Trust God but tie up your camel...

A valued friend related this Arabian proverb to me. It reminds us that while it’s important to have faith that everything will work out, it does not let us off the hook from doing whatever we can to at the same time ensure a favourable outcome.

Home of LoveThe adoption process for our

two older girls is a long process, sadly they are still waiting to be put on the list. They like “Grandma & Grandpa,” as well as their “ayis” (aunties), but eagerly await their new parents. Both are growing out of toddlerhood, becoming capable little girls who like dolls, books, new clothes, and active games. They have been enjoying walks in parks, noticing the leaves have changed colours and fallen to the ground. They love walking on dry leaves.

Our youngest girl turned one year old this autumn. She is busy trying to do everything her older sisters do: from using blocks; to climbing into the playhouse; to feeding herself. She is a great

walker inside but likes to sit down & investigate things when outside. She wants to walk up & down steps, not crawl, but still needs some help.

A burden for Boot Camp

We have felt a strong burden for the young people in boot camp. Hearing their stories continues to impress upon us the real sense that they live as captives. They are graceful towards their parents but still we see the hurt and pain in their eyes. Our two October mercy teams and an English language team spent time with Boot Camp recently. One team had a great morning making dumplings and then eating them all, hundreds of them, for lunch. We also had some special moments sharing about what’s important in life. As winter approaches we decided to provide each child with a scarf in an effort to help them stay a little warmer. The boy’s bedroom has broken windows so even sleep must be difficult.

David shared his heart for boot camp recently in a Sunday meeting in China, now we have seven people rising to the challenge of leading the weekly international class as Dan used to. This is fantastic news!

ChinaHeart TeamIn October we held our first

meeting, which combined co-workers from both cities. It was wonderful to get together for the day and talk through our various joys and challenges as well as spending time together and building our friendships. While David knows everyone of course,

this was the first time Vicky and our Xian team have met together!

Thanks to the pupils from Bundeena, NSW, Primary School who sent presentations about Australia for our children to watch. We showed them at Boot Camp and Little Fish classes and everyone loved them.

Doves WingsSadly last month we had to

say good-bye to Jonathon, Luke, Joy, Rachel and Little Jacob, the orphanage director ordered them back to the orphanage. We miss them so much, Jonathon was our very first baby in Doves Wings and Luke had been with us for two years. Joy and Rachel had not been with us for so long, but they were thriving. On the other hand we have another orphanage offering us children every time we go there, and indeed we would love to bring six home, but a lack of staff is preventing us. Please join us in prayer for caregivers.

We have released some of our caregivers to a greater role in organising activities like rosters and training. They have been doing quite well with increased levels of leadership.

Michelle has been having physiotherapy for the last month to

In Doves Wings Jacob has been mastering new skills with his hands.

Not sure she trusted David’s dumpling making skills at Boot Camp

Change for China’s Children living in poverty and abandonment,1 by 1

December 2013

Thanks to our supporter who covers the cost of printing and posting this newsletter in Australia

ChinaHeart International Incpo box 88 peakhurst nsW 2210

ph +612 9533 4096 fax +612 9584 9550 www.chinaheart.com.au e: admin@chinaheart.com.auto donate please visit our website, phone or email us.

PrayersWe’re thankful for the special day our co-workers had together. please pray for stronger serving relationships ♥ for children in the villages who face difficult futures ♥ that we continue to hear where god is leading us into 2014 ♥ for our doves Wings children who have seen friends taken back ♥ We’re thankful for a new team of helpers in boot Camp

David RyanExecutive Director

A job well done by these 2 returning team members

Nina teaching in Little Fish

strengthen her good leg and core muscles in preparation for her prosthesis. Michelle loves to show off her new found skill in hopping around on her good leg, even better, she just loves to stand on her good leg and swing the other malformed leg to and fro. She is a very bright happy and intelligent little girl.

Charmaine has also been having physiotherapy, mainly to help her development in all areas. She is now making eye contact and drinking from a cup.

With his seemingly useless looking little hands, Jacob can turn pages in books, stack up building cups, make towers with tupelo bricks, then knock them down with great delight.

Morning Light builds awareness

In September, with support from the Mental Association, 6 Agencies, including Morning Light, organized the “Mentally Handicapped Children’s Education Right” forum; to discuss the current mentally handicapped children education status; and invited the teachers from the Northwest Teaching University Department of Special Education to meet the Parents.

Many children and their parents from the various agencies together with volunteers and people from the community, a

total of a hundred people, gathered together at the “Wu Quan Xia Square” for the “Dream can Change the Future,” in October. This is an advocacy activity for the cerebral palsy children, the aim was to create public awareness of the cerebral palsy children.

Little Fish is growing

Our October mercy teams were also involved in our Little Fish program in two orphanages. They spent time teaching games and crafts and enjoying lots of singing and even some dancing together. Volunteers remain a challenge. Without a good number of regular helpers, discipline can be difficult, so we continue to be on the lookout for more local helpers. Nina has been doing a great job at TYG teaching singing and handcrafts two days each week. Josh, the dance teacher in X, has been doing a great job. David spent a little time with him in October and it’s clear Josh has a heart for the children.

Mercy Teams testimony

We had two great teams in October. We introduced a couple of new venues during this time and these were both successful. We hope to continue providing people for TYG and Warrior House through our 2014 teams. People have spoken of life changing experiences through our teams. One team member said...

“The mission & vision of what I have seen, done and achieved during my short-term mercy team

is exceedingly more than I have experienced throughout the 10 years of my Christian walk. It’s life changing for me. In the past, ‘Missions” to me is simply to go and serve and it ends there. I didn’t see the importance of mission work. Having been on the team, has shown me a different perspective – I go in anticipation for a breakthrough that God has called me and return in expectation for a greater multitude that God is going to use me.”

Dates for 2014 teams are on our website at www.chinaheart.com.au

Christmas is just around the corner. Thank you for your support and prayers through 2013. We wish everyone a very safe, happy and holy Christmas season.

Blessings