Jeffrey and Kristin Lee on the Road: BAM Field Trip 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.