OCTOBER 2011

SENIORS MOMENTS
THE NEWSLETTER FOR THE SENIORS OF HURON PARK CHURCH Many of China's churches are overflowing, as the number of Christians in the country multiplies. In the past, repression drove people to convert - is the cause now rampant capitalism? It is impossible to say how many Christians there are in China today, but no-one denies the numbers are exploding.

The government says 25 million, 18 million Protestants and six million Catholics. Independent estimates all agree this is a vast underestimate. A conservative figure is 60 million. There are already more Chinese at church on a Sunday than in the whole of Europe. The new converts can be found from peasants in the remote rural villages to the sophisticated young middle class in the booming cities. Driven underground There is a complexity in the structures of Chinese Christianity which is little understood in the West. To start with, Catholicism and Protestantism are designated by the state as two separate religions. The Haidian Christian Church in Beijing was completely re-built to cope with rising numbers Throughout the 20th Century, Christianity was associated with Western imperialism. After the Communist victory in 1949, the missionaries were expelled, but Christianity was permitted in statesanctioned churches, so long as they gave their primary allegiance to the Communist Party. Mao, on the other hand, described religion as "poison", and the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s and 70s attempted to eradicate it. Driven underground, Christianity not only survived, but with its own Chinese martyrs, it grew in strength. Since the 1980s, when religious belief was again permitted, the official Churches have gradually created more space for themselves. They report to the State Administration for Religious Affairs. They are forbidden to take part in any religious activity outside their places of worship and sign up to the slogan, "Love the country - love your religion." In return the Party promotes atheism in schools but undertakes "to protect and respect religion until such time as religion itself will disappear". House Churches Protestants and Catholics are both divided into official and unofficial Churches. The officially sanctioned Catholic Patriotic Association appoints its own bishops and is not allowed to have any dealings with the Vatican, though Catholics are allowed to recognise the spiritual authority of the Pope.

There is a larger Catholic underground church, supported by the Vatican. Inch by inch, the Vatican and the government have been moving towards accommodation. Most bishops are now recognised by both, with neither side admitting the greater sovereignty of the other. Yet in the past few months, the Chinese government has again turned tough, ordaining its bishops in the teeth of opposition from the Vatican which has in turn excommunicated one of them. Even so, it would be wrong simply to dismiss the official church as a sham. In the mountains West of Beijing, I visited the village of Hou Sangyu where a Catholic Church has stood since the 14th Century. The tough faith of these old people had withstood the Japanese invasion and the Cultural Revolution. The village clinic was run by nuns, one from Inner Mongolia, a Catholic stronghold. It is from such villages that the Catholic Church recruits its young ordinands, to undertake training for the priesthood. The official Protestant Church is growing faster than Catholicism. On Easter morning, in downtown Beijing, I watched five services, each packed with over 1,500 worshippers. Sunday school was spilling on to the street. However, these numbers are dwarfed by the unofficial "house churches", spreading across the country, at odds with the official Church which fears the house churches' fervour may provoke a backlash. What the authorities consider non-negotiable is the house churches' refusal to acknowledge any official authority over their organisation. The State fears the influence of zealous American evangelism and some of the House Church theology has those characteristics, but, in many other respects, it seems to be an indigenous Chinese movement - charismatic, energetic and young. An educated young Christian described her church to me: "We have 50 young professionals in this church. Everyone is so busy working, you don't have time socialising, and even if you are socialising, you are putting on a fake face. "But in church people feel warm, they feel welcome they feel people really love them so they really want to join the community, a lot of people come for this."
Christians in China: Is the country in spiritual crisis?By Tim Gardam BBC Radio 4's God in China

Someone has written these beautiful words. Must read and try to understand the deep meaning of it. They are like the ten commandments to follow in life all the time. 1] Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout. 2] Why is a car's windshield/windscreen so large & the rear view mirror so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, Look Ahead and Move on. 3] Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes years to write, but only a few seconds to burn. 4] All things in life are temporary. If going well, enjoy it, they will not last forever. If going wrong, don't worry, they can't last long either.

5] Old Friends are Gold! New Friends are Diamond! If you get a Diamond, don't forget the Gold! Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a Base of Gold! 6] Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from above and says, "Relax, sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end! 7] When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn't solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities. 8] A blind person asked St. Anthony: "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?" He replied: "Yes, losing your vision!" (Saint Anthony of Padua, patron saint of lost and stolen articles, was a powerful Franciscan preacher and teacher.Editor) 9] When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them, and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you. 10] WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES, it takes away today's PEACE.

New Hope Family Ministries Break Free and Relax Aug. 28th, 2011 This day was truly filled with Gods people reaching out to be his hands and feet as we had the opportunity to minister to so many women. All total there were over 60 people at 24 Light St. We had 4 hair dressers in 2 rooms busy cutting and styling hair, while a massage therapist was doing her magic on backs and necks and a second one massaging hands before the women moved on to have a manicure. In what is normally the art room, there were two makeup artists and in the caf many relaxed with lemonade or looked through the many racks of clothing that were so generously donated. One of the hairdressers brought a bag of watches that were to be given to women with children under 13 years of age. Each lady also received a gift bag of cosmetics to take home and 5 door prized were donated by individuals and stores. Frieda Decker brought a collection of china cups and saucers that made this English Tea a real hit. Lilly Wong provided a chocolate fountain and we were told that there was no double dipping allowed. The walls were decorated with paintings that showed the kind of art that is created on Thursday mornings during Art Expression and there were many baby blankets and shawls on display that have been made by the women that come to have fellowship while

during Art Expression and there were many baby blankets and shawls on display that have been made by the women that come to have fellowship while knitting and crocheting gifts on Tuesday afternoons at our Stitches of Hope group. Before our tea began we had the benefit of watching a fashion show. The women participating in the fashion show had before and after pictures taken. Sherri has put these on a cd for us and we are hoping to be able to provide a picture to the participants. It was exciting to hear as the women talked about what a great time they had. One lady told us that she felt like a Queen all afternoon. This was a day that wont be quickly forgotten as we had the opportunity to create a relaxing atmosphere for many in Woodstock. We are encouraged to be able to have this great opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus as we reach out into the community. Thank you all for your prayers for New Hope Family Ministries.
NEWS FROM .......LESLEY KAYSER JULY 2011

The Lord gives strength to the weary, and those who hope in Him will renew their strength...so sit still my daughter...be joyful always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances.
These thoughts from Gods Word and many more are refreshing and restoring my soul in these days. I arrived in Canada from Bolivia at the beginning of April, very tired, and needing a rest. The past year had been very exhausting with the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Womens Ministries last December. The responsibility of the new church plant, meeting in our home for now, the childrens meetings each Saturday and taking care of the many people who need help and a listening ear.. March 19th, marked 40 years of service for me in Bolivia. The Christians from the churches in Trinidad went all out in planning several celebrations and delicious meals. They composed poems and songs in my honour....it was a wonderful time of thanksgiving and praise to the Lord for His goodness and faithfulness. Fellow missionaries and representatives from the national womens ministries came from several places in Bolivia to share in the special occasion. I was so moved to hear, see and feel the deep love and appreciation of all who shared and participated. Since the middle of April, I have had a forced period of rest...getting over a time of pain in my left leg, caused by sciatica, arthritis and 3 discs in my lower back that have degenerated slightly. Thankfully I have good medical care and now am feeling much better in myself, with not nearly so much pain and discomfort. I am so thankful to my

sister and brother in law, who so lovingly open their home, make me comfortable and see that I arrive at my doctors appointments on time! Last week I was able to travel with friends to enjoy several days at their home overlooking lovely Georgian Bay. I am slowly beginning to do things again, but need to be careful not to get too busy too soon! NEW LIFE IN CHRIST CONGREGATION....Trinidad ..Bolivia Please pray for the new church, which meets in our patio...we are looking to the Lord to guide us in the buying of a property in order to build a church, classrooms, the Pastors house , a volley ball and basketball court and parking area. The congregation has been saving for over a year now, and has several contacts and possibilities to finance the project. We have an ideal property in mind, whose owner will wait for us until we have the needed funds. Praise the Lord for the 3 young people and one lady who were baptized recently. Our patio is really too small now to hold everyone, as on Sunday mornings and evenings we have a full house! In my next letter I will give you more details and the project name and number. In the mean time please continue to pray for wisdom and the Lords timing and provision. We know that our God will supply our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. TRINIDAD EMERGENCY HEALTH PROJECT # 091209

Thanks to all who have given to the Emergency Health project, it is such a help to so many in need...the fund needs to be replenished, so I leave this before you for your prayerful consideration. One Saturday just before I left Bolivia, a 7 year old girl attended our childrens Happy Hour. When I heard her name I remembered her story. Milca was born prematurely, and needed the treatment to strengthen her lungs in order to survive. Her parents having exhausted all their recourses, came to me, desperately wanting to save her life. The Emergency Health Project paid for the needed treatment, and today Milca is a healthy, pretty little girl! Last year I wrote to you about a young couple, Lucho and Raquel who were in a bad car accident. Raquel needed several operations on her leg and skin grafting. She has recovered very well. But still has pain and needs more treatment. The project helped them with $1000 towards the costs. You will be pleased to know that the Lord has prospered their business and they have been able to purchase another vehicle, which they use to help many folk in need. They have asked me to thank you and send warm Christian greetings. Recently Raquel helped with the planning of a womens conference held in the city of Santa Ana, a five hour drive (in the dry season) north of Trinidad. 140 ladies attended from Trinidad and several surrounding towns. The timely messages were a real help to all both spiritually and in a practical way in dealing with home situations and family life. The new regional committee was elected and Raquel is now the secretary. Continue to pray for her health. As you know the difficult situations in life prepare us to be available for others in need of encouragement. Lord willing, my return date to return to Bolivia is the middle of October....I ll be in touch before then... My Canadian address is: 9 Oak St. Box 307 Beachville, Ontario N0J 1A0 phone 519 423-9811 e-mail jandgmcswain@sympatico.ca SIM CANADA 10 Huntingdale Blvd, Scarborough, Ontario M1W 2S5 phone 416 497-2424

Sincerely thanking you for your love and faithfulness.. God bless you abundantly. Lesley

HAPPY NEW YEAR! It may seem a bit early, but I thought I would say this as it is the start of a new year for our seniors meetings. Usually at the start of a new year the media will give you a recap of the past year and since they say I am their reporter, here goes. We started out with an interesting talk from the Mayberrys about the problems one can encounter with speech and culture in a new country. Next came another interesting look at an organization known as the Christian Gleaners. This is a group who take food, chop it, dry it and make prepackaged soups for third world countries. The following month we had our Christmas meeting, followed in January with a great Travelogue. February was a games meeting with all participating, then in March we were treated to a program where the grandmother of Jordan Grant (former youth pastor) painted an awesome picture for us. This painting was then presented it to a member. April brought us to the spring rally with other churches. This rally was held at Oxford Baptist. We ended our year with a cruise down the Grand River and dinner on the boat. The Lord gave us great weather & I believe it was enjoyed by all. We also have to look back with a bit of sadness as we lost two of our members, Mary Crawford and George Kent, but we know they are both in a better place. One more thing before we go, we congratulate Nancy Jones and Phillip Humphrey on their recent marriage. It was a good year with many delicious meals together so HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone as we look forward to what this year will bring. Marjorie Talbot-Dorey Missions Report Bev and Pam Cope - Pam has started in a new position with Wycliffe. She is now the National Co-ordinator for member applications. Bev continues with his programming work. Zab is in grade 12 and Beverley is beginning to make applications for medical school, once she completes her third year. Peter and Janice Maybury - Janice is beginning her home-schooling with their two children. Peter continues working on the new hospital as well as helping build a home for some team members. They are making plans for the start up of their kids club. They are requesting prayer as to their future ministry in Togo. There is a group north of Mango who are requesting teaching. They are also looking for one or two renters to share the house with Peters mother in London. The Bolducs - They request prayer for Joel as he adapts to life in Canada as he begins university in Montreal, and for the other two children as they begin school. Janine is beginning teaching English at their community centre. Pray for her relationships with her students. Pray for wisdom for Pierre as be balances the four areas of his ministry. Henry and Shirley Davis - They report that their church plant is close to becoming autonomous. They ask for prayer for Henry, as he has gone back to school to work on his Master of Theology. They also ask for prayer for their son Gary, who is struggling with depression and anxiety. They are asking us to pray that the men in their church will take more leadership. Terry and Elaine Cuthbert - They report that the French regions goal of reaching one hundred churches by 2013 is in sight. They currently have sixty-four member churches and others at various stages of planting, totalling ninety-seven. They are asking for prayer for God to raise up more workers and also for new workers to join their team in Bulgaria. David and Susan Schmidt - They are currently on furlough and find themselves busy teaching in churches and schools. David is to be in Israel to encourage the churches there and looks to meet with their pastors. He will also attend a meeting with twelve pastors in countries in their area. They report that their son Ben and his son are doing well in New Brunswick. The Schmidts return to Israel in January. Bernie and Vi Murrin returned to Bolivia for a month last August. They ask for prayer for Vi as she has been taken off one of her medications which has resulted in a great deal of pain. The

Vander Meulens have purchased a home in Cambridge, where Frank is studying at Heritage. They ask for prayer for Eleanor as she seeks full time employment. Kathy Bowman The Golden Agers were treated to musical entertainment provided by accordionist, Ian Robinson, and vocalist, Larry James (aka Jim Allcock). The musical items included Oh what a beautiful morning (Oklahoma) , I could have danced all night (My Fair Lady), April Showers and The Anniversary Song.

It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do a little.

Sydney Smith