Aapm-seapi Milestones 040209
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AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones: 2004‐2008 This is a compilation of photos and stories that displays God’s work of grace in the lives of Asian pastors, women, and youth leaders serving in the U.S. and Canada. Sometimes funny, sometimes tearful… All in all, deeply meaningful and life‐changing as a result of regular face‐to‐face peer learning, praying, laughter, and growth in grace. Our overflowing thanks to God for the Lilly‐CRC SPE Program for making these possible.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat 1: July 5‐7, 2004 in Aurora, Colorado Retreat 2: March 7‐10, 2005 in Lake Tahoe, NV Retreat 3: Aug 2‐4, 2005 in Stony Point, NY Retreat 4: Feb 27‐Mar 2, 2006 in Hayward, CA Retreat 5: Sep 18‐21, 2006 in Lake Geneva, WI Retreat 6: June 5‐7, 2007 in Grand Rapids, MI (Summit I) Retreat 7: June 3‐5, 2008 in Long Scraggy Ranch, CO Retreat 8: Oct 29‐Nov 1, 2008 in Winfield, IL Retreat 9: August 3‐6, 2009 in Winfield, IL (Summit II)
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
It all began in 1999 when Home Missions formed the “Asian Planning Group” A meeting in La Palma, CA 2002
• With changes in CRC Home Missions resources, the Asian Planning Group was guided to become a peer learning group under the CRC‐Lilly Endowment Sustaining Pastoral Excellence (SPE) program. • In December 2003, the group was awarded its first grant and began its work as a self‐managed and self‐ directed voluntary group called “Asian‐American Pastoral Ministry” (AAPM). • In June 2007, as a result of the eager participation of 54 church pastors, women and youth leaders in the first Leadership Summit, the group changed its name to “Southeast Asian & Pacific Islands CRCs (SEAPI).
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #1 of 8 July 5‐7, 2004 Radisson Hotel, Aurora CO held alongside with a seminar by the Calvin Institute of Worship
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #1 of 8: July 5‐7, 2004 Radisson Hotel, Aurora, Colorado
What made this retreat unique? as a self‐managed and self‐directed group, we began with a lot of baby steps group unity and shared purpose were quickly put to the test we were all humbled by the hard work of our host, Pastor John Kim and the Cambodian CRC in Aurora as the retreat ended, we realized all of us are in the garden because of God’s grace alone we were thankful for the able coaching by Tong Park and Mike & Lois Vanderpol
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
AAPM nor SEAPI haven’t started without what?
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
After watching all retreat photos, you likely would conclude that our retreats began with food, always!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Formal or not, whatever table setting, we are contented and quite satisfied.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
With friends from the Calvin Institute of Worship and the nearby CRCs in Denver.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
How do Asians celebrate 30 years of married life?
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Vietnamese food is the best! Just look at those smiles!
I think Mike prefers Chinese having been a missionary in Taiwan for 20 years.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Our official group photo! Taken somewhere at the basement of the Radisson Hotel in Aurora.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
(Lovely) women is not an issue in Asian CRCs. We’re surrounded by them, thankfully!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
In all our retreats, we thought it best to hold these where there is a nearby Asian CRC. Reason: to fellowship and worship with them even for a few hours.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
This retreat humbled us to be reminded we are all in the garden of our God because of His grace alone! (Meet Mr & Mrs Noah‐am Kieu)
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
These praying hills reminded us to pray much!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Asians can eat anywhere they want, as long as there’s Asian food of course!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Rock of Ages… a logo for SEAPI?
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Matthew: I’ll FedEx this rock to CA. Socheth: Sorry, you’re late. UPS is packing it today to MI.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
SEAPI’s main cathedral of the future?
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #1: July 5‐7, 2004 in Aurora,CO
What did we learn? • Being our first retreat, we did baby steps • We prayed and tried our best to continue as a peer learning group • We ended well with hopes for more and greater learning, including some humbling • We felt the need to take a serious look at our unique character and leadership tendencies
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #2 of 8 March 7‐10, 2005 Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center Lake Tahoe, NV
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #2 of 8: March 7‐10, 2005 Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
What made this retreat unique? It was sheer joy to see us teaching one another with much eagerness and no pressure The warmth of fellowship and praying for one another kept us from the cold surroundings of Lake Tahoe Did I say praying? Yes, this retreat powerfully moved us to pray to become the high point of all retreats! With Esteban Lugo’s urging, we began to look beyond our group…
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Everybody is serious about teaching and learning, except Matthew!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Asian pastors’ wives are serious about their faith and their husbands’ ministry, as modeled by Tina here.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
This was just our 2nd retreat. You’d be amazed to hear each speak up about his/her heart for the Lord and His church.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
These SPE retreats were not just vacations! Everyone studied and discussed with all seriousness!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Now this looks more like a vacation and a good break!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
This retreat’s official group photo taken on the shore of Lake Tahoe with the Sierra Mountains in the background. A taste of heaven! Praise God!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Lake Tahoe Lesson #1: Not easy to follow what is being discussed? Follow the leader! Drink good old Reformed coffee!
Lake Tahoe Lesson #2: If coffee does not help and you’re still not getting what the speaker is saying? Pinch yourself!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Lake Tahoe Lesson #3: Couldn’t agree with each other? Share a laugh together! God wants us to enjoy each other.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Lake Tahoe Lesson #4: When sessions go too long, play a game on your cell phone. “Lois, where’s the on button on this thing?”
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Lake Tahoe Lesson #5: Asian hand‐martial arts (Dutch too) help bring your message across in powerful ways!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Lake Tahoe Lesson #5: Asian martial arts (Dutch too) help bring your message across in powerful ways!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
These photos change the old saying in another way. “Behind a good pastor’s wife is a good pastor‐husband!”
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
John: “Matthew, are you now in selling Christian books?” Matthew: “No, but these guys (John Maxwell and Rick Warren) had taught me a lot! I want to be God’s kind of a leader!”
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
What stood out at the Lake Tahoe retreat? We began to pray together and for each other.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Prayer circles like these began in Lake Tahoe.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
And became a regular, indispensable part of our subsequent retreats – before, during, and after. God moved us to pray!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Matthew: “Nope, I didn’t do it. Brother San ate all of these! Remember, I just sell books by Rick Warren and John Maxwell.”
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #2, March 7‐10, 2005 Lake Tahoe, Nevada
What did we learn? With humility, enthusiasm, and seriousness, we taught and learned from each other We saw a real need to pray for one another We made a covenant to keep each other in our prayers We were reminded to appreciate our ethnicity, as well as our role and contribution to help break down racial barriers for a more God‐honoring and stronger CRC We progressed in our sense of purpose to share to other Asian CRCs what God had been doing in our group
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #3 of 8 August 1‐4, 2005 Stony Point Presbyterian Conference Center, NY
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #3 of 8, August 1‐4, 2005 Stony Point Presbyterian Conference Center, New York
What made this retreat unique? we began to have a deep sense and appreciation of God’s work in each of our life timelines realizing the value of peer group learning, we seriously planned our next steps as an SPE group we didn’t just plan for our group of 10 pastors, we saw the need to share what we’ve learned to the other Asian CRCs we committed to collaborate and help build healthier Asian CRCs by actively involving ourselves in classical and denominational efforts
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Now you see the pattern… we retreat to feast! So Asian! What is Dutch‐looking guy thinking?
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Pastors and spouses sat together, learned and inspired by each other’s victories and challenges in our lives and ministries… and we saw how God was so involved
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
We were so amazed to see all events in our life timelines were in fact God preparing us for what we’re doing today! And in seeing the big picture of God’s work in us, we realized there was nothing to regret about.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
In our travels, we were not just sightseeing. We were actually scouting where to locate the future SEAPI headquarters. We said this could be a great spot! (Don’t you think so?)
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
In SEAPI, we learned so much about generational gaps. We had 2 groups: the young and the young‐at‐heart!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
SEAPI pastors tried their best to catch up with things we were not taught in seminary. Like playing computer games?
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
In his very busy ministry among the Korean CRCs and Classis Southern California, Tong Park gave a good part of his time to teach us. Deeply appreciated!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
This was Pastor Kou Vang’s first time with our group. He poured his heart out to us and we embraced him as long‐time brothers and sisters in the Lord. He found a group he can be most comfortable with! PTL!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
In our retreats, we were convinced of the value in having both with pastor and wife learning together .
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Asian “circles of fire” – a fitting description for a group of men and women who after some days of peer learning get so fired up by Holy Spirit!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Beneath those smiles are lasting friendships and deeply personal and a shared appreciation of God’s amazing grace in their lives and ministries.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
These Asians, they really like to pose before a camera, like one large family gathering. (Thanks to digital cameras!)
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Asian pastors are always ‘poised’ to lead!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
QUIZ: Who does not belong to this group?
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #3 of 8, August 1‐4, 2005 Stony Point Presbyterian Conference Center, New York
What did we learn? we began to have a deep sense and appreciation of God’s work in each of our life timelines realizing the value of peer group learning, we seriously planned our next steps as an SPE group we didn’t just plan for our group of 10 pastors, we saw the need to share what we’ve learned to the other Asian CRCs we committed to collaborate and help build healthier Asian CRCs by actively involving ourselves in classical and denominational efforts
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #4 of 8 February 27‐March 2, 2006 Christ’s Community Church Hayward, California
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #4: February 27‐March 2, 2006 Christ’s Community Church, Hayward, CA
What made this retreat unique? We were privileged with 12‐hours of heartfelt participation by Jerry Dykstra, who was then Deputy for CRC Denominational Ministries He came with skepticism and left our group with promise and hope for what AAPM was doing to help create healthier Asian CRCs at the foot of our Lord’s Cross, we made a commitment to continue AAPM through the SPE Program
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
The best background we ever had for our group photos! What else but the Cross of our Lord!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
It must have been the all‐in‐one Chinese, Japanese, and Mongolian dinner buffet! Jerry stayed and focused with us for 12 hours straight!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Now you know what an all‐in‐one Chinese, Japanese, and Mongolian dinner buffet can do! It can make pastors, Asian or not, look so nice and cute!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
During our first evening session, Jerry Dykstra taught us about building and sustaining healthy churches.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Next day, we told Jerry about our dreams, efforts, including sacrifices to do just that.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
In a little room at the CRC in Hayward, Jerry heard up close personal stories of 10 different Asian churches and ethnic groups, from the U.S. and Canada.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Near the end of the day, we could only sing and be thankful about… “How great Thou art!”
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
… and in realizing how each one of us, including Jerry, could continue to minister to God’s people to this day…
… we gave thanks and sang “Great is Thy faithfulness!”
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
As Jerry closed his 12‐hour marathon with our group, he was moved by the stories of pastors and their wives as they continued to be faithful serving small, struggling but promising Asian churches
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
In our modest Asian way of gratitude, we presented Jerry with a wooden plaque. He said he’ll have a place for it in his office in Grand Rapids. Thanks JD!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
The Hayward retreat will always be remembered as a special time (12 hours only!) with Jerry Dykstra. A year later, Synod appointed him CRC Executive Director.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
These fellows are definitely not Jerry’s deputies. They’re just happy to come out strong and inspired after a 12‐hour retreat day.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
We were so moved by this retreat such that we… “left our hearts in San Francisco”
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Then we had some fun! The ladies did! With pearls! (Hhhmm, Jerry did you, out of the goodness of your heart, leave your credit card with any of them?
What do you know! Our SEAPI ladies found the bridge to somewhere!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Remember we’re scouting for good SEAPI sites. We found this in SF’s Fisherman’s Wharf! An exciting place for “fishers of men and women”!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Ahhh, seafood! We everything we see!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
San: “Pastor Albert, try to use your spoon or fork, not your hands, please.” Albert: “Sorry, but hands were created for a reason.”
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Fernando: “Albert, your hands on my side might be misinterpreted by our church members and synodical deputies! We might not be allowed in SF anymore!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Didn’t you know? Vickie does part‐time modeling for Intel!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Ex‐boat refugees Pastor Nam and Sis.Lien were so happy to help these well‐dressed SEAPI refugees???
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Guess who’s inside the paper bag? Why would an Asian pastor hide inside a bag?
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Despite the difficulties and needs of our ministries, we thank God for giving us moments of laughter and joy! Asian pastors can be great comedians!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Asian pastors ‘poised’ for leadership – Part II!
Who does not belong to this group?
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Oh what charming and smart wives they are! Our Asian CRC pastors are so blessed!!!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
It’s always a special moment for us to have Communion with a local congregation! This was at the New Hope Korean’s English ministry group in Santa Clara, CA.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Unique Asian expressions of Communion with the Lord…
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
At the end of a marathon retreat with Jerry Dykstra, we were thankful to have fellowship with the New Hope Korean CRC’s English ministry group.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #4: February 27‐March 2, 2006 Christ’s Community Church, Hayward, CA
What did we learn? our peer learning group process helped us grow in self‐confidence and the vision of building healthier local churches because of our knowledge of our homelands, we could collaborate with World Missions though we were a small group, we formed a leadership team to implement agreed next steps at the foot of our Lord’s Cross, we made a commitment to continue AAPM through the SPE Program
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #5 of 8 September 18‐21, 2006 Lake Geneva Conference Center, WI
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #5: September 18‐21, 2006 Lake Geneva Conference Center, WI
What made this retreat unique? we used the book “Celebration of Discipline” to deepen our spiritual walk with the Lord we tried to understand what God’s Word is teaching us about spiritual disciplines we shared and challenged each other how we are doing in our spiritual disciplines through the simulated rock‐climbing facility, we learned how to work and reach Spirit‐led goals
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Contrary to what these stairs may suggest, we don’t set up a hierarchy in our group. We’re all ‘Asian dictators’ of equal standing… sinners before God!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
This beautiful conference site by Lake Geneva had a wonderful effect on all of us! We all looked young and good‐looking, especially the white‐haired man!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Lake Geneva Conference Center is very green, so relaxing and peaceful. Praise God!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
We were so encouraged by the eager participation of two new members: James (Chinese CRC in Iowa) and Nathan (Hmong CRC in Lansing, MI). Welcome aboard!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
No, they’re not asking for more food. They’re expressing worship with great freedom.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
No, they’re not taking a college prep exam. They’re reviewing Foster’s Celebration of Discipline, a must‐read classic for spiritual formation!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Pastor Nathan engaged us with his youthful energy and enthusiasm for God’s Word and His church.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Are they going on a “relaxed treasure hunt” or what? No, they’re enjoying the so‐green and fresh scenery.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Suddenly, they seemed to have gone to God’s glory! Ooopps, wrong camera setting. Sorry…
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
It’s a bird! No, UFO? What could they be looking at?
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Looks like Asian monkeys just learning to climb, dressed in men’s clothes, and sporting yellow hardhats.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Oh, they’re real people! Oh, they’re pastors too! And they’re going up, up , and away!!!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Lien and Vickie: “Let’s show our husbands we can do this too!”
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Lien and Vickie: “See, we made it! In one piece!”
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
A great team‐building exercise, even for onlookers who had to have emergency chiropractic treatment due to strained necks!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Another great moment for worship and fellowship at the Hmong CRC in Sheboygan, WI.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
The “blue and red” Communion team of Matthew and San. Great job!”
Matthew seems to be moving too fast? No, it’s camera shake!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Our Hmong friends are very serious about their faith in Jesus Christ!
And we praise God for them!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Pastor Kou had to excuse himself briefly from the retreat, took out his bow and arrow, and got something special for dinner. Guess what the meat below is?
Tip: a cute, fast‐running, hairy attraction in almost every park…
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
A fellowship dinner with a local church is the best part of our retreats! We get to know God’s people up close and personal. Thank you Pastor Kou and the Hmong CRC.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
And we pray for God’s healing mercy for those in need. A moment of God’s power and tenderness…
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Power and tenderness. Two words that can help describe the touch of God’s amazing grace in our lives.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Myshoua, are you with child again? Your 12th???
Not just my fault! Was a joint decision!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Ezekiel: “I’m in here!”
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
SEAPI’s favorite restaurant in Sheboygan, WI with lots of mouth‐watering, tummy‐filling, fat‐free food!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Our SPE peer learning group allowed us to become the best of friends and partners in God’s service.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Our master boatman‐teacher: Nam! He made it through the China Sea from Vietnam to the Philippines with crude navigational aids and lots of prayers!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
An angel of the Lord always watched over us, especially here in Lake Geneva!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
This is how SEAPI church buildings should look like!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Always the difficult part of a retreat. Saying goodbye! But we have to, back to our families and churches. Bon voyage across Lake Michigan!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #5: September 18‐21, 2006 Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
What did we learn: When we feel dry or routine in our spiritual walk, let us return to the basic spiritual disciplines and be refreshed and challenged anew by God’s Word The Lord Jesus himself took time out from his busy ministry to have intimate moments with his Father If we stayed fresh in our spiritual walk, our vision and purpose for ministry will stay fresh as well Hardwork, determination, perseverance, and practice: rock‐climbing taught us how to reach goals
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #6 of 8 SEAPI Summit I June 5‐7, 2007 Kuyper College, Grand Rapids, MI
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #6 of 8 SEAPI Summit I June 5‐7, 2007 Kuyper College, Grand Rapids MI
What made this retreat unique? as we envisioned, we wanted to share to other Asian CRCs what we’ve learned and benefitted from peer learning great response: 54 pastors, women, youth leaders came representing 26 of 41 SEAPI CRCs as of June ’07 in one instance, leaders of the denomination met and saw the energy and faithfulness of Asian brethren it was held in conjunction with the CRC’s 150th anniversary in Grand Rapids
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
The first Leadership Summit among SEAPI pastors, women, and youth leaders: will there be Summit II?
Cambodians Chinese Filipinos Hmong Indians Indonesian s Karen
Koreans Laotians Pakistani s Samoans Thais Vietnamese More coming…
At Summit 2007, we listened to each other…
With one voice, we praised and worshipped God
We wanted to know each other better…
We dined and fellowshipped together…
Asian food, the most colorful and tastiest in all of creation!
We even tried to cross Lake Michigan together! Are we there yet? Are you sure this is the route Moses took?
We were encouraged, challenged by CRC leaders…
We were moved by God’s work in our homelands… From Killing Fields to Living Fields… through the Cross of Christ!
With more pastors and leaders being trained, churches are stronger today.
To step up and move forward together…
We challenged each other not to go it alone…
My husband changed and is happier since he joined the AAPM peer learning group!
To work together, and with our beloved CRC…
We understood who we are in the CRC… Asian church leaders called by God…
Both the young ones and the young once…
Pastor’s wives and leaders of all ages…
Crossing Lake Michigan is the hardest I’ve ever done in my long ministry!
Our next leaders are here with us today…
Together, ready to step up and move forward…
We got to know each other better... by praying together,
We got to know each other, by laughing together
When pastors are happy, their churches are also happy! (And it’s not a joke!)
… and more laughter together!
Kids, don’t try this at home, OK?
We learned to speak what’s in our hearts…
And became true friends in Christ…
Though hundreds of miles apart, they are still connected. Thanks to email!
To work together with one goal, one vision… Nobody else can say it better than Pastor Huu!
To promote a culture of pastoral excellence…
To create and sustain healthy Asian CRCs…
To care for and carry our next generation on our shoulders…
Ministry can be back breaking! But I enjoy it!
Before we parted, we had Holy Communion together,
Then we dedicated ourselves to do God’s will…
To step up and move forward TOGETHER… through the grace of God!
SEAPI CRC Leadership Summit 2007
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #6: June 5‐7, 2007 Kuyper College, Grand Rapids MI
What did we learn? We understood we are leaders called by God with a unique place in the CRC We realized we can be more effective if we collaborated as friends and partners in ministry We also saw how we can be more effective if we actively partnered with CRC agencies We dedicated ourselves to a shared vision and goal of building healthy and growing Asian CRCs We accepted the challenge to step up and move forward together through the grace of God
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #7 of 8 June 3‐5, 2008 Long Scraggy Mountain Ranch, CO
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #7: June 3‐5, 2008 Long Scraggy Mountain Ranch, Colorado
What made this retreat unique? 3 new pastor‐members joined us with moving stories about their ministries and families 2 new pastor’s wives also joined and we began to think of ways to sustain their participation as a group We learned to be critical and yet agreeable with one another about what we study together We had a taste of fellowship and unity in ministry with a missions‐minded couple and a WM regional rep It was a short retreat (in terms of time) but very sweet and focused to strengthen all of us again!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Scraggy means lean or thin, rough, jagged. This group pastors, wives and youth leaders don’t look that at all. They seem to be enjoying their retreat!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Arriving at Denver airport, we were ready for our 7th retreat!
I had to grab Pastor Huu. We almost lost him at the airport!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Real life stories by pastors humble and inspire us to draw closer God’s throne of grace.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Without being prompted, these new members just opened up their hearts to our amazement! They understood quickly what a peer learning group was all about
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
You can read on Pastor Huu’s face his love and hard life for God’s people. Not at all easy but he finds joy in serving!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
We usually began our retreats with personal, family, and ministry updates. That way, we could know what joys we can celebrate and concerns we can support them for.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
That little guy is the prophet Ezekiel (Hmong version)! Dad & Mom are starting him early through SPE retreats!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Our wives have unique ways of expressing themselves. But one thing is clear: they love the Lord and what He called their husbands to do. For that, all pastors are thankful!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Asian pastors are literally battle‐scarred! That’s why they can face well the hardships of ministry.
They look very serious here… but they can be funny too!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Nahh, I’m way more good‐ looking than my disciple!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Some of our pastors’ “First Ladies” Need we say more? Thank you Lord!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
East meets West! A good kind of mix with a common and strong conviction for missions!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
With their kids, they’ll be off to Cambodia to do missions work by year end (2008). Praise God for your missional hearts!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
They planned to spend a short time with us just to hear what we’re up to.
They ended up staying more than a day because they got infected with an Asian virus, the one that humbles your heart to serve God unashamedly.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Pray, study, reflect, deliver… Pray, study, reflect, deliver… Pray, study, reflect, deliver… God must be so honored by these pastors who are doing what they are called to do!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Up in the quiet of the Colorado mountains, we had sweet, poignant moments of friendship. Thank you Lord.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Didn’t you read earlier that Asian pastors make great comedians? Here’s a funky example and a black‐belter who’s just pretending!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Chow time! Thanks to our hardworking sisters from the Cambodian CRC in Aurora, CO. They skipped their jobs just to serve us!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
For Pastor Albert, theology is food for his soul. But here, he prefers food for his empty stomach!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Boys, remember, don’t talk when your mouth is full!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
God bless their hearts and families for a job well done! None of us complained of not having enough good food!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
No, these Asian pastors are not fasting. They just finished a big meal!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Our wives joined us in not fasting too! They just had a big meal!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Ezekiel, let’s make a deal. I take your milk and I take this watermelon!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Quiz: Who does not belong to this group? Is it not obvious?
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
This is what happens when you’ve been married 34 years!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Somebody here is not a pastor! Who could that be?
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
One Cambodian, the other Vietnamese. Both had seen the harshness of life but are thankful for the joy and peace they now have in the Lord’s grace!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Question: Who is not a pastor in this group? Answer: The ‘black‐belter’ is a pastor too who just happened to injure his back before the retreat. My advice: don’t make him get angry of you, or else you’ll be black and blue!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Tina (not Fey), the First Lady of Pastor Albert, surrounded by her Asian bodyguards!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
I better call 911! I better step away too!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Without their hard work, our retreat would not have been a success and a joy. John and Channary, thank you!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Some kids were with us – but we didn’t do anything with them. Why?
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Remember Asian circles of fire! Happened again in the Colorqado mountains!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
We did Holy Communion in this cabin that was a roaring bar during the “prohibition” years! (We had juice not whiskey.)
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Hands were laid, fervent words prayed, our hearts united, before the Cross of the Lord Jesus Christ.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
For Asian pastors, heaven’s glory is already here!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Gil and Joyce, we’ll see you in Cambodia some day!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
I didn’t know the ‘3 musketeers’ were religious!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Much thanks to the Third CRC of Denver. Their pastor was our personal driver and baggage boy! (He didn’t get a big tip though; we did Dutch treat!)
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
This is how the interiors of our worship center will look.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #7: Oct 29‐Nov 1, 2008 Long Scraggy Mountain Ranch, Colorado
What did we learn: Lots of photos and stories bring back what God is deeply doing in our personal lives and ministries The new members who freely opened their hearts moved us more to share these kinds of retreats to others who have need of a peer learning group Having our wives sit, reflect, speak, and pray with us is something that should be sustained if we are to have joy and effectiveness in our families, ministries Our youth leader is bringing more of his peers to the next retreat! Praise the Lord!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #8 of 8 Oct 29‐Nov 1, 2008 Vietnamese New Hope CRC Winfield, IL
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #8: Oct 29‐Nov 1, 2008 Vietnamese New Hope CRC, Winfield, IL
What made this retreat unique? 15 youth leaders from SEAPI East and West groups attended eager to learn and fellowship 2 Indonesian pastors shared their harsh ministry experiences and unwavering zeal for the Lord’s work pastors’ wives launched their own peer learning group thankful of their coming SPE grant in addition to our peer learning agenda, we invited CRC representatives for some collaborative sessions we held our entire retreat in a SEAPI church and were served with remarkable hospitality!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
In a quiet neighborhood church in Winfield IL, 30 SEAPI pastors, their wives, and youth leaders gathered for the 8th time. Once again blessed by a God who cares for Asian people.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Meet our Asian women, young and old, all smiles and full of joy for being part of God’s SEAPI community and work.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Meet our Asian men, young and old, all smiles and full of joy for being part of God’s SEAPI community and work.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
We began our retreat by worshipping our God with all our hearts, minds, hands, and soul.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
In this retreat, our youth leaders took charge of leading our worship.
Praise God for their gifts and hearts. They’re fully able to lead worship, willing to be leaders of the next generation.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
We worshiped and thanked God for the hope He has given to us, many of whom lost hope years ago in our homelands.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Two Indonesian pastors joined us: Zacharias (left) and Jonas with family (below).
Their amazing stories humbled and moved us to thank God for precious life only He can bless and protect!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Irene Bakker, herself of Chinese ethnicity, spoke with our women about spiritual formation as may be unique among SEAPI folks.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Young and young‐at‐heart, married and single, happy for who they are, Asian women in God’s family.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
As for those who are really young…
…may they all grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
As for the pastors, no matter what they drink, they are concerned about the future of their churches.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Here, three SEAPI pastors (Cambodian, Lao, and Korean) share their hearts and love for the Lord and His church.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Aahhh, meals are great times for fellowship with great Asian treats or pizza and soda.
Above, Pastor John of Wheaton CRC enjoyed meeting the other Asians.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Holy Communion was the climax of our retreat...
…to be in God’s moment of grace and power, and to declare our obedience.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
We set aside time in this retreat to engage with other CRC ministries and agencies. Ms. Irene Bakker (left) for the denominational study on spiritual formation, and
Rev. Peter Kelder (right), Home Missions Regional Director.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Dr. David Schuringa (above) met with the pastors on spiritual formation while Ms. Pam Van tol (left) spoke about the ministry of ELIC. (Dr. Bud Ipema, not shown here, also talked about the Timothy Institute.)
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
It was not this modest but stately looking church building that inspired us during this retreat. It was the remarkable generosity and serving spirit of Rev. Huu Phu Nguyen and his congregation. Thanks, Pastor.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Before checking out, we seized the lobby of Hampton Inn for a time of prayer – in the Indonesian language!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
As in past SEAPI retreats, we scoped the area for a possible regional office site! (not kidding)
Believe it or not, we found this shiny thing in the windy city!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
This is the 110‐ton Cloud Gate, made from polished stainless steel plates resembling liquid memory, at the Millenium Plaza in downtown Chicago.
Pastor Zacharias is examining whether this structure could pass the standards of SEAPI!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
We ended our 8th retreat not as a disunited swirl of ideas and ethnicities, but as a group though diverse, yet bound by a united desire to glorify God and edify the SEAPI CRCs.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #8: Oct 29‐Nov 1, 2008 Vietnamese New Hope CRC, Winfield, IL
What did we learn: Pastors, their wives, and youth leaders talked, laughed, prayed and worshiped together reminded about a God of grace and mercy
Being told of life‐threatening experiences in some of our ministries, we were humbled, challenged to support each other and continue to minister in the name of Jesus Christ
Other CRC agency workers and us connected! That was a good thing and we’ll continue to do. The place of our youth leaders in the future of SEAPI CRCs is becoming clearer. To that end, we promised to do more. We found out how one local church‐host can edify SEAPI.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
SEAPI Summit II The second national gathering of pastors, elders/deacons, men, women and youth leaders from 55 SEAPI CRCs August 3‐6, 2009 in Winfield, IL
Watch out for details at our website, www.asiancrcs.org
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat 1: July 5‐7, 2004 in Aurora, Colorado Retreat 2: March 7‐10, 2005 in Lake Tahoe, NV Retreat 3: Aug 2‐4, 2005 in Stony Point, NY Retreat 4: Feb 27‐Mar 2, 2006 in Hayward, CA Retreat 5: Sep 18‐21, 2006 in Lake Geneva, WI Retreat 6: June 5‐7, 2007 in Grand Rapids, MI (Summit I) Retreat 7: June 3‐5, 2008 in Long Scraggy Ranch, CO Retreat 8: Oct 29‐Nov 1, 2008 in Winfield, IL Retreat 9: August 3‐6, 2009 in Winfield, IL (Summit II)
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
It all began in 1999 when Home Missions formed the “Asian Planning Group” A meeting in La Palma, CA 2002
• With changes in CRC Home Missions resources, the Asian Planning Group was guided to become a peer learning group under the CRC‐Lilly Endowment Sustaining Pastoral Excellence (SPE) program. • In December 2003, the group was awarded its first grant and began its work as a self‐managed and self‐ directed voluntary group called “Asian‐American Pastoral Ministry” (AAPM). • In June 2007, as a result of the eager participation of 54 church pastors, women and youth leaders in the first Leadership Summit, the group changed its name to “Southeast Asian & Pacific Islands CRCs (SEAPI).
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #1 of 8 July 5‐7, 2004 Radisson Hotel, Aurora CO held alongside with a seminar by the Calvin Institute of Worship
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #1 of 8: July 5‐7, 2004 Radisson Hotel, Aurora, Colorado
What made this retreat unique? as a self‐managed and self‐directed group, we began with a lot of baby steps group unity and shared purpose were quickly put to the test we were all humbled by the hard work of our host, Pastor John Kim and the Cambodian CRC in Aurora as the retreat ended, we realized all of us are in the garden because of God’s grace alone we were thankful for the able coaching by Tong Park and Mike & Lois Vanderpol
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
AAPM nor SEAPI haven’t started without what?
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
After watching all retreat photos, you likely would conclude that our retreats began with food, always!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Formal or not, whatever table setting, we are contented and quite satisfied.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
With friends from the Calvin Institute of Worship and the nearby CRCs in Denver.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
How do Asians celebrate 30 years of married life?
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Vietnamese food is the best! Just look at those smiles!
I think Mike prefers Chinese having been a missionary in Taiwan for 20 years.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Our official group photo! Taken somewhere at the basement of the Radisson Hotel in Aurora.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
(Lovely) women is not an issue in Asian CRCs. We’re surrounded by them, thankfully!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
In all our retreats, we thought it best to hold these where there is a nearby Asian CRC. Reason: to fellowship and worship with them even for a few hours.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
This retreat humbled us to be reminded we are all in the garden of our God because of His grace alone! (Meet Mr & Mrs Noah‐am Kieu)
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
These praying hills reminded us to pray much!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Asians can eat anywhere they want, as long as there’s Asian food of course!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Rock of Ages… a logo for SEAPI?
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Matthew: I’ll FedEx this rock to CA. Socheth: Sorry, you’re late. UPS is packing it today to MI.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
SEAPI’s main cathedral of the future?
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #1: July 5‐7, 2004 in Aurora,CO
What did we learn? • Being our first retreat, we did baby steps • We prayed and tried our best to continue as a peer learning group • We ended well with hopes for more and greater learning, including some humbling • We felt the need to take a serious look at our unique character and leadership tendencies
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #2 of 8 March 7‐10, 2005 Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center Lake Tahoe, NV
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #2 of 8: March 7‐10, 2005 Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
What made this retreat unique? It was sheer joy to see us teaching one another with much eagerness and no pressure The warmth of fellowship and praying for one another kept us from the cold surroundings of Lake Tahoe Did I say praying? Yes, this retreat powerfully moved us to pray to become the high point of all retreats! With Esteban Lugo’s urging, we began to look beyond our group…
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Everybody is serious about teaching and learning, except Matthew!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Asian pastors’ wives are serious about their faith and their husbands’ ministry, as modeled by Tina here.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
This was just our 2nd retreat. You’d be amazed to hear each speak up about his/her heart for the Lord and His church.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
These SPE retreats were not just vacations! Everyone studied and discussed with all seriousness!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Now this looks more like a vacation and a good break!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
This retreat’s official group photo taken on the shore of Lake Tahoe with the Sierra Mountains in the background. A taste of heaven! Praise God!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Lake Tahoe Lesson #1: Not easy to follow what is being discussed? Follow the leader! Drink good old Reformed coffee!
Lake Tahoe Lesson #2: If coffee does not help and you’re still not getting what the speaker is saying? Pinch yourself!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Lake Tahoe Lesson #3: Couldn’t agree with each other? Share a laugh together! God wants us to enjoy each other.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Lake Tahoe Lesson #4: When sessions go too long, play a game on your cell phone. “Lois, where’s the on button on this thing?”
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Lake Tahoe Lesson #5: Asian hand‐martial arts (Dutch too) help bring your message across in powerful ways!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Lake Tahoe Lesson #5: Asian martial arts (Dutch too) help bring your message across in powerful ways!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
These photos change the old saying in another way. “Behind a good pastor’s wife is a good pastor‐husband!”
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
John: “Matthew, are you now in selling Christian books?” Matthew: “No, but these guys (John Maxwell and Rick Warren) had taught me a lot! I want to be God’s kind of a leader!”
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
What stood out at the Lake Tahoe retreat? We began to pray together and for each other.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Prayer circles like these began in Lake Tahoe.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
And became a regular, indispensable part of our subsequent retreats – before, during, and after. God moved us to pray!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Matthew: “Nope, I didn’t do it. Brother San ate all of these! Remember, I just sell books by Rick Warren and John Maxwell.”
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #2, March 7‐10, 2005 Lake Tahoe, Nevada
What did we learn? With humility, enthusiasm, and seriousness, we taught and learned from each other We saw a real need to pray for one another We made a covenant to keep each other in our prayers We were reminded to appreciate our ethnicity, as well as our role and contribution to help break down racial barriers for a more God‐honoring and stronger CRC We progressed in our sense of purpose to share to other Asian CRCs what God had been doing in our group
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #3 of 8 August 1‐4, 2005 Stony Point Presbyterian Conference Center, NY
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #3 of 8, August 1‐4, 2005 Stony Point Presbyterian Conference Center, New York
What made this retreat unique? we began to have a deep sense and appreciation of God’s work in each of our life timelines realizing the value of peer group learning, we seriously planned our next steps as an SPE group we didn’t just plan for our group of 10 pastors, we saw the need to share what we’ve learned to the other Asian CRCs we committed to collaborate and help build healthier Asian CRCs by actively involving ourselves in classical and denominational efforts
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Now you see the pattern… we retreat to feast! So Asian! What is Dutch‐looking guy thinking?
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Pastors and spouses sat together, learned and inspired by each other’s victories and challenges in our lives and ministries… and we saw how God was so involved
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
We were so amazed to see all events in our life timelines were in fact God preparing us for what we’re doing today! And in seeing the big picture of God’s work in us, we realized there was nothing to regret about.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
In our travels, we were not just sightseeing. We were actually scouting where to locate the future SEAPI headquarters. We said this could be a great spot! (Don’t you think so?)
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
In SEAPI, we learned so much about generational gaps. We had 2 groups: the young and the young‐at‐heart!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
SEAPI pastors tried their best to catch up with things we were not taught in seminary. Like playing computer games?
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
In his very busy ministry among the Korean CRCs and Classis Southern California, Tong Park gave a good part of his time to teach us. Deeply appreciated!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
This was Pastor Kou Vang’s first time with our group. He poured his heart out to us and we embraced him as long‐time brothers and sisters in the Lord. He found a group he can be most comfortable with! PTL!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
In our retreats, we were convinced of the value in having both with pastor and wife learning together .
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Asian “circles of fire” – a fitting description for a group of men and women who after some days of peer learning get so fired up by Holy Spirit!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Beneath those smiles are lasting friendships and deeply personal and a shared appreciation of God’s amazing grace in their lives and ministries.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
These Asians, they really like to pose before a camera, like one large family gathering. (Thanks to digital cameras!)
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Asian pastors are always ‘poised’ to lead!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
QUIZ: Who does not belong to this group?
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #3 of 8, August 1‐4, 2005 Stony Point Presbyterian Conference Center, New York
What did we learn? we began to have a deep sense and appreciation of God’s work in each of our life timelines realizing the value of peer group learning, we seriously planned our next steps as an SPE group we didn’t just plan for our group of 10 pastors, we saw the need to share what we’ve learned to the other Asian CRCs we committed to collaborate and help build healthier Asian CRCs by actively involving ourselves in classical and denominational efforts
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #4 of 8 February 27‐March 2, 2006 Christ’s Community Church Hayward, California
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #4: February 27‐March 2, 2006 Christ’s Community Church, Hayward, CA
What made this retreat unique? We were privileged with 12‐hours of heartfelt participation by Jerry Dykstra, who was then Deputy for CRC Denominational Ministries He came with skepticism and left our group with promise and hope for what AAPM was doing to help create healthier Asian CRCs at the foot of our Lord’s Cross, we made a commitment to continue AAPM through the SPE Program
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
The best background we ever had for our group photos! What else but the Cross of our Lord!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
It must have been the all‐in‐one Chinese, Japanese, and Mongolian dinner buffet! Jerry stayed and focused with us for 12 hours straight!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Now you know what an all‐in‐one Chinese, Japanese, and Mongolian dinner buffet can do! It can make pastors, Asian or not, look so nice and cute!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
During our first evening session, Jerry Dykstra taught us about building and sustaining healthy churches.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Next day, we told Jerry about our dreams, efforts, including sacrifices to do just that.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
In a little room at the CRC in Hayward, Jerry heard up close personal stories of 10 different Asian churches and ethnic groups, from the U.S. and Canada.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Near the end of the day, we could only sing and be thankful about… “How great Thou art!”
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
… and in realizing how each one of us, including Jerry, could continue to minister to God’s people to this day…
… we gave thanks and sang “Great is Thy faithfulness!”
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
As Jerry closed his 12‐hour marathon with our group, he was moved by the stories of pastors and their wives as they continued to be faithful serving small, struggling but promising Asian churches
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
In our modest Asian way of gratitude, we presented Jerry with a wooden plaque. He said he’ll have a place for it in his office in Grand Rapids. Thanks JD!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
The Hayward retreat will always be remembered as a special time (12 hours only!) with Jerry Dykstra. A year later, Synod appointed him CRC Executive Director.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
These fellows are definitely not Jerry’s deputies. They’re just happy to come out strong and inspired after a 12‐hour retreat day.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
We were so moved by this retreat such that we… “left our hearts in San Francisco”
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Then we had some fun! The ladies did! With pearls! (Hhhmm, Jerry did you, out of the goodness of your heart, leave your credit card with any of them?
What do you know! Our SEAPI ladies found the bridge to somewhere!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Remember we’re scouting for good SEAPI sites. We found this in SF’s Fisherman’s Wharf! An exciting place for “fishers of men and women”!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Ahhh, seafood! We everything we see!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
San: “Pastor Albert, try to use your spoon or fork, not your hands, please.” Albert: “Sorry, but hands were created for a reason.”
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Fernando: “Albert, your hands on my side might be misinterpreted by our church members and synodical deputies! We might not be allowed in SF anymore!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Didn’t you know? Vickie does part‐time modeling for Intel!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Ex‐boat refugees Pastor Nam and Sis.Lien were so happy to help these well‐dressed SEAPI refugees???
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Guess who’s inside the paper bag? Why would an Asian pastor hide inside a bag?
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Despite the difficulties and needs of our ministries, we thank God for giving us moments of laughter and joy! Asian pastors can be great comedians!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Asian pastors ‘poised’ for leadership – Part II!
Who does not belong to this group?
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Oh what charming and smart wives they are! Our Asian CRC pastors are so blessed!!!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
It’s always a special moment for us to have Communion with a local congregation! This was at the New Hope Korean’s English ministry group in Santa Clara, CA.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Unique Asian expressions of Communion with the Lord…
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
At the end of a marathon retreat with Jerry Dykstra, we were thankful to have fellowship with the New Hope Korean CRC’s English ministry group.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #4: February 27‐March 2, 2006 Christ’s Community Church, Hayward, CA
What did we learn? our peer learning group process helped us grow in self‐confidence and the vision of building healthier local churches because of our knowledge of our homelands, we could collaborate with World Missions though we were a small group, we formed a leadership team to implement agreed next steps at the foot of our Lord’s Cross, we made a commitment to continue AAPM through the SPE Program
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #5 of 8 September 18‐21, 2006 Lake Geneva Conference Center, WI
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #5: September 18‐21, 2006 Lake Geneva Conference Center, WI
What made this retreat unique? we used the book “Celebration of Discipline” to deepen our spiritual walk with the Lord we tried to understand what God’s Word is teaching us about spiritual disciplines we shared and challenged each other how we are doing in our spiritual disciplines through the simulated rock‐climbing facility, we learned how to work and reach Spirit‐led goals
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Contrary to what these stairs may suggest, we don’t set up a hierarchy in our group. We’re all ‘Asian dictators’ of equal standing… sinners before God!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
This beautiful conference site by Lake Geneva had a wonderful effect on all of us! We all looked young and good‐looking, especially the white‐haired man!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Lake Geneva Conference Center is very green, so relaxing and peaceful. Praise God!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
We were so encouraged by the eager participation of two new members: James (Chinese CRC in Iowa) and Nathan (Hmong CRC in Lansing, MI). Welcome aboard!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
No, they’re not asking for more food. They’re expressing worship with great freedom.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
No, they’re not taking a college prep exam. They’re reviewing Foster’s Celebration of Discipline, a must‐read classic for spiritual formation!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Pastor Nathan engaged us with his youthful energy and enthusiasm for God’s Word and His church.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Are they going on a “relaxed treasure hunt” or what? No, they’re enjoying the so‐green and fresh scenery.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Suddenly, they seemed to have gone to God’s glory! Ooopps, wrong camera setting. Sorry…
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
It’s a bird! No, UFO? What could they be looking at?
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Looks like Asian monkeys just learning to climb, dressed in men’s clothes, and sporting yellow hardhats.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Oh, they’re real people! Oh, they’re pastors too! And they’re going up, up , and away!!!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Lien and Vickie: “Let’s show our husbands we can do this too!”
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Lien and Vickie: “See, we made it! In one piece!”
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
A great team‐building exercise, even for onlookers who had to have emergency chiropractic treatment due to strained necks!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Another great moment for worship and fellowship at the Hmong CRC in Sheboygan, WI.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
The “blue and red” Communion team of Matthew and San. Great job!”
Matthew seems to be moving too fast? No, it’s camera shake!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Our Hmong friends are very serious about their faith in Jesus Christ!
And we praise God for them!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Pastor Kou had to excuse himself briefly from the retreat, took out his bow and arrow, and got something special for dinner. Guess what the meat below is?
Tip: a cute, fast‐running, hairy attraction in almost every park…
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
A fellowship dinner with a local church is the best part of our retreats! We get to know God’s people up close and personal. Thank you Pastor Kou and the Hmong CRC.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
And we pray for God’s healing mercy for those in need. A moment of God’s power and tenderness…
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Power and tenderness. Two words that can help describe the touch of God’s amazing grace in our lives.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Myshoua, are you with child again? Your 12th???
Not just my fault! Was a joint decision!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Ezekiel: “I’m in here!”
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
SEAPI’s favorite restaurant in Sheboygan, WI with lots of mouth‐watering, tummy‐filling, fat‐free food!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Our SPE peer learning group allowed us to become the best of friends and partners in God’s service.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Our master boatman‐teacher: Nam! He made it through the China Sea from Vietnam to the Philippines with crude navigational aids and lots of prayers!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
An angel of the Lord always watched over us, especially here in Lake Geneva!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
This is how SEAPI church buildings should look like!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Always the difficult part of a retreat. Saying goodbye! But we have to, back to our families and churches. Bon voyage across Lake Michigan!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #5: September 18‐21, 2006 Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
What did we learn: When we feel dry or routine in our spiritual walk, let us return to the basic spiritual disciplines and be refreshed and challenged anew by God’s Word The Lord Jesus himself took time out from his busy ministry to have intimate moments with his Father If we stayed fresh in our spiritual walk, our vision and purpose for ministry will stay fresh as well Hardwork, determination, perseverance, and practice: rock‐climbing taught us how to reach goals
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #6 of 8 SEAPI Summit I June 5‐7, 2007 Kuyper College, Grand Rapids, MI
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #6 of 8 SEAPI Summit I June 5‐7, 2007 Kuyper College, Grand Rapids MI
What made this retreat unique? as we envisioned, we wanted to share to other Asian CRCs what we’ve learned and benefitted from peer learning great response: 54 pastors, women, youth leaders came representing 26 of 41 SEAPI CRCs as of June ’07 in one instance, leaders of the denomination met and saw the energy and faithfulness of Asian brethren it was held in conjunction with the CRC’s 150th anniversary in Grand Rapids
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
The first Leadership Summit among SEAPI pastors, women, and youth leaders: will there be Summit II?
Cambodians Chinese Filipinos Hmong Indians Indonesian s Karen
Koreans Laotians Pakistani s Samoans Thais Vietnamese More coming…
At Summit 2007, we listened to each other…
With one voice, we praised and worshipped God
We wanted to know each other better…
We dined and fellowshipped together…
Asian food, the most colorful and tastiest in all of creation!
We even tried to cross Lake Michigan together! Are we there yet? Are you sure this is the route Moses took?
We were encouraged, challenged by CRC leaders…
We were moved by God’s work in our homelands… From Killing Fields to Living Fields… through the Cross of Christ!
With more pastors and leaders being trained, churches are stronger today.
To step up and move forward together…
We challenged each other not to go it alone…
My husband changed and is happier since he joined the AAPM peer learning group!
To work together, and with our beloved CRC…
We understood who we are in the CRC… Asian church leaders called by God…
Both the young ones and the young once…
Pastor’s wives and leaders of all ages…
Crossing Lake Michigan is the hardest I’ve ever done in my long ministry!
Our next leaders are here with us today…
Together, ready to step up and move forward…
We got to know each other better... by praying together,
We got to know each other, by laughing together
When pastors are happy, their churches are also happy! (And it’s not a joke!)
… and more laughter together!
Kids, don’t try this at home, OK?
We learned to speak what’s in our hearts…
And became true friends in Christ…
Though hundreds of miles apart, they are still connected. Thanks to email!
To work together with one goal, one vision… Nobody else can say it better than Pastor Huu!
To promote a culture of pastoral excellence…
To create and sustain healthy Asian CRCs…
To care for and carry our next generation on our shoulders…
Ministry can be back breaking! But I enjoy it!
Before we parted, we had Holy Communion together,
Then we dedicated ourselves to do God’s will…
To step up and move forward TOGETHER… through the grace of God!
SEAPI CRC Leadership Summit 2007
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #6: June 5‐7, 2007 Kuyper College, Grand Rapids MI
What did we learn? We understood we are leaders called by God with a unique place in the CRC We realized we can be more effective if we collaborated as friends and partners in ministry We also saw how we can be more effective if we actively partnered with CRC agencies We dedicated ourselves to a shared vision and goal of building healthy and growing Asian CRCs We accepted the challenge to step up and move forward together through the grace of God
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #7 of 8 June 3‐5, 2008 Long Scraggy Mountain Ranch, CO
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #7: June 3‐5, 2008 Long Scraggy Mountain Ranch, Colorado
What made this retreat unique? 3 new pastor‐members joined us with moving stories about their ministries and families 2 new pastor’s wives also joined and we began to think of ways to sustain their participation as a group We learned to be critical and yet agreeable with one another about what we study together We had a taste of fellowship and unity in ministry with a missions‐minded couple and a WM regional rep It was a short retreat (in terms of time) but very sweet and focused to strengthen all of us again!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Scraggy means lean or thin, rough, jagged. This group pastors, wives and youth leaders don’t look that at all. They seem to be enjoying their retreat!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Arriving at Denver airport, we were ready for our 7th retreat!
I had to grab Pastor Huu. We almost lost him at the airport!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Real life stories by pastors humble and inspire us to draw closer God’s throne of grace.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Without being prompted, these new members just opened up their hearts to our amazement! They understood quickly what a peer learning group was all about
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
You can read on Pastor Huu’s face his love and hard life for God’s people. Not at all easy but he finds joy in serving!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
We usually began our retreats with personal, family, and ministry updates. That way, we could know what joys we can celebrate and concerns we can support them for.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
That little guy is the prophet Ezekiel (Hmong version)! Dad & Mom are starting him early through SPE retreats!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Our wives have unique ways of expressing themselves. But one thing is clear: they love the Lord and what He called their husbands to do. For that, all pastors are thankful!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Asian pastors are literally battle‐scarred! That’s why they can face well the hardships of ministry.
They look very serious here… but they can be funny too!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Nahh, I’m way more good‐ looking than my disciple!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Some of our pastors’ “First Ladies” Need we say more? Thank you Lord!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
East meets West! A good kind of mix with a common and strong conviction for missions!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
With their kids, they’ll be off to Cambodia to do missions work by year end (2008). Praise God for your missional hearts!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
They planned to spend a short time with us just to hear what we’re up to.
They ended up staying more than a day because they got infected with an Asian virus, the one that humbles your heart to serve God unashamedly.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Pray, study, reflect, deliver… Pray, study, reflect, deliver… Pray, study, reflect, deliver… God must be so honored by these pastors who are doing what they are called to do!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Up in the quiet of the Colorado mountains, we had sweet, poignant moments of friendship. Thank you Lord.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Didn’t you read earlier that Asian pastors make great comedians? Here’s a funky example and a black‐belter who’s just pretending!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Chow time! Thanks to our hardworking sisters from the Cambodian CRC in Aurora, CO. They skipped their jobs just to serve us!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
For Pastor Albert, theology is food for his soul. But here, he prefers food for his empty stomach!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Boys, remember, don’t talk when your mouth is full!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
God bless their hearts and families for a job well done! None of us complained of not having enough good food!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
No, these Asian pastors are not fasting. They just finished a big meal!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Our wives joined us in not fasting too! They just had a big meal!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Ezekiel, let’s make a deal. I take your milk and I take this watermelon!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Quiz: Who does not belong to this group? Is it not obvious?
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
This is what happens when you’ve been married 34 years!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Somebody here is not a pastor! Who could that be?
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
One Cambodian, the other Vietnamese. Both had seen the harshness of life but are thankful for the joy and peace they now have in the Lord’s grace!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Question: Who is not a pastor in this group? Answer: The ‘black‐belter’ is a pastor too who just happened to injure his back before the retreat. My advice: don’t make him get angry of you, or else you’ll be black and blue!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Tina (not Fey), the First Lady of Pastor Albert, surrounded by her Asian bodyguards!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
I better call 911! I better step away too!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Without their hard work, our retreat would not have been a success and a joy. John and Channary, thank you!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Some kids were with us – but we didn’t do anything with them. Why?
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Remember Asian circles of fire! Happened again in the Colorqado mountains!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
We did Holy Communion in this cabin that was a roaring bar during the “prohibition” years! (We had juice not whiskey.)
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Hands were laid, fervent words prayed, our hearts united, before the Cross of the Lord Jesus Christ.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
For Asian pastors, heaven’s glory is already here!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Gil and Joyce, we’ll see you in Cambodia some day!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
I didn’t know the ‘3 musketeers’ were religious!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Much thanks to the Third CRC of Denver. Their pastor was our personal driver and baggage boy! (He didn’t get a big tip though; we did Dutch treat!)
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
This is how the interiors of our worship center will look.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #7: Oct 29‐Nov 1, 2008 Long Scraggy Mountain Ranch, Colorado
What did we learn: Lots of photos and stories bring back what God is deeply doing in our personal lives and ministries The new members who freely opened their hearts moved us more to share these kinds of retreats to others who have need of a peer learning group Having our wives sit, reflect, speak, and pray with us is something that should be sustained if we are to have joy and effectiveness in our families, ministries Our youth leader is bringing more of his peers to the next retreat! Praise the Lord!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #8 of 8 Oct 29‐Nov 1, 2008 Vietnamese New Hope CRC Winfield, IL
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #8: Oct 29‐Nov 1, 2008 Vietnamese New Hope CRC, Winfield, IL
What made this retreat unique? 15 youth leaders from SEAPI East and West groups attended eager to learn and fellowship 2 Indonesian pastors shared their harsh ministry experiences and unwavering zeal for the Lord’s work pastors’ wives launched their own peer learning group thankful of their coming SPE grant in addition to our peer learning agenda, we invited CRC representatives for some collaborative sessions we held our entire retreat in a SEAPI church and were served with remarkable hospitality!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
In a quiet neighborhood church in Winfield IL, 30 SEAPI pastors, their wives, and youth leaders gathered for the 8th time. Once again blessed by a God who cares for Asian people.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Meet our Asian women, young and old, all smiles and full of joy for being part of God’s SEAPI community and work.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Meet our Asian men, young and old, all smiles and full of joy for being part of God’s SEAPI community and work.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
We began our retreat by worshipping our God with all our hearts, minds, hands, and soul.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
In this retreat, our youth leaders took charge of leading our worship.
Praise God for their gifts and hearts. They’re fully able to lead worship, willing to be leaders of the next generation.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
We worshiped and thanked God for the hope He has given to us, many of whom lost hope years ago in our homelands.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Two Indonesian pastors joined us: Zacharias (left) and Jonas with family (below).
Their amazing stories humbled and moved us to thank God for precious life only He can bless and protect!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Irene Bakker, herself of Chinese ethnicity, spoke with our women about spiritual formation as may be unique among SEAPI folks.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Young and young‐at‐heart, married and single, happy for who they are, Asian women in God’s family.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
As for those who are really young…
…may they all grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
As for the pastors, no matter what they drink, they are concerned about the future of their churches.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Here, three SEAPI pastors (Cambodian, Lao, and Korean) share their hearts and love for the Lord and His church.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Aahhh, meals are great times for fellowship with great Asian treats or pizza and soda.
Above, Pastor John of Wheaton CRC enjoyed meeting the other Asians.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Holy Communion was the climax of our retreat...
…to be in God’s moment of grace and power, and to declare our obedience.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
We set aside time in this retreat to engage with other CRC ministries and agencies. Ms. Irene Bakker (left) for the denominational study on spiritual formation, and
Rev. Peter Kelder (right), Home Missions Regional Director.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Dr. David Schuringa (above) met with the pastors on spiritual formation while Ms. Pam Van tol (left) spoke about the ministry of ELIC. (Dr. Bud Ipema, not shown here, also talked about the Timothy Institute.)
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
It was not this modest but stately looking church building that inspired us during this retreat. It was the remarkable generosity and serving spirit of Rev. Huu Phu Nguyen and his congregation. Thanks, Pastor.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Before checking out, we seized the lobby of Hampton Inn for a time of prayer – in the Indonesian language!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
As in past SEAPI retreats, we scoped the area for a possible regional office site! (not kidding)
Believe it or not, we found this shiny thing in the windy city!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
This is the 110‐ton Cloud Gate, made from polished stainless steel plates resembling liquid memory, at the Millenium Plaza in downtown Chicago.
Pastor Zacharias is examining whether this structure could pass the standards of SEAPI!
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
We ended our 8th retreat not as a disunited swirl of ideas and ethnicities, but as a group though diverse, yet bound by a united desire to glorify God and edify the SEAPI CRCs.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
Retreat #8: Oct 29‐Nov 1, 2008 Vietnamese New Hope CRC, Winfield, IL
What did we learn: Pastors, their wives, and youth leaders talked, laughed, prayed and worshiped together reminded about a God of grace and mercy
Being told of life‐threatening experiences in some of our ministries, we were humbled, challenged to support each other and continue to minister in the name of Jesus Christ
Other CRC agency workers and us connected! That was a good thing and we’ll continue to do. The place of our youth leaders in the future of SEAPI CRCs is becoming clearer. To that end, we promised to do more. We found out how one local church‐host can edify SEAPI.
AAPM‐SEAPI Milestones, 2004‐2008
SEAPI Summit II The second national gathering of pastors, elders/deacons, men, women and youth leaders from 55 SEAPI CRCs August 3‐6, 2009 in Winfield, IL
Watch out for details at our website, www.asiancrcs.org
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