“I have a friend I was talking to about going to Asia on a Bible smuggling trip, so I found the website and the specific ministry she mentioned and got in touch with them about going. Through the process of learning to know the ministry, and working out travel plans I was really intrigued and wanted to go. I love India, and have been wanting to do some more traveling in that part of the world so I was really excited for this chance.”
“It made me a little nervous at first, because there were all kinds of rules and little tricks for how to get past security with contraband, stuff like acting like you’re in a super big hurry and have to go, pushing them to get done fast, putting in headphones and listening to music, acting casual, mingling with large groups of Asian natives, that sort of thing. If they do catch you you’re often detained for awhile and they question you and that sort of thing. Because the system is corrupt, if you are handed a receipt for the Bibles you may have a chance to buy back the Bibles and keep going; sometimes the officials will even keep some which is really great because it gets the word out there in a place that is really controlled and watch over.”
(Lynette says) I met with Hannah at a local coffee shop for a vicarious trip to Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, and the misty shores of Asia. She had a lot of stories about their time, the people and the streets of the eastern world. We spent the evening with warm coffee and tales from halfway around the world.
It fascinated me to learn more of a culture I’ve never gotten to brush shoulder with, and to learn of some of their struggles and daily life. I’ve always had a lot of respect for the eastern world, because for thousands of years they emphasized the values of peace and quietness, which is refreshing when living in the raucous and rushing western world. Asia has changed a little, but in Hannah’s pictures I found a lot of people living and enjoying each other, instead of merely rushing to work all the time. These guys have the whole chopsticks thing down. Take lessons, y’all.
“In Hong Kong we also saw some of the pro-democracy rioting that is happening there right now. (More recent updates are on CNN.com) It was crazy to see the barricades and everything going on, though things weren’t too out-of-hand when we were there. Because education is so one-sided and controlled in mainland China wealthy parents sometimes send their children to school in Hong Kong to get a better education. If they can afford it and don’t mind processing they will take their children there for school each day which is a matter of crossing through the border and customs. Hong Kong is more pro-democracy, and their thinking is much more progressive there than mainland China, so if you read the news you’ll see its creating a hot situation between mainstream communism and the democrats.”
“One thing I noticed while out on the streets was how few children there were. I guess when you can only have one it really cuts down on the amount you see out and about. I did catch a few pictures.
“The underground church in Asia is alive and well. I have to be really careful what pictures I share to protect people there, but we did get to visit a place where the Christians can often meet. Having Bibles and teaching means to much to them, and they spend hours reading and singing.”
(Back to Lynette) Come back for more visual story-telling, next time round will be some cool street art, crazy talented artists and more stories about Asia. Meanwhile please check out Vision without Borders, they have a fine line to walk in Asia and could use all our prayers and support. One of their leaders said: “I just have to emphasize this point, it is always a tricky line to walk. We want to spread the word about the work and the need for Bibles, but the last thing we want to do is be the reason why someone gets into trouble (internet can be a tricky thing).”
Meet Hannah, the girl with the heart behind these photos.
All photos and stories used by permission of Hannah and Vision without Borders. Thanks y’all.
**To clarify this collection of photos is both of Hong Kong, China, and Hanoi, capital of Vietnam.