Forgotten Memories

As time passes so quickly in front of me, you know, I find that it is very easy to forget sweet memories from days gone by.  Since this Coronavirus quarantine, we, like many people, have been cleaning and sorting through boxes. As we glance through photos from long ago, there are many sweet memories and challenging times as well that flood my mind. It is very touching to relive those moments even if it is for just a bit.

I clearly remember the time when I was very young but realized for the first time that I wanted to follow Jesus. It was really emotional for me, and a moment I will never forget. However, through the years, there are MANY other very spectacular things that I have encountered in my walk with Christ that I so easily forget. I often worry and focus on things in the future that I can’t control and for which I have no insight. Yet, God continues to remind me to look back kind of like looking through those old photos, and remember God’s faithfulness. He has never abandoned me. For me that is very reassuring.

In Hokkien ministry these are challenging days, but also challenging all around the world. Plans were made, leaders were passionate about reaching out and starting new ministries. AND THEN THE CORONAVIRUS. However, we all know that none of this has taken Jesus by surprise. Has the Coronavirus had impact on Hokkien ministry or any Christian ministry through East and SE Asia? Of course. One pastor in Malaysia was the first there to die from the virus. Another pastor has family members who were infected by the disease. And another dear friend is in quarantine recovering from this virus. Just as in America, people have lost jobs, some are struggling to survive. One of our leader’s business partner died last week. Another pastor is challenged with eye issues. And of course, other illnesses and struggles have occurred during this time as well.

We are thrilled to see that Taiwan has weathered this storm very well. Please continue to pray for them as well as Singapore and Malaysia during the days ahead.

For so many this time has been terrifying, but you know, in the middle of all of this, God says “BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD.” These are simple but profound words. So our prayer today is to pray for our Hokkien believers to practice this precious truth. Pray that our leaders as they journey through this time will be creative, open to God’s direction, and remember that God has never abandoned us in the past and will keep his promises in the days ahead.

Blessings on all of you and keep thinking of those sweet memories of God’s faithfulness. Below are a few old photos from the past in Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore.

MALAYSIA

SINGAPORE

TAIWAN

 

A NEW BEGINNING . . .

I remember when our daughter told us that our oldest grandson (who was very little at the time) popped into their bedroom extremely early in the morning, shined a flashlight in  his dad’s eyes and said put your feet on the floor. Of course it just about scared them to death, but it certainly did get their attention. Life is filled with all kinds of surprises that get our attention and this Coronavirus is definitely one of them. However, in the middle of this pandemic, life does go on, doesn’t it?! However, in Christ we can honestly say that HE gives us an opportunity each day for a new beginning, a fresh life, new opportunities.

This last weekend two of our Taiwan friends celebrated their marriage and invited others to celebrate with them at their FEAST. For them, this is indeed a new beginning. It was a beautiful occasion with family and friends in attendance even if many did wear masks. You know, that’s really how life should be, right!? We should be working together, virus or no virus, to make a difference.

Pray for EJ and MW as they begin this new life together. Some on each side of the family are believers, there are still many who are not. Pray for them to be light, just like that flashlight that our grandson shined in the darkness. Pray for them to be filled with God’s Spirit and make a difference in their families and in their community.

 

A HOLY WEEK

 

This week is HOLY WEEK and with all that is going on in our world, we definitely need a reminder that Jesus changes things. I BELIEVE. This week we are praying each day that during this Easter season we will see miracles of families reuniting, people who receive healing, hope for those in despair and multitudes of things that are beyond our imagination. Pray with us for a spiritual awakening in our world that will absolutely bring us hope and strength for the coming months.

One of our favorite songs (we have a lot of favorites) is WAY MAKER, and in this point in our journey it is definitely a song of HOPE. WE pray that this Easter and this year will be full of miracles from around the world that will bring HOPE, draw people to Christ and change lives. WE BELIEVE. Listen to Way Maker . . .

 

 

WAY MAKER

You are here, moving in our midst
I worship You,                                                                                                                                    You are here, working in this place
I worship You
You are here, moving in our midst
I worship You
You are here, working in this place
I worship You

You are
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness, my God
That is who You are
You are

You are here, touching every heart
I worship You
You are here, healing every heart
I worship You
You are here, turning lives around
I worship You
You are here, mending every heart
I worship You

You are
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness, my God
That is who You are

Even when I don’t see it, You’re working
Even when I don’t feel it, You’re working
You never stop, You never stop working

Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness, my God
That is who You are