NOT ANYONE . . .

In 2 Peter 3:9, the Bible tells us that God does not want ANYONE to perish. We all know the Great Commission, right! It is so foundational to our mission message. So Hokkien Harvest is our beginning point, but we don’t stop there. We are so grateful for ministries like the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association who reaches out to the world in sooooo many ways and many many different languages. They have Search For Jesus, Peace With God, Samaritan’s Purse, Ministry with Veterans, Crusade ministries and more. There are about 1,500 volunteers who are working just with the online volunteer opportunities like Search for Jesus and Peace with God.

You may not be aware, but the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has a website that has a large number of languages available to connect with people. We are so grateful for this kind of resource. Check it out and it may be something that you can pass along to your neighbors or friends. Click HERE to access.

Recently I have had opportunity to share with people from Canada, the United States, England, Germany, Uganda, Nigeria, Sudan, South America, and Middle America

God is at work and ways that we have never seen before . . .

♥ Among the Hokkien

♥ In the United States

♥ in Canada

♥ In Europe

♥ on the African Continent

♥ In the Middle East

♥ in Middle America

♥ in South America

♥ AND BEYOND

It is so exciting to hear stories of God’s transforming power and to know that so many who are hurting are searching for the Truth. I hope you take a little time to check out this Billy Graham website . . .

Below are a list of the many different languages available. May God continue to increase those people who are working to share HIS love.

 

 

Search and Rescue

“If a man has 100 sheep, but one of the sheep is lost, what will he do? He will leave the other 99 sheep on the hill and go look for the lost sheep. Right? And if he finds the lost sheep, he is happier about that one sheep than about the 99 sheep that were never lost. I can assure you, in the same way your Father in heaven does not want any of these little children to be lost .(Matthew 18:12-14 ERV)

A few years ago Kaohsiung, Taiwan had a terrible gas explosion that ripped up numerous streets and destroyed so much property. There were people killed, but fortunately since it occurred at night, the loss of life was fewer in number. During that time, we were asked to join teams to check on residents in this area. One day we met an elderly couple. They could not speak Mandarin, and their daughter was injured in the blast and taken to a hospital. However, they did not know the name of the hospital or how they could contact anyone. They were very frightened. Since our team members spoke both Mandarin and Taiwanese they were immediately able to assist this family.

So many times I have heard people in the large cities of Taiwan say, everyone in Taiwan understands some level of Mandarin, so that is why our church has chosen to just use Mandarin. I know this is a tough challenge for churches in Asia. There are many languages; however, even in our large cities people are hidden from our eyes. We don’t see them, yet we do need someone who is taking the love of Jesus to these lost sheep.

On another occasion while we were assisting in the earthquake relief area in Central Taiwan, a Christian team arrived to help with the ministry there. They people were thrilled to see them. As the team began conversation, the local people turned to us — foreigners — and asked us to translate for them. The local people in this 7 village area had many people who could not speak Mandarin. More lost sheep.

As we look around us there are always people in need, and sometimes those people are US. Just as firefighters, police and medical personnel seek to help others as first responders, we TOO can be first responders in this hurting world. Whether it is COVID, illness, death, depression, financial struggles, family dysfunction, loneliness or what, Jesus calls us to serve. Now, how are we qualified to be FIRST RESPONDERS for Jesus? Well, we first just need to accept Jesus’ free gift of salvation and then be willing to serve others.

Jesus is our TRUE FIRST RESPONDER because the Bible tells us that

We love because God first loved us. (I John 4:19 ERV)

Please pray for our Hokkien Harvest team as they not only seek the “lost sheep” in the rural and city areas, but also search for unengaged Hokkien communities across East and SE Asia. God is at work and continues to transform lives. Thanks for partnering with us. God indeed has called us to SEARCH AND RESCUE.

Below are a few photos from the Kaohsiung, Taiwan gas explosion.

 

 

His Story

Memories can be very sweet, and we remember so many stories and happenings from our time spent in earthquake recovery ministry in Central Taiwan that began in September of 1999. We ministered for several years among the people there and it was a difficult as well as an amazing time. During this time we became close friends with one of the families in Central Taiwan, Pastor and Mrs. Lo. I carefully observed how they mingled with the people in this 7 village area where we worked. Every week they would travel there to help in all kinds of ways.

Now, just for a little background. These people did not know Jesus. These people had never heard the name, Jesus, and had no idea who he is. So this was a wonderful opportunity to show Christ’s love during this horrific time. I LOVED watching Pastor Lo. He without doubts is the best storyteller that I have every seen. He understood how to share the Bible in a way that the people could grasp. I remember one tidbit he shared with us. He said that if you are going to share the Gospel, you have to drink a lot of tea. Well, what does that mean? In Chinese culture, tea time is a special opportunity to build relationships, talk business, and get to know people. I totally agree . . . we ALL need to drink a lot of tea. In other words, we need to take the time to spend time with people.

As I said, Pastor Lo was an AMAZING storyteller. I remember on one occasion he told the Bible story of Abraham and Sarah and how God blessed them with a baby in their old age. Pastor Lo drew a house, much like the traditional houses they knew in this mountain area of Taiwan. He used simple drawings to communicate. He never used the names, Abraham and Sarah, but instead referred to them with titles like the Taiwanese people in this village area would use.  As I observed, they were able to visualize the story told in a way that they could grasp. They LOVED him, and  I did too. It was like he transported you back to that ancient time and see what a Great God we have.

Among the more than 57 million Hokkien people worldwide, there are so many (like 98%) who do not know about Jesus. Our God is a creative God and I love seeing how he raises up people to serve him in unique ways.

Pray for our ministry on fishing islands, in rural areas, mountain areas and in cities where poverty, family dysfunction and addictions plague so many. Partners like Pastor L, A, S, JA, C, K,  . . . well I could go on forever — they all need our prayers and encouragement. We are so PROUD of all these partners who use amazing methods to reach our people. Remember them in prayer as they share HIS STORY. Great job and kudos to our partners! Please keep them in your prayers. We all want to share God’s story — His Story. However, we also have the opportunity to share our story . . . SO what’s your story?

These are few images of storytelling as well as ancient traditional Taiwan houses. Maybe this might give you some creative ideas of our own.

 

 

Freedom in Christ

This is the season of Chinese New Year celebrations and it should be such a happy time. It is a fun time of family celebration for sure. However, in understanding Chinese culture, we also must realize that there are a lot of hidden concerns and fears that accompany holidays and life in the traditional Chinese community. The Lantern Festival is such a special time with lanterns of all shapes and sizes and a lot of competitions that produce some of the most amazing lanterns. However, along with the brightness, festivity and fun comes some very sobering beliefs. The article below was recently published by the Taiwan News in Taipei and does give us some broad strokes on superstitions and fears that are woven into Chinse culture during the Lantern Festival in Taiwan. For more about the Lantern Festival click HERE.

Jesus said in John 10;10 that he came to give us an abundant life . . . one that is full of meaning and joy. However, whether we speak of Chinese, European, American or any other culture, it is easy for us to see that we are so easily trapped in fears and superstitions that surround us. Superstitions permeate the landscape. Everywhere you turn you hear of things to do and things you cannot do that build fear into the lives of people. Animism is a world used to describe the worship of many people around the world. Some have described it as the “fearful worship of spirits.” For me, I really have found a freedom in following Jesus that overcomes the fears and barriers in my life. Join us in prayer during this very special holiday for the Taiwanese/Hokkien people across East and SE Asia.

As you read the article below, pray for people across Asia to be freed from their fears and have the opportunity to find freedom in Jesus Christ.

12 taboos to avoid during Taiwan’s Lantern Festival

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Friday (Feb. 26) is the Lantern Festival (元宵節), which marks the 15th and final day of the Lunar New Year festivities, as well as the first full moon of the new year.

It is an auspicious day during which lanterns are lit and Yuanxiao dumplings are eaten. However, there are also some taboos to observe to ensure a fortunate and prosperous new year.

Yang Teng-kei (楊登嵙), a folk custom expert and the founding chairman of the Taichung Numerology Education Association, has provided the following list of taboos to steer clear of on the Lantern Festival:

1. Avoid familial strife
Married couples should avoid conflicts. Parents should try to ensure their children do not cry and not hit them, so as to not bring bad luck to the family.

2. Don’t get a haircut
The Chinese word for hair (髮, fa) is a homonym with the word fortune (發, fa). Getting a haircut on this day symbolizes cutting away at one’s potential wealth and will result in financial losses for the year.

3. Don’t see the doctor

Unless a medical condition suddenly worsens or one has already been hospitalized, making an unessential visit to the doctor could result in endless sickness and pain in the coming year.

4. Keep tools and equipment in good operating order

Damage to tools or equipment signifies the loss of wealth and bad luck. Therefore, it is advisable to check such implements and devices in advance and make sure they are functioning properly to prevent any damage.

5. Stay away from sketchy places

People who are weak or tend to have bad luck should avoid going to places with negative, yin energy (陰氣) such as desolate areas on the outskirts of town, cemeteries, and columbariums. Visiting such places will only bring more misfortune.

6. Prevent property loss

If a person loses their property on this day, it means that they will be unable to manage their finances and could easily miss good opportunities throughout the coming year. Therefore, special attention should be paid to avoiding the loss of property before this day arrives.

7. Don’t lend money

One should not lend money on this day. Otherwise, others will borrow away their good luck for the year.

8. Don’t empty out the rice pot

Do not allow the bottom of the rice pot to be exposed, because it is a bad omen that will negatively impact financial fortunes.

9. Avoid damage to clothing

Make sure that clothing does not become tattered or torn on this day. Otherwise, one will suffer financial loss and misfortune.

10. Don’t slaughter animals

If one slaughters livestock on the Lantern Festival, it will lead to financial loss and bodily injuries. The exception is people whose livelihood depends on it such as butchers.

11. No swearing or cursing

Swearing or cursing on the festival, otherwise disasters will come from the slip of the tongue. One will be prone to misspeaking and starting arguments.

12. Do not wear outfits with white or black stripes

White and black are related to prison and death. Wearing clothing with stripes of these colors on the Lantern Festival will result in an inability to realize any of one’s aspirations.