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| June 2017 |
Harry & Alpha
We met Harry from the Philippines in the spring of 2014.
Although he worshipped at Beijing Baptist Church from the time of his arrival
in Beijing, we first had extended time with him over dinner in our borrowed
apartment in the fall of 2014. We gathered around the kitchen table over a
meal, seeking to build a closer relationship with him. We shared food,
conversation, and piano music. At that dinner table, Harry confessed that he
didn’t ‘get’ Americans. Americans living overseas have a tendency to appear
driven, independent, brash, and focused, whereas Asians tend to function as a
community, defer to others, and speak indirectly. At that time, we all were
still learning how to be comfortable with each other’s cultures and
expectations.
In late spring 2017, Harry mentioned that he appreciated
that he stuck with Beijing Baptist Church. We rejoice to see how God used BBC
to help him (and his wife) grow in the Lord. Harry came to our Guys’ Nights of
dinner and discipleship when he could, attended the monthly Masculine Mandate study, and
participated in the Doctrine Forum that studied the 1689 Confession of Faith.
Mark and I also joyfully watched him develop a relationship
with his now-wife Alpha. We met Alpha in January 2017 when she visited Beijing before
their marriage and her move to Beijing. We heard her story of how God has
worked in her life, and how she and Harry met. After Alpha lived in
German-speaking Switzerland for a time, she returned to her native Philippines
where she founded a school for nurses to learn German so they could seek better
job opportunities in Europe.
Harry and Alpha unexpectedly returned to the Philippines in
the fall of 2018 and now seek the Lord’s next step in their life. In the
meantime, they will attend Bob Jones University’s graduation this weekend where
Harry will receive his Master of Education. They look forward to visiting
Greenville, meeting our SC friends, and worshipping with our home church.
Please pray for them as they seek the Lord’s leading in
their lives, work, and ministry.
