Remembering Tiananmen 20 Years Later
It was 20 years ago today that students were killed in Tiananmen Square for their pro-democracy protests. I just started a journey of self discovery and my ideas of freedom were changed that day. That image of the now infamous tank confrontation was burned into my memory. I discovered freedom is not free afterall but something worth laying your whole life down on the line for.
Came across this quote from Sojourners citing The New York Times. Wow.
Liu Suli, who served 20 months in prison for his role in the pro-democracy Tiananmen Square protests of 1989, “his fellow Chinese have made a devil’s bargain, trading the freedom that he and his fellow protesters sought for a chance at a car and a bigger apartment.”
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How do Chinese students today feel about Tiananmen, 20 years later? From the NYTFrom Andy Crouch
20 years ago their cultural creativity was crushed. Thought-provoking story about 3 leaders of Tiananmen SqMitzie Mackenzie (1920-2009)
The community of Chinese Christian Church + Center will deeply miss Mitzie.
We’ve spoken about being “transcultural” or “Third Culture” on this blog. Mitzie’s life truly was transcultural. As Dave Gibbons (NewSong) would put it, she had the mindset and the will to love, learn, and serve in any culture, even in the midst of pain and discomfort. As we mature in knowing Christ’s character, we discover that he has called us to love and serve cultures and people unlike our own — may it be racially, or socioeconomically.As a 20 year old white girl she stepped into Chinatown and gave over 60 years of her life to serve this community never being fluent in Chinese. She always said she was Chinese at heart.
Respect. Imitate. Live.
Read the rest of this entry »Elderly Woman ‘Fights’ Off ‘Attacker’
Just watched this video from Eugene Cho’s delicious thought provoking blog. It certainly is a reminder of simple and real faith. As part of my cynicism I’m asking how did the reporters find out about this? Nevertheless I needed to see this today. Enjoy!
Remembering Ralph Winter & Mitzie Mackenzie
As I’m returning home from a long stint of speaking and ministry I received news of the passing of two great and influential people. Last week we lost the great American missiologist, Ralph Winter. A giant. He was identified by Time Magazine as one of America’s most influential evangelicals in 2005. His book, Perspectives on the World Christian Movement is a formative read to reach the world’s “unreached” with the Gospel. I’ve held a Perspectives course for those interested in missions at my church and it was intense.I love this quote:
“You do not evaluate a risk by the probability of success but by the worthiness of the goal.” - Ralph Winter 1925 - 2009
Link: LA Times
The memorial service for Dr. Ralph D. Winter has been scheduled for Sunday, June 28, in the main sanctuary of Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena, Calif.I also just received news that Mitzie Mackenzie passed away this morning. Many of you will not know who Mitzie is but she is a hero in our church community here in Chinatown, Philadelphia. She was an advocate for the voiceless in Chinatown and under her leadership, our church opened its doors to them in 1941. She was 20 when arrived in Chinatown, a lone white girl with a heart and vision to reach the poor immigrants of this community.
The memorial service for Mitzie Mackenzie will be held at The Vine of Chinese Christian Church+Center on Saturday, May 30 at 8am
What hearts. What legacies.
REILLY+NEW HEIGHTS CONCERT
The Vine presents the music of REILLY and NEW HEIGHTS
ABOUT REILLY THE BANDHailing from the City of Brotherly Love, Reilly’s signature “symphonic-rock” has garnered them national recognition as one of America’s best independent bands. Fusing acoustic and electric guitars with violin hooks and refreshingly thought provoking lyrics, REILLY’s artistry is original and irresistible. Accompanying lead singer/songwriter John Reilly is the versatile violin duo of Dan and Noele Huie, bassist Matthew Bomberger, and drummer Kyle Thoman. The band’s engaging stage interaction opens a new world for listeners to become long-time fans. Numerous first place finishes in “battle of the band” competitions and increasing notoriety have allowed the band to play at notable music festivals including CREATION, ATLANTAFEST, CORNERSTONE, AUTUMN BLAZE, PURPLE DOOR, REVELATION GENERATION. Reilly is becoming more and more of a household name as they have played with national acts like SWITCHFOOT, NEWSBOYS, JARS OF CLAY, LEELAND, TOBY MAC, BARLOW GIRL. Off stage they are a team of hard working D.I.Y. entrepreneurs, having created and implemented successful marketing plans, and recorded albums without the help of a record label.“If the hearts, lyrics and music of REILLY is not enough, the dueling violins will blow you out of your seat. This band is my new favorite live band!” ~ Chris Strayer, Producer for Purple Door Music Festival
“WJTL is currently playing an independent rock ‘n’ roll band from Philadelphia called Reilly. They produce a big, expansive sound replete with 2 violins! I highly recommend spending some time with their latest record, “Let June Decide.” Listen and let the music penetrate your soul.” ~ Phil Smith, Music Director for 90.3 WJTL PA
REILLY Music, LLC
www.REILLYtheband.com
www.myspace.com/REILLYtheband
www.sonicbids.com/REILLYmusicWHAT WE DO AT THE VINE
There’s a world of hurt out there…but LOVE is alive and moving.
We’re raising awareness to the needs in our hurting world by mobilizing our community with creative events and projects to bring about change. The first step is to know what the problem is. The next step is up to you.FRIDAY NIGHT. MARCH 27. 7:30PM
Featuring Music By:
REILLY www.reillytheband.com
NEW HEIGHTS www.new-heights.net
Tickets are $7 at the door
Facebook event link: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=137690665133
REILLY: We’re inviting our fans and anybody who attends the concert to come out to Chinatown with us after the show for some post concert dinner.James Hudson Taylor III [Aug 12, 1929 - Mar 20, 2009]
One of the most well known names in the history of missions passed away today.
James Hudson Taylor III [Aug 12, 1929 - Mar 20, 2009]
Two days ago in a Hong Kong hospital, Jamie Taylor (James Hudson Taylor IV) shared his dad’s last words to him, ”live to make a difference for Jesus.” What an incredible family legacy now spanning five generations of humble service to the Chinese for Jesus Christ. Through James Husdon Taylor V whose mother is Chinese (”Mimi” Yeh-Min Ke), it is said, “Chinese blood is now immersed in the Taylor’s next generation as they are growing up around us.” (Christ Alone: A Pictorial Presentation of Hudson Taylor’s Life and Legacy)The work of Hudson Taylor continues through OMF International
A short note by Jamie Taylor (h/t CCCOWE and Eugene Hor)
The Idea Camp Live
If you’re not at The Idea Camp right now you’re missing out on something really special. If you haven’t heard the Idea Camp is a different kind of conference that will shape the future of conferences to come. The desired goal was to have a different approach to the way we do conferences. Truly different.
What is God going to do with all these great people in the same room?Well if you’re not here. No worries. Catch it all live stream at www.theideacamplive.com
Catch all the tweets using the hash #theideacamp
What’s your idea? If you have a question you can send it in too at www.theideacamplive.com
You can text questions to CAMP + Question to 47201UPDATED
Sessions and interviews now available through vimeo. 29 videos can be found there and if you are signed up you can also download them.
One of the highlights was listening to Dave Gibbons, John Park (Google), and Maxim (Yangdang) on Innovation Principles.Saying No To Casinos in Chinatown Part 8
Some highlights from the No Casino in the Heart of the City Coalition press conferenceIt is amazing how many Chinese churches/orgs have joined this coalition. They may not be at the forefront speaking but they can certainly get things done and mobilize Chinese in the Philadelphia and surrounding regions just as we have seen them do in their collection of over 24k petitions. This has really become a diverse citywide effort that I’m proud to be a part of.
The real star in this coalition is activist Helen Gym. She really adds the passion to this movement like no other. Her list of accomplishments and accolades are too long to mention. One statement that really stood out was when she urged officials to say no to shameful “unfair predatory gain in this time of greatest economic need.” I think that cuts to the heart of the issue. Hasn’t the city learned from the existing economic crisis with regard to unfair predatory practices?
It’s also a pleasure to see the active participation of Luella Trip, wife of Dr. Paul Tripp of Tenth Presbyterian Church. They moved into the Chinatown area a few years ago and since have solidly expressed their heart for the area and convictions to minister to the people of Center City. That’s a rare find. We need more people like them.
News Links
“Churches Join Anti-Casino Protest” – The Philadelphia Inquirer, February 19, 2009Next Up:
Philadelphia City Planning Commission Community Meeting on Preliminary Findings for the Market East Strategic Plan
Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 7 pmJefferson University
Dorrance Hamilton Auditorium
1001 Locust Street
For more information contact Laura Spina 215.683.4638Saying No to Casinos in Chinatown Part 7
UPDATE: The battle against proposed casinos in the heart of Philadelphia ensues. It’s now a citywide effort and not just a Chinatown matter. The thing is that it was never just a Chinatown matter but now a coalition has been formed (The No Casino in the Heart of the City Coalition) that includes major groups like The Black Clergy of Philadelphia and AAU amongst many others. The coalition’s first move is a press conference at the Bellevue Hotel (Broad & Walnut Sts) Headquarters for Gov. Rendell and PREIT (Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust), Wednesday, February 18, 11am.
Download the full press release
Link to AAUSpeakers include: Bishop Peggy Johnson, Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church; Pastor Ellis Washington, president, Black Clergy of Philadelphia & Vicinity; Tom Earle, CEO, Liberty Resources; and coalition partners.
Below is the statement of Beliefs and Commitments of this new coalition.
No Casino in the Heart of the City Coalition
Statement of Beliefs and CommitmentsWe, the undersigned organizations, enter into coalition with each other, united by the following beliefs and commitments.
By joining the Coalition, each of our organizations commits to mobilizing our constituency and bringing our own strengths and resources to the work of the Coalition.
OUR BELIEFS:
1) We oppose putting a casino in the heart of our city.
A Center City slots parlor aims to take money from the pocketbooks of Philadelphians who can least afford it (especially low-income, elderly, and people of color, riders of mass transit, center city workers, Chinatown workers and residents, and Gallery shoppers).2) We decry the unfair fast-tracking of the Gallery casino.
It is patently discriminatory for our public servants to work to protect some communities from this noxious industry and then to move at a feverish pace to impose it as quickly as possible in a place that will expose the maximum number of Philadelphians to it.3) We reject actions by our public officials that make them active partners with the casino industry – promoting gambling to our residents and transit riders and redesigning our central historical, business and residential corridor around a gambling anchor.
The slots business is a predatory industry that profits off addiction and impoverishes its clientele. We do not build a healthy economy or a balanced budget by increasing levels of poverty and addiction among our citizens.4) We reject the choice of any site for a casino that would threaten the health and welfare of any neighborhood.
No casino should be sited in any neighborhood that would change the nature and character of the neighborhood, or interfere with that neighborhood’s sustainable economic development.OUR COMMITMENT TO EACH OTHER:
- The Coalition will operate utilizing a fair and open process.
- The Coalition will share its knowledge and all relevant information with the community.
- The Coalition will speak with unity. At the same time, the multiple voices of our members make us stronger. Individual organizations and persons are encouraged to voice their own issues and perspectives within the broad unity expressed in this statement.
- The Coalition will collectively make strategic decisions, especially regarding lobbying, meetings with politicians and other decision makers, and significant public statements.
- Coalition members commit to speaking openly with each other about differences, mistakes, criticisms, and rumors. We enter into this Coalition with a spirit of unity, generosity, and good will.
SIGNATORIES (as of December 17, 2008)
Arch Street United Methodist Church, Outreach Committee
Asian Americans United
Black Clergy of Philadelphia & Vicinity
Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia
Casino Free Philadelphia
Chinese Benevolent Association
Chinese Christian Church & Center
Chinese Christian Herald Crusade
Chinese Overseas Association
Family, INC
Folk Arts-Cultural Treasures Charter School
Germantown Clergy Initiative
Greater Germantown Business Association
Greater Philadelphiaa Chinese Chamber of Commerce
Leadership Learning Partners Charter School
Liberation Fellowship CDC
Media Mobilizing Project
New York Tai Look Association
ODUNDE, Inc.
On Leong Chinese Merchants Association
Palmer Foundation
Philadelphia Chinese Dragon Boat Association
Philadelphia Guang Dong Association
Shalom Center
Students Against the Gallery CasiNO!
Temple University Chinese Student Assoc.
Teo Chew Association of Philadelphia
Tsung Tsin Association
University of Pennsylvania Chinese Student AssociationIf your organization is interested in joining the many groups that have signed on to the coalition, please contact Helen Gym at 215.808.1400 or HGBF @ aol.com
…And Justice For All
“True peace is not merely the absence of tension:
it is the presence of justice.” -MLKJust think. Today is about “the peaceful transfer of power.”
What an incredible day to live and pray no matter where we stand on issues. It’s a day we should all pause for at least a moment. How can we not be moved by what this day represents?Barack Obama’s official swearing-in ceremony as the 44th President of the United States will take place this morning, (January 20) beginning at 11:30am EST.
Full Schedule of Events
Track on Twitter - Obama Official Inauguration Twitter Stream: http://twitter.com/obamainaugural
Watch the Inauguration Live OnlinePresident Obama’s Official Live Video Stream - watch the swearing-in ceremony live at: www.pic2009.org
Hulu - Offering up a live video stream (available in U.S. only, unfortunately) http://www.hulu.com/inauguration
Joost - Live video stream http://www.joost.com/Obama_Inauguration_Live
Ustream - Multiple live video streams http://www.ustream.tv/channel/barack-obama-inauguration-day-live. Ustream has also developed an iPhone application specifically for viewing the inauguration: Watch the Inauguration Live on the iPhone with Ustream
LinkLive - One of the content providers for Ustream’s coverage http://www.ustream.tv/channel/link-live-inaugural-web-gala
Mogulus - Multiple live video streams from C-SPAN, Democracy Now, The Real News, USA Today, and more: http://www.mogulus.com/blog/?p=911
Qik - Live video from NowPublic, BBC, CBS, Houston Chronicle, and more: http://qik.com/event/1224/obamas-inauguration-2009
YouTube - Special Inauguration Channel: http://youtube.com/inauguration
Top 5 ways to watch the Obama Inauguration Online from NowPublic
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