Mondays with the Whites 
Volume 42   October 15, 2018   

Continuing our theme of making October a month of thanks, we are thankful for co-workers.  Sometimes life gets busy.  It is comforting to know that there are others working with us and helping to carry the load.

We are also thankful for two short term teams that will be coming in early 2019.  We will be spending time communicating with them this week, helping in the planning process.

Last week was a busy week with both encouraging and challenging happenings.

• Kathy-Lu and I had a Thanksgiving Date for a Pasta Restaurant.  It wasn’t turkey, but our hearts were thankful.  (Definitely was an “up” event!)
• The second bid on the renovations was received.  We are getting closer to starting the work of increasing the church meeting space.
• Wednesday was “Double Ten Day” which is Taiwan’s National Day.  We had a more relaxed day, and met with some colleagues.  It was also the day that the long-awaited documents arrived in Taiwan.
• Thursday was English teaching day.  Classes went well.
• Friday we went with Chinh and Lieu to the government office and learned that “you cannot do that here.”  So plans have now been made to apply for Lieu’s visa at the end of the month at a location outside of Taiwan.  It was a disappointing moment, but we are glad that God is sovereign even over this.
• Saturday we went to the nursing home.  In addition to singing, sharing, and visiting, we presented a Bible that will be placed in the newly refurbished “Prayer Corner.”  Although the traditional religious pictures and altar have become more prominent at the nursing home in recent months, we are thankful that there is openness to include Christianity in this way.  Maybe God will provide the person and the opportunity for Bible reading times for the residents. That is something to hope for.

• The annual Denominational Fall Business Meeting will be held on Saturday Oct. 20.  In addition to approving budgets for the Taiwan C&MA for next year, other reports and business will be discussed.  Please pray that God’s Spirit will lead church delegates to a unity of vision and strategies so that a strong testimony for Christ is maintained.
• We are planning a $80K (CAD$3,500) renovation upgrade on our Sunday meeting area.  It will allow for more seating.  Please pray for wisdom as we work with contractors on the plans.
• Please pray for Jason as he is baptized on Oct. 21.  He is hoping a teacher and some of his classmates will attend, hear his testimony, and witness his declaration of faith.