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Post by CherieKropp on Feb 4, 2014 14:01:07 GMT -5
I ran across this in my files... Note the 2 bolded paragraphs near the end! I was really impressed. I'm wondering when does the sun come up in VN? They seem to get up at a very early hour for N. Americans!
Extracts of a translated letter from Chau from Viet Nam. Jan, 12, 1980 To Cuong
Would you please send greetings to all our brothers and sisters. About 3 weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit Pham, Diep and Xoan. At this time Hieu doesn't teach at Sadec any more, he is in Saigon. He doesn't come here any more, but Thanh, Hieu's younger brother, is still faithful.
I visited Mai Hoa. She is very gentle and faithful. She is now working in an office. She asked for time off, and she was off all afternoon and we visited together. When a person lives alone they have many temptations and tests, so they need counsel and attention. Mai lives with her sister and aunt. In that home there are also six nieces end nephews, but none of them have any fellowship with Mai Hoa. We had a good opportunity to visit and read the Bible and pray.
I also visited Ut, but she appeared very worldly. She still works at the theater where they show movies. That profession is very harmful to spiritual life. We have advised her to change work, but she enjoys that work, so she would nod her head, but does not follow. Pham and Diep are still as faithful as before. Xoan is going to the university at Can Tho. She returns home once every three weeks.
The day following I went to visit Mr. and Mrs. Y. They are still tailoring, but at this time it isn't too good. Y asked about the nieces of Ngon and how they are. Are any of then professing yet? The day before they heard of the boys of Mr. and Mrs. Nghia making their choice, they had thought it was the nieces of Ngon. Their son is now quite large, 6 years old, and he appears obedient and better than before. Mr. Y said when they eat he reminds them to give thanks. I had time to have fellowship with Mr. and Mrs. Y that night and early the next a.m.
On the way home I stopped at your house. I had bought a loaf of bread because at that time it was noon. When I arrived he told his wife to buy coconut for me to drink. It was a really a large one and its contents filled a large glass. Then he very kindly went to buy chicken soup for me to eat, even though I had already eaten. He insisted that I eat it. I respect him a lot, so I ate. On that day it was very hot. I ate the whole bowl of soup and drank all the coconut milk, and before that I hadn't thought I could eat it.
The next morning I went to visit Mr. and Mrs. Thong. I had planned the day following to visit Mr. Dang, but I met him at the hospital because he was sick, and had entered the hospital two days before. Mr. and Mrs. Thong still teach and make banana ice cream to sell. I visited Mrs. Tu and then visited Thu Anh* and Bang Ngoc. I also went to visit the household of Mr. Dang. It was Wed. so Bang Ngoc* went to Saigon and I stayed in My Tho and went to Mr. Dang's house for Bible study with the friends there.
After meeting Mrs. Thong invited us to their home and we had bean soup and visited. The next a.m., 5:30. Mr. and Mrs. Thong studied the Bible together with the friends. We studied Is. 53 because Mr. and Mrs. Thong are now studying that book. I very much enjoyed what is written there about fasting, and the Lord is pleased and longs to see there would be more fasting in our lives: fasting from speaking our own words, "doing thine own ways nor finding thine own pleasure." I know that I must restrain myself more, although when I do this my human nature feels the pain of it, but that is the only way we can please the Lord. I am also reminded of the verse in Is. 53:11. "He shall see the travail of his soul, and be satisfied; by His knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many." It is good to think of the results of Christ's willingness for the travail of His soul. Christ was willing to bear the cross, despise the shame.
The results are so great when compared with what we must refuse. I want to look at the results more than look at the price I must pay, so that I can cheerfully endure everything when I live for the Lord. After we studied the Bible we visited a little with each other and then everybody had to go to work except Mrs. Thong, Thu Anh* and I. Mr. and Mrs. Thong invited us to eat before we left.
A few months before we volunteered to help Mr. and Mrs. Sanh a day in making their adobe-brick house. They have a little piece of land but are unable to get the house built so Hoa suggested we help. At 4:30 we started from here. Everybody went by pedal bicycle except Ninh and he went by motor byke and carried the food. When we arrived at Soldier's cemetery we paused to rest and eat breakfast and study the Bible in James 3 and 4. At that time it was about 6. After that we continued on our journey.
When we arrived everybody very enthusiastically worked. We didn't have enough tools so some would rest and another would use the tools. We worked until about 11 then we paused to rest and eat. All of the food was spread on the foundation of the mud house of Mr. and Mrs. Sanh. After we sang grace we enjoyed our meal very much. After resting, at 1:30 we began again. About 3 the project was finished. At this time we were all very tired, our hands were swollen, but we were very happy because we were able to help our brother and sister. About 4 p.m. we pedaled our bicycles back.
The lunar new year this year comes on Sat. Feb. 16. We hope to have our convention the first 3 days of the new year, beginning on Friday and ending on Sunday. Ngoc and Thu Anh* are still well. All of the brothers and sisters here are happy and well. I will stop here.
I send love in Christ to all.
Chau. Note: Thu Anh was the first native sister worker to enter the work. From the context, it seems that Bang Ngoc was probably also a native sister worker.
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Feb 4, 2014 15:49:30 GMT -5
Post by CherieKropp on Feb 4, 2014 15:49:30 GMT -5
Is it daylight at 4:30 am?
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Feb 4, 2014 16:06:54 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2014 16:06:54 GMT -5
Is it daylight at 4:30 am? Not even close. It starts to get light roughly around 6am in the South at this time of year. It is fairly close to the equator so it doesn't change much in Saigon year 'round. Hanoi is a different matter. At this time of year, it gets light later in the morning and earlier at night by around a half hour at each end.....about an hour less light, then an hour extra in June.....just roughly. Last year around this time we were tramping around in a rat infested hotel in Bangkok waiting for a bus at 5:30 am and it was quite dark. Things started opening up around 6am in the neighbourhood at 6am and it was still pretty dark.....it's a bit north of Saigon in latitude.
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Feb 4, 2014 16:41:44 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2014 16:41:44 GMT -5
Is it daylight at 4:30 am? Not even close. It starts to get light roughly around 6am in the South at this time of year. It is fairly close to the equator so it doesn't change much in Saigon year 'round. Hanoi is a different matter. At this time of year, it gets light later in the morning and earlier at night by around a half hour at each end.....about an hour less light, then an hour extra in June.....just roughly. Last year around this time we were tramping around in a rat infested hotel in Bangkok waiting for a bus at 5:30 am and it was quite dark. Things started opening up around 6am in the neighbourhood at 6am and it was still pretty dark.....it's a bit north of Saigon in latitude. About what time did the rats get up?
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Post by Scott Ross on Feb 4, 2014 16:55:00 GMT -5
As soon as he rolled out of bed.......
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Feb 4, 2014 16:56:16 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2014 16:56:16 GMT -5
Not even close. It starts to get light roughly around 6am in the South at this time of year. It is fairly close to the equator so it doesn't change much in Saigon year 'round. Hanoi is a different matter. At this time of year, it gets light later in the morning and earlier at night by around a half hour at each end.....about an hour less light, then an hour extra in June.....just roughly. Last year around this time we were tramping around in a rat infested hotel in Bangkok waiting for a bus at 5:30 am and it was quite dark. Things started opening up around 6am in the neighbourhood at 6am and it was still pretty dark.....it's a bit north of Saigon in latitude. About what time did the rats get up? Hard to say, we didn't start to see them until after it got light. Our bus missed us that morning and we were offered a free night in that hotel.....my wife didn't like the idea for some reason! lol Fortunately we convinced some Thai guy that it was life or death that we get to the Cambodian border and he bundled us in a car and caught us up to the bus! No more rats......
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Feb 4, 2014 17:23:57 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2014 17:23:57 GMT -5
Rats? Oh you mean RATS, not Rational! Actually, just be glad you didn't have to eat them.
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Feb 4, 2014 17:25:57 GMT -5
Post by snow on Feb 4, 2014 17:25:57 GMT -5
Rats? Oh you mean RATS, not Rational! Actually, just be glad you didn't have to eat them. I am so thankful for so many things in my life.
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Feb 4, 2014 17:30:26 GMT -5
Post by quizzer on Feb 4, 2014 17:30:26 GMT -5
Edgarmassey, can I use this photo for Truth Archives? Sure -- You are welcome to any material that is mine -- wherever you may find it. Thank you!
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Feb 4, 2014 17:37:03 GMT -5
Post by shipwreckedsailor on Feb 4, 2014 17:37:03 GMT -5
Oh...... a lot of them are awake and well aware of what is going on. I think that some of those overseers are starting to feel the pinch. So far, these overseers are so stuck on themselves and their self-appointed place in the church that they probably think that they are going to be able to weather the storms that they create. However, the cost of weathering the storms they create are going to just continue to erode the church worldwide. It is the declining gospel meeting attendance, and the closed homes that will finally get their attention..... perhaps. Once they look at just who they are losing, and who is skipping meetings will they hopefully understand just how bad the situation is becoming. They are losing the support of the wage earners, and those who have homes to stay in and hold meetings in for the future health and continuation of the fellowship. Another thing that they probably aren't really understanding is the number of elders who no longer support them. These are the people leading the fellowship meetings, which are the backbone of the fellowship. These elders will be the ones that influence the future of the church.....if they stay in that is. Their testimonies in Sunday morning meetings, along with the testimonies of others who no longer support the 'system', are about Christ, and about scripture. I am pretty sure that many of those professing people here on the TMB are the ones who are giving testimonies in their Sunday morning meetings that never refer to 'when the workers came into their life', or have anything to do with workers. These are the people who are going to be affecting what the fellowship is going to be like in the years to come. Yes, we are about 10 elders and about 100 friends with one truely worker still going on the fellowship with God after seeing as The church in Ephesus in Revelation 2:2 2 I know thy works, and thy toil and patience, and that thou canst not bear evil men, and didst try them that call themselves apostles, and they are not, and didst find them false; We don't want to cooperate with evil men with their false. Still trusting in our God's promise. We can see clearly how God had take care and blessing upon us.Amen! And He will continue to bless you all as you gather in His Name! Our prayers are with you all continually!!
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Feb 4, 2014 17:42:51 GMT -5
Post by fixit on Feb 4, 2014 17:42:51 GMT -5
As soon as he rolled out of bed....... Which was too late for the bus it seems.
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Feb 4, 2014 17:51:00 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2014 17:51:00 GMT -5
About what time did the rats get up? Hard to say, we didn't start to see them until after it got light. Our bus missed us that morning and we were offered a free night in that hotel.....my wife didn't like the idea for some reason! lol Fortunately we convinced some Thai guy that it was life or death that we get to the Cambodian border and he bundled us in a car and caught us up to the bus! No more rats...... Just proves my old adage that you should never travel without your cat Your wife is to be commended for her clear thinking!
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Feb 4, 2014 17:55:19 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2014 17:55:19 GMT -5
As soon as he rolled out of bed....... Which was too late for the bus it seems. Someone obviously forgot to tell CD that the rats were the alarm....uh clock.
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Feb 4, 2014 18:02:38 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2014 18:02:38 GMT -5
Which was too late for the bus it seems. Someone obviously forgot to tell CD that the rats were the alarm....uh clock. Well, we had been on the bus from Chiang Mai since 7pm the previous evening which dropped us in Bangkok at 5:30 am, and there was no sleeping with the rats. It was more fun to go and wander the streets filled with all sorts of interesting people.....I mean all sorts! You gotta love SE Asia.....I recommend it to anyone...it's an adventure!
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Feb 4, 2014 18:04:22 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2014 18:04:22 GMT -5
Hard to say, we didn't start to see them until after it got light. Our bus missed us that morning and we were offered a free night in that hotel.....my wife didn't like the idea for some reason! lol Fortunately we convinced some Thai guy that it was life or death that we get to the Cambodian border and he bundled us in a car and caught us up to the bus! No more rats...... Just proves my old adage that you should never travel without your cat Your wife is to be commended for her clear thinking! I think your cat would have had a real tangle with those big boys!
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Post by minhthanh on Feb 4, 2014 18:26:42 GMT -5
1 Friends in Saigon coming to visit friends in countryside (Binh Long)
2 On the way to one of the house of friends
3 Joy of meeting again
4 Friends in the countryside
5 A gathering in the countryside6 Singing Hymn
7 Preparing for the meal
1) We are 16 friends sharing the cost of hiring a van to Binh Long, according to the ability of each one. (Some among us very poor, but they long for visiting friends in the countryside for encouragement together) 2) Going aross the rubber forest to their place. 3) Two of us are Thanh & Bình with sister Hỷ in the middle. Our names going together bring the meaning "Joyful in Peace" 4) In the right of uncle Hoa is the couple at this place Mr Hóa & Mrs Hỷ (my cousin). The rest are living in Phuoc Long, they had travel a long way to come through the rubber forest more than two hours in the motobike. Very hard for our friends to come. 5) We are gathering inside the room with 23 friends, here some unprofessed sitting in the kitchen to listen. This is the first time the electricity reach to this place, after 38 years living there without eletricity. Today they just have the electric cooker. 6) Our gathering in the room. 23 friends & 3 children. 7) One sister friends in Dalat support for this meal (a very simple soup). More than 10 friends in Phuoc Long & Bình Long. Just only 2 friends still in 2x2 fellowship. But full of sadness, he sent a message through his cell phone to all F&W, asking workers solve the mess for restoring the love and unity as before. (He said the workers causing this proplem, so they had to solve it). We never reach to the number 300. Just around 250 before the mess. In the North, many young students professed in the beginning, almost of them followed in a short time then stopped. The number in the North now a round 20. Two friends who were close to uncle Châu were chased out of their fellowship by two elders, because they didn't welcome workers to their home. (Two elders are very rich, this couple very poor) Many young friends in the South stopped due to not seeing any unity among workers. They try to have a comfortable life as workers, but in another way. They spend all their time in studying or working for earning much money as possible they can. The number now is around 200 friends, almost the friends in the countryside still going on as ever. Many new and rich friends in big city belong to 2x2 fellowship. Rich in money but poor in love. They don't unite & cooperate in God's work much as we have. So you can visualize like this. More than a half of friends still going on with God as ever. (one native worker uncle Hoa and many old elders still have close working together as in the past) . The rest friends almost in the big city, many among which are rich people. The elders are new too. We can't count the number, because we do know much among them not safisfy with their atmosphere in the fellowship. Anyway the number of golden friends still a litlte bigger... We thanks for God still reigning, taking care and keeping us, who want to serve God with whole hearted.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2014 18:30:53 GMT -5
Just proves my old adage that you should never travel without your cat Your wife is to be commended for her clear thinking! I think your cat would have had a real tangle with those big boys! You mean my 19 lb scaredy cat? You are so right: that big goof was afraid of the baby squirrel he saw in the garage. He's big, but he ain't bad.
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Feb 4, 2014 19:00:55 GMT -5
Post by fixit on Feb 4, 2014 19:00:55 GMT -5
MT: Did Uncle Chau and Uncle Hoa invite the foreign workers to take control in Vietnam?
I'm not clear about how the transition happened.
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Feb 4, 2014 21:17:08 GMT -5
Post by minhthanh on Feb 4, 2014 21:17:08 GMT -5
MT: Did Uncle Chau and Uncle Hoa invite the foreign workers to take control in Vietnam? I'm not clear about how the transition happened. At first they came and everyone was welcome them because they came as helpers to local workers. Gradually, the foreign workers had more influence owing to they had a lot of money and spent a lot of money for rent apartments, restaurants, transportation...They exclusively decided to call and approve new workers (I used the words "recruit the workers"). At last we surprised that the native workers are in charge of the church only on paper (in front of the authorities), the real power is on the hands of foreign workers. The transition is transparent.
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Feb 4, 2014 21:44:25 GMT -5
Post by fixit on Feb 4, 2014 21:44:25 GMT -5
MT: Did Uncle Chau and Uncle Hoa invite the foreign workers to take control in Vietnam? I'm not clear about how the transition happened. At first they came and everyone was welcome them because they came as helpers to local workers. Gradually, the foreign workers had more influence owing to they had a lot of money and spent a lot of money for rent apartments, restaurants, transportation...They exclusively decided to call and approve new workers (I used the words "recruit the workers"). At last we surprised that the native workers are in charge of the church only on paper (in front of the authorities), the real power is on the hands of foreign workers. The transition is transparent. Is Uncle Hoa in charge of the Golden Friends (on paper, with the authorities)? Or is Uncle Chau in charge of both the Golden friends and the 2x2 Friends (on paper), taking care of both from Cambodia? It seems that the authorities should be told the truth.
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Post by songbird on Feb 4, 2014 22:24:10 GMT -5
We had an American brother named Mike Thorsteinson... He knew many things happening because he labored in VN many years and also accompanied with D.T too. He disagreed with some deeds of D.T and also with uncle Lyle letter, too. One time uncle Hoa had suggested to overseers in his letter that. We wanted brother Mike to be our overseer, and we will support him in that duty. (Mike had a tender heart, sweet love, humble in his words and his action too. We do love him...) ... Uncle Mike is a very good companion with uncle Hoa... When we read in the list of the worker's field in 2010. It was Uncle Mike and uncle Chau together. We all said "Two tender workers go together... But unfortunate for uncle Chau... He has chase out in the beginning of that year. We don't know where uncle Mike labor now, maybe in Laos... I do miss him, uncle Mike stay with us some time... during the special meetings. Mike is back in Washington state now. It is clear to see that he returned from VN very heart-sick. It seems that distressing thoughts often cross his mind and he has to stop when speaking (both in general conversation and during meetings) to hold back tears or regain composure. This is not the way he was before he left for VN. He doesn't speak of details when asked about VN and I was unaware of the problems that were there until very recently. One thing he does mention is his love for the people he left there. Actually, it was my curiosity for what was going on there and what might have caused him to return in the very changed condition that he is in that caused me to start searching and led to me this board. Minh Thanh, the joy that comes through your posts and pictures of the fellowship you all are enjoying in spite of all that has gone on is wonderful. It fills me with joy too! Thank you for sharing with us. Please know that many pray for you. I have no doubt that Mike prays for you also. One of his recent messages during special meetings was about praying and not fainting. Now I begin to understand why that message was on his heart.
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Feb 4, 2014 22:26:16 GMT -5
Post by minhthanh on Feb 4, 2014 22:26:16 GMT -5
I ran across this in my files... Note the 2 bolded paragraphs near the end! I was really impressed. I'm wondering when does the sun come up in VN? They seem to get up at a very early hour for N. Americans! Extracts of a translated letter from Chau from Viet Nam. Jan, 12, 1980 To Chong Would you please send greetings to all our brothers and sisters. About 3 weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit Pham, Diep and Xoan. At this time Hieu doesn't teach at Sadec any more, he is in Saigon. He doesn't come here any more, but Thanh, Hieu's younger brother, is still faithful. I visited Mai Hoa. She is very gentle and faithful. She is now working in an office. She asked for time off, and she was off all afternoon and we visited together. When a person lives alone they have many temptations and tests, so they need counsel and attention. Mai lives with her sister and aunt. In that home there are also six nieces end nephews, but none of them have any fellowship with Mai Hoa. We had a good opportunity to visit and read the Bible and pray. I also visited Ut, but she appeared very worldly. She still works at the theater where they show movies. That profession is very harmful to spiritual life. We have advised her to change work, but she enjoys that work, so she would nod her head, but does not follow. Pham and Diep are still as faithful as before. Xoan is going to the university at Can Tho. She returns home once every three weeks. The day following I went to visit Mr. and Mrs. Y. They are still tailoring, but at this time it isn't too good. Y asked about the nieces of Ngon and how they are. Are any of then professing yet? The day before they heard of the boys of Mr. and Mrs. Nghia making their choice, they had thought it was the nieces of Ngon. Their son is now quite large, 6 years old, and he appears obedient and better than before. Mr. Y said when they eat he reminds them to give thanks. I had time to have fellowship with Mr. and Mrs. Y that night and early the next a.m. On the way home I stopped at your house. I had bought a loaf of bread because at that time it was noon. When I arrived he told his wife to buy coconut for me to drink. It was a really a large one and its contents filled a large glass. Then he very kindly went to buy chicken soup for me to eat, even though I had already eaten. He insisted that I eat it. I respect him a lot, so I ate. On that day it was very hot. I ate the whole bowl of soup and drank all the coconut milk, and before that I hadn't thought I could eat it. The next morning I went to visit Mr. and Mrs. Thong. I had planned the day following to visit Mr. Dang, but I met him at the hospital because he was sick, and had entered the hospital two days before. Mr. and Mrs. Thong still teach and make banana ice cream to sell. I visited Mrs. Tu and then visited Thu Anh* and Bang Ngoc. I also went to visit the household of Mr. Dang. It was Wed. so Bang Ngoc* went to Saigon and I stayed in My Tho and went to Mr. Dang's house for Bible study with the friends there. After meeting Mrs. Thong invited us to their home and we had bean soup and visited. The next a.m., 5:30. Mr. and Mrs. Thong studied the Bible together with the friends. We studied Is. 53 because Mr. and Mrs. Thong are now studying that book. I very much enjoyed what is written there about fasting, and the Lord is pleased and longs to see there would be more fasting in our lives: fasting from speaking our own words, "doing thine own ways nor finding thine own pleasure." I know that I must restrain myself more, although when I do this my human nature feels the pain of it, but that is the only way we can please the Lord. I am also reminded of the verse in Is. 53:11. "He shall see the travail of his soul, and be satisfied; by His knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many." It is good to think of the results of Christ's willingness for the travail of His soul. Christ was willing to bear the cross, despise the shame. The results are so great when compared with what we must refuse. I want to look at the results more than look at the price I must pay, so that I can cheerfully endure everything when I live for the Lord. After we studied the Bible we visited a little with each other and then everybody had to go to work except Mrs. Thong, Thu Anh* and I. Mr. and Mrs. Thong invited us to eat before we left. A few months before we volunteered to help Mr. and Mrs. Xanh (Sanh) a day in making their adobe-brick house. They have a little piece of land but are unable to get the house built so Hoa suggested we help. At 4:30 we started from here. Everybody went by pedal bicycle except Ninh ands he went by motor byke and carried the food. When we arrived at Nghia Trang (The cemetary of soldiers) we paused to rest and eat breakfast and study the Bible in James 3 and 4. At that time it was about 6. After that we continued on our journey.
When we arrived everybody very enthusiastically worked. We didn't have enough tools so some would rest and another would use the tools. We worked until about 11 then we paused to rest and eat. All of the food was spread on the foundation of the mud house of Mr. and Mrs. Xanh. After we sang grace we enjoyed our meal very much. After resting, at 1:30 we began again. About 3 the project was finished. At this time we were all very tired, our hands were swollen, but we were very happy because we were able to help our brother and sister. About 4 p.m. we pedaled our bicycles back.The lunar new year this year comes on Sat. Feb. 16. We hope to have our convention the first 3 days of the new year, beginning on Friday and ending on Sunday. Ngoc and Thu Anh* are still well. All of the brothers and sisters here are happy and well. I will stop here. I send love in Christ to all. Chau. Note: Thu Anh was the first native sister worker to enter the work. From the context, it seems that Bang Ngoc was probably also a native sister worker. Many thanks for your hard working Cherrie. All the best pictures in the past coming to my mind with tear in my eyes. I was a member in the group. Yes, Băng Ngoc was a native sister worker. One time she visited friends at an area very strict. She was captured and put into prison. At last they let her free after many months. After prison she stopped the work because of fear. The same as Thư Anh, her companion stopped. But our two brother workers still keep on through many hard conditions. Now Mrs Băng Ngọc was married and settled in Ottawa,Canada. I know this is a translated letter, so some name wasn't correct. But the activities of F&W are real. It took at least 4 hours to travel by bicycle, at that time our bicycle were a cheap (not good quality) ones. very simple, easily broken. (One time my husband carried me on a bicycle, suddenly seeing we were lying on the street (fortunately we were still alive), because the bicycle was breaking on the neck !!!). Back to our story. At this time we were all very tired, our hands were swollen, but we were very happy because we were able to help our brother and sister. About 4 p.m. we pedaled our bicycles back...
No sooner we were in nightfall, all around became dark, no light along the way. It's about 45Km far from Saigon. We didn't stop at any places for rest although all were tired. Because it was too late and darkness around, we couldn't ride fast as in the morning. We went along the border of the road. The young and sister friends rode first, then the brothers were in the back group. However my bicycle hit a drunkard, I fell over him. May be it made a little pain on him, he was bad-tempered to me. Then brothers came, gently explained and delivered me out of the drunkard. We arrived home very late at that night.
Today, I am still afraid while remembering that situation. Thanks Cherrie, Uncle Châu's letter remind the time we were poor but full of love. I had received all your email, please compassion with my late answer, because of this time we are very busy with many arrangement settled.
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Feb 4, 2014 22:53:02 GMT -5
Post by minhthanh on Feb 4, 2014 22:53:02 GMT -5
We had an American brother named Mike Thorsteinson... He knew many things happening because he labored in VN many years and also accompanied with D.T too. He disagreed with some deeds of D.T and also with uncle Lyle letter, too. One time uncle Hoa had suggested to overseers in his letter that. We wanted brother Mike to be our overseer, and we will support him in that duty. (Mike had a tender heart, sweet love, humble in his words and his action too. We do love him...) ... Uncle Mike is a very good companion with uncle Hoa... When we read in the list of the worker's field in 2010. It was Uncle Mike and uncle Chau together. We all said "Two tender workers go together... But unfortunate for uncle Chau... He has chase out in the beginning of that year. We don't know where uncle Mike labor now, maybe in Laos... I do miss him, uncle Mike stay with us some time... during the special meetings. Mike is back in Washington state now. It is clear to see that he returned from VN very heart-sick. It seems that distressing thoughts often cross his mind and he has to stop when speaking (both in general conversation and during meetings) to hold back tears or regain composure. This is not the way he was before he left for VN. He doesn't speak of details when asked about VN and I was unaware of the problems that were there until very recently. One thing he does mention is his love for the people he left there. Actually, it was my curiosity for what was going on there and what might have caused him to return in the very changed condition that he is in that caused me to start searching and led to me this board. Mihn Than, the joy that comes through your posts and pictures of the fellowship you all are enjoying in spite of all that has gone on is wonderful. It fills me with joy too! Thank you for sharing with us. Please know that many pray for you. I have no doubt that Mike prays for you also. One of his recent messages during special meetings was about praying and not fainting. Now I begin to understand why that message was on his heart. Oh, my dear brother Mike, he is a true worker with love and tender heart. We appreciate any time he had stayed with us. I can visualized how painfull in his heart. Because we are the same mind, with love and unite together. Thanks for letting me know this information. I am in praying with him for the church in our country.
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Vietnam
Feb 4, 2014 22:58:04 GMT -5
Post by CherieKropp on Feb 4, 2014 22:58:04 GMT -5
Minh Thanh - WOW! I wondered if you or some in your family might have been in this group. That was a huge undertaking for those who went there! I am so impressed with how the VN friends help each other...and I cant imagine any of the workers today doing that for the Friends!
When you have time, could you please copy Chau's letter and correct the mis-spelled words. Some of the incorrect names may be my fault--the copy of the letter was not very good that I typed this from.
I understand about your time constraints. I will wait patiently.
CK
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Post by fixit on Feb 4, 2014 23:35:40 GMT -5
We had an American brother named Mike Thorsteinson... He knew many things happening because he labored in VN many years and also accompanied with D.T too. He disagreed with some deeds of D.T and also with uncle Lyle letter, too. One time uncle Hoa had suggested to overseers in his letter that. We wanted brother Mike to be our overseer, and we will support him in that duty. (Mike had a tender heart, sweet love, humble in his words and his action too. We do love him...) ... Uncle Mike is a very good companion with uncle Hoa... When we read in the list of the worker's field in 2010. It was Uncle Mike and uncle Chau together. We all said "Two tender workers go together... But unfortunate for uncle Chau... He has chase out in the beginning of that year. We don't know where uncle Mike labor now, maybe in Laos... I do miss him, uncle Mike stay with us some time... during the special meetings. Mike is back in Washington state now. It is clear to see that he returned from VN very heart-sick. It seems that distressing thoughts often cross his mind and he has to stop when speaking (both in general conversation and during meetings) to hold back tears or regain composure. This is not the way he was before he left for VN. He doesn't speak of details when asked about VN and I was unaware of the problems that were there until very recently. One thing he does mention is his love for the people he left there. Actually, it was my curiosity for what was going on there and what might have caused him to return in the very changed condition that he is in that caused me to start searching and led to me this board. Minh Thanh, the joy that comes through your posts and pictures of the fellowship you all are enjoying in spite of all that has gone on is wonderful. It fills me with joy too! Thank you for sharing with us. Please know that many pray for you. I have no doubt that Mike prays for you also. One of his recent messages during special meetings was about praying and not fainting. Now I begin to understand why that message was on his heart. Mike and Graham Thompson would have a lot in common I think.
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Post by fixit on Feb 5, 2014 0:27:54 GMT -5
I wonder if the solution to the Vietnam mess might be quite simple:
1. Ask Mike Thorsteinson if he would return to Vietnam to work with Uncle Chau and Uncle Hoa.
2. Foreign workers either work under the oversight of those three brothers or stay out of Vietnam.
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Post by fixit on Feb 5, 2014 0:46:59 GMT -5
In case anyone hasn't noticed, I'm disgusted with the way the native workers and friends have been treated in Vietnam.
And as a member of the fellowship I'm ashamed that the ministry has plumbed such depths, and has strayed so far from the attributes of Christ.
The ministry hierarchy has become a political organization that's obsessed with its own power and glory.
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Post by minhthanh on Feb 5, 2014 2:39:17 GMT -5
Minh Thanh - WOW! I wondered if you or some in your family might have been in this group. That was a huge undertaking for those who went there! I am so impressed with how the VN friends help each other.. .and I cant imagine any of the workers today doing that for the Friends!
When you have time, could you please copy Chau's letter and correct the mis-spelled words. Some of the incorrect names may be my fault--the copy of the letter was not very good that I typed this from. I understand about your time constraints. I will wait patiently. CK May be some other places around the world, still remain workers who concern much to friends In VN uncle Hoa continues the same spirit as before. Not only bring the Good News form Heaven to friends in the very far region, but also bring some food, for don't made friends become heavy for the meal. Such as friends in Binh Long they work all day long for scrape the rubber latex, just earn less than 5 USD a day. Any times the Canadian workers visit, they had to brorrow money for serving meal. In other place seeing the Canadian visit to a very poor lady with 2 children, immediately the authority in that region cut off the welfare for the poor to that family. Making their life became more difficult. Yesterday, returning from Binh Long, we felt very tired. Uncle Hoa had a brief rest only. Then he went into the kitchen, prepared some food for him, and cooked some for us as well. I feel teribly ashame for not prepare any food for him before his leaving, continue visit friends in another places. But he had done some for us, too. WOW! I wondered if you or some in your family might have been in this group.
My sister Minh Tâm just passed by and saying : "I miss this golden time, I was in the group too. But a friends carried me on his bycicle. (The friend who carried my sister must had a big love to friends).
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