Interested in a medical mission to Vietnam?

Dr. Graham Nichol and Dr. Carter Hill from MIPC continue to work to improve emergency medicine in Vietnam with a team of doctors and nurses from California, New York, Denver and Boston. The team will be taking its eighth trip to Vietnam to the Hue Medical College in March, 2010. Carter says that the team is continually amazed at the warmth and friendliness of their Vietnamese counterparts. The March trip will be set up to teach the teachers in Vietnam, sharing a quality emergency medicine curriculum.

As for future trips, the team has leased a home three blocks from the Hue Medical College where “sabbatical opportunities abound for interested medical missionaries.” The current focus is in emergency medicine, but this could easily expand in the future. Contact Carter Hill, CarterHill@Comcast.net for more information.

Friday night Fiesta at the orphanage

Paul delivers popsicles on a hot day.

The walls go up!

This is one of our houses at the end of day 2.5. We are having a
great trip. God amazes me each year with the miracles of walls going
up on our houses so quickly, but walls coming down just as quickly
between our group. The intimacy and vulnerability in being real with
one another and relationships being strengthened with each other and
with God remind me of how important this trip is. Thanks for your
prayerful support. We had a great fiesta with children and staff of
orphanage tonight with taco bar, mariachis and piñata. Last day of
construction is tomorrow. Can hardly believe we'll be heading home
in 36 hours. See you all soon!

Paul

Asa Mercer: It's great to be back!

It was good to get back to Mercer Tuesday. I thought the school looked very good - new quotations on the walls, a huge student mural in one hall and student artwork on display in the library. It felt no more crowded and the registrar told Craig there are only 50 more students than last year.

I saw Susan only as she introduced me to my students - Wenpei from China who told me she doesn't like "A"s - only "A+". Christen is an 8th grader who came in looking as if there was no way she was going to be happy with a tutor. I was amazed that after a short time she poured out her life story and indicated she will continue with me.

A quick story: One question on Susan's get acquainted list was "What memorable moment from elementary school stands out for you?" Wenpei thought for a few seconds then her face lit up and she said "Martin Luther King - I have a dream." She's a little hard to under stand but apparently her class had to write out that speech and either read or memorize it. We talked about it briefly then she said, "I have a dream too!" When I asked her what that is, she said, "To make a difference." I'm sure she will and what a privilege for me to have even a tiny part of that. It is great to be back!

Linda Fetters

At the End of Slavery-IJM film at MIPC

am happy to report that nearly 70 compassionate individuals showed up at MIPC on Oct. 20th for the screening of International Justice Mission's documentary, "At the End of Slavery: The Battle for Justice in our Time."

Many signed postcards, urging passage of federal anti-trafficking legislation (HR 2737). Many gave what they had. One attendee initially gave $1, but when he realized he actually had $5 he could give, he gave that. Many expressed a desire to do something to stop the exploitation of children and put an end to modern day slavery, of which over 27 million are victims. The attendees asked excellent questions. I give thanks to God that so many people showed they care for those who are most vulnerable.

Susan Stanley
MIPC-IJM Team Leader and IJM Justice Advocate

Sunday's Day of Grooming at Plymouth on Stewart

Key to Hope Luncheon

I've just returned from attending the PHG 'Key to Hope' luncheon, held at the Convention Center, and attended by 1023 supporters. Mayor Nichols was one of several opening speakers, with the Keynote Speaker being Dr. Maya Angelou. Mercer Island Presbyterian Church was one of five Volunteer Groups publicly recognized as making a difference in the lives of their residents. We were also presented with an autographed copy of 'The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou'. It was a humbling and rewarding experience. So, I would like to take this opportunity to say to all of you, that if you think you may not make a difference by what you do for those at both Plymouth and Simons, know that you are giving them the support they need to rebuild their lives and regain their dignity. May God bless all of you.

Kelly Nelson
Team Leader
Plymouth Housing

Thanksgiving at Plymouth

Ok, so I know it seems early to be talking about Thanksgiving, but when you need to feed 160, early discussions are required. This year, we are hosting a Thanksgiving luncheon at Plymouth on Stewart and the Anne Simons Seniors building with residents from Haddon house stopping by. Our 4th year. As most of you know these buildings are a part of the Plymouth Housing Group which provides housing to the poor and formerly homeless.

Last year we fed 150 folks and the atmosphere was magical. We not only fed stomachs but we fed souls (ours and theirs). Imagine what it’s like to be seated at a table setup with white table cloths and handcrafted centerpieces being served a homemade lunch by a 10 year old child and her family when just a couple of years ago or in some cases months ago you were living on the streets. What’s not spiritual about that?

We can’t do this alone, we need your help. If you would like to serve at the event or could roast a turkey, make a side dish or desert or supply bread, drinks or condiments contact Elaine Bolger at 206-275-2654 or by email at bolger8166@comcast.net. The sooner the better – a luncheon this size requires a lot of advance planning. Thank you and God Bless.

Revolutionizing Emergency Medicine in Vietnam

Dr. Vien Doan, a physician in Riverside, California, has been quoted as saying, “Your church needs to know that your doctors are revolutionizing emergency medicine in Vietnam.” Drs. Carter Hill and Graham Nichol have been leading medical teams to Vietnam for about ten years. During that time they have been teaching emergency medicine in the Hue Medical College in Central Vietnam. Because of their efforts, Vietnam is beginning to develop a program of emergency medicine and is changing medical college curriculum to include a residency program, something they have not had before. Dr. Hill and Dr. Nichol told about their ministry in Vietnam in last Sunday’s Christian Education class, called the Power of One. The class gave them a standing ovation for the work they are doing.

Our first lunch at Plymouth on Stewart

During our four years at Plymouth on Stewart, housing for the previously homeless, we have gotten to know and form a special relationship with the residents. Having lunch with them last month after not being there in July and August, felt like coming home to family and friends. As one resident said to me, “I loved summer, but I really missed you guys”!

If you have any desire to participate in this wonderful experience, please contact , Kelly Nelson at kellnels@comcast.net, or 206 275 3013.

At the End of Slavery-IJM film at MIPC

I am very excited to share the great news that Int'l Justice Mission has released a documentary narrated by Danny Glover called "At the End of Slavery: The Battle for Justice in our Time." MIPC is screening the film on Oct. 20th at 7 p.m.--free admission--so that anyone interested in human rights can see first-hand what is happening right now in the brothels and brick kilns across the globe. Children and adults are literally for sale - being bought and sold. But what is most encouraging is to hear from the former slaves themselves and to know that we can be a part of the solution, from rescue and aftercare, to bringing perpetrators to justice. I myself have had the privilege to meet several young women who survived their ordeals. One girl was 13, and her mother had sold her at the age of 7. For the first time in her life, she was in a place where she felt hope and love. Wouldn't it be awesome if we all invited our friends and neighbors to come see this excellent film and decide for themselves where they stand on this issue that affects 27 million people?

Susan Stanley

Thank you from MI Youth & Family Services

I just wanted to take a moment and thank you and your congregation for the influx of donations coming to the Mercer Island Youth and Family Services Food Pantry.
After the summer decrease in donations and the increase in use, the pantry was having difficulty meeting the requests for food.

With the recent donations from your congregation our shelves are filled once again. And with the current regional food drive we anticipate donations increasing over the next month.

We continue to welcome your donations, and if as last year there comes a time when we believe that our pantry is meeting capacity I will once again suggest that the donations be redirected to another larger provider in the area.

Thanks so much choosing to assist low income Mercer Island families through the MIYFS Food Pantry.

Cheryl R. Hudson-Manriquez, B.S.W.
Family Assistance and Employment Coordinator

More about the Straley House

The Straley House is part of a new program called Catalyst, established for kids who have been screened out of other programs because of drug problems or other behavioral issues. So before this, the most troubled kids have had nowhere to go. Catalyst was started as an experiment to see whether this population could be successfully reached.

In the first 150 days Catalyst has had remarkable success, moving several young adults into recovery and needed treatment programs while stabilizing others to move to rental or other housing. Our prayers should continue to go to this amazing staff and to the young people who are struggling with these issues.

So thank you again for our church’s support in preparing meals for them, giving in the truest Christian way since these kids are not really able to give back or adequately show their appreciation.

Karen Jones

A Ministry Partner for Child Academy

Dr. Teresa Harris comes to Seattle

Missions has invited Dr. Teresa Harris from James Madison University to meet with the Child Academy Mission Team here this Friday and Saturday. She is a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg, Virginia, a partner with The Child Academy in Tembisa, South Africa. She is here to update us on the status of Child Academy after spending two weeks there last summer. She will return to Tembisa in January for a six month Fullbright Scholarship to work with the Child Academy and the University of Pretoria. MIPC Missions is grateful to partner with Trinity and Dr. Harris in our ongoing ministry in Tembisa.

Glo

Straley House

As part of our feeding program, we have been working with YouthCare to provide meals on a monthly basis to one of their houses “The Straley House”. The Straley House is a pre-transitional housing program that provides emergency housing to homeless young. The house provides shelter for up to 12 kids ages 18-21. A variety of wonderful volunteers through MIPC have provided a home cooked meal once per month since last March. The time commitment is very low with this mission opportunity, it involves preparing a meal in advance and dropping it off at the house in the evening. Since they are trying to create a home-like atmosphere vs. a mission or institution, they have requested that we not stay to serve. A couple of friends and I provided the first meal last March and had a great experience. We were greeted by a couple of the kids, chatted for a few minutes, left our meal, which they were very grateful for, and took the opportunity to have a girls night out and grab dinner ourselves in the University district. What a fun way to serve and be served! The house is located in the Ravenna Park area of Seattle. If you’d like to sign up for a month or need more information, contact me at 206-275-2654 or by email at bolger8166@comcast.net..

Blessings to all,

Elaine Bolger