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.