Local ranch hosts ChinaAid family camp
By Kathy Thomson
Thirty-five children from China and North Korea have spent the last week at Stasney’s Cook Ranch in Albany enjoying some rest and relaxation at a family retreat sponsored by ChinaAid.
The group, including parents, guardians, and ChinaAid staff members arrived on June 26 and were scheduled to leave today. While they visited the area, they attended the Fort Griffin Fandangle, went horseback riding at Camp Able in Buffalo Gap, explored the Abilene Zoo, went to the Old Jail Art Center, learned to fish, and went swimming.
“They have loved the water sports at the ranch, both the lake and the pool,” said ranch owner Jon Stasney. “The Albany pool lifeguards have done a wonderful job out here, because many of our visitors don’t know how to swim, either the children or their parents.”
Jon Stasney’s wife Dale explained that people don’t swim much in China.
“They really enjoyed swimming, both because it was something new and different for many of them, and also because of the hot weather,” she said.
Local churches have provided many of the meals, and various ministers including Jeff Turner, Levi Herron, Jon Stasney, and Tim Trimble have spoken to the group.
“Tim Trimble showed them how to fish, and then talked to them about being fishers of men,” said Dale Stasney. “One of the girls was so excited about fishing that she skipped swimming to have a chance to fish. ‘I dreamed of catching fish,’ she told us; and then she proceeded to catch a whole bunch.”
Their favorite part of the Fandangle was the Longhorns, when they were coming out onto the stage, and the Cowboy’s Prayer.
“They also liked all the horses, and the can-can dancers,” said Dale Stasney. “They said that they were surprised by all the gunfire in the Fort Griffin scene, and at least one of the children was shocked by the story with the devil. She thought it was amusing, but she was shocked!”
Several of the children started giggling when they saw some of the Japanese and Chinese artwork that was on display at the Old Jail, according to Jon Stasney, who explained that several of the pieces are ones that would be used to “explain the facts of life” to newlyweds in China, and would not typically be out in public view in their home country.
The visiting children are from Chinese and Korean families that have had at least one parent persecuted for religious reasons or human rights violations.
Their family retreat was sponsored by ChinaAid, an international non-profit Christian human rights organization committed to promoting religious freedom and the rule of law in China.
“I would like to thank the Stasney family and the Albany community for all that they have done to bless these families while they are here,” said ChinaAid family retreat organizer Rebecca Isaacs. “It has been a good week! I am especially thankful that some of the young adults were able to have the chance to develop friendships with others that have had similar experiences.”
ChinaAid was founded by Bob Fu, author of God’s Double Agent. Fu was born and raised in mainland China and was imprisoned for two months for “illegal evangelism” in 1996, before he and his wife fled to America as religious refugees in 1997.
Fu came to Albany for the last half of the family retreat, but missed the first few days because he just graduated from Durham University in England with his PhD on Thursday, June 28.
Fu wrote that he hopes that his dissertation, which explores the potential for religious freedom in China’s future, will contribute to the development of a better State–religion relationship in China that will help ensure religious freedom for all, and “not only prove to be culturally compatible but also mutually beneficial to government officials, Chinese Christians, and those who choose to practice or refrain from practicing other religions.”
In the meantime, Fu, Isaacs, the Stasneys, and others are trying to help some of the children and families affected by religious persecution and/or human rights violations enjoy a little relaxation while they are here in Albany.
