This is a short work week for many living in Taiwan. Banks, schools and many businesses opened on Tuesday after the six-day Lunar New Year Holiday. February 28, is also a Taiwan national holiday known as 228 Memorial Day or Peace Memorial Day. Because it falls on Saturday, the holiday will be observed on the previous day resulting in a three-day work week. This designated day commemorates an event that happened in 1947. There was a protest against the government that was suppressed by ruthlessly killing many of the protestors. It is a sad historical event that caused an ongoing rift between the Taiwanese residents and those who came from other parts of China to hold positions of political power. In 1995 the matter was finally acknowledged by the President, and the holiday was since established. The confession of a past wrong, and the efforts to make sure that such atrocities are never repeated are bringing healing to Taiwanese culture. As Scripture says: “People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.” (Prov. 28:13) It is a good reminder to all of us to pursue peace in our interpersonal relationships. We will not regret it over the long term.
We are beginning a new semester of children and youth ministry. There are many small details that need to be taken care of in order to have successful launches for this next season of activity. Please pray for us as we prepare and then start up teaching in schools, Children’s Weekend Happy Camp, and Youth Group Activities.
Kathy-Lu will join other C&MA international workers, Taiwan C&MA pastor wives, and C&MA female pastors at a retreat March 2-4. There will be opportunities to relax, to share together, and to hike or do other recreational activities. Kathy-Lu has been asked to share a devotional on Wednesday. Please pray that these faithful labourers will be affirmed in their relationship with Christ and in their role of service within God’s kingdom.
We are thankful that many details for our Spring trip to Canada are now in place. We are thankful for the generosity of God’s people in helping with the practical arrangements. There are still opportunities for us to connect with your church group, home fellowship, or just with you as our ministry partner. We encourage you to write and ask if you wish to book one of the remaining available times: (Lower Mainland of BC) April 20, 21, May 18 or 19. (This will be the final time that we write with this offer.)
Please pray for our son, Ethan, who has an extremely heavy course load in this last semester of studies. There are many exams and assignments to do over the next month. Please pray for stamina and God’s enabling as he conscientiously works to complete these courses.
