MARY’S TAIWAN MESSAGE Nov. 2004

“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” – Luke 10:2

LCMS World Mission www.lcmsworldmission.org

Best friend is Jesus. That’s what the sign on the door of my apartment says…which I can now read in Chinese. Not only am I excited to have learned to read those characters, but that is a wonderful message that greets me and my neighbors every day. This month I am thankful as well for all of my friendships that are developing with Taiwanese people and other missionaries. Unfortunately I am only able to carry on conversations in English, but I have met many new Taiwanese friends who are more than happy to speak to me using English. Many of my Taiwanese friends I see only at Friday night Bible study or when I teach, but I hope to find ways to see them outside of “class.”

There are also several foreign missionaries in Chiayi, and one highlight of my week has been the missionary Bible study where we have a chance to discuss issues relating to our ministry and be encouraged by the scripture. This month all 13 VYM volunteers in Taiwan got together for a 5 day retreat. After our plans to go to an island south of Taiwan were thwarted by a typhoon, we gathered in the “small” town of Taitung on the Eastern shore of Taiwan. It was a great chance for me to hear about different people’s churches and jobs, be encouraged spiritually, and get to know my fellow volunteers a little better.

One of my Taiwanese friends, a music teacher at Chiayi’s public girl’s high school, has invited me to teach Christian songs to her students. Each Thursday morning I spend with the girls in three classes, joining in their class activities, teaching Bible songs and explaining the meaning of the words. Because I am a foreigner and young enough to be seen as a friend, the students have seemed very willing to listen to me. Considering the separation of church and state in the U.S., I see this as an amazing opportunity, especially since many of the students would not hear about God anywhere else. Many of them are so busy with studying and cram school that they do not have time to come to Bible studies to hear more about God. I know that many of them understand what I am saying, so I’m praying that God will work through those words to bring these girls to faith in Jesus.

A group of college students

and some volunteers

Prayer Requests:

+ Thanksgiving for a productive and relaxing retreat to rejuvenate the volunteers.

+ For each of the elementary students I teach Bible lessons to and the high school students I teach gospel songs to, that God might work through me to reach them with the gospel.

+ For patience and strength for me as I work through the frustration of learning Chinese.

In Christ’s love,

Mary

Mailing Address: #254 Min Sheng South Road

Chiayi City, TAIWAN ROC 60045

To be added to or removed from this mailing list, send an e-mail message to maryme82@hotmail.com with the word ADD or REMOVE in the subject heading.

There are many opportunities to serve as short-term or long-term volunteer missionaries. Check out the current list and download an application by visiting www.lcmsworldmission.org and clicking on “get involved.” Back to newsletters page