Weekend in Hong Kong

Mr. Baker and I arrived on Friday afternoon in Hong Kong...the "New York City" of the Orient. And boy, does it live up to that billing! Hong Kong, along with Kowloon and the "New Territories" area make up small piece of real estate that contains millions of people, thousands of high-rises, thousands of businesses, and the an economy 2nd to none. While here, we were able to spend the Sabbath with the brethren at the home of Mary Wong (sp?). There were 16 of us that gathered for services on the 32nd floor of Mary's apartment. We had a wonderful lunch with Mary and her children, then hosted the rest of the group for services in the afternoon. That evening the group went out to a very special Chinese restaurant...and I was treated to my first real meal of "Peking Duck"! What a treat. We visited many of the sites and sections of Hong Kong island and Kowloon. It was a wonderful way to end a trip such as this. This evening, we had dinner with Peter and Corin Forrester. Peter and Corin just arrived this morning from a 10 day trip to the U.S., visiting Corin's family and attending the WFW. We had a wonderful visit. Needless to say, I'm anxious to get home to see my family...and the local brethren. ~D. Horchak

The Streets of Rangoon, Burma...

Burma is a very unique Asian Country. on the western side of Thailand facing India--Myanmar/Burma is a beautiful country that lives in the shadow of a repressive military government. Driving around the streets of Yangon/Rangoon ones quickly sees that results of a minimalist economy and people that live with infrastructure and buildings that are very old indeed. In 3 days, I saw hundreds if not thousands of vehicles...yet only 2 or 3 were near being "new". Often the taxis are falling apart whose inside door panels have worn off. Yet, this very buddhist country is pround of its heritage and past. The Shwedagon Pagoda looms big over the city and is the most holy of buddhist shrines in all of Myanmar. Buddhist monks claim it is 2500 years old; however most archaeologists claims it was built in the 6th century. the 321 ediface is awesome in many respects. Upon visiting the pagoda grounds--(in barefeet), on quickly realizes this is a very active place of worship for thousands and is home to virtually 100's of buddhas! In other ways, Rangoon is a very beautiful place filled with the traditions of the burmese people--from daily walking and running around the Kandawghi Lake bridge, practicing tai chi on the shorline in groups, to selling their wares on the streets of the city. It truly is another world away. A good reminder that the Western world is in the minority on earth today. ~Doug Horchak

Doctrine Classes in Myanmar

On Tuesday, December 30, Mr. baker and I flew from Bangkok to Yangon (Rangoon) Myanmar (formerly Burma). The flight was quick as Burma is next door to Thailand and Rangoon only about 350 miles from Bangkok. Being "close"; however, is deceiving. Burma and Thailand have been enemies on and off over the years, with the Burmese military and leadership have long desired to dominate the Thais. Recent history; however, has enable the Thai people to have a somewhat flourishing economy while the people of Myanmar continue to suffer under the repressive military government that has been in power for almost 20 years.

On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday--Mr. Baker and met with 10-12 men (and a few women) at the modest home of Mr. David JhaJin. This group represented other small groups throughout Myanmar. Some were Katchin...and one man was Karin--representing a group in the hills along with Myanmar/Thai border. A couple of those attending the doctrinal classes had an overnight trip to get to David JhaJin's home in Rangoon. Each day, the ladies fixed different dishes of rice, chicken, duck soup, and fruits. We had to deal with the power going on/off throughout the day, but that didn't deter our having lively discussions after each of the 8 doctrinal topics/presentations we made. One evening, we continued on till 6pm. With the power out--Mrs. JhaJin lit two candles on the small tables and two mosquito burners to keep the bugs down!

The meetings went well, and time will tell how each of these men and the small groups they represent will want affiliate themselves with United Church of God. Great appreciation was expressed for Mr. Baker's visits to Myanmar and his offering the doctrinal classes with we presented. ~Doug Horchak