March 2009 Update

[al...@yu1.ca]

Dear Prayer Supporters,

During the last week of March, I drove all the way from Vancouver to
Oregon to speak at a very unique camp. This camp for college students
is organized by Eugene Chinese Church, the church which I used to
attend when I was in architecture school. I left Eugene, Oregon 11
years ago during this same week, and I was now returning for the first
time to the church after 11 years.

In fact, I have lost contacts with many of the brothers and sisters
for years since I have graduated. But thanks to Facebook, I was
reconnected to one of the leaders at ECC, and had the chance to meet
him in Hong Kong last October. And alas, I was invited to partner
together again with them in ministry.

At first, it was like speaking at just another camp, which I do often.
But once I arrived Eugene, many memories rushed back into my mind. It
was an unexpected "coming home" feeling. I suddenly realized that
besides my beloved church in Vancouver, I also have another spiritual
home in Oregon. It was a very strange feeling of warmth. Actually,
there are only very few people that I used to know left in that little
college town church. Even the worship gathering is held in a different
place than it used to be. But there I was, feeling like a long-lost
member of the family, enjoying the reunion. I was overwhelmed.

Oh and how I enjoyed the three days with the students on the coast. I
have never met any of them before, but it felt like they are my own
youth group at my own church. I experienced interesting emotional ties
with them. When I read the thank you card that they gave me when I was
departing, I was truly touched. I felt like I was supported by this
reunited spiritual family for the ministry I did in Vancouver. As they
said thank you for my ministry among them, I really wanted to say, it
was me that is truly blessed to have them as my spiritual family.
Thanks everyone at ECC!

God is so good. After the camp in Oregon I enjoyed an extra few days
of vacation with my wife in the Northwest. It was a refreshing trip.
But maybe it was too relaxing, we both fell sick when we came back...

One more thing before I conclude. I received this month several
invitations from churches to speak on different occasions, but I
declined almost all of them. Though unwillingly, but I know I'll have
to do this in order to maintain a healthy balance in my health, family
responsibilities, ministry at AFC and home church, as well as
finishing my doctoral thesis. I hope those turned down by me will
understand that it is for being able to serve the Church of the Lord
better in the future that I'll have to constrain my engagement now to
make room for growth. I will try my best to help locate another
speaker for those invitations that I cannot except. My sincere
apology.

Please continue to support me with your prayer. As the effect of the
financial tsunami is kicking in, AFC Vancouver is threatened with low
cash flow. Pay cheques have been withheld. If possible, please
consider supporting us financially also.

Thanks very much.

Blessings,
Alan Yu


Alan's Engagement in April:
Apr 5, 12, 19, 26: Sunday School at Westside Baptist Church on "The
Emotionally Healthy Church"
Apr 9, 10: leading Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services at
Westside Baptist Church
Apr 12: Worship Discipleship program for the Jubilant
Apr 20-24: visiting AFC Canada headquarters in Toronto
Apr 26: preaching at Sunday service at Westside Baptist Church
Apr 26: Leading Restoration Worship at AFC