We made this video of our trip!

Our take on "Strite Global"

One of the neat things about journaling is reading your thoughts in previous entries. In my initial BLOG I comment on my desire for a transformation in my life, ask myself what God is up to, wonder what I might find at each destination with feelings of anticipation and apprehension about the coming journey.

As we began our trip around the world, Gene and I felt this journey would in some way define this new season of our lives. Seeking God on the mountain in South Africa I sensed that God has strategically designed our travels to be symbolic of what our future will look like. Not having the details, but knowing God is building a structure. Often times He lets the details up to us.

God gave Gene and me a desire to take a trip around the world because He wanted to show us something. (He gives us desire to set us up for what he wants to do). We had only planned to seek God on our farm in South Africa. Then we had invitations to visit Uganda, South Korea, North Korea, and China. It seemed like a good plan to also stop in Myanmar and Japan. God was orchestrating our itinerary the entire time to call us into something new. We didn’t know that several of our destinations were going to be hotspots in the media while we were there.

South Africa has been in our heart for some time and is our home away home. We know God has a continual work for us to do there. Uganda, standing on the threshold of economic change, just needs a boost in the right direction. We plan to secure funds for venture capital and provide micro-financing for the poor. Incidentally, there is a new film release entitled “The Last King of Scotland”. Though fiction based on real life, it portrays the rule of Idi Amin. The entire film was shot in Uganda, much of it in the capital city Kampala where we stayed. We will make it a priority to see it when we get home.

We learned to love the people and culture of Asia, at times feeling disloyal to Africa. In Seoul, South Korea, you could sense the underlying uneasiness from the threat of North Korea’s nuclear activity. We often heard said “The only thing Kim Jong II hates more than Americans is South Koreans”. Pray for their safety and spiritual growth. The church in Seoul has grown to a mighty force as a result of prayer but affluence is causing their passion to wane. Because of their close proximity, common language, and understanding of North Korean culture, they will be the perfect messenger to bring the gospel when the current regime collapses.

Oral Roberts has said in training his students, “go where God’s light is seen dim, His voice is heard small, and His healing power is not known…even to the uttermost bounds of the earth” we felt the relevancy of this as we entered North Korea. God has heard the cries of His people. He is going to bring relieve their oppression in the near future, some believe within a year. The church feels an urgency to “get ready” for this opportunity. They believe that there is soon to be a change within the government that will open the borders. One of the biggest revivals in the Korea’s originated in Pyongyang the capital city of North Korea in 1907. From there revival spread into South Korea. There is still a remnant of that awakening underground in North Korea today. We were asked to be part of a symposium with concerned leaders discussing future strategy.

Gene and I are amazed at the resiliency and advancement of the Asians in spite of rigid governments, and economic downturns. This is extremely evident in the people of China. The church of China is growing 6.5 times faster than the entire church worldwide – this is a concern to government officials. There is the possibility of even harsher persecution for Christians in the future. Pray for the church of China, they are zealous and passionate about God - training leaders and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Christian’s in China risk their lives everyday, showing tremendous courage.

The final evening of our journey we decided to have romantic dinner at the Azul to celebrate. Palm trees silhouetted against the golden sunset, we were the first guest of the evening. The waiter escorted us onto the terrace to the choice table by the water fall and manicured garden. Gene and I were enjoying the fine food, commenting how the favor of God surrounded us the entire trip. We were both in awe of His kindness and faithfulness, recognizing our dependency and trust in the Lord had grown to a whole new level. It was a picture perfect evening and we were enjoying just being alive. Across the water a Polynesian in native attire blew a conch shell, the mysterious sound resonating in the air. Suddenly only 50 feet away, a spectacular array of fireworks lite up the sky, the sound was deafening. We were so astonished and amazed. Tears began streaming down our face; the presence of God was so real. I can’t describe it. It was just a “God moment”. During this awesome display of color and sound, I clearly heard God say “this is your coming out party!” This continued for about 15 minutes, after the grand finale we sat stunned. Immediately the waiter came smiling and said, “Congratulations this was just for you,” and with a flourish he presented us with a chocolate vanilla cheese cake, “and this is compliments of our chief”. God is the kindest person I ever knew! But what does this mean?

Random Reflections from JW Marriott in Ko Onlina, Hawaii

We are sitting on the balcony of our room in Hawaii, looking at the dark violet sea that stretches unhindered to the coast of Japan, from where we’ve come. This would have to stand out as the most gorgeous spot we’ve been. Hawaii is our final destination before coming home, so Gene and I are taking some time to process and reflect on the past 6 weeks.

We’ve tried painting word pictures of the places we’ve visited. Sometimes when we were tired and feeling the effects of changing many time zones, the words weren’t there. We then resorted to boring undescriptive rhetoric of our adventures. Looking back on the many experiences we have encountered, we want to hold on to them, to possess them and give them weight in our lives. There is the urge to say, “we were here, we saw it and it changed us. Yet in some way it is all very illusive.

Some things we’ve learned:

• Japan and Korea have the edge on America when it comes to toilets, (seat warmers, sprayer, dryer, adjustable water pressure).
• Squatty potties really aren’t’ all that bad. (They can be very welcome experience if you have been driving for several hours.)
• The world wide transit system is truly amazing; we never experienced lost or damaged luggage, or delayed or canceled flights.
• I don’t like kimchi (fermented cabbage). I’ve tried it many times and still think it taste nasty.
• The American dollar is highly valued and accepted in every country we visited.
• Gene and I are very compatible traveling companions.
• A new appreciation of America’s freedom of speech.
• Asians look younger for their age than Americans.
• More people use bikes for transportation than cars.
• People are generally loving, accepting and curious about Americans.

Some things we’ve done:

• Flown over miles and miles of rice paddies in Thailand.
• Read a book beside a plum tree in Africa, while a kudu looked on.
• Spent time with Miss Choy who has been in prison several times for speaking about Christ.
• Crossed the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans.
• Gene ate dog soup in a North Korean restaurant.
• Had the audience of the President of Uganda.
• Hugged a poor Buddhist nun in Myanmar.
• Crossed the Yalu River that separates China from North Korea.
• Walked a portion of the Great Wall in China.
• Flown 83 hours in 49 days.

Finding the Familiar

Booting up our computer is almost like coming home, it brings us normalcy, a routine, a life line in the sea of the unknown. It is comforting to see our grandson on the background and the familiar wall paper on our screen. We quickly check for emails from family and friends, hopefully one of our kids is on Instant Messenger. Then we listen to our favorite CD, currently Battleground and declare with Leonard Jones “let worship shake the earth!”. Isaiah 61:11 has become our prayer in every nation we enter, For as [surely as] the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring forth, so [surely] the Lord God will cause rightness and justice and praise to spring forth before all the nations [through the self-fulfilling power of His word]. AMP

Tokyo



Today Gene and I ventured into the underground world, the subways of Tokyo, our destination, Akihabara Electric Town. We were obviously tourist as we stood in the midst of a hurried stream of people with confused looks on our face, struggling to purchase a ticket then find the correlating platform. We were quite relieved and somewhat elated when the automated voice in the car announced Akihabara. Stepping out of the subway station was an assault to our senses, towering neon-lit buildings filled with MP3 players, computers, infrared binoculars, cameras, recorders, entertainment systems….. Sales people on every street corner with megaphones competing for shoppers, loud music, people everywhere – the whole neighborhood was an electronic superstore. We felt extremely unrighteous being in such a materialistic atmosphere on a Sunday morning. The spirit of consumer lust was all over the place and yes I gave into temptation. We were wishing our geeky friends were there to advise us on what brand or model to buy.

Beijing China

Beijing is currently going through major surgery as preparations are underway to host the 2008 World Olympics. A city of 16 million people, 21 billion US dollars is set aside in hopes of creating a leading world metropolis that is cutting edge yet timeless with its imperial architecture.

Our hotel is in the heart of Beijing, not far from Forbidden City - a magnificent palace with grand pavilions, spacious courtyards and gardens. This is the setting of the “Last Emperor”. (I must watch this film again; it will certainly take on a whole new meaning.) Adjacent to this is Tiananmen Square where many political demonstrations have been held. It is hard to imagine that as recently as 1989; two to three thousand Chinese students were killed in a bloody massacre as they protested the current communist regime.


The Forbidden City

Our friend Susan is our guide as we visit the Great Wall. It makes its way across mountains and through valleys, extending from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert. Gazing at this massive masonry wall with its many towers it almost appears invincible. I wonder if the wall around Jericho was similar to this structure.



The China Wall with Susan

Everywhere across the city we see billboards promoting the “China- Africa Summit” being held in Beijing. The theme of the forum is friendship, peace, cooperation and development. China hopes to build political trust and increase cooperation in trade. This could be a milestone in history if these leaders can join together. Africa is special to Gene and me and now China is a close second. We are grateful that we can be here at this historical time.

It’s stirring to hear all that is happening in the underground church in Beijing. As we sit in a restaurant grilling thinly sliced beef and vegetables over hot charcoal, we hear stories of government officials being baptized, youth being raised up to bring change and North Korean refugees tuning to God. China is fast becoming the strongest Christian nation in the world.


Gene can always find a Starbucks!

Yanji

We arrived in Yanji China today, to my surprise we were escorted to a lovely 5 star hotel that has only been operating 1 month. At dinner the lovely little waitress commented we were the first international guest for the "Yanbian International Hotel". They are trying hard to please us!

Seoul, South Korea with 11 million people is similar to New York City. Economically very advanced crowds of people rushing about, traffic jams, high rises, asphalt, huge apartment complexes, only difference was the Korean symbols on the bill boards. We met with many important leaders affiliated with our upcoming endeavor, in order to familiarize us with the project.


The Airport in Seoul South Korea

We were forced to improve our skill at using chopsticks. There were many awkward moments as we sat a round table with very important people eating Korean food and no silver ware.
We accompanied our host as he ministered at a huge Presbyterian church Sunday morning. Including their satellite churches this church has 100,000 members. (This I believe is a result of much prayer.) They hold 7 services on Sunday, each with at least 2,000 attending. For a minimal fee you can purchase a hot meal in the parking lot, each service. There are mega churches all over Korea but very few small churches. I believe the top 13 mega churches in the world are located in South Korea.

One afternoon our host drove us to a prayer retreat in the mountains. The fall foliage and mountain air looked and smelled just like October in PA. We walked around the mountain facility, stopped and enjoyed coffee at a cafe nestled in the pine trees, with squirrels scampering about. It was great, it felt just like home.

Bangkok

As our plane descended into Bangkok, the sprawling ultra-modern architecture of the recently opened Suvarnabhumi International Airport resembled a space station from a sci-fi movie. Listening to the strange language of my fellow passengers they seemed from another planet as well. Several aircraft had just disembarked and the airport was crawling with people from many nationalities. The lines for passport control were never ending. In front of us blinking in red were the words “foreign passports” (as if I needed reminded I was a foreigner)! I remembered a verse about how we are aliens and strangers in the earth, so this is what it feels like. To my left, a man unexpectedly sneezed with no time to cover his mouth. Behind me I heard a congested cough. My brain suddenly went on red alert, “AVIAN FLU”! I quickly looked around and saw to my horror the porters were wearing white masks over their nose and mouth. I thought to myself, “The flu thing is really happening…now!” and I ask Gene in an anxious voice, “Why did we come to Asia during the flu season?” It was just a very brief moment of panic. We are at rest and our trust is in the Lord. It is great to be on the internet, at least for one night while we’re in Bangkok. When I heard the familiar brrrrring signaling my pink razor phone had connection, I kissed it! It’s off to Seoul, South Korea early in the morning.