September is a month always filled with a lot of activity. If you know Robert and me very well, then you know that we are true blue, bleed green and gold, BAYLOR BEAR fans. Today is the first football game of the 2015 season and of course we have been eagerly awaiting this event.
HOWEVER, there are times when everything is put into perspective and we grasp at reality to see the REALLY important things in life. As some of you know, the last few weeks have been filled with concern for our dear friends, Pastor and Mrs. Ang, after Mrs. Ang (Chhiu-Chu) was rushed to the hospital in a coma. She never regained consciousness. She died about ten days later as a result of brain cancer. She is survived by her husband, Jefferson, a son, Jeff, and two daughters, Jennifer and Theresa (college graduate, second year college and first year of Jr. High). I know it’s hard to believe, but no one knew. No one suspected such a thing. No one was prepared. She would have been 50 in December, and we grieve with the family over this loss. According to Taiwan tradition, the first service is for family and close friends preceding cremation. Chhoa Bi-Hui, a dear friend, led this time. Typically in the mortuary it is loud with Buddhist and Taoist chanting and religious activities. However, yesterday was very peaceful and such a comfort to the family. Later in the morning, the family returned to receive the urn.
TODAY (Saturday) was the CELEBRATION OF LIFE service and the placing of the urn in the mausoleum. 
The church was filled with family and friends, and the flowers at the front were just beautiful. Jennifer had also prepared a PowerPoint of her mom that was so touching. She did a great job. Thank you all for your prayers — God’s Spirit was at work.
There are a lot of reflections and emotions for us in all of this. We first met Jefferson and Chhiu-Chu when a postman made an error and delivered our letter to their house. Jefferson took the time to find Robert, and so our journey began. That was 27 years ago. Jefferson had accepted Christ in the Navy, but had not connected with any church. We were just beginning to start a church in their area. Jefferson jumped in to assist and minister, and Chhiu-Chu also accepted Christ and was baptized. A lot has happened in 27 years! They both went to seminary and served as Home Missionaries in the Taiwan Pescadore Islands. They later returned to Kaohsiung and started a church on Chijin Island, a part of Kaohsiung AND a very challenging ministry. We have been friends for a long time.
Following the Celebration of Life service at this first church where we met Jefferson and Chhiu-Chu, Hong-Soa* Baptist Church (鳳山浸信會), we traveled a good distance to Ki-San (Flag Mountain) in southern Taiwan. 
As we traveled, my mind was filled with so many thoughts. Jefferson and the three children rode with Robert and me to the mountain top, the location of the mausoleum. We passed through the most beautiful landscape — every kind of fruit you can imagine with mountains that were covered in luscious green bamboo that surrounded us. The weather was gorgeous, cloudy but no rain — a special blessing. I thought back to the Celebration of Life service. Many extended family members are not believers, we didn’t know if they would attend. BUT THEY DID ATTEND! There was so much support. A worship leader directed our time, several choirs sang, and Robert delivered the message. Jeff, the only son, represented the family and thanked everyone for their support and love. The service was so Taiwan typical — spoken in Taiwanese and Mandarin. Oh, there was no translation because people are bilingual — they just went back and forth with ease. What great memories!
As I mentioned, following the service we departed with the family and traveled to the mausoleum site in order to place the urn. That service there was also led by Robert and was very short. 
Here, I just want to be very personal and share my heart. I know that this has been a very emotional time for both Robert and me. AND I also know that for him to prepare this sermon and graveside time was heavy on his heart. We PRAYED, and asked God to use this “foreigner” to glorify HIS name — to speak into hearts and bring even more people to Christ. GOD IS FAITHFUL! I am so proud of Robert — oh, not because I think he did a good job — even though he did. NO, I’m proud of him because of his humility in this situation and his desire to spend time in preparation, serve others and do whatever it takes sacrificially to minister to these dear friends. Multiple hospital visits, a home visit following the death, understanding needs and how to help, meeting with Jefferson to work out details, sermon preparation and LOTS of PRAYER.
I share this today, because I hope this gives you a little insight into what we do, who we are and what church planting is all about. It’s about people — precious people. And once we have relationships with these people, the opportunities for loving them and ministering with them — and to them — never ends. 
And ALL of these precious people have family members who have not yet come to Christ. For missionaries and church workers there are precious and important celebrations for which we should pay special attention. Occasions such as: THE BIRTH OF A BABY, WEDDINGS, FUNERALS AND OTHER SPECIAL LIFE EVENTS . These are opportunities to celebrate or grieve and to LIVE OUT God’s love in our world.
My eyes are full of tears as I share this blog, but I just want to say that coming to Asia and following the leading of our Lord Jesus Christ has enriched our lives, broadened our friendships and blessed us in ways that words cannot express. 
It has changed our lives. Once again we thank you for your continuous prayer support and your friendship. We couldn’t do this without you.
Please continue to pray for Jefferson and his family. They face many challenges in the days ahead. Also pray for Chhiu-Chu’s older sister, and two brothers and their families . . . they are not yet believers. Also pray that God’s WORD that was spoken today will take root in the hearts of those who attended. May all glory and praise go to our Lord Jesus Christ.
For we know that if our earthly house, the tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made by hands, eternal in the heavens. Corinthians 5:1
我們原知道，我們這地上的帳篷若拆毀了，必得神所造，不是人手所造、在天上永存的房屋。哥林多後書 5: 1
Pray for Pastor Peter as he ministers in his own church and beyond: Pray for courage, wisdom and the ability to see the people as God sees them. Pray also for GOD’S WORD to be planted in their hearts and take root. 
Many of these new areas are challenging areas for ministry. Hey, but we know that nothing is too difficult for our GOD right?!
We are so proud of our Hokkien leaders as we see their hearts mesh with the heart of God. These leaders serve in many different arenas and are on mission around our globe. We thank God for allowing us to partner with precious friends like this. We also say a BIG THANKS to you for for joining us in prayer. We hope to see a great Spiritual Awakening among the Hokkien people around the globe. What a great opportunity we have to partner with our LORD.
hokkienharvest.wordpress.com 
