This week we are working on planning where we will focus our time, efforts, and resources for this year.

We have asked our church people to pray and we are asking you to pray that we will have wisdom as we start the process of planning what regular activities we will have in the church schedule and what special events we want to hold.

We need to have a clear sense of what God wants us to do.  We are surrounded by needs.  Everywhere we look are opportunities.  We need God’s guidance to choose the things for this Fall, for next Spring.

The seventh month on the lunar calendar is a time that is dreaded by many Taiwanese.  Traditional teaching is that the gates of hell are open during this time and the spirits of the departed can roam causing mischief.

Many worship-related things are done to appease the ghosts throughout the month.  There are special worship rituals to present food to the spirits on the 15th day (Sept. 5), a day also known as the “hungry ghost festival.”

Christians face tremendous pressure to participate with family and work communities as they request peace and seek to prevent bad luck or disasters.  Christian believers need courage to take a stand and declare that they only worship Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

Please pray for these brothers and sisters in Christ.  Pray their offers to petition Christ to give peace will be accepted by those around them.  Pray that because of this witness people will become curious and desire to explore belief in Jesus.