update from a Brampton fieldworker + prayer request

Hello Brothers and Sisters

Apologies for the impersonal nature of this email. But I have been charged with the need to update the rest of the body with what's going on in this part. In particular what I believe that God has in store for me this summer. I don't claim to be 100% certain, but I would like to share and hear your thoughts too. Thank you for yours those given me tips and advice already.

Background:
I've been trying to understand more about the global church. I was touched greatly by a speaker at the Urbana 06 conference who encouraged North American parts of the body to embrace other parts from across the globe with a teachable mind and heart. I could go on for ages, but I feel that we have a lot to learn - especially from the poor. A friend once shared of the encouragement they gained from reading the Bible from the perspective of the poor. Perhaps in our state of brokenness and hopelessness, the message of the gospel becomes even more brilliant. But really, are we better off than the homeless child in a 3rd world country? Physically, yes; but spiritually? I hope live more chronically as one poor in spirit. A tangible way would be to live  amongst the poor.

Currently:
I'm attending Brampton Chinese Baptist Church (BCBC). We're a church in Brampton, but hoping to be more intimately invovled with our immediate neighbours within the next 5 years. This is the church body that I am goign to be a part of at least if not longer. Through studies on what the church is, I'm also convicted that whatever God chooses to do through me intimately affects the other members of the local body (ie. BCBC) Whatever I do must be shared by the body. There is a strong Hindu, Sihk and Muslim presence in this area and I hope to learn more about these religions in order to be more culturally relevant to these neighbours. I have gained much in speaking with people, but wish to discover more.

personal note:
As you all know, didatic teaching is the bain of my existence. I find it extremely difficult to learn in the classroom. This last set of exams that I begin to write tomorrow will hopefully be the last set as a full-time student. (I do hope to do more school, but on the side and not full-time).

Summer Plan:
I am hoping to travel to Nepal from May 03-July 26 this summer as a volunteer and by osmosis soak up how people live there. Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world with well over 40% of the people living below the poverity line. It is also the only declared Hindu kingdom in the world. Hindu shrines and Buddhist Stupas are plentiful with even the change to visit a monastary. During my stay in Kathmandu (captial city), I'll be attending Grace Community Church (contact available from http://across.co.nz/NepalChurches.html). I hope to be sharing with them as well. So if you would like to send a picture and description of your local church in Canada, I will try to share this with the body in Nepal. While there, I hope to live organically as possible getting to live as the locals do while realizing an exhaustive list of limitations.

I have made contact with a government worker and have received an offer to being work on several air quality research projects should I choose to go there. As well, I am currently waiting to hear back from the Kanti Children's Hospital - the only public pediatric hospital in the country. I hope to be doing a 6 week rotation there. I have also be in touch with several registered volunteer organizations that will readily accept any medical equipment donations. Toward the end of my stay, I hope to learn more about the healthcare system in rural areas by volunteering with one of the many grassroots volunteer organizations.

There are many guest houses in Nepal that offer shelter and food. I hope to find a suitable host family to break bread with while in Nepal. Since opening its doors to the tourists in the 1960's Visas are easily obtained at the airport. Many mountain trekkers that come to take advantage of the tallest mountain range in the world - the Mialayas at well above 25,000 ft.

I have also registered by travel plans with the Canadian government (Consular Affiars) and will touch base with them on arrival in Kathmandu. A classmate will join me at the end of May.

Since there will be internet connections in the city, I'll be posting written reports to http://www.gofishyfishy-nepal.blogspot.com/

Upon return, I hope to share more formally with you (the body in the Toronto area) of God's work in Nepal.

I'm somewhat anxious at this point in life (if you could please pray for me, that would be most appreciated (Philippians 4:6) If you would like to support me through prayer this summer, please email me back and I will continue to update you with specific prayer items via email.

Immediate prayer items:
-.Focus to study efficiently for exams (Ecclesiastes 9:10, I Thess 4:11-12)
- stand victoriously in the Lord - be not swayed by temptations of doubt and fear (Ephesians 6:10-11) daily confirmation that this is what He requires of me.
- acute awareness of the spiritual battle at hand (Ephesians 6:12)
- spiritual preparation: increasing faith to accept and handle what is being given to me.
- physical preparation: health
- logistical preparation: flight, volunteer placements
--> I have received confirmation from the government to work on an ongoing air quality research project
--> I'm hoping to do a self-case study on air quality and lung function. There is much work after exams in preparation for this study. If this works out I hope to gain school credit for this too
--> I'm still awaiting confirmation of an opening at the Kanti Children's Hospital. Although it should be fine to just show up, I would like some confirmation.
- sharing preparation: pre-exposure sharing with the church on Sunday, April 29, 2007 (tentatively)

- attitude preparation: continued growth in knowing who Jesus is as I become more broken before him. may I be more convicted of what He wants of me this summer and strength to follow
- cutlure preparation: Given that it is a predominantly Hindu country, Satan will be at work just as He is in Brampton, but in a different way. Pray that I be suited with the full armour of God to combat the Devil's schemes with Scripture (Ephesians 6)
- Know Truth and be able to live it in such a way that others might know (I Thessalonians 4:11-12)

Thank you kindly for reading through this lyrical diarrhea. If you would kindly consider whether or noYou are on this list because of your valued siblingship. If you would like to continue getting prayer updates, please respond to this email.
 I hope to hear you! May you have a blessed week!

In the race,
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Hebrews 12