Wow, these passed a few months have been so crazy! Two major earthquakes and terrorist attacks in just a few months.. Is everybody OK? Any specific prayer requests are more than welcomed. I personally (and know that other people too) would love to pray and try to help out with any specific needs you all might have.
Just wanted to say that my heart is grieved for what China has been going through and I hope God will use it to somehow save people. There's a lot of comfort in the thought that this life is not all there is and that those who trust Him will enjoy Him forever in a world without tears, pain and sin.
Aug 5, 2008
Jul 21, 2008
Jul 20, 2008
Culture Shock
I guess I have become half American! Today when I was in a mall, through the window I saw some people holding umbrellas, I thought it must be raining outside. In fact they just don't want to get tanned! HAHA!
Jul 11, 2008
First Bible Study in Fuzhou
Hey!!!!! I went to the English bible study last night. The American Pastor had gone back for the summer break! Guess because Fuzhou is too hot and humid for them. How "fortunate" I was! So we didn't have a normal study. We sang some worship songs first, without any musical instruments.:( Then we shared the testimony. At the beginning, I didn't like the group, I guess I'm not used to the Christian who look different than the American and Chinese students. Especially, there was a 40 year old guy who was helping organize the group told us he graduated from Beijing University, who didn't speak clearly , nor look smart. I doubted a lot in my heart. He reminded me of the mental disordered. (Now I feel ashamed for my thought of him.)But after their testimony, I felt their hearts for God are the same. Everybody has so much experience to testify God is their life, all of them have a very loving heart for God!!!
In the end I shared my testimony too, and told them I felt a little weak in spirit because people physically around me don't believe. They came to me and told me more information of the development of Christianity in Fuzhou. One guy told me this is the only city in mainland that foreigners are allowed to preach! I was so impressed! They suggested me go to English Bible Study first since they were afraid that I'm not used to the atmosphere in the Chinese service. How nice!!!! I'm very very glad to meet those guys ! Please keep praying for me to grow strong!
In the end I shared my testimony too, and told them I felt a little weak in spirit because people physically around me don't believe. They came to me and told me more information of the development of Christianity in Fuzhou. One guy told me this is the only city in mainland that foreigners are allowed to preach! I was so impressed! They suggested me go to English Bible Study first since they were afraid that I'm not used to the atmosphere in the Chinese service. How nice!!!! I'm very very glad to meet those guys ! Please keep praying for me to grow strong!
Jul 8, 2008
There is a season for everything...
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So, I have to admit: I always thought I love change... I guess I was wrong ...Change can be pleasant and exciting. Or not. Some things we can't wait to happen. Other things we don't want to see come. I miss our HP village. Miss fun. Miss companionship and fellowship. Miss being able to walk to Edison on Route 27 whenever I want...
Ecclesiastes 3 talks about seasons of life:
'There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven... A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance...' Change is easier to accept when one knows it's an organic part of life. There's meaning even in saying goodbyes. 'He has made everything beutiful it its time', Ecclesiastes continues. It makes sense. Saying goodbyes makes us appreciate even more the time that we had with our friends. And who said that we won't see them once again here on Earth? We don't know when yet but we're planning a reunion!!!!
Dad's Surprise Party
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So, in anticipation of Mom's updating our blog I just wanted to give you a tiny glimpse of how it was and it felt!!!! It was a blast!!!!!! Ok, waiting for Mom... Greeting from Fuzhou
Hello everybody! Surprisingly, I can access our blog from here, which was blocked from mainland a couple months ago! After 22 hours' trip, I'm finally home. Very scary, no kidding, I find I'm losing my English, sometimes forget how to spell words. O_M_G!!!!! Dangerous! Keep talking to me, don't let me forget it!
Just got out of bed and jump to the computer. It was not a good start of a day, coz no hug (imagine Iryna's big arms), no Dad's kiss, no Mom's privet, no Monica's "morning sweetie", everything is weird! Many thanks to GTALK, Iryna said "have you eaten" from DC! Haha!
A new page is turned, curious to see what's gonna happen in the future! I will be strong! Group hug!
Just got out of bed and jump to the computer. It was not a good start of a day, coz no hug (imagine Iryna's big arms), no Dad's kiss, no Mom's privet, no Monica's "morning sweetie", everything is weird! Many thanks to GTALK, Iryna said "have you eaten" from DC! Haha!
A new page is turned, curious to see what's gonna happen in the future! I will be strong! Group hug!
Jun 26, 2008
PBS Special
The other day we saw a show on Public Broadcasting Station done by an American journalist who went to China to study and ended up staying there for 12 years. He did a special documentary about religion in China and the show was on television the other night. The links are below and it would be interesting to here any of your comments about his report.
http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/china_705/
http://www.pbs.org/search/search_results.html?q=jesus+in+china&btnG=GO
http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/china_705/
http://www.pbs.org/search/search_results.html?q=jesus+in+china&btnG=GO
Jun 12, 2008
I'm back!
Hi everybody, I'm back from everywhere! During the last few weeks I travelled a lot places in US. Often, I was amazed by the beautiful nature and couldn't stop wondering how great God's creature was! Enjoyed the trip but exhausted from it. Please feel free to see the pictures in my blog,and call me, email me if you want to hang out and have bible study. You know I'll recover very soon! Miss all of you guys!!!!
May 28, 2008
May 20, 2008
Congratulations Graduates!
Three girls from our group graduated this past Monday, May 19th from Rutgers University with a Masters degree in Human Resources Management. They are Zhiwei Luo, Ruifen Zhang, and Ying Ying Yu.
Iryna Matveeva will receive her Masters degree in Adult Education this Thursday, May 22nd. We are very proud of them. May God bless them all.
Iryna Matveeva will receive her Masters degree in Adult Education this Thursday, May 22nd. We are very proud of them. May God bless them all.
May 15, 2008
Earthquake in Sichuan, China
As you might have known that an disastrous earthquake hit Sichuan Province, tens of thousands of people died, more people lost their family. However, the tragedy unites all Chinese. I'm impressed by a Chinese undergraduate student at Rutgers, whose name is Changming Li. By far, 48 hours after we heard the bad news, he's already contacted Chinese Communist Youth League and got sponsored from AirChina, he will leave for Sichuan as a volunteer to help the people in two days. I'm glad to know he's a believer. I believe what he's doing is glorifying God. Hope more people will see God in him and know God through him. Let's pray for the people who suffered in the earthquake, and for all the people who're rescuing.
RCSSA sets up a website for people oversea to know more about the earthquake and rescuing : http://www.werunited.net/
RCSSA sets up a website for people oversea to know more about the earthquake and rescuing : http://www.werunited.net/
May 7, 2008
Ethan
Dear friends,
Our brother Ethan, that we were talking about in our last Bible study has passed from this life and is now in the presence of God. We have peace knowing that the presence of God is the best place anybody can ever be. The Bible says that as believers, "We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord." (2Corinthians 5:7,8). But it's still hard for his wife Anne and his children, so if you could take some time to pray for them, that would be really good. And if you are interested in getting updates from Anne, she said she will try to continue blogging. Here's what she wrote after he left..
We have a God who comforts those in need and defends the weak (as we sang so many times in one of our favorite songs, "Everlasting God") so we are confident that He will comfort Anne and their kids. But I know God can also use our prayers and words of encouragement.
Our brother Ethan, that we were talking about in our last Bible study has passed from this life and is now in the presence of God. We have peace knowing that the presence of God is the best place anybody can ever be. The Bible says that as believers, "We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord." (2Corinthians 5:7,8). But it's still hard for his wife Anne and his children, so if you could take some time to pray for them, that would be really good. And if you are interested in getting updates from Anne, she said she will try to continue blogging. Here's what she wrote after he left..
We have a God who comforts those in need and defends the weak (as we sang so many times in one of our favorite songs, "Everlasting God") so we are confident that He will comfort Anne and their kids. But I know God can also use our prayers and words of encouragement.
May 1, 2008
Anselmo's family is getting world famous!
Hi guys! I'm glad that we had a successful Olympics Exhibition on Rutgers Campus this Tuesday! Thanks for all your effort and support! Some Chinese mainstream media, such like People Daily (the most authority official newspaper) and Tianya (one of the most popular websites), reported this event. Pictures of many of us have been posted. Wu-hu! Please feel free to take a look at the pictures http://picasaweb.google.com/RutgersCSSA/2008BeijingOlympicExhibitionAtRutgers
Apr 29, 2008
It was great getting together this past Sunday. We celebrated the birthday's of YingYing Yu, Xidan Feng and Xia Hua. YingYing was very happy to have her mother join us for the party. Zhiwei and YingYing did a fine job of leading the games.
On a serious note, Pastor Rick spoke about a young man at our church who is 36 years old. He probably has only a few days left on earth due to stomach cancer. When a group of us visited Ethan in the hospital he was sharing his strong faith in God. Believe it or not, he said if one person would put their faith and trust in Jesus, he would be willing to go through this sickness again. You have to know this brave man to know he is sincere. Because of Ethan, many have come to examine the fact that life is uncertain and you do not have to be an old man in your 80's or 90's to leave this earth. Then what? Is there anything after this?
You can check out his blog http://www.xanga.com/nathansdad
On a serious note, Pastor Rick spoke about a young man at our church who is 36 years old. He probably has only a few days left on earth due to stomach cancer. When a group of us visited Ethan in the hospital he was sharing his strong faith in God. Believe it or not, he said if one person would put their faith and trust in Jesus, he would be willing to go through this sickness again. You have to know this brave man to know he is sincere. Because of Ethan, many have come to examine the fact that life is uncertain and you do not have to be an old man in your 80's or 90's to leave this earth. Then what? Is there anything after this?
You can check out his blog http://www.xanga.com/nathansdad
Apr 28, 2008
Apr 27, 2008
Apr 26, 2008
Olympics Banner Production: Day 1
Hello, everyone,
Just to give you an update on the Olympics Banner grand production which is taking place in 232 Raritan Ave. Here're some pictures so far! On a personal note I love those mascots and drawing them is fun!!!
PS: Ruifen is drawing with me in spirit : )
Apr 19, 2008
China Soul
The other day Qiulin added some great bible study resources. This morning I just randomly clicked the link of Chinasoul! It's a great one! I highly recommend everyone to take a look! One of the literature is try to explain that Lao-Tzu was actually a prophet indicating Jesus' coming and God's existance.I didn't know much about Taoism , but people who're interested could definitely do some research. BTW, the videos have both Chinese and English transcript, which helps all of us could learn more about Chinese tranditional wisdom and Bible!
I have been asked many times that China has over 5000 year history and brillient philosophy, why do you believe in Bible which consists of simple and seeming self-contraditory fairy tales. For me, yes, when I first read bible in teenage, I doubted if all westerners were idiots-- how come they believe such an obvious lie that father and son is the same person. But as I read into it right now, I feel Bible is really profound that I don't think I'll total understand and master it even when I die.
When the Chinese government engaged in advocating the confucianism in order to recover the corrupted social morality, I doubted whether it would work because despite Confucius had a great theory and proposed some moral standards,he is at all a normal human-being, everybody does not necessarily have to follow his theory of how to live a life. Nowaday people are too proud to listen to others' words. Only God's words may change us. Whenever I read the testimony about how God changed our lives and behaviors, I'm so touched because I know they're real.
I have been asked many times that China has over 5000 year history and brillient philosophy, why do you believe in Bible which consists of simple and seeming self-contraditory fairy tales. For me, yes, when I first read bible in teenage, I doubted if all westerners were idiots-- how come they believe such an obvious lie that father and son is the same person. But as I read into it right now, I feel Bible is really profound that I don't think I'll total understand and master it even when I die.
When the Chinese government engaged in advocating the confucianism in order to recover the corrupted social morality, I doubted whether it would work because despite Confucius had a great theory and proposed some moral standards,he is at all a normal human-being, everybody does not necessarily have to follow his theory of how to live a life. Nowaday people are too proud to listen to others' words. Only God's words may change us. Whenever I read the testimony about how God changed our lives and behaviors, I'm so touched because I know they're real.
Apr 10, 2008
Just want to tell you that I received my visa yesterday. Thank you, Lord. It feels good to have that taken care of. Also, I'll tell you one of those "coincidences" that is clearly God's hand. My niece (21) has been in Israel since January studying a semester at a university there. My brother was on the phone Monday morning telling me that Anna is returning from Israel May 10th. I told him that I was too - coming back from India. Then he said that she is coming into Philadelphia - and of course, I am too. But I told him I'm flying Luthansa this time. Well, she is too. End of story: we are both flying on the same flight from Frankfurt. She from Israel, me from India. I arrive in Frankfurt at 7:30 am and our flight leaves at 1:40pm. Not a nice layover but now it gives us time to find each other and hopefully sit together. What is the Lord telling me? I will be on that flight. Some sense of humor.
Pat
Pat
Apr 7, 2008
Sunday Bible Study
Hi everybody!
Just wanted to send an update about what happened at the Bible Study yesterday, so that we can keep everyone in the loop.
Firstly, a big thank you to Julia and Yufei for their hospitality and allowing us to meet at their house again! Everybody who has been there knows how warm and welcoming their home is and it is always a pleasure to hang out there.
So.. the game!! Ruifen and Iryna chose a team building game again: there were 5 teams with 3 people in each team. Ruifen gave each team a scenario and the members of each team had to 'act out' the scenario without using any words. The scenarios were 'exam time', 'car accident', 'job hunting', 'wedding planning', 'new baby in the family'. We had tons of laugh. Everybody should become an actor !! Forget about HR, engineering, etc.
We sang three songs : 'Lord Reign in me', 'Blessed Be Your Name', 'Before the Throne of God Above'. You can find some of them in the playlist that we have put together. If you have suggestions for songs to sing at our future Bible Studies, just let us know!
After that, Pastor Rick talked about time management and especially about how God planned that we would work hard for 6 days and then rest for 24 hours. The passage he referred to was Exodus 20:8-11:
"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy."
當 記 念 安 息 日 ， 守 為 聖 日 。 六 日 要 勞 碌 做 你 一 切 的 工 ，但 第 七 日 是 向 耶 和 華 ─ 你 神 當 守 的 安 息 日 。 這 一 日 你 和 你 的 兒 女 、 僕 婢 、 牲 畜 ， 並 你 城 裡 寄 居 的 客 旅 ， 無 論 何 工 都 不 可 做 ；因 為 六 日 之 內 ， 耶 和 華 造 天 、 地 、 海 ， 和 其 中 的 萬 物 ， 第 七 日 便 安 息 ， 所 以 耶 和 華 賜 福 與 安 息 日 ， 定 為 聖 日 。
(Hey! I know Chinese!! .. no, I don't)
For me, the hardest thing is not that I should take a day off to allow my body to rest, but that I should do hard work for 6 days. I like taking a day off and it's usually more than a day. So I really want to think about working harder during the 6 days and not being so lazy! But I find it so true that when I don't take time off at all, it is hard to function after a long time. I'm sure you all have thoughts about that and I look forward to an interesting discussion on the subject!
We ended our evening together by praying. Mom is still sick so we can continue to pray that she would get well soon! Also for Julia and Weiling who are expecting baby boys! We are happy and thank God that our friends and relatives who are planning to come visit all got their visas and we look forward to meeting them!
It was a fun time and I am happy we were able to enjoy it together. All comments and additions to this post are welcomed! Have a good week everybody!
Just wanted to send an update about what happened at the Bible Study yesterday, so that we can keep everyone in the loop.
Firstly, a big thank you to Julia and Yufei for their hospitality and allowing us to meet at their house again! Everybody who has been there knows how warm and welcoming their home is and it is always a pleasure to hang out there.
So.. the game!! Ruifen and Iryna chose a team building game again: there were 5 teams with 3 people in each team. Ruifen gave each team a scenario and the members of each team had to 'act out' the scenario without using any words. The scenarios were 'exam time', 'car accident', 'job hunting', 'wedding planning', 'new baby in the family'. We had tons of laugh. Everybody should become an actor !! Forget about HR, engineering, etc.
We sang three songs : 'Lord Reign in me', 'Blessed Be Your Name', 'Before the Throne of God Above'. You can find some of them in the playlist that we have put together. If you have suggestions for songs to sing at our future Bible Studies, just let us know!
After that, Pastor Rick talked about time management and especially about how God planned that we would work hard for 6 days and then rest for 24 hours. The passage he referred to was Exodus 20:8-11:
"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy."
當 記 念 安 息 日 ， 守 為 聖 日 。 六 日 要 勞 碌 做 你 一 切 的 工 ，但 第 七 日 是 向 耶 和 華 ─ 你 神 當 守 的 安 息 日 。 這 一 日 你 和 你 的 兒 女 、 僕 婢 、 牲 畜 ， 並 你 城 裡 寄 居 的 客 旅 ， 無 論 何 工 都 不 可 做 ；因 為 六 日 之 內 ， 耶 和 華 造 天 、 地 、 海 ， 和 其 中 的 萬 物 ， 第 七 日 便 安 息 ， 所 以 耶 和 華 賜 福 與 安 息 日 ， 定 為 聖 日 。
(Hey! I know Chinese!! .. no, I don't)
For me, the hardest thing is not that I should take a day off to allow my body to rest, but that I should do hard work for 6 days. I like taking a day off and it's usually more than a day. So I really want to think about working harder during the 6 days and not being so lazy! But I find it so true that when I don't take time off at all, it is hard to function after a long time. I'm sure you all have thoughts about that and I look forward to an interesting discussion on the subject!
We ended our evening together by praying. Mom is still sick so we can continue to pray that she would get well soon! Also for Julia and Weiling who are expecting baby boys! We are happy and thank God that our friends and relatives who are planning to come visit all got their visas and we look forward to meeting them!
It was a fun time and I am happy we were able to enjoy it together. All comments and additions to this post are welcomed! Have a good week everybody!
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Apr 4, 2008
Cheers!
Bigger Eugene come to our Anselmo's family online!
That's really great we family is always an updated group!:)
Ps. A good new is that Caroline's US. visa application has been fluently got across, THANKS so much for the blessings from the God and our family.
That's really great we family is always an updated group!:)
Ps. A good new is that Caroline's US. visa application has been fluently got across, THANKS so much for the blessings from the God and our family.
Great News!
Hi, Dear all, I am glad we can have a space together, which means we can share our lives, our feelings no matter where we are. It's really great news! I am so lucky to have met all of you here. You are so nice, smart and full of youth and vitality! I will try my best to learn how to use the space and share more information with you. Best wishes to all of you!
Apr 3, 2008
My first blog :)
Hi There,
I am really happy that we have such an amazing blog! Hope everyone will love it~
Here is my contribution to our cyber home:)
Enjoy~
Zhiwei
2008 Chinese New Year Party in Highland Park
I am really happy that we have such an amazing blog! Hope everyone will love it~
Here is my contribution to our cyber home:)
Enjoy~
Zhiwei
2008 Chinese New Year Party in Highland Park
Yes!!!!
Hi, everyone!
I'm excited for this new space through which we'll be able to share our lives with each other even though very very soon (sadly) we'll be physically thousands of miles away. I am hoping we'll be able to share our joys and griefs, blessings and trials and go through them together. I hate change (as I just recently figured out : )) but just not liking it is not a good strategy. My friend Ruifen (!) challenged me and I'm excited to see how we can use this space to encourage and build each other up. Because we're called to that!
So I guess I will learn to be more diligent at writing and posting :)
Blessings,
Iryna
PS: Here's the picture of us (my free interpretation and at least the blonde one is me: )) waving hello!
I love our group!
I love this family, love all friends in our group. We'll be always together -- in this cyber space and heaven!
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