Engaging in Global Issues!

On Thursday, Hannah and I flew off to Bangkok with one other TCIS teacher and 10 students to attend the second annual Global Issues Network conference in Asia. Just like last year, the conference was outstanding and our whole student group is buzzing with excitement and energy about tackling some of the dire global issues facing our word today. We heard keynote speakers like Tony Banbury (director of the UN's World Food Program) and Ryan Hryljac of the Ryan's Well Foundation (a 17-year old from Ontario who builds wells in Africa); we engaged in workshops and led a very successful one; the students were part of Global Village teams that met each day and that were composed of students from different schools; we watched performances from local schools and engaged in games and simulations. It was wonderful, and the students were inspired and filled with hope that they can become agents of change and transformation. It was such a blessing that Hannah and I could share this experience together!

The mission of the Mercy Centre

On Monday morning, after the official conference activities were over, our school group and a few teachers from other schools signed up for an optional visit to The Mercy Centre in the Klong Tuey slum area in downtown Bangkok. This is an incredible place. Staff provide hospice care for HIV/AIDS patients, childcare and education for young children and a wide array of community services. There are approximately 200,000 people living in the Klong Tuey area in small shacks and houses and The Mercy Centre's policy is that "it's doors are never closed". They help anyone who needs help and share love in so many tangible, beautiful ways. We were all moved by what we saw and several students are hoping they can go back sometime to serve as volunteers.

Sightseeing at the Grand Palace...

To finish off our time in Bangkok, our group visited the Grand Palace. We'd been there as a family at Christmas and it was a place I really wanted the students to see. They were amazed by the site's grandeur, which provided a stark contrast to the Klong Tuey slum we visited in the morning.

Taking a Stand Against Global Poverty

On Monday, March 9th the Global Issues Network Association at TCIS (11 students and 3 staff members, LeeAnne included) hosted a big Hunger Banquet to raise funds for a community of Zimbabwean refugees living in Mozambique. Over 230 people attended the event, which included a simulation based on world statistics. Sixty per cent of attendees were assigned to the low-income group; 25 per cent to the middle-income group; 15 per cent to the high-income group (which, by the way, statistically includes anyone who earns more than $11,500 Canadian per year). Meals were tailored according to class, so the low-income folks received a bowl of rice and a glass of water while high-income participants received a three-course dinner served by waiters who attended to their every need. Student musicians performed during the program after dinner and the evening was extremely successful. We raised 9,068,880 won ($7,777 Canadian)! What a blessing to be involved in such a thought-provoking and successful event.

Serving in India...

During winter break Rebecca and Hannah went to Beulah Children's Home in Bangalore, India. As a dynamic duo, they served with several other students and four teachers. They led worship sessions, played with the children, taught lessons in the afternoon and just spent time loving the kids. They were as moved by their time at Beulah Home as Brian and I were, and look forward to returning. They were overwhelmed by the evidence of God's amazing and healing spirit among these joyful and beautiful orphans.

Building Friendships in the Philippines

While the female members of the household were enjoying adventures in India and Malaysia, Brian spent last week with a fantastic group of TCIS High School students near the town of Baler in Aurora Province, Philippines. Our Habitat for Humanity venture allowed us to meet local volunteers on a very busy home building site. Throughout the week, our crew learned valuable skills in bricklaying, cement mixing, carrying water and hauling sand/gravel by hand. Many friendships were struck, including one with Juanito, a father of 5, a skilled craftsman and a H4H volunteer. Juanito and others demonstrated patience and love for their Korean guests, blessing us with home building knowledge and rich Philippine hospitality. Together, our two cultures shared in the dedication of a finished H4H home. As the final prayers of blessing were said and the receiving family accepted the key, a rainbow appeared over the home as if to remind us of God's promise to care for His people.