Come See Me!

I will be traveling quite a bit in the next few weeks speaking at churches and making home appointments. If you are available and close to one of the locations, I'd love to see you! Here's the schedule for June:

June 2 morning (10:30am): Cold Springs Church - Fayetteville, PA

June 2 evening (7pm): Fountain UB - Keyser, WV

June 5 evening (6pm): Franklintown UB - Franklintown, PA

June 9 morning (9, 10:30am): Hillsdale UB - Hillsdale, MI

June 23 morning (10:30am): Corunna UB - Corunna, IN

June 26-29: UB National Conference - Fort Wayne, IN

June 30 morning (10:30am): Mount Pleasant UB - Angola, IN

I will also be making one-on-one appointments, so if you're in the area and would like to get coffee or lunch, give me a call. 260.224.4291

And pray for traveling mercies!

Thailand Photos, Part 3

Our trip wasn't all meetings and such. We also got to do some exploring!

 

Recognize the boats? They are in just about every movie shot in South Asia ever.

We took a nice boat ride. (See video.)

 

Along the river. I don't think it's possible to count how many Buddhas are in Thailand.

 

Then we went to an elephant camp. For real.

 

This is what the ground looks like from on top an elephant.

 

I let go of the 'safety' bar long enough for this photo. See the panic in my eyes?

 

13 elephants for our group.

 

Then we saw snakes. From far away.

 

This is actually a really interesting museum about the drug trade in Thailand.

 

Laos. Really.

 

The Golden Triangle.

 

Hindu or Buddhist, it didn't seem to matter the origin. If they think it will help, they enshrine it.

 

 

In case you were wondering how we got on and off the elephant.

 

 

Thailand Photos, Part 2

We were in Thailand mostly for a staff retreat, and we definitely had some nice digs.

 

Our little bungalow.

 

 

My elephant found some friends!

Beautiful flowers!



Leading worship.

 

 

Fun little trees!

 

Team bonding. Yay. :)

 

We also spent some time exploring Chiang Rai.

 

 

I don't know how that little guy stays on the back of that bike.

 

The market.

 

I don't want to know what happens to the dogs for sale.

 

Excellent artists everywhere.

 

And some interesting entertainment.

 

 

Some very interesting food.

 

There was an ark across the street from our villa. It's actually a Chinese church and seminary.





 

 

 

Thailand Photos, Part 1

I promised Thailand photos months ago.

I'm so bad at this.

But I'm making up for it now!

(We'll take it in stages so you don't get overwhelmed.)

We got into Thailand on Saturday and flew up to Chiang Rai. On Sunday, we drove into the mountains to see two of our churches. It was a beautiful trip, if somewhat nerve-wracking on the roads.

The fog made me a bit nervous. There's a cliff or something over there.  

 

Fun times in the van!

 

I was very thankful on snagging the front seat!

 

King and Queen of Thailand.

 

At the children's home/school.

 

Before church.

 

Acca children.

 

Lots of dancing!

 

From English to Mandarin to Thai to Acca. (right to left)

 

Something of a scrum, I think.

 

After church.

 

 

Our intrepid group of travelers. We came from Hong Kong, East Asia, the U.S., India and Canada.

 

Longest village name ever. (Not really, but try saying that without stopping.)

 

Thoughts in Retreat

I wrote the following for a Global Ministries publication. Not sure if it will be printed as is, but it's a good insight into my trip. I hope to have pictures up soon. (I also touched on a few themes that will pop up sooner or later here.)

Most people would be surprised to learn that missionaries don’t really hang out together. We have similar callings – to spread the Good News of Jesus – but the call takes us to different places. So not only are we separated from our families and home churches, we are also separated from each other – quite possibly the only people who would understand what we’re thinking and feeling.

Of course, it’s easier to connect in this age of technology, but nothing really beats one-on-one communication and fellowship. That’s why I was so thrilled when Frank Yang sent an email inviting me to a staff retreat in Chiang Rai, Thailand, in January 2013. Thanks to my mom, I’ve known most of the UB missionaries for years, but our interactions have always been short and in a business-like context. Some missionaries, though, I’ve only read about or spoken to via email. I was excited at the chance to rub shoulders with old and new friends alike.

The week started off well with a long and winding trip up the mountain to the UB church in Loh Mah. For many of us, I think this was the first church service we’ve attended in a while that didn’t require us to do more than worship with everyone else (except Jeff who had to speak). I think this actually allowed us to engage even more with our brothers and sisters in Christ. This is what I love most about UBers – no matter where we are, we know we share a common bond.

As with any good UB function, we did our best fellowshipping over mealtimes. I knew that Miriam Prabhakar and I have similar wacky personalities, but I learned that Jeff Dice can hold his own in a battle of wits. David Kline and I had a nice conversation over our shared love of photography. We all commiserated with the Fiedlers’ travel troubles and rejoiced that they made it just before we all shared ministry goals and prayer requests. The Js – and there are a lot of us – claimed superiority based on our overwhelming majority. We all enjoyed meeting and encouraging the Gerlachs as they pursue a missionary career in Thailand.

And of course, there’s always more to learn. Brian Magnus, bishop of UB Canada, delivered an excellent series on the characteristics of a good leader. A good leader must show commitment to truth like Daniel and his friends. He must have vision for the impossible like Isaiah and practice faith like Joshua. His attitude, like David, must be one of seeking after God. Finally, a leader relies on God for power, like Elijah. I was so glad of the opportunity to take a step back from seeing missions as a job and instead to see it as the center of God’s will.

We didn’t spend all of our time in a conference room, though. One morning we took a boat ride up a tributary of the Mekong River to an elephant camp. I really wish someone had taken a video of the 28 of us on 13 elephants as they clomped their way up a mountain and down into a river. We had a slightly more sedate experience that afternoon at the Hall of Opium, a museum dedicated to detailing the horrors of the drug trade in the Golden Triangle. It was a part of Thai culture that most people don’t get to see. Of course, in visiting the Golden Triangle, we were as close to Laos as we could be without actually setting foot in country.

What I loved more than anything about the retreat, though, was the chance to rest. Missionaries are always on. We are sometimes the only examples of Jesus Christ that people will see, and so even when we go home, we’re planning the next ministry or meeting with discipleship partners. We’re committed to our call, but without a break, it can be exhausting. We were all incredibly thankful for the chance to rest in the knowledge that God is in control.

Thailand Two: Return of the Thai

I am now sitting in a lovely hotel room in the city of Chiang Rai, Thailand.

How awesome is that?!

I'm in Thailand for a Global Ministries retreat, both as a participant and as the on-site journalist. Nearly all of our full-time GM missionaries are here to worship together and get some rest and relaxation.

Of course, it took nearly two full days to get here, so I'm in desperate need for that rest.

I don't think I've slept since Thursday.

You'll forgive me if this is brief. I'll try to be more detailed in the future, but I wanted to keep you up-to-date.

I think I'll go try that sleeping thing now.

Guess what?!

One week from today, I will be winging my way toward Thailand.

HOW AWESOME IS THAT?!?!!?!

Global Ministries is taking all of their missionaries to a resort in Chang Rai. We're also visiting our ministries in Thailand.

I'm so excited!

(more soon)

Turkey

Okay, here's the deal.

Constantinople is my city. It was one of my primary research fields when I was in college, first when I took a class on Venice (because of the Fourth Crusade) and continuing when I took a class on Eastern Orthodox Christianity and then even more when I wrote a screenplay about Richard III and Saladin (which I still have and which is available anytime you'd like to read it and promote it to your agent friends).

I love Constantinople.

And yes, I'm fully aware that Constantinople is now Istanbul, and I know that Istanbul is in Turkey, and I know that until a few months ago, I had slightly less than zero chance of getting there.

But now I have a chance.

Global Ministries, my other peeps, is sponsoring a trip to Turkey. The purpose of the trip is two-fold: first, to see the seven churches and travel with Paul in spirit; second, to explore the possibilities for ministry.

I want to go.

Words cannot express how much I want to go.

But there's a problem.

The trip cost is $3500 from JFK to Istanbul and back - including in-country costs minus a few lunches. And since this isn't explicitly related to my own ministry, I wouldn't use my support account to pay for it. Thus, it behooves me to appeal to you, my beloved and faithful readers.

I don't know how I'm going to do this, yet. I looked into Kickstarter, but they don't really support fundraising like this. But somehow, I will be raising funds to go on this trip.

You know how much this trip would mean to me?


That's right.

The world.

If I ever get back into history research, this trip would provide prime resource materials. As I explore the possibilities of Muslim ministry, this trip would be a valuable touch point. And there's nothing like reading the Bible and knowing that you've actually been to the places they mention.

So I'm asking. I'm asking for ideas, I'm asking for help - I'm appealing to the part of each and every one of you that remembers that one dream that you were able to achieve, that one moment that changed your life forever.

This is my moment.



EDIT: Okay, I've added a donation widget over on the right. I made it an even $4000 so I can pay for travel to JFK. Join the revolution!

Also, if you would like your donation to be tax deductible, send a check to:

Global Ministries
302 Lake St.
Huntington, IN 46750

Make sure you put "Jessica Hollopeter - Turkey" in the memo line.

I've been on an internet fast.

Before you praise/chastise me, know this: it wasn't entirely by choice. The internet at the house was down, and I decided to see if it was possible to live without the world wide web. Surprisingly, it is, but I'm not going to tell you it was easy. I can't tell you how many times I went to Google something only to remember I couldn't.

Quite a bit has happened over the last month. As a result of a meeting with Global Ministries staff and two fellow missionaries in early November, I have created an Advocacy/Support/Friend group comprised of six people, each of whom has played a role along the journey to this point. They are all good at giving me their opinions and advice and ideas, and though we haven't really decided what this will mean in the long run, they are all incredibly supportive.

I spoke at two different churches this month. On November 8, I was at Victory Chapel in Liberty Center, OH and on November 15, I was at Stryker UB in Stryker, OH. It was nice to be back in my home state, and especially lovely to speak with several people I've known since I was much younger.

I am pleased to report that as a result of some very generous donations, I have reached 50% of my needed support. In July 2010, I will be able to attend CROSS-Training at OMS - three weeks of field prep and seminars. I'm praying that I will be ready to move into the compound at Greenwood soon after, and begin traveling.

I am excited to see what the next year brings. I pray that when the time comes, I am ready.

Shalom.

Tomorrow, at Corunna UB, I will be showing the movie shown at US National Conference on missions night about the history of UB Missions. Church is at 10:15, directions are to the right on your screen. 

For those who requested DVD's of the occasion - they will be available shortly from Global Ministries. I can't give you an exact date because anyone who would know is in China. But if you need a copy absolutely right now, let me know, and I can have one made.

Upcoming events:

August 23 - I will be speaking at the Monroe UB Church. Again, see -->.

Check out the link for the China blog on the UB website. They will be returning in another week.

Also, as I hear from other missionaries, I'll be posting updates and links. Check back frequently to get the scoop.

Looking Back, Looking Ahead

I'm going to try something different today - I'm going to actually write the post before I figure out a title. 

It's taken some time, but I think I am fully recovered from the US National Conference for the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. From June 3 to June 7, I and more than 800 other UB's gathered at Sawmill Creek in Sandusky, Ohio for a few days of business, worship, and the all-important task of electing a new bishop. This was my second full conference I attended, but the first where I actually got to take a small part in the proceedings.

Of course, the highlight of the Conference for me was Saturday night, which was dedicated to missions. I was finally able to show people what I've been working on for the past few months. I have to admit - I was so nervous I couldn't watch it with everyone else. Aside from a few technical glitches, I think it went well, judging by the number of people who have requested the presentation on DVD. Speaking of which, we're still working on that. I, and everyone else in the office, use a Mac, and since the project was originally created in PowerPoint, we're having some issues getting it to save properly as a movie. I'm hoping, though, that this will be accomplished relatively soon.

The theme for the night was Looking Back, Looking Ahead. (I think I just found my title.) Jeff Bleijerveld, Director of Global Ministries, illustrated the problems inherent in trying to impose former ideas about missions onto the world we live in today. It's an important point - a hundred years ago, even fifty years ago, I don't think the idea of a missionary journalist would have gotten very far. (In my opinion, it would have been even more important back then, but that may just be me.) In this technological age, it's so easy to send off a quick e-mail or text and call that communication. I believe, though, in a more personal level of communication. The problem is that it's much more time-consuming than we like. 

Anyway, I'm getting off track. Jeff's theme also works as a theme for my life recently. When Queen Elizabeth I was nearing the end of her life, she finally chose a successor. She had no children, but her closest relative was James the Sixth of Scotland. He would ultimately become James I of England. Before Elizabeth died, though, there was some difficulty in the court. It was important to stay in Elizabeth's good graces so she didn't kill you before she died. At the same time, it was also important to start making nice with the man who would be King when she was gone. It was a delicate balance that all too often didn't succeed quite as well as some hoped. 

That's been my life for the past few months. Incredible as it may seem, there are actually a lot of things to take care of before you embark on something like this. College debts to settle, equipment to buy, things to pack, paperwork to sign - it's an exhausting process. At the same time, you have to take care of the day-to-day things like your job (so you can pay off those debts and buy food). At the same time, you also have to be thinking about the future, and how it's going to happen. I've been seriously lax in sending updates to supporters, which is partly why I created this blog. However, no one knows about it yet because I haven't sent out an update. I've also been lax in writing support letters and getting in contact with grant agencies. This has made it much more difficult to plan for the future because support has been coming in very slowly. Throw in the project for Global Ministries (about 400 hours), and yes, I've been quite busy, thanks, how are you?

Now that I have more time, the plan is to dive right in to raising support. I still have to work, of course, but once I get the movie situation sorted out, I'll be relatively free. 

And that's my life right now. I would appreciate your prayers. I made quite a few connections at Conference, and I'm hoping they come to fruition.

Because His love compels me,

Jessica

The Land of the Canucks

I was in Canada this last weekend with my mother, attending the mid-year Conference in Port Colborne. Canada is one of my favorite places, not because everyone says 'eh' (which they don't - though I noticed some people say it more often than others), but because Canadians have no problem telling it like it is.

I met some very wonderful people, and got back in touch with others. I was able to make a contact with Operation Mobilization, which could send me to the UK in the near future. I'm hoping that comes to fruition.

National Conference starts tomorrow for the behind-the-scenes people. I'm looking forward to it, yet dreading it at the same time. There are a lot of positive things the UB Church could do in the future, but it could also stagnate. I'm hoping people make the right choices this weekend.

Pray for Global Ministries on Saturday, and for me especially as we debut the historical presentation.