THE PERSECUTED CHURCH!

As we all know, persecution of the CHURCH is not a new subject. Throughout Asia, persecution of Christians is still very much a real issue. Daily struggles with family and community often present local Christian believers with challenges that are beyond anything that we can imagine. In some of the areas where Hokkien people live, persecution is also a real threat. Prayer is powerful and provides an opportunity for us to be advocates for these precious people. Join us in prayer as we ask the Father to have mercy on people who have no voice and suffer under difficult circumstances.

In the face of these difficult situations we ask you to PRAY:

• for Hokkien people in these difficult areas to have a strong faith
• for God’s Word to flow freely to those who are persecuting the Church.
• for country leaders to lead in a just and fair way.
• that God would give these Christian believers the right words to say.
• for these persecuted people to endure.
• that the persecuted will astound their enemies with the love of Christ.
• for their physical protection and deliverance

For an opportunity to understand more about struggles faced by the PERSECUTED CHURCH, we recommend a book, The Insanity of God, by Nik Ripken. Follow the link for more information.
Thank you for praying for Hokkien people. May those Christian believers who are persecuted experience the power of God in their daily lives.

“Pass It On”

Many people probably don’t remember when the song, Pass It On, came out in 1969. It was very popular and really caught the truth of the Gospel sharing that it only takes a spark to get things going. One person’s life is changed and then their life in Christ impacts another, and then another, and then . . .

Well, yesterday at LP in southern Taiwan was one of those kind of days. It was a rainy day and probably in many places the rain would have run everyone away, but not at LP. This precious group of senior adults has a real club going on there. You can find a large group of people sitting under a covered area by the local temple just chatting on any given morning, afternoon or night. If you show up at 11 pm, you still have a chance because many hang around there until midnight. They are so gracious and always welcome us.

Well, yesterday a number of people from our home church, HT Baptist, traveled with us out to this village area.  They have heard us talking about these people for quite some time.  The weather in our city was sizzling hot, even with the rain. However, out in LP there was a wonderful breeze that was blowing right through this covered area.   Our team led in some songs — with a few actions added here and there — and also shared a bit about how Christ changed their lives and families. Then we shared a Bible story with the group, and closed with a time of prayer. They were so responsive and joined in with clapping as we sang, and were definitgely very good hosts. Nothing but typhoons and the call to go home and eat seem to run these people away from their chat group. They expressed their desire for everyone to return each week and spend time with them.

Pray for these precious people to come to know the love, mercy and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

What does missionary retirement look like?

For some people, retirement is an opportunity to shift gears, rest a bit, and get a breath of fresh air. For Pastor and Mrs. T in southern Taiwan, retirement definitely takes on a different look! For many years this couple has served in the Fiji Islands and had the opportunity to see so many people come to Christ. When missionaries serve in a very mobile community, there are so many different opportunities to share the Gospel and meet needs.

However, after many years of service, Pastor and Mrs. T felt that the time had come to move back to Taiwan. Retirement? I don’t think so. This doesn’t look like any retirement that I have seen. They shifted gears for sure, but continued doing what they love to do — sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with people in need. Their story is truly beautiful. Many many years ago, Pastor T’s uncle, a medical doctor, began a church in “Dragon Slope” in Tainan County, Taiwan. The church ministered in that community until about 20 or so years ago, when this uncle died. No one stepped in to continue this ministry, and the doors were closed. Now after all these years, Pastor and Mrs. T have reached into this community to restart this church. They had a building, but no people.

Pastor T has connected with all kinds of different people and organizations to do ministry in “Dragon Slope”. They have weekly worship as well as opportunities to reach out into other venues as well. In this short period of time a number of people have come to Christ. Pastor and Mrs. T are not lazy in the least! They are hard workers and do whatever it takes to love the people there. Today we worked with Pastor T in a local ministry and four of the adults in that setting have special needs, but without a doubt they have clearly come to know Christ as their Savior and Lord. Next Sunday Pastor T will give these four people a ride to their Sunday worship service. I have never seen people so excited as these adults to have an opportunity to attend a church worship service. In our small group prayer time when I asked for prayer requests, they immediately presented a “PRAISE” thanking God that Pastor T was picking them up to go to church each Sunday. I was very touched!!!!

We are so grateful for Pastor Mrs. T and their ministry among these people. Pray for them, their church and this community of “Dragon Slope” as ministry continues. Pray that God’s message of love and salvation spreads quickly through this community and BEYOND to the people of Taiwan.

A secret recipe?

Recently, on Facebook I have noticed that the number of shared recipes has increased dramatically. People seem to enjoy getting new recipes to spice up their lives. This phenomenon of wanting new things, a little creativity added to our somewhat bland lives, has also found a way into our churches as well. Creativity is a good thing, but as we take a look at church ministry, what does it really take to reach our families, community and the world? Do we have to have special training, education or skills? What is the answer? How can we share Christ with our world?

The HT Church in southern Taiwan has a commitment to reach their families and community, and they also plan to celebrate each holiday with their neighbors in the park that is adjacent to their church building. Well, life is busy and requires a lot of energy at times. This week is the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, and last Sunday was another opportunity to celebrate with our neighbors. Very minimal preparations were made, but just BEING there was everything, and we connected with new people.  Click here to catch a glimpse.  On Sunday alone there were FOUR people in worship who were touched through outreach to families, friends and community. Is there a secret recipe?

One older gentleman shared publicly that he was lonely, and the church family jumped in to share their love with him. I watched as church members loved on these people. Why is this church growing? There’s no real secret recipe —- it’s an ancient truth —- Love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as you love yourself! Thanks so much for praying for Hokkien people to have an opportunity to know Jesus.