Debrief in China 

"Neehow" (Hello) from Beijing once again,

To those of you who thought we fell off the face of the planet because of a delayed update, I can confirm that we are still here  :-) We are still rejoicing over the news of the last update "Tears of Joy over a Harvest of Salvation" sent after our countryside trip across the mountains and plains of Mongolia. Our last week in Mongolia was spent serving with a missionary family in the northern most town of Mongolia. We enjoyed the fellowship with believers, and hauling thousands of pounds of lumber for the construction project of the community center they are building. The vision God has given them is enormous and it was a joy to play just a small role in the work God is doing there.

After our time there, we began the painstakingly long yet adventurously fun journey from the northern most part of Mongolia all the way across the entire country to the southernmost border town to China and into Beijing once again. Despite continuous diarrhea, flu symptoms, and exhaustion, we conquered the endless hours of bumpy traveling. Because of the outbreak of the Swine flu in UlaanBaatar with 800 cases and 8 people dead in just 3 weeks, China was screening for the symptoms. Lucas had a high fever, yet he timed it perfectly by placing his head against the cold train window just before the head temperature check. All in all, we made it to Beijing safely, enjoyed the company of yet another perfectly timed divine appointment, and have thoroughly enjoyed our debrief week here healthy and strong.

We have been blessed beyond description by God's generosity flowing through Andy's dad with the provision of extensive tours throughout Beijing. We have climbed the Great Wall of China, walked through the Forbidden City, and enjoyed Beijing in it's finest. We had a fantabulous graduation dinner hanging out along a beautiful lake, and I can therefore announce that both Andy Cristodoru and Lucas Thiessen have officially graduated the 2009 Backpacker's Discipleship Training School. It's been good; it's been tough; it's been challenging; it's been awesome; and most important, it's brought glory to our Father. YWAM's goal "To Know God and To Make Him Known" has been central. I'll write one last summary update when I'm back in the States to give a better report.

As for now, Lucas flies out November 18th.  Andy, Steve, and I will travel China a bit more and depart on different dates throughout December. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we all go our separate ways. Health, safety, Chinese/English communication, and purpose would be the immediate prayer requests.  Once again, on behalf of the B-DTS 2009, we THANK YOU for playing a huge part in this outreach by your support and prayers.

"Over and out" from Beijing...



Zach Hooley
208-315-4707
Support Me
www.hooley4christ.com
hooley4christ@mac.com
B-DTS - Backpacker's Discipleship Training School
SABS - School of Applied Biblical Studies
www.ywamidaho.org




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