Happy Birthday, Tin Lanh!

Jillian and Ryan, accompanists for the choir from Danang International Fellowship!

In 1911, the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church reached the shores of Danang, Vietnam (then called Tourane, controlled by the French) with the Gospel. Beginning with a church, then a small Bible school, then reaching out to the northern and southern parts of the country, the message of Jesus spread through this small country of Southeast Asia.

This past week, the Tin Lanh Church (C&MA) celebrated 100 years of ministry in Danang. At the largest Tin Lanh church of the city, on Ong Ich Kiem Street, two days of services and activities marked the event. On Wednesday night, the Vietnamese church invited our international fellowship to sing (in English). This is no small honor. The Tin Lanh church is noted for their large choirs of excellent skill. Our international church (Danang International Church--or DIF) is about 50 folks strong. About half signed up to sing, including seven children (of course, 5 of those were Brewers!).


The building was packed with hundreds of worshippers. We sang "Prince of Peace" by Michael W. Smith. It is a stirring song of praise, in which men's and women's parts divide into separate harmonizing verses. In the evening program that included about four large choirs and several solo/duet songs, we wanted add our heartfelt gratitude for what the Lord has done here. The response was astounding. The normally stoic, conservative, quiet church was filled with the rustle of whispering as we took the platform. There were smiles everywhere and people clapped with us as they read the translated lyrics on the screens up front. We are told it is the first time a western church group has sung there.


I feel as though our family has taken part in an historic occasion. Our girls sang with abandon. Jillian played drums for the group.

The following night, Jillian and I returned to the church to sing with a choir of more than 100 voices to sing (in Vietnamese) "The Holy City." We had been practicing for a few months now. What a great blessing! The service lasted over 3 hours with more than 30 responding to the invitation.

100 years ago, a seed was planted. The roots have spread far and wide and fruit continues to come forth. So glad to be here to work in the vineyard!

Times They Are A'Changin'...

It has happened. Somewhere, sometime...I blinked and the little girls that needed help with...everything now need help with nothing. Last Friday, Jillian, Anna Mei and Elizabeth (ages 12, 10 and 9) asked if they could go out for lunch. Together. Alone. True, they needed a ride. But they had their own money, their own plan, their own conversation. They didn't need direction, advice, funds or suggestions. The didn't need...me.

Don't get me wrong. My heart is joyful at this new development. I am proud of their initiative and ability. I am satisfied that they understand the value of the meals they purchase and have pre-determined what and what is not "worth it." I am delighted that they love each other and want to spend special "girl time" with one another. But...there is a part, small but real, that knows I have been left behind in the wings while my little stars shine.

And that's not all. Just 24 hours later, Jillian announced that she "felt like cooking." So she baked a banana bread (from scratch) in the rice cooker--something I have not yet attempted myself. And the day after that, the "3 older girls" were in the kitchen again...making strawberry-banana-yogurt smoothies in the blender. There were samples all around. Each person had her own particular method, special ingredient or presentation of the product.

There is no going back. The skills they have will only grow. The independence, excitement and sense of accomplishment will only pull them further. The wings that once held them close to me have been lifted higher and higher, until they seem nearly parallel to the ground.

I remind myself they still need me. I know they do. But they need me differently. It is a transition that I do not relish right now.

I am not a pessimist. I believe that our greatest days are ahead. More laughter, more tender moments, more memories are waiting to be experienced and made. Still, I am not quite ready to forget or sweep away the moments of "come tuck me in" and "read me a story."

There IS one comforting thought...Faith has told me she intends to stay small and live with me forever. Her sincerity makes me smile, but I think I feel a tiny tear forming in the corner of my eye.