2024 #28 August 5

An Important Day

Yesterday, August 4, 2024, was an important day.

For our church, it was the celebration of Taiwanese Father’s Day. This was the Sunday prior to August 8, which is the day that Taiwanese people celebrate their fathers. The reason for using that date, 8/8, is that the repeated “number eight”  is a homonym for Papa.  It is the most logical day to choose to celebrate those important people.

For those in the broader community, it was the first day of the seventh month in the lunar calendar. That month is colloquially called “Ghost Month.” A large number of the local people believe that is the time each year when the door between the world of the living and the spirit world opens for one month (30 days). Unlocking the door allows spirits of the deceased to roam freely, searching for sustenance and entertainment. People become fearful that the actions of the ghosts will impact their lives in good or bad ways. To protect themselves, believers in the traditional religions will offer food, incense, and other offerings to appease the hungry ghosts.

We believe that Christ is our Protector. He is also the Provider of Peace.

Isaiah 41:10 records God’s words:
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” 

Please pray for Christian believers to have opportunities to testify to Christ’s peace during this time of the year.

Praise and Prayer

  • August 8 is Taiwanese Father’s Day. Believing that the gospel changes everything, we ask that you please pray for fathers to model the Christ-life well to their children.
  • The task of writing ministry goals for the next two years is continuing. Please pray for God to guide us in the process. We have some ideas, but they need clarification and perhaps to be expanded. (Originally we were focussed on setting these for next year, but now have been told it is for two years.)
  • “How long Lord?” It is a question that was asked by many people in the Bible. For some friends that we have known for a long time, we are asking God that question. “How long until they are ready to respond to Christ’s love for them?” Please pray for the Holy Spirit’s work in the lives of those long-term friends.