Facing Fear

Today I read that the phrases “do not fear” and “do not be afraid” appear in the Bible 365 times.  And yet, we often find ourselves reacting because we are “afraid,” “scared,” or “terrified” about something.  The author challenged readers to consider removing such words from our vocabulary.  The reason is that we as believers are to be motivated by faith, by love, and by hope. He claims that removing such words from our speech will change the way we see the world around us.

Tomb Sweeping Day

Today is the Clear and Bright Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day.  For many believers this is a difficult day because family members pressure them to not only respectfully remember those who have passed on, but also to participate in ancestor worship.  Part of the fear comes from being unable to clearly explain why they will not participate in the traditional way.  We are making efforts to help believers know how they can respond to family pressure, how they can pray with and for their families as they honor those who have helped the family become what it is today.  Please pray for Taiwanese believers as they face criticism and even ongoing  anger from family members because of their commitment to worship only Christ. Please pray that they will not respond in fear, but rather with the wisdom that comes from God.

Thank-you for your ongoing commitment to be on mission together with God and  us through prayer.

Lorne and Kathy-Lu