Religious Fervor

Do you consider yourself to be a devout religious person?  Are you passionate about your beliefs?

Mazu is one of the most revered goddesses in Taiwan. There are numerous images and many temples dedicated to her worship. Frequently, devotees will request her to protect them. Worship of Mazu is especially prominent among fishermen.

Each Spring, one of the most famous Mazu images is paraded through the streets on a circuit through central Taiwan. The destination is a temple that is temple located about 14 km south of where we live. This year, the pilgrimage will begin just before midnight on April 12, carrying the image 400 km in four days. Devout pilgrims will walk the route with the image.

The photo above is from a news report that stated people lined up for one and one-half kilometers to register to walk in the procession. More than 300,000 people have already registered, and more are adding their names daily. Those who participate will make the pilgrimage, seeking personal protection and blessing.

Please pray for opportunities for Christians to have significant spiritual conversations during this time when people are sometimes more open to talking about such matters.

Praise and Prayer

• The Baozhong Alliance Church decorated hard-boiled eggs and church members distributed them in the community on Sunday morning. It provided an opportunity to tell others about Resurrection Sunday when we celebrate Jesus’ greatest miracle. Please pray that people will be curious to learn more about Jesus.
• Please pray that we are able to find a buyer for our car. We are asking God for that to happen sooner rather than later.
• The warmer weather has arrived. (You would likely think it is hot!) Please pray for stamina and good health as we live through our final months in Taiwan.
• Although it is early to begin looking for housing, please pray for God’s provision of a place to live when we return to Canada in July. (We will need to purchase a car too.)