Mission Update and prayer requests: We are thankful that Asian economic woes have not caused serious problems in Taiwan. The government is stable. While the economy is not growing as fast as in the past, there is still widespread prosperity. As Taiwan enjoys its political and economic miracles, we await still another miracle. 97% of Taiwan's 21 million people still live in unbelief. We look in faith to the risen Savior to bring the miracle of new birth through water and the Word to many more people in Taiwan. Current workWELS labors in the concrete jungles and rice fields of Taiwan to proclaim the gospel of peace. Three missionaries are working here in church planting and theological education. Most of the 6 churches here are primarily shepherded by Chinese Christians. None are fulltime church workers yet, but freely give of their time and energy in serving the Lord. All expenses are paid by the local church. Missionaries work side-by-side with the Chinese in evangelism and visitation. They also do preaching and teaching duties. A Bible Institute and Seminary are established to train Christians to better use their gifts in both part-time and fulltime ministry. EvangelismA major part of evangelism in Taiwan is relationship building. We have made relationships in many ways with Chinese- through our childrens' school friends, participation on softball teams, and even the internet! Once aquaintances are made, we invite them to attend informal home meetings. Chinese members also invite nonChristian family and friends. One church meets regularly with 10-12 people, about 1/3 of whom are non-Christians. Participants not only hear the Good News, but also see the love by which "others will know you are my disciples." Another outreach method is gospel "seed planting" among children and young people through English teaching. One missionary wife teaches simple Bible stories weekly at their child's preschool. Another missionary teaches an English/Chinese Bible Class. We are excited to have a new program started. A volunteer couple from the states arrived in September of 1998 to assist in English as Evangelism. This program aims to provide quality English teaching as a means to meet more people and introduce them to Jesus. The volunteers, funded by WELS Kingdom Workers, will be gathering course materials and teaching for nine months. More volunteers will follow them and assist in outreach, first in Taichung, and later in Taipei. FutureMainland China looms big in Taiwan's future. Many believe it is only a matter of time before Taiwan is reunited with China. No one knows how much time missionaries may remain here to freely preach and teach the gospel, so we labor with a certain urgency. A Taiwanese Christian who recently returned from mainland China said that the gospel is the only hope for Taiwan and China's future. "Only Jesus can forgive the sin of idolatry and replace selfish hearts with the loving heart of Jesus." Please pray:
September 27, 1998 |