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

Visit with member/Prospective Member in Bangkok

This evening prior to leaving tomorrow morning for Myanmar, Mr. Baker and I were able to visit with our only UCG member in Bangkok--Mr. Fil Olympus. Mr. Olympus is a Filipino that is married and has two children. He has lived in Thailand for 9 years and is a journalist for a couple of travel magazines in SE Asia. We also had the chance to meet with a young Thai lady--Nattie. I forgot Nattie's last name, and being Thai I probably would have mis-spelled it in a bad way! Nattie is a very sweet young lady that is truly brand new to the truth of God. We visited with Nattie for about an hour and a half here at the Hotel in Bangkok. Coming from a Buddhist background (which is typical for Thais)--she had some very interesting and thought-provoking questions. All-in-all it was a very profitable visit, with Mr. Baker encouraging her to continue her studies with the UCG Bible Study course. He hopes to meet up with her again on his next visit here in the spring, and she is looking forward to keeping the Feast of Tabernacles in Thailand/Bangkok next year! It was a very interesting and inspiring visit, indeed.
Now, in the Morning we're off to Myanmar. Blackout time, so no posts till Friday!...

~Doug Horchak

Touring Grand Palace

Today (Monday) we went to the Thai Grand Palace grounds--where Ramah I built some of the most ornate and beautiful buildings, Buddhist temples, and palaces in SE Asia. Some of the buildings on the grounds date back to the 1700's, and are have been witness to the coronation of many of the Kings of Siam (Thailand) over the past 300 years. The current king, King Bhumibol, was coronated in 1950, and just turned 81 years of age on December 5th. He is the longest reigning monarch in SE Asia and one of the longest in the world.

Anyway, in addition to seeing the buildings and temples, we also were able to take a ride in a long-tail boat on the Chao Phraya River. It was a hoot! We saw a combination of skyscrapers, river shacks, canoes selling fruit, and a river teeming with catfish (they'd virtually jump out of the water to eat a banana peel!). This afternoon, we meet with the tour/hotel personnel in planning for the 2009 FOT here in Bangkok, and also meet with a new prospective member and member at 5pm tonight. Off to Myanmar tomorrow morning where we will be meeting with some new brethren conducting doctrine classes in one of their homes in Yangon for 3 days. ~D. Horchak

Sabbath In Manila

On the Sabbath of December 27, Mr. Baker and I were picked up at the Hotel Manila by Mr. Ray Evasco and his wife, Cynthia. We arrived about an hour prior to services and had the chance to meet with some of the brethren. It really was a wonderful experience. As it turned out we had 99 in attendance that day. After a very wonderful Special Sabbath Music presentation, I was able to speak to the congregation. In addition to giving them greetings from their brethren in Dallas and Sherman, Texas...I was able remind them of the part they played in the larger body of the Church, and that we were truly, "all in this together" in terms of our working both to preach the gospel message of Jesus Christ to the world, and to grow and overcome in our effort to be in the Kingdom of God. After a wonderful potluck meal that afternoon, Mr. Baker and I caught a 7pm flight that evening for Bangkok, Thailand. ~ Doug Horchak

Visiting the Philippine Eagle Refuge

Earlier in the week, Mr. Ed Macaraeg took Mr. Baker and myself to the famous Philippine Eagle Refuge and park. A wonderful park displaying in open aviaries some of the indigenous birds of prey in the Philippines--highlighting the second largest eagle on earth--the Philippine Eagle. But, despite our seeing and learning about some of the animals of the island of Mindinao, the hightlight was smelling durian (a specialty-fruit of Asia that has a "smell" to die for!)...and posing with a python. ~Doug Horchak