CHINA'S NATIONAL FRIENDSHIP AWARD

CHINA'S NATIONAL FRIENDSHIP AWARD was granted to Jane Marcum in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing China by the Vice Premier Qian Qi chen, followed by Photos with many of China's leaders including premier Zhu Rong ji.
CHINA'S HIGHEST AWARD to be given to foreigners was granted to Jane on October 29. The State Friendship Award is given to a select 50 recipients from among the 440,000 experts working in China annually. This award was given to recognize Jane's work not only as an exceptional professor in the university and for SANCS's work with the orphan children but for her sacrifice and dedication and constancy in doing so as well, thus building a bridge of friendship between the United States of America and the People's Republic of China. To enter this hall and to meet China's leaders is deemed as an extraordinary honor by all Chinese, and is significant for we of SANCS because it brings with it greater respect and favor for our future work in China.
The four days of events in Beijing began with a trip by boat at the Beijing River Basin. During this time CCTV 4 interviewed and aired Jane's comments about the improved environment in the city. A formal banquet held that night brought with it an intensive interview with a reporter and photographer for the periodical, International Talent. Later they did a more extensive feature of our work among the children.After the award ceremony, the most significant moment was the State Banquet to celebrate China's 53rd year as a Communist State. This event was attended by all of the prominent Chinese leaders, ambassadors, other select individuals as well as the friendship award winners. It was a very formal occasion with over 1500 guests. We praise God knowing this award is truly for each of us - not just for Jane and it is for His purposes.

 

Above: Jane is showing a reporter a photo of our SANCS children.
Left: The banquet hall before the guests arrived.

SIGNIFICANCE

We were all so excited when Jane received this National Friendship Award. It is really a significant award. As the leader of the National Foreign Affairs Bureau told us this is the highest award for foreign experts in China. Jane is the only one who received this Friendship Award from Henan Province. The award presentation was held in the People's Great Hall. In China it is extremely honorable to be invited to the People's Great Hall. The presence of Vice Premier Qian Qichen, and other National high-ranking officers shows extreme significant meaning for the award. The next day, Premier Zhu Rongji himself met all the foreign experts in the People's Great Hall again. I cannot express the great importance of having this presentation on China's National Day. Any time would be so precious and so unbelievable but to be held on this particular day is really emphasizing the value of this award in China's eyes.


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