Tongren,Guizhou missionary history 贵州铜仁传教士历史: Local Girl Braves Danger of Bandits and Jap Attack- Life of Missionary in China Is Far From Being Dull- Local Girl in China -Zimmer Dec 5 1939 article

Posted on September 1, 2013 by Ray

Tongren,Guizhou missionary history 贵州铜仁传教士历史: Local Girl Braves Danger of Bandits and Jap Attack- Life of Missionary in China Is Far From Being Dull- Local Girl in China -Zimmer Dec 5 1939 article, , see larger image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98531730@N02/9638579787/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Photo caption: Six weeks away by mail, when it gets through, Mrs. Silvia Zimmer will be spending here Christmas in Tungjen with her husband, Gerald, and their 18-month-old baby Sherwood

[copy of the original newspaper article supplied by Zimmer Foundation, www.zimmerfoundation.org , via former English teacher in Tongren, Guizhou and Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Sky Lantz-Warner (now at the University of Dayton, in Ohio), slantzwagner1@udayton.edu ]

The Morgantown Post, Morgantown, W. Va., Tuesday, December 5, 1939

text of news article:

“When a plane flies over Morgantown, one rarely notices it.
When an airplane buzzes over the horizon toward Tungjen [Tongren铜仁], China, a former Morgantown girl picks up her baby boy and runs for the hills.
Now that the Japanese have pointed the nose of their war machine into Southern China to rivet shut the backdoor through which supplies have been coming to the Chinese, the war is closer to Mrs. Gerald Zimmer, the former Sylvia Zinn.
Her mother, Mrs. Josephine Zinn of 160 Fayette street, pointed out Tungjen on a detailed map of China. It is located in Kweichow [Guizhou贵州] Province.

Located in Interior

This former University co-ed lives six weeks away by mail in the hinterlands of China, 1,400 miles west of Shanghai. Starting at Peking, she and her husband, Gerald Zimmer, kept one jump ahead of Jap bombers in their move in the interior.
“Tunjen is thirty miles from the nearest road,” Mrs. Zinn explained. Everything must be shipped in by boat to this city of 24,000 persons located in a region of mountains.
Raiding the river boats is a lucrative source of income to the bandits. The Zimmers just missed having their belongings fall into bandit hands. [missing text] … enough to meet their I.O.U.’s by the first of the year.

Bandits Beheaded

Telling of measures taken against the bandits, Mrs. Zimmer wrote in her last letter:
“Bandits aren’t bothering us now, Thank goodness! They (the soldiers) have been tracking them down and killing them. Friday four of them were beheaeded outside the North Gate. We had to come past there and there were two bodies and four heads still there…an awful sight.”
High walls completely surround the city and the residences of the missionaries are walled in also. Yet despite this, the bandits make raids on the city.
A raid on the North Gate near where the Zimmers live caused a bit of an uproar what with bullets zipping close to the house. The noise wakened the Zimmer’s baby boy before he could be taken to a safe place on the first floor.

Help One Another

The bandits made off with some loot and a couple Chinese women after killing several of the city’s residents.
Missionaries stick together in China, regardless of denomination or creed. If some difficulty arises, word of it travels fast and far.
The supply of powdered milk for the Zimmer child was low and prospects of replenishing the necessity have been bad at times.
“They were down to the last spoonful one time,” Mrs. Zinn said, “when a bundle arrived from a distant missionary’s wife. It contained a supply of the needed food. Another time, a missionary coming in from the ‘outside’ stopped and left a supply.”

Things Happen

Teaching and taking care of a house are but part of the day’s work for Mrs. Zimmer. The most [unclear text]… things pop up for her [missing text]… saying a woman nearby had taken poison,” Mrs. Zinn related. “Sylvia hurried after the girl, trying to think of the remedies she had heard of for poisoning.”
Arriving in the room with the stricken woman, she set to work and applied two of the remedies she remembered. They saved the woman’s life, the Chinese doctor told her later.
The Chinese have a simple faith in the ability of the missionaries to cure their ills. Mr. Zimmer treated as many as a thousand persons at one time for minor ills while on one of his trips in the surrounding rural region.

Going to Stay

The Zimmers carry their share of the burden of the missionary work for the region. Mr. Zimmer is the only white man for miles around. An American nurse and the widow of a missionary are the only other white persons in Tungjen.
Does the increasing difficulties have them stumped?
No sir!
“They are determined to stay until 1942 when their first six years are up,” Mrs. Zinn stated. Meanwhile, the former Marion, Ohio, youth and the West Virginia University co-ed are having the time of their lives doing the work they thoroughly enjoy in the midst of one of the most exciting chapters in the world’s history.’

= = =

Rev. & Mrs. Gerald R. Zimmer were Educators who, in the middle 1930s decided they wanted to be missionaries and went to China to preach and teach. They went to a very remote area in the interior, to a small town of Tongren. There they lived with the people, learned their language and customs and worked to improve their situation.

In villages of rural China, many students are the first of their family to complete college. Zimmer Foundation has arranged to financially support specific students with financial needs. The eligibility for receipt of such scholarships is first year college students with academic excellence who come from very poor families. Often these are children of farmers whose annual income is less than $264 USD. The families earn below the declared poverty level defined by each county.

The Zimmer Foundation for China
7702 Lake Vista Ct. Suite 202, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202, USA
Phone 941-306-5022, E-Mail : info@zimmerfoundation.org , stanzimmer@charter.net (from www.zimmerfoundation.org/about/index.php )

see also:
Tongren University: Love Has No Boundaries (about Zimmerman Foundation, for Tongren, Guizhou) , & interview with Sky Lantz-Wagner, Peace Corps teacher, 2012, www.flickr.com/photos/98531730@N02/9509507136/

Zimmer Foundation for China, www.flickr.com/photos/98531730@N02/9509318418/

Tongren University 铜仁学院, Guizhou prov.,http://www.flickr.com/photos/98531730@N02/9509392752/in/photostream/

NatureWize 自然之道- a nature conservation and education organization in Guizhou

Posted on August 23, 2013 by Ray

NatureWize 自然之道– a nature conservation and education organization in China’s southwest province Guizhou

Welcome to NatureWize! Come join us as we experience the joy, the health, the wisdom of nature and work to ensure nature becomes part of our everyday lives. We want to grow the future leaders who understand the value of nature and will preserve the blessings of nature for our children’s children, and the children for generations to come.

website: www.en.naturewize.org
contacts: Katie Scott, 159 8515 4322, katiescott@naturewize.org ;
中文：Sunny, sunny@naturewize.org, 189 8410 0841; or join our active QQ group: 144 644 034

Our Programs
NatureWize’s mission is to help connect youth and families to nature by providing activities that encourage more frequent and intimate nature encounters, as well as activities that inspire and promote its conservation. Our current programs include the following activities:

Family Nature Workshops: A group of families gather in a pre-selected park to participate in a series of activities designed to help them gradually grow more intimate with the nature surroundings. Activities include games, crafts, walks and picnics.

Eco-Camps: These are overnight excursions in a variety of locations in Guizhou, arranged in partnership with other local organizations. Participants have the chance to completely engage with a natural environment and its community. They’ll have the ability to come away with a deeper connection with that community and its ecosystem, by both strengthening their understanding through educational activities as well as being able to invest in it through their own efforts.

Summer Camp: Youth from 6 to 12 can spend several consecutive days in a natural environment, enabling them to more deeply connect to the natural landscape and its ecosystem. Activities are both educational and fun. In fact, kids usually are having fun without realizing how much they are learning!
– – –
Earth Day Trash Pick-Up at Hongfeng Lake!
Way to go families! We sure had a very full event for Earth Day, one that was educational, meaningful, and fun. Upon arriving at Xiang Zhai Village to see the wetland water filtration demonstration project created by Guizhou Province Guiyang Ecological Civilization Foundation. From the village we proceeded to walk down to the edge of the lake to pick up trash. We soon found ourselves on the dried up bed of the lake (its dry season) where there was plenty of trash to fill our bags with. After our walk and a short rest children divided into 4 groups to participate in water testing of 4 parameters: water and air temperatuire, turbidity, PH, and dissolved oxygen. We then settled down for a little picnic near the steps of the Yi Hotel. It was a bit cold, so soon afer we jumped on the bus to return home, a bit tired but with satisfaction that we understood our water source better and did something to protect it.
Easter Amongst Blossoms 2013
Our Easter Event began after an evening of spring thunderstorms. The park was cool and moist, and speckled with pink blossoms on the grass and in the trees overhead. As families arrived we whisked them away to our traditional activities of dyeing and decorating Easter eggs and baskets, which was followed by a stroll into the forest to touch and smell the delights of nature. Our festivities continued with an egg relay and picnicking, closing up with the finale egg hunt and treasure basket hunt.
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NatureWize Assistant Internships (Paid and Unpaid)
March-June 2013, Guiyang, Guizhou
Position Overview:
NatureWize, a nature conservation and education organization in China’s southwest province Guizhou is looking for positive and energetic interns interested in understanding the work of and contributing to the success of a blossoming nature education and conservation organization. We would like the intern to assist in 1) a variety of administrative tasks, and/or 2) nature education classes and events, including NatureWize’s first Water Festival. The intern’s specific tasks will depend on the intern’s experience and interest.

Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for this position is outgoing and enthusiastic about working with people, has excellent communication (English and Chinese preferred but not a pre-requisite) and problem solving skills, and most importantly, a passion for protecting natural resources and high quality of life for future generations. Specific background requirements requested include:
Enrolled in undergraduate school training or already graduated
Ability to prioritize and follow through effectively
Ability to multi-task and manage short- and long-term deadlines

Capable of using computers and databases (Microsoft Word and Excel)
Good communication skills (Chinese or English, or bilingual a plus), both on the phone, e-communications and in person
Desire to work in a team-oriented atmosphere
Special Job Requirements and Physical Demands:
Chinese Language; Flexible work hours; some evening and weekend hours may occur.
Compensation:
Possibilities for compensation dependent on availability and time commitment.
To Apply:
Email the following (with the subject line “Urban Farmer Project Manager”)
to katiescott@naturewize.org , Katie Scott, Director and sunny@naturewize.org, 张沥亢.
Resume
Two references
Cover letter, which should include the following:
Your personal understanding of the importance of the project;
How your background prepares you to successfully achieve all goals of the project.

Deadline for submission: Open until filled, needed immediately
(from www.en.naturewize.org/volunteerintern.html )
– – –

欢迎来到“自然之道”。
我们崇尚源于自然的乐趣、健康和智慧。
我们致力于将自然融入到每天的生活中。
我们希望让更多的孩子了解自然环境的重要价值，培养他们成为环保领域的领导者，这样便能够将自然的恩赐好好保留，让子孙受益并且代代相传。

项目
“自然之道”的任务是为儿童和家庭提供更多亲近自然的机会。通过组织有趣的活动，鼓励参与者更多地了解自然，唤醒大家保护自然的意识。目前，我们的项目包括以下活动：
家庭自然工作坊：组织几个家庭到公园，让家庭成员参与一系列活动，由此帮助大家逐步亲近周围的自然环境。活动内容包括：游戏、手工制作、漫步和野餐。
生态营：和地方机构合作，在贵州不同的地点开展持续约一周的探索和活动。参与者将有机会全身心地投入自然的怀抱，体会与自然共存的乐趣。大家可以将教育活动中学习到的知识运用到亲身参加的劳作中，通过自己的努力进一步地了解活动社区的情况和当地的生态系统。
夏令营：6-13岁的少年儿童能够在连续的几天时间里，充分地享受美好的自然环境，进一步了解身边的生态系统。夏令营的活动内容包括教育类和娱乐类。事实上，孩子们往往能够在娱乐中不知不觉地学习很多知识。
（from www.cn.naturewize.org/ ）

Zimmer Foundation for China, for Tongren city, Guizhou prov.

Posted on August 19, 2013 by Ray

from www.zimmerfoundation.org/about/index.php

The Zimmer Foundation for China was established to implement holistic programs to improve the economic and spiritual conditions in rural Guizhou. The Zimmer Foundation is a US 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization established in memory of Rev. & Mrs. Gerald R. Zimmer who served in China 1936-1948.
Rev. & Mrs. Gerald R. Zimmer were Educators who, in the middle 1930s decided they wanted to be missionaries and went to China to preach and teach. They went to a very remote area in the interior, to a small town of Tongren. There they lived with the people, learned their language and customs and worked to improve their situation.

They saw a need for teachers and help to found the Tongren Teachers College, which has since grown to be a full fledged university; Tongren University. The same desire Rev. & Mrs. Zimmer had to support needy students with scholarships is being carried on today with the generosity of people like you.

= = =

The Zimmer Foundation initiated a scholarship program in 2004 that supports the major cost of education for students annually for the second, third and final years at Tongren University. Now, over twenty students have been provided scholarships. It was our vision that at least two students will be added each year over a ten year program. Many donors have allowed us to exceed our visions of the scholarship program. The selection of the students is based upon their academic achievements and financial needs. The student’s family is identified with an income at or less than the poverty level established by the Tongren prefecture officials.
In villages of rural China, many students are the first of their family to complete college. Zimmer Foundation has arranged to financially support specific students with financial needs. The eligibility for receipt of such scholarships is first year college students with academic excellence who come from very poor families. Often these are children of farmers whose annual income is less than $264 USD. The families earn below the declared poverty level defined by each county.

= = =
Peace Corps China blog : My Life as a Complex Adaptive System

The Zimmer Foundation

2010 November 8, Posted by sky

This a short post tonight because it is so late, but I have a great story to tell. Since I arrived in Tongren, I have heard about a man affectionately called “uncle Stan.” His parents were missionaries in China and helped set up a hospital as well as the first church in Tongren. Several years ago, uncle Stan set up a foundation called the Zimmer Foundation. Its mission is to improve the quality of life in rural China, specifically by investing in education. The foundation sponsors a scholarship fund that relieves the financial burden that many of the students, who come from remote farming villages, face at Tongren University.

I had the pleasure of meeting uncle Stan today and I must say that he is quite an amazing man. I found out that he was born in Tongren and lived here for 5 years before moving to America. He had a long, illustrious career with IBM and since he retired has dedicated his life to helping people in his “hometown”.

His story and what he is doing is extremely inspirational and I wanted to include the link to his foundation’s website for you to have a look. Hooray for good people! zimmerfoundation.org/index.php

(taken from Sky Lantz-Wagner’s blog, skylantzwagner.blog.com/2010/11/08/the-zimmer-foundation/ )

= = =
Measurable holistic services provided to needy students
1. Over 30 University Scholarships in rural China
a. Goal of minimun two each year
b. Meet total tutition and board for three years
c. Regular visits; banquets, outtings
2. Encouragement to local church
a. Regular visits and updates
b. Provision of Bibles and study materials
c. Provision of furnishing and church needs
3. Outreach to Local orphange
a. Encourgment to orphans
b. Visitation by scholarship students
c. Medical support
d. Collaboration with other NGOs

(from Stan Zimmer’s LinkedIn page,http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=35057346&authType=NAME_SEARCH&authToken=uZSq&locale=en_US&srchid=1285106101376488877548&srchindex=3&srchtotal=5&trk=vsrp_people_res_photo&trkInfo=VSRPsearchId:1285106101376488877548,VSRPtargetId:35057346,VSRPcmpt:primary )