Wishing Everyone a Blessed Lunar New Year!

The Lunar New Year vacation began last Saturday (February 14). Many families are travelling together or have already gathered at a family home. The new year will be the Year of the Horse. Many people will be striving for success. There is a traditional saying: “The moment the horse arrives, success follows.” That will encourage some people to take risks as they pursue fast results.

According to traditional ways of celebrating, house cleaning and preparation may continue through Monday, February 16 (Lunar New Year’s Eve). It is a time to purge old and broken items. The trash collectors are extra busy before they begin their holiday on Tuesday, February 17 (Lunar New Year’s Day).

The days of the new lunar new year are numbered, starting with Day One on Tuesday. Traditionally there are specific activities expected as the new year begins:

• Day 1: Many families visit temples to pray for health, success and prosperity. They may also walk in their neighbourhood, greeting others and sending good wishes.
• Day 2: Married daughters take their husbands and families to visit her parents.
• Day 3: This is a day for relaxing, sleeping in, and just taking it easy.
• Day 4: According to traditional religious beliefs, the family gods will return to the family home. There are special ceremonies to welcome them.
• Day 5: Traditionally this is the day that people will return to work. However, this year many will delay going back to work until February 23.

As families have become more prosperous, and as societal expectations have changed, there are many adjustments made to the above. Some are practical, trying to travel when roads will be less crowded. Others will be according to personal choice.

We plan to stay close to home this next week. Some friends have told us they will drop in for a visit on Wednesday. Otherwise we will quietly try to accomplish some tasks that have not yet been completed. (Those things will be done “quietly” because we do not wish to offend those who have other belief systems that forbid certain activities.)

Praise and Prayer

• During the Lunar New Year holidays, Taiwanese families will spend time together and sometimes travel.  Please pray for Christ-followers to have opportunity to testify to the hope that Christ provides.
• Please pray for those who experience loneliness during this holiday time. Pray for them to find comfort from Christ and Christ-followers.
• Disposing of household belongings is necessary prior to our departure in July. We are thankful that some of the English theological books have been shared with English-speaking pastors in the Philippines. Please pray that we will be able to bless others as we divest ourselves of remaining unneeded items.