|
Last week Jim was with networks in China
The collage above shows highlights from our years living in China '97-99. It hangs in Jim's office. So much has changed, especially the size of the boys! But one thing has not. We are still excited aboutbuilding the spiritual leaders of the church in China!
Every couple of months Jim has been going in to China to meet and mentor two groups of pastors in a major Chinese city. It's a long and exhausting week (or more) of nothing but Chinese! He teaches and leads the sessions, and then the participants want to have one-to-one time coaching on the breaks!
Lord, thank you that you have given Jim ministry that is certainly meeting a need in leaders lives. But multiplication of this ministry is proving tough! You know that in this cultural context, leaders are reluctant to put themselves forward as a "mentor." We pray you will give us cross-cultural wisdom as you will raise up a ministry partner (or partners!) in this itinerant work Jim has in the region.
|
|
Now in Hong Kong for a Leadership Consultation
This coming week (15-18th) will be a great time for Jim to enjoy collaborating with others who are focused on ministry in China. He'll see old friends andcolleagues from CRM as well as be part of a panel discussion.
Lord we pray that you will bring refreshment to Jim as he shares wisdom and experience with others who are laboring for your church in China. May they encourage and build each other up to better serve your purposes in that influential country.
|
|
On the home front
We're loving the extra space, natural surroundings and quiet of our new home in Malysia (as of September 17th). Singapore's airport is the closest international airport, and the commute our first time was just over an hour! In Singapore Kimberly still has her team of women leaders for the Monthly Monday Retreats exploring Sacred Pathways. She is also humbled to be seen as a mentor for The Group, a dynamic group of (350+) Christians who are artists in Singapore. They have events for nurture and fellowship every other month.
On this side of the border, we're meeting neighbors and picking up a little Bahasa Malaysian. The biggest difficutly in the move was bringing our dog "Jack" across. But that's behind us now as of Friday, and now all that remains are a few more boxes to unpack.
There have been a few divine appointments. I'll tell you about one: After a "chance" meeting with a nearby neighbor on my first walk with Jack Saturday, I ended up sitting on a panel discussion the next day in an Expo promoting investment in this Iskandar region of Southern Malaysia. It was a delightfully odd experience and a chance to meet some influential people. The man to my right is involved in deveolping culture and the arts. We shall see what God has intented from that!
Lord, thank you for leading us here and the friendly community spirit amongst our neighbors. Give us wisdom how to bless this neighborhood and town while we are living here. Open hearts to your good news of hope and salvation, and give us the joy of leading people to knowing you like we do!
Do let us know how we can also be praying for you.
Blessing. Joy. Humility. Gratitude. Grace.
Jim & Kimberly Creasman
Empowering Spiritual Leaders with Church Resource Ministries USA (and Singapore)
|
|
| |
|
