♥A Personal Privilege♥

We desire for our blog to keep you updated on happenings among the Hokkien people. However, on this occasion we want to take a personal privilege and share some special moments in our family. August 13th is a special day in our family for two reasons.  Seven years ago, our daughter, Lori, and her husband, Josh, welcomed two little girls, identical twins, into this world. Michelle Grace LeMaster and Amelia Anne LeMaster were born very early with a lot of medical challenges. It was definitely a very tough moment for all of us. We are so grateful for the love and support of family and friends through those difficult days. As time passed by, Amelia continued to face so many issues, and on August 13th she went to be with the Lord.

As grandparents there was nothing we wanted more than for everything to be okay — no problems. However, that is not always real life. But in the middle of such circumstances, God poured out His love and grace and kept his promise to NEVER leave us or forsake us. He walked with us through those trying times.

We are also so grateful for the precious life of Michelle, a continual reminder of what Amelia would have looked like. We praise God for her life and the joy that she brings to us. And we are also grateful for the 3 boys, Jude, Seth and Levi, whom God has given to Lori and Josh. They join Lisa and Rhett’s boys, Greyson King and Rhylen King as special blessings in the Burris family.  Being grandparents is just awesome!

AND NOW on this same day, our son, Jonathan, his wife, Pam, and their daughter, Sophie, welcomed our newest grandchild into the family: Noah Luke Burris. We are so thankful for his safe arrival and for Pam’s delivery.

If you know us well, then you know that FAMILY is important. So when you remember us in prayer, special concerns for family are definitely one of our priority considerations. We just wanted to share our GOOD NEWS with you. Thanks for partnering with us, and may God bless each one of you richly.

One BODY, many members . . .

The Scripture tells us, There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling.  (Ephesians 4:4) Recently it has once again been touching to see this verse come to life following the multiple gas explosions that occurred in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. As you know, anytime there is a disaster – earthquake, flooding or whatever –  the rebuilding. restoration and clean-up work is always challenging and requires a lot of time and resources. A number of years ago, Southern Baptists had the privilege of working with local Christians to establish the Chinese Christian Relief Association (CCRA) in Taiwan to enable Christians to immediately respond to local disasters. To learn more click here. What a huge blessing! Since that time, Christians have been able to respond across the island to numerous kinds of emergencies.

Daily Christian workers are helping in this emergency need. Today, once again, our Baptist Churches joined with many other local churches in assisting in the disaster relief effort. Early this morning, it began to rain very hard, making the clean-up even more challenging. Rain is in the forecast for the next few days. In fact, Dengue Fever (a serious illness carried by mosquitoes) is always a threat here in this hot wet climate, and the rains falling into open ditches has increased the Dengue Fever problem here in our city. Prayers needed!

For some disaster victims, water and electricity have been restored.  However, for others, their store front businesses have been damaged, families members injured, and many personal items such as cars, motorcycles, etc. have been destroyed. Transportation throughout the area is greatly impacted. Today we were excited to see a group of over 100 volunteers gather at one of our centers (a church building) located in the disaster area. We were sent out in small groups with assignments to check on families and minister when needed.

There were all kinds of scenarios: people who have managed well and are currently okay, people who are ill, some with injured family members, those with strokes, others with emotional needs, financial needs, elderly . . .  you name it. Lunches were also delivered to those who do not have access to food preparation. A number of streets were blown-up so the challenge is definitely great to replace drains, pipes, etc. and completely re-do the roads.

Many of you have been praying and have contacted us. Following this disaster in Taiwan, China has also experienced a serious earthquake. The needs there are great. Thank you so much for your support for us and our ministry. Of course your prayers are always needed and appreciated, and your financial support keeps us on the field ministering in Christ’s name.  However, during times like this we all see the importance of financial gifts that are precious as we partner with local workers to rebuild lives. We are so proud of Taiwan Christians who have risen to the occasion to show their love and care for the people in Kaohsiung. And we are also so proud of American Christians who are committed to both reaching people in the U.S. as well as sharing Christ’s love with a world in need.