BAM Field Trip 2026 - Almaty, Kazakhstan (August 2026)

In 2026, we went to Central Asia again for the BAM Field Trip. A total of six people joined the trip. Our first destination was Almaty, Kazakhstan. Almay was the capital city of this large country, but the capital city was moved to Astana. Nonetheless, Almaty remains the largest city in population and economic activities. This city is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and located at the elevation of 800 meters from sea level. I had to leave Joseph Summit early to travel to the border to Kazakhstan to reach Almaty on land.

On the first day, we met up with Daniel G. who has been running a large oil and gas business called Gateway, which funded the establishments of three prominent international schools in Almaty and Astana. Also, it has done a lot for the local pastors through BAM Lion's Den programs. We met in the lobby of a hotel and later joined the reception Daniel hosted for his guests. I met a supreme court judge of the country and a former chief of the security for the Philippines' President. His international guest were with such a high profile. I agreed to follow up with Raushan who coordinates Lion's Den and to explore ways to set up a microcredit agency for Central Asia. 

The next day, we visited Daniel of Grill King and King's Land. They make and sell customized luxury BBQ grill and specialty wooden products. The interior of the building he bought last year has been significantly renovated. We agreed to explore the possibility of refinancing a loan that is due. It appeared that his business has stabilized, but its profitability still needs more sales and better expense control.

Later, we visited CS-Thomas, a business that focuses on printing and making promotional marketing items. Two wives of local pastors (Anzhelika and Patima) have been running it to help people in crisis, such as alcoholics, victims of domestic violence, widows etc. We agreed to finance a plotter and 3D printer. Chinhoon Chung agreed to be the bridge between SHINE and CS-Thomas.

The next day, we listened to the presentation made by Meehee Shin, who started The Eden Garden, a lunchbox and desert catering business. We were requested to provide an investment for her to complete the renovation to register as a limited liability company to handle the B2B business. We provided inputs and agreed to process her request. This request was later approved and funded. The business has been growing rapidly since the approval, thanks to God's grace.

Later, we spent time with Chihoon Chung, who was a graduate of theology school, but has become a very effective businessman. He runs a cafe and restaurant in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan as well as in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Particularly, his coffee business, Flask Coffee, has gained a reputation of Almaty's Starbucks. He also runs a garment manufacturing business, usually uniforms for companies. He was impressive when he presented his business stories to us. We agreed to serve together in Central Asia.

This year's BAM Field Trip was the fifth year. One of the most memorable times of the BAM Field Trip was our devotion time we had in the morning. We took the turn and meditated on God's Word. Everyday this time was the greatest blessed time. 

We stayed at Happy Bridge House Meehee Shin and her husband are running. The employees of the lunch box business were graduates of bible school that Shin's husband runs. They made lunchbox for us on the day we left. Their smiles were bright and hopeful. 

We took a photo before we left. Then, we traveled for three and a half hours to reach the border town Kordai to cross the border into Kyrgyzstan.

This lunch box we had later at the border to Kyrgyzstan, called Kordai, was delicious.

 This was the second year to hold BAM Field Trip in Central Asia. Each day was filled with blessings God poured over us. Thank you, Lord! - Jeffrey

Joseph Summit, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (August 2026)

After my quick stop in Izmit, Turkey, I traveled to Tashkent, Uzbekistan and continued traveling to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. I joined my colleagues serving the board of Dutch Nature, and drove up to the Supara Resort where the Joseph Summit 2026 was scheduled to take place. We spent a day for the Dutch Nature's in-person board meeting. 

The same day in the evening, we began the Joseph Summit with the welcome dinner. Joseph Summit aims to work together to empower the farmers and local workers through agriculture. They want to build a comprehensive ecosystem in Central Asia to provide jobs, products, and delivery channel for the ecosystem to help out the ministers. The number of participants was the highest ever with more than 170 people from a dozen countries.  

I met a lot of people throughout the Summit, but one American gentleman who has been serving in Uzbekistan for decades stood out for me. He has been serving as a career coach for many scholars and students in the education field. His story was inspirational to me.

 

Joseph Summit includes a day of lectures and two days of site visits, such as the seed farm established and run by Dutch Nature. 

Their presentation included the introduction of high tech equipment that accelerates the farming yields. 

We also visited a mini chicken coop that can be transported on a pick-up truck, and raises 160 birds in an airconditioned environment.

It was short, but packed with a lot of information and good connections. I am looking forward to witnessing what the Lord will do through this network of Kingdom workers. - Jeffrey

Izmir, Turkey (July 2026)

At the end of July, I began a journey to go to Central Asia for multiple purposes. On the way to Central Asia, I made a stop in Izmir, Turkey, the third largest city in this natiion. The purpose was to meet a couple (Mark and his wife), who had been living and serving for the past 25 years. They were Germans and have been engaged in several businesses to sustain their living as well as to justify their visas. They have been serving as the founding members of the BAMer Network in Turkey. They were scattered in several cities, including Izmir. I was supposed to meet up with Atesh, but he had to travel and I was advised to meet Mark instead. I was invited to stay at their house.

The day I arrived, I took them out to dinner. They took me to a seafood restaurant where we bought fresh seafood in the market and took it to a nearby restaurant for cooking as we requested. The ambiance was really inviting and pleasant. The food was excellent! Our conversation was very productive as well as pleasant. They were a nice couple.

The next day, they treated me with a wonderful breakfast at their home. I felt so grateful for their hospitality. After the meal, I decided to follow them as they carry out their Saturday routine. 

The first place they visit on Saturday was a tea place called Alchati. It was a cozy place many expats are visiting. They seem to enjoy their tea every Saturday along with the cozy ambiance. 

After that, we went to Cesme Market, a popular place many expats and locals alike visit on weekends for their grocery shopping. We went there a little early and were able to avoid the crowd. By the time we left, the market was packed. 

The evil eye is the longest enduring "protective symbol" in the world, popular in the Mediterranean Sea, Middle Eastern, Aegean, and even South Asian cultures. I found a tree covered with the evil eye decorations. 

After we had lunch and Turkish desert, I took a bus to head to the airport. It was a short overnight visit, but was fruitful and enjoyable. I agreed to attend their semiannual BAM Conference in October 2027. - Jeffrey