Concordia Nebraska students and others serve children in Hong Kong and Shenzhen on five-week service trip

by Amy Crawford

Seward, NE (09/02/2024) — A group from Concordia Nebraska recently had the opportunity to take part in a five-week service trip to Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Six Concordia Nebraska students, one staff member and one faculty member worked with The Lutheran Church-Hong Kong Synod to provide religious instruction and English practice for children.

Those participating included recent graduate Abbey Bimler '24 and current students Caroline Beck, Kirsten Horne, Abbey Kudrna, Karson Sherman and Emma Williamson. Beck, Williamson and Kudrna are studying elementary education, music education and secondary math respectively with ESL education majors. Concordia Nebraska Admissions Office Receptionist Rebecca Bimler and Concordia Nebraska Professor of Education Dr. Vicki Anderson mentored the group.

"For the first half of the experience, the team worked on various islands in Hong Kong with 685 Hong Kong children ages 5-12 at a total of seven schools in three-day morning and afternoon sessions," explained Anderson. "The Concordia Nebraska team discussed truths about the Bible with the children and helped them memorize key Bible verses, led crafts, singing, and games, and collaborated deeply with the on-the-ground Hong Kong team who planned and coordinated the events. Lots of kids, and lots ways to spark interest in 'Shining Jesus' Light in a Dark World!' Plus the initiation of deep relationships with our Hong Kong Christian brothers and sisters who have a passion for helping children learn about Jesus."

The second half of the experience took place across the bay in Shenzhen in Mainland China and involved teaching students in grades 1-10 in a back-to-school preparatory Bridging Program for The Lutheran Church-Hong Kong Synod school NCIC Concordia HKDSE Division (Nanshan Chinese International College Concordia Hong Kong Division of Secondary Education), formerly known as BCIS (Buena Vista Concordia International School). BCIS had to move from the Buena Vista community of Shenzhen to Nanshan and consequently changed its name.

"The Concordia Nebraska team led interactive English activities for an hour a day to get the 180+ students more comfortable with speaking in English, then assisted the mostly local Chinese subject area teachers who taught math, science, general studies and English language arts," added Anderson. "For a little added fun, the Bridging Program held its own mini-Olympics and held daily 'Where's Waldo?' contests. Lots of experience with classroom management, motivating students, planning activities for students who don't speak English well, being flexible and collaborating cross-culturally with the school's teachers to fulfill learning objectives!"

The Concordia Nebraska Department of Education resumed its relationship and collaboration with The Lutheran Church-Hong Kong Synod after COVID made it impossible to continue the annual summer English camps they held in Shenzhen from 2013-2019.

"During these five weeks, the Concordia Nebraska students interacted with administrative officials in the schools and in the synod in ways that have greatly broadened their outlook on international Christian education and its role in Gospel proclamation," said Anderson. "We look forward to seeing what opportunities God provides for us in Hong Kong and China next year!"

About Concordia University, Nebraska

Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod located in Seward, Nebraska, which currently serves more than 1,700 students. Concordia offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in an excellent academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world. For more information, visit cune.edu.

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