親愛的禱告夥伴：

        從2019年11月到2022年8月，經過近3年的準備，克服重重困難，我們5個合作夥伴家庭在比什凱克建設的三層高校舍，終於落成了。從購地、設計、物色建築師、修訂計劃、呈交政府批准，與承建商合作、睦鄰關係、公用設施上，遇上種種挑戰，但現在終於完成了。

        我們與合作夥伴飛往吉爾吉斯參加開幕典禮。長樂因健康緣故不能作長途旅行，只好留在美國。感恩的是，我們的兒子Ivan飛回媽媽身邊，幫忙照顧陪伴。Richard and Yatling（來自新加坡的宣教士）則與我同行。開幕典禮為期兩天，8月19日星期五晚上，多位牧師和基督徒前來參加，祈求上帝的賜福。8月20日星期六，我們邀請了其他人參加，包括有可能將孩子送到我們學校的家庭。這兩天有超過50人出席。儀式進行得非常順利，感謝上帝。8月開辦時，我們有6名學生，到了9月，已經有40名，期待日後能有更多學生，為此我們開始準備二樓教室，好讓學生人數翻倍時有足夠的地方使用。

        我們在托克馬克的幼兒園也做得很好，現在有48名孩子。父母比之前更關心孩子的教育。我們正在計劃擴建，加多一個教室來可招收多20名學生。另一個方案是用我們的房子做教室。求上帝帶領，請為我們有智慧做出合適的決定祈禱。

        過去三年吉爾吉斯有許多變化。經濟似乎改善了，托克馬克和比什凱克的主要道路都已鋪設，交通燈已經數碼化。教師和政府工作人員的加薪幅度越來越大。有人告訴我，貪污的情況減少，人們的資產增見了，並且他們似乎沒有受到俄烏戰爭的影響。雖然通貨膨脹率仍為20%，但人們仍然樂觀面對。

        最令人欣慰的是，我們認識的年輕人都長大了，並開始參與事工。Peter正在托克馬克的一家俄羅斯教會牧會。Ravil是LSI的領導者。許多在孤兒院長大的孩子已經成家立室，並有自己的事業。有新宣教士來這國服侍。IUCA和學院各有350名學生。這是令人興奮的見證。我仍然清楚地記得，2008年我們剛開始來的時候，只有51名大一／大二學生。GLEC成功地接上楊長老的異象，並把它擴大。感謝主。

請祈禱

1. 比什凱克幼兒園在Kanat和Eliza的監督下健康發展壯大，以蒙特梭利教學法培訓新教師。
2. 我們知道如何擴展Tokmok幼兒園，以服務當地人。
3. 長樂扭傷了右腳，正在康復。
4. 吉爾吉斯的教會得著復興。

        願上帝與你同在。

柏林、長樂上

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Dear Prayer Partners,

        After almost 3 years of preparation from Nov 2019 to Aug 2022 through many obstacles we partners of 5 families finally finished the construction of a three story building in Bishkek. This includes buying a piece of land, selecting and working with architect for the design, going through many revisions through Pandemic time, submitting to the government for approval, working with contractor to build this building. We faced many challenges with neighbors and utility companies. But now it is finally done.

        We partners flew to Kyrgyzstan for this grand opening. Christa could not travel with me for this long distance and so she was left behind in the US. Fortunately, our son Ivan flew back to be with mom to make sure she is OK. Richard and Yatling (missionaries from Singapore) stayed two weeks with me to keep me company. The grand opening spans two days. Friday Aug 19 evening we had many pastors and Christians to come and pray for God’s blessings. Saturday Aug 20 we invited many people including potential families who might send their children to our school. Both days we had over 50 people. The ceremony went very well. PTL. Starting Aug, we only have 6 children attending. But now in Sep we already have over 40. More are coming. We have to quickly prepare the 2nd floor classrooms to double the number of children.

        Our kindergarten in Tokmok is also doing well. We are now maxed out at 48 children. Parents are more interested in their children’s education. We are looking into ideas of expanding the kindergarten here. One could be building an attached classroom to add another 20 students. Another could be using our house for classrooms. We will see how God leads. Please pray for our wisdom of making the right decision.

        In these three years I have seen many changes in Kyrgyzstan. The economy seems to be improving a lot. Many main roads in Tokmok and Bishkek were paved. Signal lights are replaced with digital signals. Teachers and government workers are getting better raises.  I was told that corruption is much less allowing more funding to the people. They do not seem to be affected by the Russian Ukraine war. However, inflation is about 20%. People seem to be happier.

        The most comforting is that we have seen many young people we knew grow up and are taking on the ministry. Peter is pastoring a Russian church in Tokmok. Ravil is a leader in LSI. Many children from orphanages are married and working. There are many new missionaries coming to fill the gap we left behind. IUCA and The College both have 350 students each. This is exciting to witness. I still remember vividly that in 2008 we only started with 51 freshmen/sophomores. GLEC is successfully taking over Elder Yang’s vision and expanding it. PTL.

Please Pray

1. Bishkek kindergarten continues to grow under Kanat and Eliza’s supervision. Montessori trainers to train our new teachers.
2. We know how to expand Tokmok kindergarten to serve the locals.
3. Christa twisted her right foot and is healing quickly.
4. Churches in Kyrgyzstan are getting a revival.

        May God be with you.

In Him,                        
John and Christa

Dear Prayer Partners,

        In the last six months we have been staying put in our California home. Traveling has not been a good option. However, we have been continuing to work remotely with the partners and the couple in Kyrgyzstan to finish up the construction of the building of the 2nd Montessori kindergarten and training center in Bishkek. It has been two and half years since we bought the piece of land. During Covid time, planning, architectural design, getting permits for construction, actual construction through two winters has been very trying for us. There were a lot of obstacles we have to push through and now it is near completion. July 1 we plan to start opening the kindergarten with just a few children. And we are targeting a grand opening celebration August 19 and 20th. Our partners will all travel there for this exciting event. August 19 will be for most Christian organizations and missionaries. They can pray to God for the success of this ministry. August 20 we will invite local officials and parents for an open house to showcase our school. Please pray for all our travel to be safe and the opening be a success. Please see attached three floor building interior taken early June. The month of June they are finishing up the inside and setting up the classrooms.

        With the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the whole world economy is in turmoil. Just in a few days Kyrgyz som devalued from one US$ to 84 to 105. It has since come back down. It is because som is pegged to Russian ruble. This makes the inflation in Kyrgyzstan unbearable to the local people. Although Kyrgyzstan is quite far from Ukraine, but people there are very concerned. There are over one million Kyrgyzs work in Russia and send money back to support their families. A lot of them lost their jobs and have to come back home. Life is very difficult there. Very soon they will experience high inflation and food shortages. May 2022 inflation rate is 14%. Our head teacher in Tokmok is leading other teachers to ask for big raises that we cannot afford. We had to vacate her position for she is only working part time and commanding high salary. We decided to let her go and move up other teachers. This caused a big strife. Her husband and adult son threatened our administrator with bodily harm. It wasn’t until we negotiated a package with her and the scare was removed. Please pray for our school and please pray for the people of Kyrgyzstan.

        Christa will stay back in US as she is still not safe to travel such a distance and Kyrgyzstan roads are very uneven. It is too easy for her to trip and fall. Our son Ivan graduated in Chicago and will be back to be with her when I am gone. Our younger son Ryan will also be working from home part of time to take care of mom also. Praise the Lord for our two understanding sons.

Please Pray

1. Covid will be reduced in 2022. The world will come back to normal.
2. Many people will wake up to know the situation of the world now and proactively make changes.
3. Many people in hardship will come to the Lord for help and get to know our Lord.
4. Our school in Kyrgyzstan continues to be open safely.
5. The new school grand opening will be successful and with God’s blessing.

        God bless.

In Him,                        
John and Christa

1-st floor

2-nd floor

3-rd floor

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親愛的禱告夥伴：

        前一次的禱告信是2020年2月，在這段時間裡發生了很多事情。2020年1月24日長樂經過了脊椎手術（TLIF），她的三節腰骨L4,L5,S1打了六個釘子，手術預訂4-5個小時，但是6小時我已經焦急萬分。後來醫生才出來告訴我手術一切順利，她在斯坦福醫院住了六天，感謝神病房裡讓我晚上陪在她身邊，她的恢復非常緩慢，而且她必須平躺著。六天後轉入嚴重復健中心，在那裡又住了兩星期，每天至少三小時的復健運動，學習起床，扶著輪椅走路，不能彎腰，提重物和轉腰。感謝神開刀前的疼痛已經減少很多，但是兩腿無力，走路不穩，容易摔跤。一月也是Covid-19疫情在美國開始爆發，出院後就無法繼續復健，雖然有幾次護士來看，7個月後還是無法恢復正常，但願再半年能完全好。

        Covid-19影響了全世界，加州的疫情特別嚴重。雖然大家都注意戴口罩，常洗手並注意隔離，許多公司都改變上班方式，讓員工在家裡上班，又許多停業，沒人知道何時可以開放。神是否要我們緩慢下來，多依靠祂呢？我們也像多數人在家裡修理房子，種種花草，更種了絲瓜、西紅柿、四季豆等等。

        三月時，吉爾吉斯還沒有新冠肺炎確診案例，政府已經封鎖邊界，人民不能越過家居15公里範圍，所有學校都關了，只有必須的商店才可以營業，我們的幼兒園也必須暫停。沒有工作，許多同工經濟困難，我們決定照常發薪水，讓他們無後顧之憂，他們也因此特別感恩。大部分人生活窮困，必須工作才有飯吃，逼得政府開放，但是很快新冠疫情爆炸性的擴展，每天感染從一百多到五百多，醫院設備落後，無法容納病人，控制疫情。我們的城市起先沒有病例，但是後來許多朋友都傳染到，Kip and Ivy宣教士一家、Timurlan and Irina牧師師母、基金會的Elena和女兒Nastya及女婿Xenia等，大學校長John Clark更病得非常嚴重，飛到土耳其醫治。我們的同工Kanat和親戚也感染到。我們的幼兒園家長老師都要求我們開課，經過政府的許可，服從清潔的規範，我們戰戰兢兢的開課了，求神保守他們不要被感染到。我們的家也開放，讓一些宣教士用來Zoom教課和禱告，感謝神房子不是空在那裡，被好好的利用。他們也用來做慈善的捐助營地，分發食物給窮人。

        去年十一月我們和美國東岸三家夫婦（兩家在波斯頓，一家在新澤西）和一對吉爾吉斯夫婦一起在吉國首都比什凱克買下一塊地，準備興建一間幼兒園和培訓中心。我們時常在網上開會，策劃辦理申請建築許可文件，原定今年四月可以開工，沒想到疫情的影響，到現在才拿到許可文件，還有許多困難要度過，包括選擇工程團隊，監督工人，鄰居的不合作等等。鄰居要我們改圖，從三層改成兩層，不讓我們接水電、天然氣、下水道。要開始動工時，天氣已經要下雪了。看起來要到明年九月才能正式開學。我們安靜等候神的時間，不要緊張，不要照自己的意思，相信祂所預備的是最好的，請為我們的身心靈禱告，有耐心繼續這個事工。

柏林、長樂上

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Dear Prayer Partners and Friends,

        Our last prayer letter was sent out at February of 2020. Since then many major things happened. Jan 24, 2020 Christa had a major spinal surgery. It is called Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Her spine at L4, L5 and S1 are fused together with two Titanium bars and 6 screws. The surgery was supposed to take 4 to 5 hours. But after 6 hours the doctor was still not out. I was very anxious and called in to find out the situation. After another hour the surgeon finally came out to let me know surgery was successful. It wasn’t until another two hours before I can see her in the recovery room. She stayed in Stanford hospital for 6 days. They allowed me to stay in the room with her overnight. Recovery was slow and she had to lie flat in bed. After Stanford hospital she was transferred to an Acute Rehab Center for another two weeks. In this center she had to do 3 hours of rehab every day from learning to get off from bed to the bathroom, walking with walker, no bending, no lifting and no twisting. Surgery did fix most of the pain in her back and leg. However, due to long time of not exercising her legs she needs to work hard to gain back her leg strength. As you all know January was when Covid19 pandemic started in the USA. Many nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists came to do home visits and then lock down period started. Without physical therapy her recovery was slow. Even as of now 7 months later she still has no leg strength and with balancing problem. Now she can walk on flat surface with a cane and mostly limited in the home. I am getting her to start driving for short distance to gain back her confidence. Hopefully in a year time she will be fully recovered.

        Covid19 affected everyone in the world. California lead the confirmed cases even though we all seem to be careful in wearing masks, washing hands and keeping distance. Most companies changed their ways of business. Some are letting workers work from home and some just close down the business. Nobody knows when the pandemic will be over. God must want us to slow down and come to depend on Him. As like most home owners we are working on home improvements and planting gardens. We planted tomatoes, luffa, beans, peas and many flowers.

        Initially Kyrgyzstan did not have confirmed cases until March. The government took it very seriously and locked down the borders. No one can travel 15 kms away from home. All the schools shut down and only necessary stores were allowed to operate. We had to close our kindergarten. For fear of the workers will face with hardship we still pay them salary and let them stay at home. They really appreciated our decision and we gained real loyalty. Due to majority of people are poor and they must work to earn a living the country started to open up after two months. Life is hard in Kyrgyzstan. New cases started to explode, from 100+ cases to 500+ cases per week. Hospitals are backward and have no way of controlling the pandemic. Tokmok people were not affected in the beginning. But we now know many friends contracted Covid19- Kip and Ivy family, Pastor Timurlan and Irina, Nastya (Elena’s daughter) and Xenia from Mercy Foundation. John Clark (President of IUCA) got so sick that he has to be flown to Turkey for emergency treatment. Our coworker Kanat and his relatives also got sick. Many church members are also sick. Our kindergarten was requested to open by teachers and parents. Government inspectors came to inspect and approved for us to open. With trepidation we opened the kindergarten and now have about half the capacity. We followed all the safety precaution guidelines to maintain the school. Please pray for God’s mercy and protection to our school. Our home was used by some missionaries to conduct some classes for college students and hold regular prayer meetings using Zoom. Praise the Lord that the house was not idle and fully used for good purpose. They were also doing some charitable work by bringing food to the poor and needy.

        Last November while I was there, we were able to purchase a piece of land in Bishkek planning to open another kindergarten and training center. This is with three other families from US (two couples from Boston, one couple from New Jersey) and a family in Kyrgyzstan. We conducted regular Zoom meetings to discuss the plan. It was to get the building permit in April 2020 and start construction for the rest of 2020. With the government shut down the plan was delayed. We hope to get the permit by middle of September but there are still many hurdles we are facing, such as selecting the builder, hiring a trusted manager, overcoming neighbor’s objection. He does not like our plan of building three story structure and wants us to redo our drawing. That will limit our usable space. He also threatens us by not allowing us to connect to his utility connections such as water, sewage, natural gas and electricity. When we are ready to build the cold weather will set in. This will delay the project of school opening to around Sept 2021. We will wait on the Lord and not to be anxious to push our will. Praise the Lord for everything He has entrusted in us. Please pray for our health and patience to continue the endeavor.

In Him,                        
John and Christa

Dear Prayer Partners and Friends,

        Thank you for praying for Christa’s spinal surgery. She is recovering now and still needs many months of rehab before she can be like normal.

        Jan 24 she went into surgery at Stanford hospital at around 7:30 am. The doctor did not come out to tell me that everything is fine at 2:30 pm. The original schedule was for about 4 and half to 5 hours. I was really worried that something might have gone wrong. There was some spinal fluid leak and the doctor had to sew up the leak. That was why the operation was much longer. The first 24 hours she had to lie flat in the hospital bed. Then she can slowly tilt up to drink and eat. She had to have a lot of painkiller medicine to cope with her pain. They cause her to be hallucinated most of the time. Praise the Lord she got into a very nice room in the new hospital. It is a single room with a sofa bed so I can stay with her overnight. She stayed in Stanford hospital for 6 days and then was transferred to El Camino Acute Rehab Center. This is a reputable center near our home. However, she had to do physical and occupational therapies for 3 hours a day. It was very tiring but needed. Today is the 7th day here and we were told that she is cleared to leave in two days. Praise the Lord.

        Next 8 weeks she will get 3-4 times a week home PT or OT visits. Hopefully by then she can be back to normal. Praise the Lord she is slowly coping with the pain and get reduced dosage of pain medicine.

        Thank you all for praying for us. We give all glory to God.

In Him,                        
John and Christa

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Dear Partners,

        2019 is coming to an end. Christmas is here. Let us remember Jesus Christ was born about 2000 years ago. He came to save us of our sins. May we rejoice and have hope in spite of the turmoil in the world.

        Since Christa and I came back from Kyrgyzstan in Nov 2018 Christa has been having pain in her body especially in her back and legs. She has seen many doctors, physical therapists, massage therapist and chiropractors with no avail. Just in Dec we have finally decided for her to have spine surgery. It is scheduled on Jan 24, 2020 at Stanford hospital. The surgery will take 4-5 hours. She will then stay in hospital for a few days to recover. Depending on her condition she may need to go to rehab center for further recovery. Doctor says it may take her a few months to be back to normal. Please pray for surgery and recovery so she can get back to her health quickly.

        I traveled to Kyrgyzstan twice this year. First was in April for one month to check on our kindergarten in Tokmok. Peter is taking good care of it and it is running smoothly. I have also reconnected with many missionaries from various countries. Kyrgyzstan economy is still quite backward. Previous president was put in jail for corruption. The country need to strengthen education to bring people out of poverty. Second was in Nov. This time I was mainly working with a group of people from Boston, New Jersey and locals to plan to start a new kindergarten in Bishkek. The one-month trip was quite successful. We were able to locate a piece of property in a prime area and purchased it. We also talked to a few designers and contractors on the building of the kindergarten building. The plan is to take one year for construction and start the kindergarten in 2021. We see the opportunity to influence the next generation through education. May God give us the wisdom to use His wisdom and resources for His purpose.

        Our older son Ivan decided to go to School of the Art Institute of Chicago for further study. He will be there for about two years. Ryan is getting into real estate apprenticeship. He will still be staying home with us. However he is currently very busy. I will make sure to be with Christa for at least 6 months to see her through this difficult time of recovery.

        May God be with you all. May you all have a great 2020.

In Him,                        
John and Christa

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近況和感恩

        今年二月我們接到Kamila（幼兒園的老師）車禍喪生的惡耗，崔峰帶領其他老師一同探望她的家人，安慰他們。謝謝許多聽到消息的弟兄姐妹為我們禱告，並且捐助他們。我馬上安排四月趕到吉國，慰問她的家人，並送上你們的愛心捐助。她父親一看見我就不停的流淚，我只能陪著他，直到他安靜下來。他把全部的經過向我陳述，警察收集到鄰近家庭的錄像，明顯的看到酒駕的人與車輛，但是罪犯還在監獄等待審判。吉國的法律，酒駕傷人的刑罰不嚴，可能兩三年就會獲釋。

        長樂去年從吉國回來身體就嚴重不調，不能再與我一起飛去吉國。她看了無數次的醫生復建都無效，只好吃止痛藥減輕身體疼痛，直到現在還是常常背痛、腳痛、頭痛。我只能陪著她作輕微運動，希望身體能慢慢恢復。不幸兩個月前在家的後院又摔了一跤，馬上到急診室照了X光，還好沒有骨折，只是胸部疼痛，可能有淤血，要多休息，更要處處小心，以免再受創。

        因為她的狀況，我只能四月自己去吉國一個月，還好我們兩個兒子都住在家裡，可以有些照應。幼兒園有45個孩子，一切都順利。因著Kamila的事件，老師們都需要輔導，也慢慢恢復正常。

        我又見了許多以前從各地來的年輕宣教士，關懷鼓勵他們。遇見一位克族的弟兄，幾次邀請我去幫助一位從中國來的哈族弟兄，他在哈薩克開辦了一間幼兒園，希望我能幫他們設立一間蒙氏的幼兒園；於是我飛去Astana四天，帶了一些蒙氏教材，有一套是我幾年前準備幫助當地幼兒園的，答應他們以後可以來我們學校實習，並且把其餘的教具帶回去。

        現在越來越多宣教士看到蒙氏的教學理念，可以幫助當地的穆民，與他們建立關係，可以用我們的幼兒園做示範。他們有在吉國、約旦、迪拜等等，願神繼續帶領這些宣教士，加上後面支持的機構，一起把這理念發揚光大。

代禱

1. 為Kamila的家人禱告，讓他們能認識我們的神。
2. 為長樂的身體禱告，讓她身心靈都得到醫治。
3. 崔峰能夠接手幼兒園的重任。
4. 幼兒園的同工與老師們的身心靈及教學。
5. 年輕宣教士能夠有堅定的信心，又有足夠的資金。
6. 有合作夥伴一起建立與擴展幼教事工。

柏林、長樂上

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Update & Give Thanks

        In Feb we heard the sad news of Kamila’s death. Peter and our teachers visited her family to comfort them for their loss. Thanks to everyone who heard the news and offered prayers and donations. I decided to travel to Kyrgyzstan to express condolence to Kamila’s family and brought the donations to them. As soon as her father saw me he began to weep uncontrollably. I had to calm him down by sitting with him. He then explained to me the whole incident. Police were able to get the video from the neighboring house camera that captured the accident. The drunk driver was apprehended but is still waiting for trial. In Kyrgyzstan driving under influence of alcohol and accidentally killing someone is not punished severely.

        Christa was still suffering from the long travel back from Kyrgyzstan and cannot go with me again. She has been going through chiropractor adjustments, physical therapies and taking many painkillers to reduce her pain. Even up to now she is still experiencing pain on her back, legs and head. I had to stay with her to make sure her condition does not get worse. Two months before she tripped and fell in our backyard. We went to the emergency room and after many x-rays they determined she did not have cracked ribs but there were internal bruises in the chest area. Praise the Lord that it was nothing major.

        Worrying about her health I can only be away for the month of April. Fortunately, our two sons lived at home and can watch over her and take care of her needs. While in Kyrgyzstan I visited our kindergarten and it was running smoothly. We had regularly 45 children in the classes every day. Teachers are slowly getting over the loss of Kamila. They also need to be counseled. I also met with many young missionaries in Tokmok and Bishkek. They are from nearby countries.

        I met a Kyrgyz brother from China. He has been asking me to help a Kazakh brother from China and he started a kindergarten in Kazakhstan. After talking to this Kazakh brother on the phone I decided to travel to Astana to help him with Montessori method. I flew to Astana for 4 days and brought him a suitcase full of Montessori teaching material I purchased from China. The children loved it. In the future he and his teachers can come to our kindergarten to learn the Montessori method and also take back the rest of the material that I could not bring.

        More and more Christians are seeing the benefit of using this method to reach the Muslim families and also to establish themselves in the Muslim world. Right now a group of people are getting together to help missionaries in many Muslim countries to establish Montessori kindergartens as a way of approaching Muslims. Our kindergarten will be used as a model for training and example. Some of them are from Kyrgyzstan, Jordan, Dubai, etc. May God lead them with backings from mission organizations to expand the ministry.

Prayer Requests

1. Please pray for Kamila’s family that they will come to know our God.
2. Pray for Christa’s health that she will be healed physically, mentally and spiritually.
3. Peter can take on the responsibility of the kindergarten.
4. Pray for our staff and teachers in the kindergarten.
5. Many young missionaries from the neighboring countries to stay firm and to have adequate funding.
6. Bring partners to continue develop and expand the kindergarten ministry.

John & Christa

近況和感恩

        最近兩年我們的家庭醫生非常用心的調理我們身體狀況，因為我們好些年沒有好好的照顧自己，加上經歷了許多的壓力。這次她看我們，認為我們兩人的身體都有顯著的進步。她很欣慰，因檢查報告的結果幾乎達到正常指標。

        感謝神，柏林父母的後事都順利完成，兄姐都把瑣碎的事情都處理好，我們實在感恩有神的同在，我們彼此相愛互助，爸爸媽媽給我們每個家庭都留下美好的回憶，他們留下的榜樣，會永遠記在我們心裡，榮耀歸於神。

        前幾年我們的差派教會要擴展，買下了旁邊的樓房，價錢不低，超過了教會的能力。感謝神的恩典。幾年的堅持，總算付清了，並且裝修完畢。現在有新的教堂來敬拜神，感謝弟兄姐妹同心合一，榮耀歸於神，只有祂事情才能成就。

        五月我們回了吉爾吉斯一個月去看幼兒園，感謝神，在Peter的管理下，加上同工們的努力，現時幼兒園有45-50個孩子。但是因為長樂的哥哥被主接走，我們急忙趕回美國。教會的牧長同工們都非常關心，幫助我們為哥哥籌備一個很圓滿的葬禮。在他離世前幾天，教會許多牧長們都探望他，為他禱告，肯定他有得救的確據。他平靜的離去，我們相信我們會在天上相見。

        在這段時間，嫂子Vivian為哥哥的事忙碌時，發生六個車子碰撞的大車禍，車子全毀了。但感謝神，她沒有生命危險，只是必須動膝蓋手術，把斷骨和筋修復，已住在療養院兩個半月，可能需要一年的時間才能完全復元。

        我們為這些事忙著，又要為去年十月火燒租出去的房子整修，大概還要兩個月才能完工，靠著神的恩典夠我們用。

        六月我們去了東亞短宣兩個星期，神讓我們看到別地的事工，神在世界各地各族各民作工。

        非常感恩回到灣區，這裡有豐富的資源，好的講員，工作坊，不像別的其他地方什麼都缺乏，但神教導我們不要安於現在安穩的狀況下，要扶助窮困有需要的人。把他們帶到神的面前來。

        差我們出去的中福團，兩個星期前她們泰國工場孟芳的女生宿舍起了大火，整座樓房全焚燬了，一位15歲的女生遇難，其餘的學生都搬到暫時宿舍，需要籌錢，從新再造。請為這離世女孩的家庭禱告，他們失去了寶貝的女兒，願他們能來認識主。

        我們計劃九月下旬飛回吉爾吉斯，請為我們禱告。

代禱

1. 願神繼續引領我們帶穆斯林的孩子來信奉祂
2. 帶更多的基督徒工人與老師們來我們的幼兒園
3. 帶合夥人與我們一起擴展幼兒園事工
4. 帶合夥人來接替我們，讓我們能回美國
5. 與別的教會合作開展幼兒園事工
6. 神繼續帶領我們的吉國團隊
7. 為我們的同工，孩子老師禱告

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Update & Give Thanks

        For the last few years, our family doctor worked extremely hard to patch up our numerous health problems, due to our continuous negligence in recent years and the increasing pressure of many unexpected stresses. However, at our recent visit, she expressed her satisfaction of our great health improvements since we started seeing her two years ago.  She commented that our test results are getting closer to being acceptable.

        We thanked God abundantly that John’s parents’ funeral affairs were all taken care of peacefully and smoothly by the siblings, close relatives and friends. We felt God’s presence with us, and His blessings were upon us. We love and support one another as close family and give all glory to God. As we departed to return to our own homes, we left with fond memories of Dad and Mom and of what they had done in their lives to influence the whole family. They will continue to be remembered in our hearts.

        In the last few years our sending church has been trying to expand by acquiring neighboring UC extension. The price was way beyond our church ability at the time and yet God showed grace upon us. After many years of persistent work, our church has paid off the building and finished the remodeling. Now we have a new spiritual home to worship in. We are proud of brothers and sisters and give the highest glory to God. This is only possible with Him behind us.

        This May we took a trip back to Kyrgyzstan for one month to evaluate our kindergarten ministry. We are grateful that under the supervision of Peter and the faithful service of supporting staff, the kindergarten has 45-50 kids. But our trip was cut short because Christa’s brother passed away suddenly. We rushed back to US and with great help and support from our loving church Christa’s brother had a beautiful memorial service. Before Robert’s passing he was visited by many from church and he had assurance of salvation. He departed and be with the Lord peacefully and we know that one day we shall meet again in heaven.

        During this time our sister-in-law Vivian while busy managing Robert’s affair got into a serious 6 car accident. Her car was totaled, but thank God, her life was spared. However, she has to have knee surgery on both legs to repair the fractured bones and torn tendon. After her surgery, she had to be in rehab facility for 2 and half months and may take her one year to gain full recovery.

        We were quite busy with handling all these as well as trying to monitor the repair of the rental unit that got fire last Oct. It still has about two months to go. Still, all we can say is that God’s grace is sufficient for us.

        In June we also had a chance to travel to East Asia for mission work for two weeks. God gave us opportunity to see His work at other parts of the world to know that He is everywhere touching people of all races, colors and locations.

        We feel so blessed to be back in the Bay Area as there are so many good resources, lecture, workshops whereas elsewhere everything is limited. But God teaches us not to be contented with just living comfortably but to go out and administer to the poor and needy. Bring them to the Lord.

        Just two weeks ago, our sending organization CEM reported that their girl’s dormitory in Chiang Mai was burned down totally and unfortunately a 15-year-old girl died in the fire. They are now relocating the 73 students to a location temporarily and are raising fund to rebuild. Please pray for the girl’s family who lost a precious daughter. May they come to know the Lord.

        We are planning to fly back to Kyrgyzstan in the 2^nd half of September. Please pray for our trip.

Prayer Requests

1. God continues to speak to our hearts to bring the Muslim children to Him.
2. Bring more Christian workers and teachers to work with our kindergarten.
3. Bring partners to continue develop and expand the kindergarten ministry.
4. Bring partners to work with us so we may transition out of Kyrgyzstan back to US.
5. Work with churches in other villages to develop kindergarten ministry.
6. Pray that God would lead our team in Kyrgyzstan.
7. Pray for our staff, children and their families.

近況和感恩

        好久沒有跟你們述說我們的事工及我們自己的狀況。讓我們為2018的來臨給你們拜個年，同時也因為復活節的慶祝被提醒耶穌在十字架上受難，為我們死，所以我們必須單單為祂而活。

        我們需要承認最近幾年我們兩個都沒有好好的照顧自己的身體，認為神一定會看顧保守我們，我們幾乎忘記身體是神的殿。長樂去年七月中回到美國，神很有恩典賜予很好的家庭醫生Ester，在她嚴格的檢查下，認為長樂是50000片的拼圖，介紹了很多專科醫生作詳細的研究，決定要幫她恢復健康。雖然Ester已是非常繁忙的醫生，長樂還大膽的要求她也做柏林的醫生，Ester實在沒有時間多收另外一個病人，要柏林等候下一個空位，大概要幾個月，但是我們的神是信實的，很快的柏林也成為Ester的病人了。

        我們只能感謝神這些數不盡的恩典，知道我們就像破碎的老車，急需修理，更感謝主現在我們到了退休年紀，可以拿到Medicare保險。

        吉爾吉斯的幼兒園已經拿到正式的執照，同時也得到區民的認同，學校也得到蠻好的名聲，現在有足夠的學生來支持經費。

        我們還是積極的在找接班人——條件是愛主，愛孩子，可以培養孩子成為下一代的領袖。他／她需要真正認識神，為這個使命做好準備，因為吉爾吉斯是個穆斯林國家。

        我們從沒有忘記神呼召去吉爾吉斯，更沒有忘記起初對吉爾吉斯人民的愛，尤其是他們的孩子。但是我們需要清楚自己的身體狀況，會缺乏能力精力來帶領這些小孩子，實在需要年輕的一代來接班，他們有活潑的靈命、熱情來擴展這個事工。在不久的將來我們仍需籌款及禱告的支持，積極尋求神的帶領。

        長樂去年八月在美國有眼皮手術，柏林九月去到吉爾吉斯處理一些事情，他的父母親身體急速退化，長樂告知柏林及時趕回美國，轉到洛杉磯看父母。九十七歲的父親在感恩節早晨被主接去，九十五歲的母親一星期後也安息主懷，父母有八十年在一起。感謝神的恩典孩子們都在身邊。父親走前不斷的感恩說他的一生不能再好的了，因為兒孫們都很好，也彼此相親相愛。

代禱

1. 願神繼續引領我們帶穆斯林的孩子來信奉祂
2. 帶更多的基督徒工人與老師們來我們的幼兒園
3. 帶合夥人與我們一起擴展幼兒園事工
4. 帶合夥人來接替我們，讓我們能轉回美國
5. 與別的教會合作開展幼兒園事工
6. 神繼續帶領我們的吉國團隊
7. 為我們的同工，孩子老師禱告

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Update & Give Thanks

        It has been a while since we wrote to you and update our ministry and ourselves. Let us first greet you with New Year greetings for 2018 and together celebrate Easter which reminds us that Christ died for us and we must live for Him.

        We have to admit that for the last 2 years neither of us have time to take care of our health and assume that God will take care of us. We completely forgot that our bodies should serve as temple of God. Christa has been home in US since July 7 of 2017 and under close scrutiny of her family doctor Ester. She referred many specialists to check her out. God has blessed Christa with a wonderful Christian doctor who described Christa as a “50,000 pieces of puzzles”. She is committed to try to restore her health. Dr. Ester was daring to take her in as a patient despite that she already had a heavy load. Christa then still asked her if she will take John in as a patient. Dr. Ester really has no time for a new patient and told us to get on the waiting list for John. But our God is faithful and He allows John to join in after a short wait for someone dropped out unexpectedly.

        We just want to thank God for His abundant blessings knowing we are like broken cars that have been running without oil for a while and are in need of desperate repairs. We are also grateful that we have reached the retirement age of 65 now and can have Medicare insurance.

        Praise God for that we finally are operating officially with license and recognition from the community. We have adequate enrolment and can almost pay for the operating expenses. Our school reputation is well established.

        We are still looking for a successor who loves to serve God and has a heart for the children who are the future leaders of the next generation. He/She needs to know God and be well prepared for the job. Bear in mind Kyrgyzstan is a majority Muslim country.

        John and Christa have not forgotten God’s calling to come to Kyrgyzstan nor forsaken their initial love for the Kyrgyzs especially their children. However we must acknowledge that physically we are less able to handle nor have the energy needed to work with the little children. We definitely need new blood with younger bodies and sharper minds to run the operations and enthusiasm to expand the ministry. In the future the thing that we may still do is for raising money and asking for prayer support from you. We are still seeking His wills for us and waiting for His guidance.

        John went back to Kyrgyzstan for one and half months in Sep and came back early November. Christa stayed back to recuperate from her eyelid surgery. John’s parents’ health deteriorate very fast. As soon as John came back from Kyrgyzstan Christa urged John to go to LA to be with his parents. John’s father (age 97) passed to be with the Lord on Thanksgiving and just one week later mother (age 95) went calmly also. I give thanks to God for He lets me have time with them in their last few days. Dad kept on giving thanks to God for having life that could not be any better. Their children and families are all at peace with each other.

Prayer Requests

1. God continues to speak to our hearts to bring the Muslim children to Him.
2. Bring more Christian workers and teachers to work with our kindergarten.
3. Bring partners to continue develop and expand the kindergarten ministry.
4. Bring partners to work with us so we may transition out of Kyrgyzstan back to US.
5. Work with churches in other villages to develop kindergarten ministry.
6. Pray that God would lead our team in Kyrgyzstan.
7. Pray for our staff, children and their families.

        If God touches your heart to support our ministry please write check to CEM (China Evangelistic Mission, Inc.) with memo “for His Ministry in Kyrgyzstan”

        China Evangelistic Mission, Inc.
        2400 Old Crow Canyon Road, Suite A6,
        San Ramon, CA 94583-1214, USA

近況和感恩

         我們兩個都做了白內障手術，還來不及完全恢復，四月十八日就趕回吉爾吉斯。我們的幼兒園在崔峰的管理下漸上軌道，老師同工也很穩定，有四十個孩子，讓我們鬆了一口氣。雖然我們還不能完全收支平衡，負數還算可以維持。我們去了Kara Balta 看了另外一間幼兒園，是今年四月中開始的，他們有八個孩子，去年給他們做了一些培訓，也捐給他們一套蒙式教材。這間學校是當地教會附屬開的，有新加坡來的宣教士Richard和Yatling幫助他們，請為這間幼兒園能順利運作禱告。

         我們在吉國配了眼鏡，只要美國的1/5價錢，一天就可以拿到，真是無法想像。

         在美國的時候，我們常看到伊拉克和敘利亞難民的消息，他們因為ISIS的迫害和國家的政變，逃離家園，身無分文。我們接觸到一位在Sacramento的宣教士，他每六個星期往中東一次，培訓當地牧者。他願意帶我們去約旦接觸當地難民，所以我們五月去了約旦一周。當地的教會陪同我們探望伊拉克和敘利亞的難民，他們也幫助難民在約旦站立得住，神也特別恩待這間教會，讓他們有能力幫助這些難民，帶領他們信主。感謝神！我們在那裡看見神的作為。

         六月初有一批牧長來探望我們，他們對吉國的少數民族有感動。我們邀請了一些東干和烏茲別克基督徒來做見證，大家都有很好的得著。然後與他們一起到北疆走禱十二天。幾年前我們路過新疆，當地設施仍很落後，沒想到這幾年中國開發大西北，加上一帶一路，這裡已經大不一樣。我們看到神的手在後面推著，讓更多的基督徒藉此與鄰近國家接觸（中亞，東南亞，南亞和歐洲）。願神打開福音的通道，也讓我們基督徒跟著祂的腳踪。

         現在我們已回到美國，長樂已做眼皮手術，但一個月後眼睛還是腫的。如今一隻眼睛只能瞇著，不能打開，九月還要再開刀一次；現在兩隻眼睛焦距不配，容易頭昏。請繼續禱告，記念眼睛能消腫，並下一次手術成功。

代禱

1. 願神繼續引領我們帶穆斯林的孩子來信奉祂
2. 帶更多的基督徒工人與老師們來我們的幼兒園
3. 帶合夥人與我們一起擴展幼兒園事工
4. 帶合夥人來接替我們，讓我們能轉回美國
5. 與別的教會合作開展幼兒園事工
6. 神繼續帶領我們的吉國團隊
7. 為我們的同工，孩子老師禱告
8. 為我們的身體禱告，能繼續事奉祂

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Update & Give Thanks

         After both our cataract surgeries and before our eyes were settled we decided to fly back to Kyrgyzstan. We arrived Kyrgyzstan on Apr 18. Our kindergarten was in good control under Peter Tsui the administrator. Our teachers and workers are stable and we have about 40 children now. This helps relieve a big load off our shoulder. Although we are not quite at breakeven point but the negative is manageable. We had some time to visit the Kara Balta kindergarten. They started operation in the middle of April and have about 8 children. We did some basic teacher training end of last year and provided some Montessori material that we purchased. This kindergarten was attached to the church pastored by Marat. Richard and Yatling missionaries from Singapore was working with them. Pray that they will be successful.

         We ended getting prescription glasses made in Kyrgyzstan at 1/5 the cost of getting at US. It is a one day service. This is just amazing.

         While in US we watched so much news on the Iraqi and Syrian refugees. So many of them had to run away from ISIS persecution with nothing but their lives. We connected with a missionary from Sacramento. He traveled to the Middle East every 6 weeks to train the pastors. He welcomed us to go to Jordan with him to visit the refugees firsthand. We went and traveled with the Jordan church to see how they helped the Iraqi and Syrian refugees to cope with their loss of everything and struggle to survive in a foreign country. God really bless this church and lead them to witness to many refugees and bring them to Him. Praise the Lord. We were so touched by their work.

         At beginning of June a group of pastors visited us wanting to know the ministry to the minority groups in Kyrgyzstan. We arranged a few Dungan Christians to share their testimonies. It was a great gathering and we were all very encouraged. Afterwards we traveled with the group to Xinjiang for a 12-day prayer visit to the north part of Xinjiang. Years ago we passed by Xinjiang and had the impression of it being a backward part of China. But this time we saw the big change. China has been developing the West in the last few years and together with one belt one road initiative push we can see God’s hand is leading in helping more Chinese Christians to connect with the surrounding countries (Central Asia, South East Asia, South Asia and Europe). May God continue to open channels for gospels to move to these people and may we Christians follow His leading.

         Now we are back in US. Christa had her eyelid surgeries done. It has been a month now and her eyelids are still swollen. We can see one of her eyes cannot open and she need another surgery in September. With one eye almost shut her two eyes cannot focus well together. She gets dizzy often. Please pray for the swelling to subside and the next surgery will be successful.

Prayer Requests

1. God continues to speak to our hearts to bring the Muslim children to Him.
2. Bring more Christian workers and teachers to work with our kindergarten.
3. Bring partners to continue develop and expand the kindergarten ministry.
4. Bring partners to work with us so we may transition out of Kyrgyzstan back to US.
5. Work with churches in other villages to develop kindergarten ministry.
6. Pray that God would lead our team in Kyrgyzstan.
7. Pray for our staff, children and their families.
8. Pray for our health to continue to serve Him.