January 2017

THE BURRISES

January 25, 2017January 25, 2017 by HOKKIEN HARVEST, posted in Uncategorized

Well, what’s happening with us? We have indeed been in a whirlwind as we traveled from Asia to Texas, met with doctors and made our way to Virginia. The GREAT news is that 201711-%e5%bf%ab%e6%a8%82%e7%9a%842017%e7%ac%ac%e4%b8%80%e5%a4%a9_2865 once again Robert received a good report.
In fact, 29034857-cartoon-of-men-fighting-in-a-whirlwind-stock-vector if the next report in April is also good, the doctor may move the schedule to 6 month check-ups. Thank you so much for your prayers.

All of us have patterns and memories of how God has worked in our lives. For Robert and me, God shows us in miraculous ways as we connect with people. Once again, last night God touched our lives. As many of you know, we have a long range goal of selling our house and 16105874_10158146453585607_8299417093987009726_n relocating to Texas to be closer to our family. Well, our Director of Missions in Virginia, Jim Hamacher, asked us to share at the Association Meeting last night. We along with another missionary, Karen Collins, had the privilege to share with them. Along with stories of God’s work among our people group, we also shared our future plans to relocate to Texas. Then following the meeting as we mingled with missionary friends, Al and Karen Hodges. Karen quickly asked us if we had found a realtor yet. Well. we have not . . . then she highly recommended to us a family that lives in our community and are also active in a local church. So FRIDAY we are to meet. We will see where it goes, but are so grateful that God continues to open doors for us.

Thank you for your prayers as we deal with life’s details. How to pray?

Please continue to pray for Robert’s health and thank God for his faithfulness.
Join us in prayer for wisdom as we make plans to sell our house and relocate to Texas.
Continue to pray for Hokkien ministry throughout Taiwan as well as ministry in four nations in SE Asia.

Thanks again for joining us in the journey.

15780947_10154904662672990_7907000286415319168_n — **The Hok-Tek Baptist Church 10th anniversary**

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CELEBRATING 10

January 9, 2017 by HOKKIEN HARVEST, posted in Uncategorized

Time passes very quickly. Actually about 20 years ago we moved into a community to work with Amy Chhoa and her family to start a new church. Yes, we were a small group —– but more importantly God was at work among the people there. We started in our home for just one meeting and then quickly found a building nearby to rent. There are so many stories to tell, but to shorten it a LOT — 10 years later the church constituted and moved into a new building. So we are celebrating! It is so awesome to see how God has answered prayers, opened doors and continues to work in this community of believers.

On the last day of the year we celebrated with an opening worship celebration that included many workers from across Taiwan. Both the Baptist Convention and IMB leadership celebrated with us. There was music, a video presentation of our churchhistory, and other unique events. Robert was asked to close the service asking God’s continued blessing for the church. Then an outdoor time of fun and celebration engaging the local community began. There were 21 booths set up to sell food, clothing and provide special opportunities for physical therapy and games as well. So as you can see we had a little of everything. Many also joined with us to present performances for the afternoon.

Words cannot express the deep gratitude we have for what God has done in our lives, our families and in our community. Please join us in prayer that we will continue to walk in God’s path, following HIM to take HIS message of love and salvation to our community and beyond. Thanks so much for the prayer investment that you have made in this ministry — to God be the glory.

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A CHILD?

January 2, 2017 by HOKKIEN HARVEST, posted in Uncategorized

Saturday was a day filled with LOTS of activity celebrating the 10th anniversary of the official dedication of the Hok-Tek Baptist Church in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. So when Sunday rolled around to start the new year, it was a sweet New Year’s Day celebration and a nice holiday weekend following such busy preparations. It was a unique time for us to enjoy being together. We sat around the table and just enjoyed sharing stories. One of our newer believers, Grandfather Li, shared an amazing thing with us.

Over the past few years, we had prayed a long time for Mr. and Mrs. Li. Two of their four daughters in their family were Christians and desired to see the parents come to Christ . . . but the parents were not open. We had never had the opportunity to meet them, but we had prayed for them and their family for a long time.

Mr. and Mrs. Li had also had the opportunity to visit their daughter in California for several months and also attend their Chinese church, but these grandparents were still not open to hear about Jesus. Believe it or not, it was their ten year old grandson in America who talked to them about Jesus in a way that really touched their hearts. His grandson told him that Jesus loved him, and asked if there was a church nearby his house in Taiwan for his grandparents to attend. This small child also told his grandparents that one day when all of them died he wanted to be together with them in heaven. SUCH INNOCENCE AND SUCH LOVE. Jesus did let the disciples know that they were not to prevent the children from coming to Him. God’s wisdom is so often different from our thoughts. We can learn a lot from the faith that is seen in children.

And you know what, through this young grandson these grandparents came to Christ. Now that’s a special story! I loved to hear him share about the love of this small grandson. Actually, there are a lot more stories related to this family, but I’ll save them for another day.

God works in mysterious ways. Mr. and Mrs. Li are such loving people to be around, and in this 2017 new year we thank God for the way HE draws people to himself. Pray for blessings on the Li family. Three of the daughters are now Christians. Pray for the youngest daughter and her family to come to Christ. Pray also for other extended family members who are not yet Christians. Ask the Father to work through this family to continue to draw other people to himself.

We all have a story and also have the opportunity to share HIS STORY.

Robert and I leave Taiwan headed to the US on Wednesday, January 4. Please continue to pray for us as Robert returns for medical check-ups and transition back into US life. We will definitely keep you updated.

We pray that the Lord will bless each of you in special ways in this NEW YEAR of 2017!

Robert and Donna Burris