Sabbath June – and Classes, Sun/Mon June 7-8

On Sabbath, June 6, we were picked up at the hotel by Joseph Banda (Kambani and Shirley Banda’s 19 year old son). Joseph drove to their home for us to unpack our luggage and be given our sleeping quarters. What a lovely surprise! The Banda’s have taken care of us royally. We each have our own bedroom, and I am give the small guest house in the rear of the main home. This was formerly their garage; however, they converted to a very nice guest room with shower so that Mr. Andre Van Belkum (minister that was the Sr. Pastor for the area out of South Africa) could have a place to stay when visiting the brethren and conducting Church work with Kambani in Zambia.
After lunch, we were all driven out to the Church property where we were able to visit with the 60 or so brethren. We began services about 3pm; and while I was asked to give the sermon and update the members on God’s work in the US, the highlight of the service was the grand special music members from Mumbwa presented. All a capella, and all sung in wonderful harmony! We visited with the members until dark, then came back to the Banda home that evening for dinner.
On Sunday, June 07, 2009 began our first day of classes. After a restful evening (in which the local dogs and resident roosters serenaded us on-and-off through the night!), we drove off to the camp/property site. After arriving and get the generator going and getting setup for projection of class material for English/Kristine McNeely and power for the student laptops for Zach—we were off to the races!
We had a wonderful day of classes on the first day! The weather was great (about 78-80 degrees and sunny). All 13 computer skill students (ranging in age from 19—48) were totally “green” to computer use—and were able to get immersed in the use of the laptop (keyboard, mouse, screen, understanding software, and an overview of the many capabilities of computing) use, and raved about it! “The best class I’ve ever taken” could be heard from some. Kristine had an enthusiastic group of students (age 23-66) that were anxious to learn English. The curriculum we decided on was teaching vocabulary words from 5 of the hymns in our UCG hymnal. Notebooks of words, picture, and drawing paper were given to each student. Kristine had picture games, charades, drawing the words, etc. throughout the day. I was able to assist Kristine with songleading, explaining Bible verses in which the words are used, and assisting with a few of the games. We ended classes about 5pm. After a short break, prior to dinner--we showed the entire group (with “big screen” on white shower curtain…and projector) one of the inspiring installments of PLANET EARTH (Discovery Channel Series). Needless to say, the don’t get to see such presentations and projection, and were simply mesmerized by the video.
That evening we had a meal of white rice, shima (pounded corn meal balls), chicken, and carrot/onion sauce. Very good meal, indeed. We headed back from the campsite property to the Banda home about 7:30pm. The week ahead promises to be busy, but rewarding as the brethren really appreciate learning.

Today (Monday, June 8) we had a wonderful day of classes. Students attentive, eager to learn, and great weather again! We had minced beef and vegetables for lunch... Needless to say, they are treating us very, very well. Tonight, before leaving the Church property, we set the members to all watch a large screen viewing of THE LION KING! They were very excited about seeing the movie, as much of the setting of the Lion King movie is East Africa.

Safely in Zambia~

After 3 flights (4 for Zach!) and 22 hours of flying, we finally arrived safely in Lusaka, Zambia at 1:30pm local time on Friday. It was wonderful to see Kambani and Shirley Banda again, as they and another couple recieved us at the airport. All of our donated laptops arrived safely (thanks again, Tim!), and we were able to retrieve all of our luggage...which is a blessing. Actually, after 2 days with little sleep and relaxing in our clean but modest room, I went down to the small "bar" at this hotel and bought me a MOSI lager!

Tomorrow we will be meeting with brethren coming in from the rural areas for classes, and should have about 100 or more for Sabbath services at the Church property outside of Lusaka. Should be a wonderful Sabbath, and we'll get the chance to see the property, building, and environs we'll be conducting our classes all next week. Both Zach and Kristine give a big hello!

~Doug Horchak

In London---Happy Anniversary!

Well…our flight left 90 minutes late from DFW airport; however, once we got on board our American Airlines flight to the UK, we were fed our evening meal…and then as most international travelers go, struggled to stretch, find a place for your feet and legs, tune out the fussing baby across the aisle, and get some sleep!

Zach Zimmer and Kristine Mcneely and I arrived at Heathrow airport about 1:15pm local time on Thursday, and after getting our boarding passes for our next flight (8:30 tonight!), went into the cavernous Concourse 3. 100’s of stores, duty free, restaurants, pubs, lounges, and even a couple of Starbucks. Right now, Zach, Kristine, and are sipping on a Starbucks coffee doing a bit of people-watching and swapping travel stories.

We will be taking a Virgin Atlantic flight this evening for 10 hour overnight flight to Johannesburg, SA. We arrive there tomorrow morning (Friday) local time about 8:30 and then 2 hours later catch a short (2 hr.) flight north to Lusaka, Zambia.

We are looking forward to seeing Mr-s. Kambani Banda at the airport as we set our feet (for the first time, I may add) in Zambia. This Sabbath (June 6) we’ll be meeting for Sabbath services with the 70 or so brethren from outlying Church areas along with the local Lusaka congregation. Then, bright and early Sunday morning drive outside the city to the Church property to set up and begin computer and English Classes. Can’t wait!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TANYA! ~ I have to do a call out to my lovely wife. Today, June 4, 2009, is our 35th Wedding Anniversary…and wouldn’t you know it. Her husband is en route to Africa. Anyway, it has been a lovely 35 years, and she should get a gold medal for PATIENCE living me all these years! Love you, Tan.

~Doug Horchak

United Youth Corps--ZAMBIA

On June 3, two UYCorps volunteers and myself will be headed off to Zambia in southern Africa. We have been invited by the pastor, Mr. Kambani Banda, to come to assist with teaching remedial English language classes AND basic computer skills. Kristine McNeely of Arlington, TX will be teaching English at the Church property outside Lusaka, Zambia. Zachery Zimmerman will be our basic computer skills teacher for the classes. We expect about 60 adult members from the rural areas of Zambia to come for the English classes...and about 12 or so young adults to come for the computer skills classes.

All of the classes will be held at the UCG Church property about 30 km outside of Lusaka for the 5 days of June 7-11.

Mr-s. Banda will be hosting our group--and we are grateful for the opportunity to meet our brethren and hopefully serve them by offering the classes.

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