Homework Club

The Baozhong Alliance Church after school program for elementary students will begin on September 20.  It will be Tuesday through Friday each week.  Currently, eight eager elementary students are registered.

Most days, the students will be picked up from school at 4 PM ( the time that school is dismissed).  On Wednesdays, the students have early dismissal requiring them to be picked up at 1 PM.  Each day they will be driven to the church building where they will receive a snack and will have a place to do homework.  The supervisor, usually Pastor Joshua, will provide help and will also have reading or other activities for the students after their homework is completed.  Parents and guardians will pick the children up from the church building at 6 PM.

The plan is to have monthly meals with the families of the registered students and one recreational outing every three months or so.  Eating together and doing activities together are important for building relationships in Taiwanese culture.

The costs of the “Homework Club” will be subsidized by the church budget.

The church board last week approved fundraising for the purchase of a church van that can be used for transporting the students from the school and for outings that will be planned.  The estimated cost of a dependable used or new vehicle is $400-700,000 New Taiwan Dollars.  That is $18-31,000 Canadian dollars.  Local Taiwan donors have already contributed about CAD$5,000.

Please pray for this ministry:

1. Pray for safety as students are transported and supervised each day.
2. Pray for relationships to develop between Pastor Joshua and the families of the students who are registered.
3. Pray that the love of Christ will be evident as the students are cared for.
4. Pray that the needed funds for the purchase of the van will be donated.

Praise and Prayer

• Kathy-Lu will be helping to provide snacks for the Homework Club students two days each week.  Pray that she will find creative snacks the children will enjoy.
• Praise the Lord that Pastor Joshua and his wife Ilaine welcomed a son into their family last Wednesday.
• Please pray for Ilaine as she recovers and “sits the month” at a center that provides for mothers who have given birth.
• Please pray for Kathy-Lu as she prepares for teaching Sunday School on September 18.  Reading the Chinese teaching resources and planning how to communicate in simple ways that children understand can be challenging.

We are…

Riding an escalator at Costco last week, I noticed the pattern on the shirt of the person in front of me.  It repeatedly said: “We are romance.”

After seeing that, I began to reflect about what others observe about our identity,  Advertising experts will tell you one goal of advertising is to insure that “who we are is who people say we are.”  If there is a mismatch, we need to find ways to communicate who we truly are.

So as people look at me (us), would they see me (us) as:

• a disciple (follower and imitator of Christ)?  [Acts 11:26]
• the salt of the earth?  [Matt. 5:13]
• the light of the world?  [Matt. 5:14]
• having love as the foundation of life? [Eph. 3:17-19]
• a bringer of hope? [Rom. 15:13]

The above list is not complete.  But as we are aware of who God says we are, we are better equipped to serve others.

Please pray that God will use our Christ-likeness to help others discover relationship with Jesus.

Praise and Prayer

• The “Homework Club” has eight students registered.  A maximum of two more will be accepted.  Kathy-Lu will be helping to provide snacks for the students two days each week.  We hope to share more about this ministry next week.
• Wes and Nancy, with their two daughters, arrived safely.  Please pray for them as they adjust to the heat and humidity of Taiwan.  Wes started language classes today.
• Please pray for the Alliance Church pastors in Taiwan.  The monthly letter from the C&MA President has challenged them to find the right rest-work balance.  Pray that God will provide encouragement and energy for every aspect of life and ministry.

Husk Removal

In a town just north of us, I noticed a rice husking factory. After harvesting and drying the rice, it needs the husk removed before it is ready for milling or eating. The husk is something attached to the exterior of the kernel of rice.  It is not edible.  It is not considered to be useful.

Yesterday Lorne preached from Joshua 7-8.  Joshua and the people had a heart for God.  However because sin became attached, removal was needed.  It did not need a husking factory, but rather the grace of forgiveness that comes from God.

The searching and purifying work of God is something we all need.  May God help us to welcome Him to do that in our lives on a regular basis.  Perhaps this week, as we prepare to celebrate Communion next Sunday, is a good time to ask Him to do it again.

Praise and Prayer

• The “Homework Club” has four registrations, and two more students interested.  Praise the Lord for those who have already registered.  Let’s join together and ask for more students.
• This will be a busy week or two as we welcome Wes and Nancy to Taiwan. They will need help as they apply for resident certificates, Taiwan driver licenses, and locate items they need to purchase.  Please pray for them and those who will be helping them with the various tasks.  May we all be the light of Christ as we do those necessary tasks.

CountDown

The countdown has started.  It is just over a week until our new coworkers arrive.  And, in case you have not figured it out, we are EXCITED!

• Please pray for them as they accomplish last minute packing and other tasks.
• Pray that their moments of saying goodbye to family and friends will be affirming and energizing as they set out on their new adventures.
• Pray for enjoyment in their travels with two young daughters.
• Pray that God will provide help at the airport to make the process of navigating health checks and customs go smoothly.
• Pray for safety as they travel by van (about 3 hours) to their new home.
• Pray they will be able to overcome jetlag during their quarantine and self-monitoring period (one week).
• Pray for ability to learn language and to appreciate culture differences.
• Pray for a fruitful ministry as they represent God on this island that is so far from where they have been living.

Praise and Prayer

• The “Homework Club” banner has been hung in front of the church building.  Please pray for parents and guardians to register their students.

Finishing

We joined about 600 people at the “Large Hand Holding Small Hand” event sponsored by the Town Hall.  It is an annual 2 km walk.  As the name suggests, it is a parent-child activity, but everyone is welcomed to  participate. The challenge was to be ready to start at 6:30 AM–to avoid the heat expected later in the day. The crowd set off, following the sign so that everyone would know the route to walk.  Having two stamps on you card indicates that you completed the course. A box of snacks was given to each successful participant.

Jesus also asked people to follow him.  His call was much more personal.  The rewards to following Jesus are also better than those offered to us last Saturday.  Our hope is that we can invite many people to join us in following Jesus.

Praise and Prayer

• Six students and some family members attended the Ukulele Recital during our Sunday church service.  Please pray that God will help people remember and think about what they saw and heard during the service.
• Prayer and discernment continues as we consider how we will use our time for the building of God’s kingdom in our area.
• Pastor Joshua is hoping to start the “Homework Club” on September 20.  Please pray for him as he works on publicity, and the registering of interested students.

Happy Father’s Day!

Today, Monday August 8, is the day that Taiwan celebrates fathers.  The reason is that the number eight, when repeated for the 8th day of the 8th month, sounds like the word “Baba” (which is the equivalent of the English “Daddy.”

So Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers.

Regional Tensions

Taiwan has been in the news the past week and will likely continue to be until the middle of the month.  The regime near us is protesting the high profile visit of an American politician to meet with leaders of Taiwan.  The resulting military maneuvers are forming a partial blockade around our island home.

We are being watchful, but at the moment staying in place appears to be the wisest decision.  We are in regular contact with our Canadian mission leadership so that decisions can be made quickly if needed.

As this is all happening, much of life is going on as normal,  People continue to go to school and work, and events at church or in the community are still being held.  At this moment, there is a recognition that the number of threats has increased, but there is nothing for the average citizen to do at this point.

Public opinion is divided here.  Some heartily support the visit that triggered this situation.  Others are unable to see that benefits outweigh the consequences.

We are concerned for the farmers, especially some of the poorer families in our area.  China is refusing agricultural shipments from Taiwan.  This will affect the income of those growing that produce.  May God watch over and bring justice to those unfairly suffering because of the politics of the situation.

Thank-you for praying for safety and that God will use this regional tension to turn hearts toward Him.

Praise and Prayer

• We are still waiting to hear news about Wes and Nancy’s visa application.  Please continue to pray and ask God for it to be granted.
• Lorne’s computer is repaired at no expense, even though it is well past the warrantee period.  Praise the Lord!
• Prayer and discernment continues as we consider how we will use our time for the building of God’s kingdom in our area.
• Pastor Joshua is hoping to start the “Homework Club” in early September.  Please pray for him as he works on the plans.

Colour of the Day

The map above was from Sunday, but today will be a similar coloured day.  This is the heat warning system in Taiwan.

• Red: Three consecutive days where daily maximum is 38 degrees Celsius or higher
• Orange: A one-day temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, OR three consecutive days where daily maximum is 36 degrees Celsius or higher
• Yellow: A one-day temperature of 36 degrees Celsius or higher
• White: Daily maximum less than 36 degrees Celsius.

Yun-Lin is where we live.  So we are having a yellow day.  What colour is your day?

Ghost Month

The annual Ghost Month (seventh month on the lunar calendar) began July 29 and ends August 26.  The Hungry Ghost Festival will be on August 12 (halfway through the month).

Many who follow the traditional religions will offer food, incense, and joss money sacrifices  to appease the spirits that are believed to wander during this month.  Many will limit activities so that the spirits do not cause trouble.

• Please pray that those living in the light of God’s Word will be able to testify to the hope that is in them during this month.
• Pray for wisdom as Christ-followers navigate family times, workplace events, and interactions with neighbours.  May all those conversations be full of truth and grace.

Praise and Prayer

• We are waiting to hear news about Wes and Nancy’s visa application.  Will it be successful or will more documents be requested. We are hopeful that they can arrive soon as the schoolyear for their daughter begins on August 10.
• Pastor Joshua would like to start a “homework club” at the church.  It will be a place for elementary students to come and safely do their homework until parents are off work.  Please pray that university students can be found to help the students who attend.

Prepared

Taiwan is holding air raid drills this week.  It is scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday) for our area.  The sirens will sound at 1:30 PM.  Traffic will be stopped and people must go indoors.  Police and military police will be dispatched to insure that people follow the rules until the siren sounds the second time at 2 PM.

Scripture tells us to be prepared:

• To work: Followers of Christ work with God to experience the fullness of salvation (Philippians 2:12-13)
• To pray: Followers of Christ pray at all times for all situations (Ephesians 6:18)
• To defend: Followers of Christ will face spiritual attacks (Ephesians 6:10-13)
• To welcome: Followers of Christ are waiting for Christ’s return (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3)
• To witness: Followers of Christ have opportunities to share with those who have not yet heard (1 Peter 3:15-16)

God does not give “air raid drills” to increase our readiness.  He tells us to be alert and watchful at all times.

Please pray for us to be ready for life and service in the above ways.

Prayer Items

• Visits to people who need encouragement and friendship are on our to-do list this week.  Please pray for us to be filled with God’s grace and love in each conversation.
• Praise the Lord that a 2-year lease has been signed enabling us to continue living in our current home.
• Shopping, repairing household items, and everyday life takes time and energy.  Pray that even in these things we will be aware of Christ’s presence and power that is with us.

Who Cares?

We arrived in Taiwan, and within two minutes a text message was sent to our phones telling us that the Taiwan Center for Epidemic Control cares about us. Of course, it was also instructions about on-arrival testing and quarantine. But the message was that it was sent because they care about us.

During each of the three days of quarantine, a text message like photo or an automated phone call was received asking us to update our health status. Once again is was sent because the CECC cares about us.

In our devotions we have been reminded of God’s care for us.  BUT He has also demonstrated it in many practical ways in our first three days:

• Coworkers purchased requested foods and placed it in our home before arrival.
• Our car was delivered to our doorway, awaiting our arrival.  We are looking forward to driving it and touring town to see what has changed after our mandatory quarantine period is over.
• The local mechanic and his wife came to take the car for servicing.  They also gifted us some delicious guava.  (It helped to improve our simple bland diet.)
• Another long-term friend arrived with leaf lettuce and a pineapple.  We waved through the window and collected it after she departed.
• Someone else delivered some special cake from their hometown.
• We attended online church yesterday.  They thanked God for our return and prayed for his guidance as plans for involvement are made.
• Email and messages are arriving from Canada with encouraging words and reminders that we are being prayed for.
• And, these are only a few of the ways that God is demonstrating His loving care.

We are abundantly blessed!

Praise and Prayer

• Our three days of quarantine are followed by four days of self-monitoring.  We are permitted to leave the house wearing masks, but are to limit our time with other people.  Praying this all goes well so that we can attend in-person church next Sunday.
• We are encouraged that some people not yet “walking in the Way” are reconnecting. We are praying for rekindling of relationships and opportunities to talk about heart matters.
• The waves of emotions related to saying good-byes and leaving are frequent for both us and family members who continue to reside in Canada.  Thank-you for praying as we navigate some intense moments.

Taiwan Bound

Travel to the beautiful island of Taiwan is scheduled for this week.

• Pray that the Covid-19 Tests scheduled for Tuesday will be negative.
• Pray for us and for our family and friends as we continue to say our good-byes.
• Pray for our colleagues and friends who are preparing for our arrival.  With their help we will have food to eat during quarantine, etc.

Praise and Prayer

• Pray for last minute details as we weigh suitcases, and triple-check our paperwork.
• Pray that our pre-departure Covid-19 Tests will be negative, permitting us to fly.
• Pray for uneventful check-in for our flight.