing. She’s a really strong person and I’m sure she’s doing great, however, being alone for the holidays can take a toll on even the strongest person. So I guess on the list of priorities, finances for coming home and paying for my expenses here are at the top. Personal wishes are second priority. So please be praying for a release of finances for at least the top priorities. If you find yourself with some extra time, say a prayer for the personal finances too, hehe.

I’ll be seeing many of you very soon. It’s been a super fast year. If I weren’t so clear on my direction for the next three years, I would stay longer. However, I truly feel that, no matter how much I would want to, If I stayed it would be disobedience. That is not something I want to walk out. SO, There it is, in a fat little nutshell. Maybe more like a coconut shell. Prayers for diligence and focus are always a need. I never hear much from people, but If any of you have prayer requests or questions, feel free to email me. I love hearing from people. I get so much junk mail, I need something to offset the junk. May God bless you all this Christmas with family, friends, and warm hearts. Give your kids a hug and a kiss. Sit with your elders and enjoy an old story. Sip some eggnog and sing some Christmas carols. But most importantly, don’t forget to thank Jesus for the most precious gift of all.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!