Clear and Bright Festival

This year, Tuesday, April 5 has been designated as “Tomb-Sweeping Day,” also known as the “Clear and Bright Festival.”  It is a national holiday in Taiwan.

The whole family or designated family members will tend the family graves.  The work may be done on the day or on a day prior to the festival.  They will clear the grass and other vegetation off the graves of the ancestors. It is also an opportunity to remember and honor those who have preceded them.  Sometimes a picnic lunch is planned at the family tomb.

The traditional religions include rituals to be performed by the family at the grave.  Some of the actions prescribed are common worship practices.  These include burning of special paper money, burning of incense, and prayers to the spirits of the ancestors.

Christians are encouraged to join their family in respectfully honoring their family history and those who have gone before them.  They are encouraged to share stories about the positive example of the family members.  They usually avoid participating in the worship-like practices.  If there is opportunity, the Christian family members may request to pray prayers of blessing on their family, praying to God through Jesus Christ.

Frequently the request by Christ-followers to limit their participation in this way can lead to family conflict.  Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ as they navigate this difficult time with people who are special to them.  Pray for God to give creative verbal expression to their beliefs, helping them to witness well for Christ in these situations.

Praise and Prayer

• Pray for us as we begin preparations for our summer departure to Taiwan.  There are business matters to arrange, people to see, belongings to sort, etc.  Pray for wisdom and energy for the many tasks that need to be accomplished.
• Praise the Lord!  Lorne was able to obtain an appointment at the Taiwan Visa Office on April 19.  Please pray for grace and help from the agents to process the needed notarizations.