Mondays with the Whites 
Volume 33   August 13, 2018   

Did you know that Taiwan uses two calendars?  They use the Western calendar similar to North America.  But they also use the lunar calendar to keep track of religious events, farming cycles, and many other aspects of daily life.

Last Saturday was the first day of July on the lunar calendar.  It was the start of the 30-day “Ghost Month.”

A common Taiwanese belief is that the spirits of those who died in accidents and the spirits of ancestors who are not being venerated are permitted to roam free during the seventh lunar month.  People are fearful that the spirits will harm them or their families.  For this reason people are careful to not go swimming or participate in other potentially dangerous activities.  They try to avoid making major life decisions at this time.

Offerings of food and special ‘spirit money’ are made to  the “good brothers” (a common way of referring to the ghosts) at various times throughout the month. Because of this, burners such as the one in the photo, are frequently used this month.

As Christians, we believe that the One who is in us is greater than any spirit in the world.  Please pray for us and other believers in Christ to show by our lives that Jesus gives us peace.

All the stars shining in the sky and the moon dancing on the sea
As the trees gently bend in the evening breeze,
May God give you peaceful sleep.
For the Lord is my strength, my shield,
He alone gives me all I need
In the storm, He is near so my heart will never fear
I know that He will give me His peace.
And even in the valley, when fear is at my side
The Lord will be my comfort; the Lord will be my guide.
With all His grace and mercy, His love will never leave
I know that he will give me His peace.