Farming
We live in a farming community. Tuesday, February 4 is Farmer’s Day in Taiwan. On the calendar, it is the day following 立春, the Beginning of Spring. It is not a public holiday. Many businesses will remain open. Special events will traditionally be held on Farmer’s Day, including the offering of sacrifices to the gods. People from rural communities use this opportunity to pray for a prosperous year and a bountiful harvest. (ref)
There is a list of traditional superstitions, both good and bad, associated with the day:
- It is considered bad luck for married women to visit their mothers’ homes.
- Unmarried women are encouraged to visit their mothers’ homes to bring good luck.
- Bad luck will be experienced if people quarrel with each other.
- Other activities that are avoided on this day include haircuts, seeing a doctor, lying down during the day, doing strenuous exercise, and playing games.
Let’s pray for the prosperity of the farmers. May they be released from activities rooted in fear. May they find new life through belief in Christ.
Praise and Prayer
- Praise the Lord that a mother prayed to invite Christ into her life on the Saturday prior to Lunar New Year. Please pray that she will find time in her busy schedule to interact with the women from our church, learning more about following Christ.
- Praise the Lord that people we know experienced safety as they travelled to visit relatives and went on recreational outings during the Lunar New Year Holidays. Most Taiwanese will return to work on Monday, February 3. Schools resume classes a week later.
- Please pray for the final arrangements being made for the Global Gathering (March 1-6) and the group of six people who will visit Taiwan prior to that. Their time in Taiwan will introduce them to the ministries being done by Canadian international workers.