New friends in China

My friends in China are sending their friends to me now. So, my circle of friends continues to grow. This is JOHNNY. He believes. He is now a translator for Japanese corporation, SHARP.

Jude's and his very good friend, JACKIE... from Tianjin but looking for a new job in Shanghai.


A good shot of JACKIE in Tianjin, China.


This is IVERSON. He likes the NBA player, Iverson, so named himself the same. I met him in an exclusive (by invitation only) English club or what they call English Salon in Shunde and was impressed. Those attending that evening were successful young business men and women, in their mid-twenties to mid-thirties. Another friend introduced me to Iverson. He is working hard to embrace things I am helping him understand in business and in heart; he is doing really great. This guy is so funny... but he has a serious side, too.


This is ICEFIRE. I do not know how he selected that for his English name, but I think it fits him quite well.


Another CHRIS and his girlfriend. This is a smart guy and has a very good job; he is funny also and very bright.


ALLEN and his wife, recently married... he is working in computer programs, software and web development. His wife is in her city far away. It is a hard life. Allen's interest in what I say is very keen and he is seeing his way more clearly.

All of these were introduced to me from other friends and are great people who have kind hearts and tender spirits.

Photos China 2009

PuDong, across the river from the Bund and where my hotel in Shanghai was located. China cities are awesome at night with the lighting of buildings and displays of colors, changing colors, etc.

Life is more simple in the countrysides and is trying to catch up. Many poor families live in the countrysides and are very poor; yet the cities are ultra modern and the standard of living is quite high. I remember playing as a young child with toys such as this young fellow... don't think our American kids today would be able to be content or even be creative in their playing this Chinese child.

Potos China 2009

This is the second day Carl Jr's was open in Shanghai, China, across from People's Square near Nanjing Road. I was not aware there was a Carl Jr's but saw a poster and hunted it down. WOW! was it ever good! And the fries were heaven on earth!

PuDong area of Shanghai, China in the early evening. The sun had gone down not long before this shot was taken. Shanghai is beautiful in the day time, but at night it is so amazing with the blazing lights of so many colors and designs.

I am here with Chris' parents in Guangzhou, China. The prepared a wonderful meal for me and I could everything they had. And Chris' dad did black tea for me, which is quite a process. Very enjoyable and they are such lovely people. They have so much harmony in the home and have so much love.

Lee borrowed his dad's new car to come to the airport in Tianjin, China to pick me up... and Jude as there as well. These two are best friends from way back in middle school or earlier. Lee looks much younger than he is. He is funny and cool.

My wonderful friend, Atty Liu, sitting on his bed in his tiny apartment in Xi'an. No soft bed here. Simple life... his choice over a life of possible corruption and wealth. His heart is ready for and is making big changes. Notice the t-shirt: ARKANSAS. He was so proud of that and wore it every where each day I was in Xi'an.

Photos China 2009

Liu, was graduated with a degree in Law. He is very bright and has so much promise. I met him in Beijing last year (2008). However, he is from near Xi'an and works in Xi'an. This is a very good young man with a sensitive heart and very good values. He is a wonderful friend and making great progress.

Raining in Xi'an as we tried to tour some popular spots in the city. I love the city and it's ancient wall that surrounds the old part.

This is the university where Atty Liu attended and was graduated. We looked around his school for a while and then went to see tourist sites.

Liu is a bit small, but can eat more than I. He enjoys talking to me and asking questions even though he is uncertain about his English skills. He is very tender hearted and kind... loves people and children.

This is a businessman friend of mine and also a person who works with people a lot like I. He is successful and is so extremely humble and kind. His office is not far from the tower where Atty Liu works and Liu had an opportunity to meet him personally. That's a very good happening. This man is dynamic and highly respected in the city of Xi'an.

Photos China 2009

RenLi and I on Nanjing Road East, Shanghai, China. He bought coffee from a coffee house and it was very good and very expensive. He has done well since he was graduated from college and began his career. He is a manager now in the world's second largest factory of zippers. He is a very good friend and is so kind and generous.

RenLi, Shanghai, China, having coffee outdoors before leaving for work, early morning time.

A lovely meal just off Nanjing Road East, Shanghai -- walking distance from my hotel. Richard is sporting his t-shirt I gave him and Jude is next to him. I let them order and they were careful to get things I could eat. No food seems to be a problem for them.

Jude, Robin, me and Richard in a display advertising the Shanghai Expo 2010. We were not shopping and looking around, spending most of the day. These are great guys and with great futures ahead of them.

Jude, Richard, Robin and his lady friend as we are about to go out to see a little tiny spot of Shanghai.

Photos China 2009

Robin and the lady that came with him, visit me in the hotel, Shanghai, China. I gave some USA flags and T-shirts to my Chinese friends.

The mother and dad of this cute little boy, wanted his photo with an American. None could speak English but Jude was with me and helped me communicate with them (Shanghai, China).

Jude and I, shopping and looking, pricing items, trying to make deals, and more looking and pricing. He got me some great deals (Shanghai, China).

This guy was dressed up for war, old times... in front of a large store in a shopping area... he is to help draw customers to spend money in the store. The basketball player is a poster and not the real player.

Photos China 2009

Shanghai, China... a day out shopping and looking around. Had a lot of fun this day.

When I arrived at this shopping area which has so many tourists, these young people wanted to have their photo taken with the American. When I heard what they wanted, I asked them to come stand by me for a photo. They are all from Nanjing and were visiting Shanghai. They were shy at first but I got them relaxed a bit and made some jokes.

These came from Nanjing to see Shanghai. It did not take long for them to warm up and be so friendly. They are university students.

This is the mascot for the Shanghai Expo 2010 -- the largest expo ever which will be held in Shanghai, May through October 2009. I am hope to be a part of the USA Pavilion team at the American exhibition. Something like 123 nations will have an exhibit there and an expected audience of 70 million visitors. Shanghai is recruiting 130,000 volunteers to work this grand expo.

Here in Shenyang, at an ancient palace and grounds... a huge and beautiful place. Charles and I spent the better part of a day here, enjoying and learn history dating back hundreds and hundreds of years.

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY? (written by kids)

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY? (written by kids)

You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming. -- Alan, age 10

No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with. -- Kristen, age 10

WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?

Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then. -- Camille, age 10

HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?

You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids. -- Derrick, age 8

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?

Both don't want any more kids. -- Lori, age 8

WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?

Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough. -- Lynnette, age 8(isn't she a treasure)

On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets
them interested enough to go for a second date. -- Martin, age 10

WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?

When they're rich. -- Pam, age 7

The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that. -- Curt, age 7

The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do. -- Howard, age 8

IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?

It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them. -- Anita, age 9 (bless you child )

HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?

There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there? -- Kelvin, age 8

And the #1 Favorite is........

HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?

Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks
like a dump truck. -- Ricky, age 10

Chinese house church forced to worship in the snow

China: November 06, 2009, (PCTV Newsdesk)

A few months ago, ChinaAid Association learned that the Chinese government had targeted six house churches to be shut down. A week ago, that directive was made evident.

On October 29, 2009, the long-respected Shouwang House Church was denied renewal of its rental contract for office space in Huagie Plaza. It was discovered that the managers had been pressured by both the Public Security Bureau and the Religious Affairs Bureau of Beijing City not to renew the lease.

Since the church no longer had a place to worship, they held their service outside in the snow, joyfully singing to the Lord despite the poor circumstances. Between 800 and 1000 believers showed up for the service. Government officials attempted to stop this meeting, as well, by closing the park in which the service would be held, but the service continued.

This is not the first time the Shouwang House Church has experienced persecution. The church was originally evicted from its location in April and forced to worship outside all summer. Although it may have been not so bad to hold services in the summer weather, the increasingly cold weather is not inviting.

The more troubling issues lie in the fact that the Chinese government is actively shutting down house churches. Christian persecution continues to grow in China; thankfully, so does the church.

Pray that the members of the Shouwang Church would remain strong and would find another place to worship. Pray that the public officials will allow these believers to worship freely and that their hearts would be softened to the Gospel.

News source: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/13473

China 2009 photos

Many mornings in Shanghai, just behind my hotel, I would go to a little "hole in the wall" eatery and have some breakfast. I am eating beef cake here. It was really fine. Honestly, it was so good.

And here is the chef that make my beef cake and other items for breakfast. He came out of the "dirty kitchen" and asked in Chinese, if I would like to have his photo. I was delighted and that seems to have made the day for him.

The promotional mascot for the Shanghai Expo 2010 to take place in Shanghai, May through October. It seems I have the opportunity to be a part of this expo at the USA Pavilion. At this time, I am waiting for final approval. This would give me much opportunity to accomplish many things while at the same time showcasing the USA in a world expo. There is an expected 70 million visitors and 130,000 volunteers... the biggest expo with the largest number of countries signing on ...ever.

Jude, from Tianjin, China, on Nanjing Road East, Shanghai, China.

This is a great brother. He is funny, extremely good to take shopping or just to laugh and act crazy. He is Peter. He's small but so full of energy and kept me laughing all the time. His job is outside of Shanghai, less than an hour away from my hotel. I first met him in Xi'an, China in 2009. He is the best friend of my lawyer friend in Xi'an.

China 2009 photos

Chris, me and his parents, Guangzhou, China. This photo was taken the morning I was invited by the parents and Chris to have breakfast with them before going to the airport for my trip back to Shanghai. They made a lovely meal and such an enjoyable time. They are such sweet people and Chris made some important decisions in his life. I can only think of great things happening with Chris and his future.

Noe and I in Guangzhou, China. He has been working in China for three or more years and wanted to meet me in Guangzhou which is not far from his city. He came by train and was met by my friend, Angus. Angus had invited Chris since Chris knows his way around the city. The three met me at the airport and gave a grand tour. Later that afternoon Angus, Noe and I made our way to Shunde, China, the home of Angus.

I am with Angus and Chris by the side of the river in Guangzhou, China. Beautiful area here.

Chris, Angus, Noe and I visited this old Roman Catholic church in Guangzhou. Knowing I was a Christian, Angus thought it would be good to take me to this old church, still in use, to take photos. I believe it was built in 1869 by the French (it is a registered church, so it has legal status). While there, we walked toward the front and some people were sitting and kneeling, praying. One said, "Look, these people are praying!" And then the other said, "Yeah, look... I have never seen anyone pray before." They were amazed at what was happening. I took them toward the rear about half way and sat down and said, "Let me tell you about this." They continued to tell me they do not know how to pray, had never prayed in their lives, and they wanted to know how to do it. Noe had my camera and took this shot as I was explaining to them, how to pray, etc. Chris was so moved he still has not gotten over it. I feel so much will happen with this young man as he continues on.

Noe, Angus and Chris, Guangzhou. Noe is one of our members in the Philippines.

China 2009 photos

Angus, me and Chris on the bus from the airport in Guangzhou (Canton), China. These two met me at the airport and then gave me a grand tour of a little part of Guangzhou. Noe, from the Philippines, also met me, coming from the city where he works (Shenzhen, China).

Angela.
Richard, doing what is often done... checking text messages on his mobile phone. That is the super computer (which by the way means super slow) in my room in the background.

Alex and Robin in front of my hotel in Shanghai, China, Nanjing Road East. A busy, busy place but very enjoyable.

That is my hotel in the background on Nanjing Road East, Shanghai, China.

China 2009 photos

Was shopping in a market area, Shanghai, China, and friends said this hat would be cool and look cool on me. We laughed a lot about it... you can see why!

Friends wanted a photo of me in front of a display for the 60th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (1949)... don't know the child. I think the parents set him in there so that they could have his photo taken with the "foreigner."

Robin, Shanghai, China, was a great help in getting a new pair of eye glasses. I could not have ever thought of getting such a deal as he was able to get for me.

Alex came from south of Shanghai to visit me. His mother bought the plane tickets and this was his first time in Shanghai, his first time to fly, and his first time to meet a foreign "brother."

Alex and Robin in Shanghai, China -- on the Bund.

More China photos to come

I will post more in the coming days. Check back now and then to see more. Hope you enjoy them.

Chiha September 2009 photos

Alex and I on Nanjing Road (east) in Shanghai, China. Alex' mother bought him an air ticket, round trip, to be able to come to Shanghai to visit me. His grandparents are both retired doctors and his grandmother taught him religious matters which he still remembers. He is moving toward a more spiritual life and I am hopeful for his future. He is over six feet tall. I see a lot of Chinese now that are six feet and taller. I would think the better living conditions and food contributes to that. He and I had a lot of fun going to various places with the help of my very good friend, Robin.

Robin is trying to decide on what to order from a little "hole in the wall" place to eat near my hotel in Shanghai, China. It was a great place where foreigners would probably never choose to eat. The food was very inexpensive and so good. I loved the place, the employees and food. Robin is a wonderful guide and great to shop with; he is the best I have seen at organizing and bargaining prices. This guy, whom I have known going on two years, is sharp and has so much ability. He is in sales and earns much from his talent as a sales person. He is enjoyable to be around and full of energy and life.

Alex messing with his mobile phone at the little place to eat our breakfast. We had a lot of funny conversations and just a really happy time.

Nanjing, China, Chenhao (left) and Hebe and her boyfriend, "Gugu" at the railway station prior to my departure. Hebe was a teacher with Angela in Chengdu before moving to Nanjing. She loves Angela so much and has received a nice book from Angela. Her boyfriend has a PhD. The night before this photo, we had a nice, big Chinese dinner of excellent food.

Another shot of Chenhao and I about 5:00 a.m. at the Nanjing railway station in Nanjing, China.

China September 2009 photos

Nanjing, China, Chenhao (left) and James (rihgt) are at the railway station to see me off to Shanghai. These are great friends of mine, going on two years.

Wuxi, China, Steve in the red shirt and Michael in the maroon shirt. We were quite hungry and Michael had just left his office late in the evening. Steven is a PK and was leaving Wuxi to go abroad. The meal was excellent and the visit very profitable. Since returning to the States, Michael and introduced me to two of his friends and that friendship has also grown quickly. Michael and I had such a memorable time talking about life and how to live it.

Jinan, China, Tanner (left) and Jack (right) had reserved me this hotel room. Our friendship is going on two years and we have had much communication. Jack and Tanner are progressing nicely (especially Jack) and desire strongly to be taught the things I know.

Shenyang, China airport, Charles and I do some last minute visiting before my departure. However, it turned out to be an hour or so since there was a long delay in boarding.

Shenyang, China airport... I could not resist snapping some photos of this cute baby and sharing one here. He could speak some English which really caught me off guard. He was such a happy baby. Shenyang is in northeast China, not so far from North Korea.

CHINA 2009 trip

In the Shenyang, China airport, waiting for my flight to Jinan. The flight was delayed, so my friend's mom waited with her son, Charles until I finally boarded. They stood at the security checkpoint and waved as long as I could see them. I was treated so well by Charles and his parents, I will never forget it.

Charles and his mom, ordering a lovely meal for us. His father works for the Shenyang mayor and is an important city VIP. His mom is has important government positions. These are humble people with such a great spirit of hospitality and love. I spent some time in their home talking, playing the keyboard and singing. Our hearts were melted together.

At a lovely ancient historical royal palace in Shenyang, China. Charles and I spent hours there looking and talking about many things. It was a very great day for us.

Charles, Shenyang, China,on the grounds of the ancient royal palace. He is always smiling, kind, and good natured. His interest in the things of my interest is profound. He and his family have opened themselves and their home to me in such a wonderful way. Charles, a university student, is now working on his Master Degree in Chemistry. His future is very promising in many ways.

Shenyang, China, at the entrance of an ancient Chinese royal palace. This was a very love place to visit.

I returned from a month (September 2009) in China with many special and exciting events having taken place... many memories made. Since returning, I have made more new friends... friends are introducing me to their friends and the circle grows. I will post photos to my blog and maybe make some comments.

Check when you can for additional postings and photos.

Must die to live...

Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains a single grain of wheat; but if it dies, it brings a good harvest.
John 12:24 (PHILLIPS)

We do all we can to live and not die. God, however, says we must die in order to live. When you sow a seed, it must die in the ground before it can grow. What we see as the ultimate tragedy, He sees as the ultimate triumph.

And when a Christian dies, it's not a time to despair, but a time to trust. Just as the seed is buried and the material wrapping decomposes, so our fleshly body will be buried and will decompose. But just as the buried seed sprouts new life, so our body will blossom into a new body. . .

The seed buried in the earth will blossom in heaven. Your soul and body will reunite, and you will be like Jesus.

CHINA Photos

You may see some of the photos taken on my September 2009 trip in China at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/glennclark/

Photos of Tianjin, China

My "Brother", Jude from Tianjin, China, posted these photos and I want to share them with you all. I have been to a number of these locations. My time in Tianjin was a wonderful experience in many ways. Thanks, Jude!

Go to:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sun33013301/sets/72157622645347160/

SHANGHAI EXPO 2010

SHANGHAI EXPO 2010

SHANGHAI EXPO 2010 Online

SHANGHAI EXPO 2010