MARY’S TAIWAN MESSAGE Sept. 2004

 “I will send some of those who survive to the nations…to the distant islands that have not heard of my fame or seen my glory. They will proclaim my glory among the nations” – Isaiah 66:19

LCMS World Mission                              www.lcmsworldmission.org 

               

Text Box: As promised, I am writing from my apartment in Chiayi City, Taiwan. I arrived safely in Taiwan on September 1st and have been exploring the interesting colors, sights, and sounds everywhere. I have had opportunities to visit Taipei 101 (currently the tallest building in the

world), several night street markets, and Langshan temple which is one of the

most visited temples in Taiwan. This Sunday I attended my first worship

service in Chinese, and I was able to follow along somewhat, thanks to an

English translator and the familiar liturgy. I didn’t understand any of what the

pastor was saying, but hopefully that will change soon, since my intensive

Chinese classes begin this Monday. The other volunteer missionaries have

been extremely helpful putting up with my constant questions and making

sure I don’t get too confusedJ Thank you all for your prayers and support as well. I know I would not be here if it were not for you!

 

I am especially excited about the Friday Night Bible Study the volunteer missionaries host each week. This past week, the returning volunteers said they expected fewer than 50 people to attend as this was the first Friday Night Bible Study since the spring. God had other ideas though; at final count 60 Taiwanese people were there, and the room was overflowing! Praise God! After some robust singing in English, new people were introduced and given a Bible, and everyone took part in one of three Bible study groups depending on English capabilities before gathering for snacks and prayers. Many of the kids and adults are not Christians, and some were asking really hard questions about Christianity in the highest level Bible study. During the fellowship/snack time, 0ne of the Taiwanese school teachers from the Lutheran school in Chiayi asked me to do a language exchange with her… meeting regularly to speak one hour each of Chinese and English so we can both practice. The young woman is not a Christian but seems open to hearing about God, so this may be a neat opportunity to witness too!

 

For those of you who asked, mail can be sent to me in Taiwan at: #254 Min Sheng South Road

                                                                  Chiayi City, TAIWAN  ROC  60045

Prayer Requests:

+ Thanksgiving that God has provided all of the funds I need for 2 ˝ years of mission work in Taiwan!

+ That the young woman I will be doing a language exchange with may be open to Jesus Christ and that I    may be a good witness to her.

+ For me to be diligent in learning Chinese and using whatever opportunities God gives me

 

                            May Jesus bless each one of you!                                                                             

                                                                Mary

 

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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.”