MARY’S TAIWAN MESSAGE Oct. 2004
Offerings and spirit money at a temple “He
died for all that those who live may no longer live for themselves, but
for Him
who died for them and was raised again.” – 2 Corinthians 5:15
LCMS
World
This month finds me
already busy with activities. I currently have nine hours of Chinese lessons
each week (two sessions weekly with each of three different teachers), and have
just completed my fourth week of class. I get very excited when I’m able to
recognize Chinese characters on store signs, or when I can understand phrases
people say. Learning the language is sometimes very frustrating though. I must
remember that babies don’t learn to speak overnight either, but it is difficult
for me to have the thought processes of a 22 year old and the communication
skills of a 1 year old. J This is definitely a way for God to remind me that
I can’t rely on my own abilities, but only on His strength.
I also now teach four
classes of Bible lessons each weak to 1st and 2nd
graders. I work for the Concordia English Language Academy (CELA), where 1st-5th graders come for additional English
classes after finishing regular school. Because of the language barrier, I’m
sure they don’t understand everything, but I am praying that God will change
the words I speak into a message the children can understand. Each class is a
handful, but hearing the children singing “The BIBLE” or “Jesus Loves Me” as
loud as they can is such a blessing! They were very excited when I brought my
guitar to class last week!
Friday night Bible study
continues to be crowded and lively. I get to help lead the singing time along
with the volunteer missionary program secretary and one of the students. I will
start writing and teaching some of the Bible studies during October. I have not yet started the language exchange
I want to, but because I now teach where the young woman does, we get to chat
several times each week. She has been coming to Friday night Bible study
regularly, which I’m very excited about as well. Thank you all for your
prayers. The most powerful thing you can do is to Pray!
Prayer Requests:
+ Thanksgiving
that a Taiwanese gentleman who has been attending Bible studies for years had
the idol in his home removed last week.
+ For each of my
students, that God might use me to share the gospel with them.
+ For patience
and strength for me as I work through the frustration of learning Chinese.
May Jesus bless
each one of you!
Mary
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long-term volunteer missionaries. Check out the current list and download an
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and clicking on “get involved.”