We wish you a Merry Christmas

Hello everyone,

We want to take this opportunity to wish you all the true light of Christmas.

Sue & I are very appreciative of all the love and support we continue to get from all our friends and supporters, around the world.

The next few weeks take us first to Northern China and then to North America for some meetings. We will blog as we can to keep you up-to-date.

Please take the opportunity to look at our Christmas message. You can do so by clicking on the link in the side bar or here http://www.craigrayner.com/Christmas2006.pps for the Power Point Presentation Version wish is a down load or http://www.craigrayner.com/Christmas2006.swf for the flash version, which can view in your Browser. Our friend Craig put it on the web for us. WARNING the Power point file is 32mg so if you do not have broadband it will take quite some time to download. We suggest you try the Flash version particularly if you have a dial up. If you prefer I will send it to you on a disk, but you will not get to see it until we return in the New Year.

PHIL

Xian Adventure

With Mem and Ricky (Mum & Nephew) visiting for a couple of weeks we decided to fly to Xian for a few days, after organising some cheap flights.
A lot colder there I can tell you. But we had a wonderful time. Pollution is terrible. And our cheap hotel was cheap. But warm and comfortable enough.
We hired a car for the day for 240 Yuan and went to see the Warriors, the Emperors Mausoleum, and the Hot Springs.
On the other days we went to the South Gate and walked on the Wall, then took a golf cart to the West gate. We visited the Muslim Quarter where we bought some great wall hangings, and of course the Drum Tower and the Bell Tower. The down side was that my Camera got stolen and I had to use Ricky's Pics for the Blog and Flickr (his pics are good I just would like to have my own)

From London to Hong Kong on a Bike

Tim Smith set out 4 months ago from London to cycle to Hong Kong to raise money for Crossroads In the process he raised over 7,000 pounds. it was an amazing effort.
He arrived in Hong Kong this morning and a number of us meet him near the border and escorted him back to Crossroads. You can read all about his travels by using the link in the sidebar. Here are a few photos. You can see more by clicking on the Flickr link.

Thanks Giving

Last night we celebrated Thanksgiving at Crossroads. This wonderful American Festival (I say wonderful, because giving thanks needs to be an on going part of our lives) falls around the same time as we celebrate our move to our site here in Tuen Mun.
On the 20th of November 2004 to be exact.
We are thankful that in the past year we have been able to ship to so many countries and we continue to do so every year. Around 40 containers of much needed goods. And about the same distributed here in Hong Kong.
We are thankful that we have been able successfully launch our fair trade store (Global Market Place). Around 4,000 people have gained greater understanding of poverty through our simulation games. And Global Hand has provided an amazing way for resouce and need to intersect on the web. Yes indeed much to be thankful for! (I am also grateful for turkey and cranberry sauce)

Sue & Kate's Birthday Bash

Last night we headed over the beach dressed up a little and celebrated Sue and Kate's birthdays in style, before heading back to our place for coffee and cake. A great night was had by all. Great food and some nice refreshment. Sue also had a long chat to the boys at home.

Happy Belated Diwali

Yesterday was the annual team trip to Rajni & Sushma's to celebrate Diwali. It was a month late due to so many other things happening in our busy life here at Crossroads. Rajni & Sushma graciously delayed so we could all participate.
What a wonderful day it was. This is our 4th time at this celebration and the team always look forward to this special day. Fun, games, incredible Indian food and great fellowship are the order of the day. Some of the team even indulged in a little 'Bollywood' dancing!
And of course a variation the Marshmellow game played each year where the idea is to stuff as many marshmellows into you mouth as you can and still be able to say "Happy Diwali"

Macau Weekend

Hi Guys,

As promised here is our report on a weekend of R & R in Macau.

It turned out to be everything we hoped. The little hotel we stayed in was wonderful. "Pousada de Coloane" on Cheoc-Van Beach ,on Coloane Island. It is a small hotel with just 30 rooms. Everyone of them with view of the beach and looking across the bay to Heng Qing Island, China. We had plenty of time to enjoy a swim and relax by the pool. Eat unbelievable food and soak in the spa bath installed in our room.

This part of Macau is very quiet compared with the hustle and bustle of the rest of Macau. Perfect place really for our much needed rest time. Did you know that Macau now has more casinos the Las Vegas?

We chose to have dinner sitting on our Balcony. The cool weather (Around 21 degrees) made it very pleasant.

In the morning if day 2 we did some walking. First from our hotel to Vila de Colcoane a small village with fishing huts built out in the water much like Tai O village on Lantau Island. The we caught a bus to Halc Sd beach with its black sand. Famous for Fernando's Restaurant. The walked via an amazing path built from granite, chipped from the sea wall to Jadins Village.

On the final afternoon, we walked around the City for a while, before heading home.

November News

In this month’s letter: 1.November in Hong Kong, 2. Global Sources, 3 Madagascar Dream, 4. “Even If We Shout……..” 5. Christmas Mail, 6. Some things that need Uplifting, 7. How you can Help

NOVEMBER IN HONG KONG
I love November in Hong Kong. I woke up this morning and was cold! Yey. The days are quite pleasant right now, mid 20s, just nice. If we could just get rid of the terrible smog……well at least you can see what your’re breathing.

As you read this letter our family in Australia is preparing to celebrate Mem’s (Phil’s Mum) 80^th Birthday. I guess it is poignant reminder of the fact that we have been called away from our loved ones and times like this we long to be home, but never the less we know where we are supposed to be . The good news is that we get to celebrate it with her in one months time when she comes to visit for a few weeks with nephew Ricky.

It almost goes without saying that the last month has been very busy and tiring. We are both looking forward to a weekend away in Macao to relax and revive. Check our blog next week for a report.

Some lovely shipments went out last month, including two containers to Croatia and Kazakhstan and this month we will be sending to Lesotho, Madagascar, Israel and North Asia

A number of key staff have been away and that has brought extra pressure especially for Sue.

2. GLOBAL SOURCES THANK YOU
We have also had some wonderful opportunities with the Global Sources Fairs run here at the enormous, Asia Expo Centre. Not only did we exhibit there but we were also involved in a ‘Care & Share’ programme with the organisers which saw around 6 truck loads of product that had been used as samples donated to Crossroads. This included about 15 usable keyboards, which are a high demand item, wonderful lights, cooking implements, silverware, kitchen utensils, the list goes on.

3. MADAGASCAR DREAM
What comes to mind when you think of Madagascar....Lots of wild animals, luscious tropical forests, the jungle, Tarzan swinging from tree to tree, and if you’re like me, maybe even the cartoon comes to mind.…

The truth is, though, Madagascar is among the poorest countries in the world and its original beauty has been, for the most part, destroyed by slash and burn farming. 70% of the population live beneath the poverty line and 93 out of 1,000 Malagasy children die before reaching their first birthday, and much higher in rural areas.

Though the reality of life in Madagascar may be far from what we imagined, there is still a light shining through the likes of our consignee. They currently run an orphanage in the capital and are in the process of opening another one. In conjunction with the orphanage they run a school, with another hundred or so children coming in from the surrounding areas for schooling each day.

Along with the orphanages and schools, they are also involved with prison work, specifically with women prisoners who have children. In Madagascar if a female prisoner has a child under 3 years old, the child lives in the prison with her. They also provide aid to the extremely poor, as well as run a very small medical clinic.

We are packing this container next week and are very excited about sowing good seed into this part of the world. Though the land is parched and the people are thirsty, we know their hearts are fertile and ready to receive. We will keep you posted with news of this shipment once it has arrived.

4. “EVEN IF WE SHOUT, THERE IS NO ONE TO HEAR”
Death seemed such an obvious alternative. The complications of taking her life seemed nothing compared to those she would face if Julia kept living. There weren’t too many weeks left before her pregnancy would “show” and people would start asking questions. In fact, they would do a lot more than that. She had seen it happen to other girls before. As soon as they fell pregnant, outside of marriage, they were branded as outcasts. It was more than her 13 year old mind could bear.

For a 13 year old girl to go through such trauma may seem extraordinary to a Western reader. In Nagaland, India, however, it is not unusual for girls to be sexually active from the age of 10. Although active, they are not aware. There is no contraception. There is very limited medical care for pregnant women of any age or status.

The gateway city to Nagaland is Dimapur and has a population of 200,000. A study was carried out there and after monitoring only 6 of the 114 nursing homes, or hospital-like facilities, in Dimapur, there were 556 abortions in one month, and the doctors said that this was the quietest time of year for abortions.

Abortion is illegal but it is rampant. Doctors will perform a quick, unhygienic operation – behind a curtain - for a small ‘gift’. If even that is too expensive, the common alternative is a self administered solution with a stick. The loss of life is often not just that of the unborn child.

The dire state of antenatal care led one health care worker to lament, “Even if we shout, there is no one to hear”. Yet someone has heard the cry, and now there is a centre providing hope for these young women in crisis. It gives young unwed mothers like Julia a chance to have their child in a sheltered environment. The girls can stay in the centre for the duration of their pregnancy if they wish to avoid the ostracism of the street. Faced with this decision, Julia chose life for both herself and her little child.

Most of the young mothers have no way to look after their child and choose to put them up for adoption. These babies are usually adopted very fast, mainly because so many women have abortions, and when they want kids, they cannot have them, so they adopt.

In the centres short existence, 160 children have been placed into families, mostly in the surrounding area. That means 160 little lives have been rescued from the death which threatened to steal them, to say nothing of the lives of the mothers who, like Julia, might otherwise have taken their own lives.

Upon the arrival of the container there, our consignee said, “The staff, and people from all over the village were so amazed that these goods were a gift. Everyone could tell it was packed with such care. The content was amazing, we couldn't have asked for anything better. The children looked so smart in their new clothes, and the staff really loved dressing them up. One of our boys, Zared, got a new hat and wouldn’t take it off for 3 days, he even slept with it on. Our older babies are enjoying sleeping in the new cradles and the wheel chairs have been a huge blessing to many. Thank you very much for everything!"

5. GETTING OUR CHRISTMAS MAIL LIST TOGETHER
Our Christmas Cards are beautiful this year. Hand made in Rwanda (check out last month’s story. But our Christmas mail list has many out of date addresses. So if you have moved in the last year, please make sure you let us know of your new address.

6. SOME THINGS THAT WE WOULD LOVE UPLIFTING;
* Sue is still making regular visits to the dentist, which is hard on her and very hard on our finances. Please up hold her

* We are finalising shipments for the first part of the new year. Wisdom as we finalise all this

* Upholding for Sal one of Directors who has been travelling almost constantly meeting with stakeholders as Global Hand is in important development stages. It is hard and sometimes lonely work.

* Planning for end of year trip, to look at organisations doing similar work and to try to strengthen some ongoing partnership opportunities.

* For Nev & Viv Harrison and family from our Australian Club as they prepare to come for a year at Crossroads/Global Hand

7. HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT US

For information about how to support us please see the side bar

We do think of you and chat to our Father about you often.

Every blessing

PHIL & SUE

Now that's what I call REALLY BIG

Last week we were at the Gifts and Household products sourcing fair. Again exhibitors were given the chance to donate their samples after the show.
Three truck loads were given and it is all wonderful stuff. We are really grateful for the bounty provided by the MD that we can give to needy people all over the world.
With other team members I spent a fair bit of time over the last 4 days manning our booth and also visiting many of the exhibitors to encourage them to participate. I also really enjoyed getting to know some of my fellow exhibitors in the booths nearby. Thank you also to Amber from Global Sources who did such a great job making it all happen

Things for your uplifting

It has been a very busy time of late, with shipments continuing to go out despite a number of team away. Also the Global Sources Fair happening. Phil also has had some late night meetings with the club. We are both tired so please chat for strength.
We are finalizing shipments for the first three months of next year. Wisdom for choosing the right shipments that will have the most impact and light.
Final planning stages for our trip early in the new year. We will be looking at similar organisations in North America. Wisdom so that we maximise the value of our time.
Sue continues to visit the dentist for treatment. Finding it a challenge to personal finances.

Now that's what I call big 2

You have heard us talk about our simulations games. Some of you have even participated. But last Saturday was our biggest ever. 430 people from one company (Jones Lang la Salle) came to Crossroads to partcipate in a company day. They were divided into 2 groups and half painted flats for teams that will be arriving soon at Crossroads, while the other half played the Basti life Bag game. A simulation life based on a real-life situation. People are placed in families and have to make bags paper bags and sell them in order to get food, and pay rent. If they do not make enough bags, they end up haing to take loans with loan sharks (Phil plays that role) and are forced into a situation from which they can't escape and may starve.

It was a very rewarding day. Thank you to the people from JLL who also raised a large amount of funds for the day.

Now that's what I call big 1.

Just spent a week at the massive Global Sources Fair where Crossroads had a stand. It was big to say the least. 750 stalls at the electronics fair and another massive Halls full at the Fashion Accessories fair. Exhibitors were given the chance to leave their product for Crossroads rather than ship it home. Amoung product received ..... One amazing gift of electronic keyboards will shortly see keyboards, head to Mozambique, Zambia, Mongolia and Many other places.

The problems with the News

Again I write in the shadow of a world gripped by the fear of what 'might' happen. Again the world stands still and watches as news of terrorism grips our TV screens. While there seems little we can do to stop the threat it poses, there is something we can do about terrorism’s causes.

The other items of news; the current campaign to make poverty history and recent moves to forgive the debts of poor nations are focusing on the real issue that is the most pressing cause of terrorism. The desperation that poverty causes breeds desperate people.

Daily the Western World trashes things that could change the lives of people in need. That is what brought Crossroads and Global Hand into existence, so that unwanted resources could be used where they are most needed.

It is not the whole answer, but it can make a difference, especially when it comes with the light of the MD. Most people recognise that our resources need to be shared they are just not sure how to do it.

Points October 12

Some things that we would love you to uplift this week
*Thank to the MD for His continued love and care in all situations
*Shipment to Central Asia going this week and being packed today
*Sue continuing with Dentist. Strength and provision for the expenses.
*Preparations for upcoming North America trip
*A lot of staff on leave at present. Lot of extra work. Strength for the task.

October News

6th October 2006

THIS MONTH: 1 Taking time to talk. 2. Club Centenary 3. We have become Bloggers 4. Philippines School computer project. 5. Mid Autumn Festival. 6 An early Christmas Present for Rwanda. 7. Getting our Christmas Mailing together. 8. Towels become Tools in Lesotho 9. Things for Uplifiting 10. How you can support us.

Dear Friends,

1. TAKING TIME TO TALK WITH FRIENDS
Last month we talked about our need to say thank you. This month we wanted to say how much we value our communication with you, especially in the hectic times we are experiencing at the moment. News from home and our friends is very important to us. We love to get those emails. Also to have the occasional chat on Skype, Google talk or Messenger. We are networked at home so that is easy to do at night these days.

We also want to know how we can be chatting for you. Please stay in touch. Over the last month we enjoyed visits from Gary Hill at Crusaders and Alan & Maureen Pride from Trinity, It was wonderful to spend some time with old friends and to catch up with what is happening at couple of places that mean so much to us. And for them to experience Crossroads first hand.

2. AUSTRALIAN CLUB CENTENARY
Talking of places that mean a lot to us, our Australian Club celebrates its Centenary this month. How we would love to be there celebrating with them. It has been home to us for 25 years now and we send our love to all our friends there.

3. WE HAVE BECOME BLOGGERS
Each month you can if you prefer read a version of this Newsletter on our Blog. This version INCLUDES PHOTOs and you can go to it now at: http://hkwarners.blogspot.com/

Every week (mostly on Fridays) we will put uplift points on it. Little items of news or things that we have found, will also be added. For instance a few days ago we put a link to a video of Bill Cosby talking about visits to the dentist. Quite relevant considering Sue’s regular visits at the moment.

It also includes links to our web photo album, home page, Crossroads and Global Hand.

Don’t forget to bookmark the page.

4. PHILIPPINES SCHOOL COMPUTER PROJECT
Last week we attended a dinner held by the Ayala Foundation, a group who have set out to place computers into every public high school in the Philippines. For people caught in the poverty cycle, computer training provides a real way out. The Philippines is setting itself up to participate in the cyber age, with call centres and computer based service centres. These computers are providing access to computers that in the past has only been a dream. They have already almost reached their initial targets and are now aiming much higher.

Crossroads has sent two shipments of computers in partnership with a Hong Kong School, with more planned for the future.

5. MID AUTUMN FESTIVAL
Tonight is Mid Autumn Festival. It is always a colourful night. Usually we head over to the beach to join this festival of lights, with everyone carrying, lanterns, candles and glow sticks.

It reminds us of the Light which brings hope to the World.

6. MASSAGING AWAY OUR ACHES
A few weeks back a friend from our HK club, kept a promise and took us across the border to Shenzhen so we could experience the relaxing experience of a massage, Chinese style.

For very little money we spent 3 hours having our feet, backs and head massaged by expert masseuse. It was a wonderful break from what has been quite a hectic time.

7. AN EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR RWANDA
Rachel was just 4 when her dad died and a ripe-old 11 by the time AIDS claimed her mum. Rachel now became ‘mum’ to her 8 and 5 year-old siblings. School was no longer an option for her as she scraped together what she could to feed and clothe her ‘kids’. There was nothing left in the house, as her mother had gradually sold everything to buy food for them, leaving nothing but the mud walls by the time she died.
Now Rachel has a job, a good job. It enables her to pay the yearly local health care fee, which allows her and her brother and sister to see a doctor and get medicine if they ever get ill. She is sending them to school. She has bought furniture and mattresses for her home, and they've started eating better food. They've been able to replace the old tattered clothes with some new ones and she's experiencing the joy and dignity of truly being able to provide for the needs of her brother and sister.
Rachel’s job? She is handcrafting beautiful gift-cards for sale around the world. Rachel could well be making your Christmas card this year! She and 42 other people in similar situations have been employed over the past few months to hand-make each of Crossroads’ Christmas cards this year. The group that employs her were so excited to hear that we were ordering from them that they told us this was just about the best Christmas present that Hong Kong could be giving to Rwanda.
Usually in our newsletter, we tell you about how the shipments that we are sending out around the world are bringing good news to the nations. This month, I wanted to tell you about how a small community in Rwanda is being touched by the simple order of our Christmas cards this year. Look out in your mail-box for Rachel’s handiwork in the coming Christmas season!

8. GETTING OUR CHRISTMAS MAIL LIST TOGETHER
So if you want to make sure you get a Christmas Card from us this year. Please make sure we have your correct mailing address (snail mail) on our data base. Particularly if you moved in the past year.

9. TOWELS BECOME TOOLS IN LESOTHO
In the coming weeks, we will be shipping again to the little country of Lesotho, in Africa. Though small in size, this nation has very great needs.

Many of the young and able-bodied men from Lesotho travel across the border into South African mines, where they can get work. Husbands leave and many bring back sexually transmitted diseases on their return. Damaged hearts and bodies result and, as anger flares, violence has become rife.

Our previous container for Lesotho included many items of medical equipment…and some boxes of towels and soaps. Our consignee gave these towels and soaps to members of the local fellowship. Out they went to each of the homes in the area, giving the towels and soaps as a gift, and telling of the cleansing and healing that comes from the true source of the gift.

Our consignee shared this story with excitement, encouraging us not to give up in what we are doing, and reminding us that even the simplest of items can be turned into tools for change.

Our upcoming shipment to the same group in Lesotho will include items for a home for young ladies who have been victims of violence and rape. They are currently sheltering in a school building. The furniture contained in our shipment will turn a new but empty building into a home of love and comfort for these young women.

10. HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT US
We are constantly encouraged by our many friends at home, here in Hong Kong and from other countries , who faithfully support us and also remember us to the MD and keep in touch through email and mail. The MD’s provision has been amazing, last year we found that he provided what was needed to the $, and this year we have gained some new supporters to cover those we have lost from last year. Our support covers such things as food, accommodation, electricity etc. One of our friends expressed surprise to hear we need support, so we do need to keep communicating this fact. If you would like to help there are three ways you can provide financial support for us.

1. You can send a cheque to us here in Hong Kong made out to Crossroads International. Our address is below.
2. You can send a cheque or pay by credit card through our Australian office of Crossroads. P.O. Box 152, Wahroonga, NSW 2076, Australia. Make sure you mark it for Phil & Sue Warner’s support.
3. To claim it as a tax deduction you can pay by cheque through ADRA in Australia. Just send a cheque made out to ADRA to the Wahroonga office again marked for Phil & Sue’s support. We can also arrange for any US support to be tax deductible
4. You can also deposit direct into our Australian Account (contact us for details)

We do think of you and chat to our Father about you often.

Every blessing


PHIL & SUE

Some points for chatting

Some things that we would love some uplifting for;

* Sue has still got a few more visits to the dentist. She is doing ok, but just for strength and also for the finances to cover

* It is a busy time for us. We have staff away and a lot of shipments coming up, which need to be juggled. For wisdom in knowing which things to concentrate on.

* Phil has taken on some extra responsibilities at our Club. Strength and wisdom needed.

* Planning for end of year trip, to look at organisations doing similar work and to try to strengthen some ongoing partnership opportunities.

Dentists

With Sue's regular trips to the dentist lately, thought it might be nice to remember the lighter side. Brother Tim sent this to me a few days ago.

September News

1. WHAT ARE WE THANKFUL FOR?

In our busy day-to-day world it is so easy to lose sight of what is important. Particularly, the importance of saying thanks. Firstly of course we are thankful for the amazing way that the MD just is making it all happen. And we are thankful for you and your amazing support. We do not tell you this often enough. Your chats sustain us, your financial support enables us to be here, and your friendship is a great encouragement to us.

Last month has been particularly difficult for Sue, she developed an abscess on her tooth and a visit to the dentist saw her prescribed medication which made her feel much worse than she did from the pain from the tooth. It was amazing but as soon as she stopped she immediately felt much better. Last weekend we had some nice activities planned. Including a party at our flat for our friend Katey who works in China. But Sue’s condition made that not as enjoyable as we had hoped. Yet through all that He continues to sustain.

It is also a challenge for our resources as such things as a visit to the dentist are not covered by our support. But we know we can trust Him in all circumstances and we are standing on that and so we are thankful.

2. YES WE HAVE BANANAS

During our recent visit home, we became aware of the high cost of bananas in Australia, due to cyclones and plant disease. A friend even told me that she paid A$5 for one banana!

So as a banana lover I am very thankful for the cost of bananas here. A hand of bananas in Hong Kong costs around HK$5-7. That’s around A$1 for a whole hand! Perhaps if you were thinking of a visit to Hong Kong, that might just be the kicker for you banana lovers.

3. CROATIA – THE RIGHT STUFF

Yesterday we went out to the old airport runway at Kai Tak, where Crossroads still has about 32 containers for storage. We were checking on the furniture stored out there and making sure all was ready to load a 40’ container for Israel next week. As well as the furniture, we will include many boxes of soft toys and games for distribution to the large numbers of children caught up in the recent fighting.

Another task while we were there was to bring back some office furniture and stacking chairs intended for a shipment at the end of this month to Croatia. This group is working hard to help orphans and youth in an area of the world still struggling to recover after many years of strife. They have asked for furnishings for orphanage, youth centre and offices.

We have been able to bring together a lovely set of office desks and cabinets all in a matching red wood finish, with toning office chairs in excellent condition. We will be able to include a set of stacking chairs in a matching colour for their meeting room, and a reception desk as well. It is so lovely to be able to put together such a beautifully co-ordinated set of furniture like this. We know they will be thrilled. And the amazing thing is that this furniture has come together from at least 4 different donations.

Not only this, but we will be able to send gym equipment, including weights, darts sets and a table tennis table and computers for their work with the youth. All the household equipment & furniture for setting up the orphanage will be included too, in the two 40’ containers of love we are from Hong Kong.

4. FROM ENGLAND TO CROSSROADS ON A BICYCLE

We have been keeping you updated about our friend Tim who is cycling to Hong Kong from England to raise money for Crossroads. In his first month he has made great progress and is now in Ukraine on his way here. If you would like to keep up with his journey then you can have a look at his Web Page; http://www.cycle2crossroads.co.uk/

5. MORE FROM SAMOA

Since last month we have had some more feedback from our recent shipment to Samoa. This group is dedicated to addressing the needs of the community around them in tangible and non-tangible ways. It was a great encouragement to have them come and serve on our team for 2 months, especially since, in a special touch of timing, they had received and unpacked 2 containers from us just before they came.

While they were with us, they shared the following:

“Well, the moment has finally arrived. 5 years ago we sat and made a huge long wish list of things we needed for our then newly established Samoa base. We did not even have a teaspoon at that time. Now 2 x 20 foot containers are here, packed with everything you can think of: chairs, mattresses, beds, tables, mirrors, dressing tables, hutch dressers, wardrobes, fridges, microwaves, everything you need in a kitchen, tools, weed-eaters, 44" TVs, DVDs, VCRs, tools, outdoor furniture and more. What an awesome gift!!”

It was a great encouragement to our team to hear first hand from the Samoa team just how much of a difference these goods made. Prior to the containers’ arrival, some of them didn't even have a bed to sleep on. They told us that there was no furniture at all in the fales (traditional Samoan huts) except for handmade bunks. There were no drawers, no laundry baskets, no wardrobes or anything for them to store their clothes in. They had one very broken fridge, one blurry TV and one washing machine between 50-60 people.

Now they have all of the above and more!

We’re so pleased to have been able to send these items that will be tools in the hands of these workers as they see healing come to their community.

6. INTRODUCING SOME AMAZING STORIES

Over recent months we have been introducing you to various team members. Well recently we have been having a season where team members have been telling their story. What an encouragement as we hear over and over how the MD has brought this wonderful group of people together from all over the world. So many different amazing stories of how people came to be here from places as diverse as Zimbabwe, France, Switzerland, Fiji, India and of course Australia, over 20 countries in fact.

But the theme that came through over and over again is the heart the MD has given each one for people in need. It is a major part of what brings us together and keeps us focused.

7. SOME POINTS TO NOTE

For your information we would love some covering – on a couple of things. Firstly a point of thanks that we now have a very good tenant for our Gosford flat. We would love some cover for our health, particularly Sue. Our shipments for the rest of the year are now coming together quite well. We would like cover that all would happen smoothly. We also have some shipments that need sponsorship. One in particular a wonderful shipment to Zambia that is being held up as we seek the funding. Please ask for a release of finances

Also give thanks that our bedding in of the new application system continues to go well.

8. ONLY IN HONG KONG

The last month has seen us confronted with some interesting food selections, which highlights the very different ideas about what constitutes good food.

Chickens feet have never been high on our menu lists, but Durian a fruit much like a pineapple brings the greatest challenge. Often described as “smell of hell…taste of Heaven” Frankly we find it even hard to walk past in the supermarket, reminding me of days cleaning out the grease trap, but here it is considered a great delicacy and many of our friends here are desperate to get us to get over the smell and give it a try. But like red bean and vegetable ice blocks can’t see that happening anytime soon.

9. HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT US

We are constantly encouraged by our many friends at home, here in Hong Kong and from other countries , who faithfully support us and also remember us to the MD and keep in touch through email and mail. The MD’s provision has been amazing, last year we found that he provided what was needed to the $, and this year we have gained some new supporters to cover those we have lost from last year. Our support covers such things as food, accommodation, electricity etc. One of our friends expressed surprise to hear we need support, so we do need to keep communicating this fact. If you would like to help there are three ways you can provide financial support for us.

1. You can send a cheque to us here in Hong Kong made out to Crossroads International. Our address is below.
2. You can send a cheque or pay by credit card through our Australian office of Crossroads. P.O. Box 152, Wahroonga, NSW 2076, Australia. Make sure you mark it for Phil & Sue Warner’s support.
3. To claim it as a tax deduction you can pay by cheque through ADRA in Australia. Just send a cheque made out to ADRA to the Wahroonga office again marked for Phil & Sue’s support. We can also arrange for any US support to be tax deductible
4. You can also deposit direct into our Australian Account (contact us for details)

We do think of you and chat to our Father about you often.

Every blessing

PHIL & SUE