As we approach the beginning of December, and the start of Advent, we are conscious that we want to use various means to help people learn the truth about Christmas.

We hope to begin this coming weekend when we will invite some local children to come and help us decorate our first floor Christmas tree.  Some have helped in years past, and we are hoping that they will come again.  In addition to some Christmas treats, we hope to be able to talk with the children about the symbolism of Christmas and perhaps even tell parts of the Christmas story.

We are also thinking of what we can and cannot say when teaching in the schools.  Lorne has been permitted to tell the Bible stories in the past and hopes to do so again this year.  Please pray for wisdom as lessons are prepared during these weeks.

We are expecting a small short-term team to come from the SongShan Alliance Church in Taipei.  They will be with us on Thursday evening, Dec. 20 and Friday morning Dec. 21.  We hope to be able to do carolling and talk to people in both the night market and the morning market.  Please pray for good enough weather to be able to do these activities.

We will also be looking for help from some of our local friends (maybe children) to prepare 400+ goodie bags that we can give out at when we are in the community on those days.

Please pray for Lorne.  He fell while pushing the motorcycle with a flat tire a short time ago.  He is still experiencing some pain in his ribs.  The doctor does not think it is serious and said it needs time and rest in order to heal.  We are aware that healing comes from God, so are asking you to join us praying for a speedy healing.

Last Friday there was a kite flying competition with entries from a number of the elementary schools in the area.  The kites were beautiful works of art.  The ones I found most interesting were multiple kites attached together.  Due to a lack of wind, the teachers and students ran down the field so that the kites would  catch the small amount of breeze and soar into the air.  It was beautiful to see them soaring in the sky above, but they soon descended when those holding the string had reached the end of the field and could not run further.

Our goal in church planting is to be working hard to help get the work launched.  But ultimately it must be the wind of God’s Spirit that blows and works if it is to be sustainable.  Please pray for God to work, producing lasting fruit in peoples’ lives.

We are thankful for the Taiwanese believer who will travel from Taipei to be with us for Tuesday and Wednesday this week.  Please pray for God to bless him, and through him bless those he will visit in our community.

Please continue to pray for God to choose and send forth workers to help us share the gospel with Taiwanese working class people.

Thank-you for your prayer partnership in the Hidden in Plain Sight Ministry!

Remembrance Day!  A good time to remember to give thanks for those who served in our nations’ military to preserve freedom and strive for what is right.

Doors and Doorways

While reading about the worship at the Tabernacle in Exodus 29:42-43, I (Lorne) was impressed by how much happened at the doorway.  It was at the doorway that the priests went through a ceremonial cleansing.  It was at that same doorway that animals and grain were offered to God on a daily basis.  And it was at the doorway that God said he would meet with the Israelites (the believers) and speak to them.

Then, today being Sunday, it was easy for me to reflect on the doorway to the place of worship where I go.  I don’t always think of God waiting at the door to welcome me, to talk to me.  Even the entrance-way to the church building can be a reminder to us of our salvation if we allow it to be.  Believers are welcomed there, not just by the greeters but by God Himself.  Sinners coming to confess sin are welcomed there.  The picture in my imagination is of God waiting for me to come in repentance so He can whisper words of comfort and healing into my life.  So on this Remembrance Day I was challenged to allow even a church doorway to remind me to be listening for God to speak—both during the church services but also at other times when He chooses to speak to me.

Prayer Items

We are thankful for a Taiwanese believer who wants to help us in the Baozhong Township work. He is willing and able to come from Taipei once or twice a month.  Lorne is hoping that having him along while visiting some of the men in town will help to draw them into discussions and provide ways to minister to them.  Please pray for God’s blessing and protection on John, and for God to use this offering of time to help build the church in our town.

On Thursday afternoons, Lorne and Kathy-Lu will be going to Fuhsing Elementary School to teach English.  This week will be the first time at this school, and the classes will be a bit larger than those in the other schools where we help.  Please pray for wisdom as we plan the class times and then learn together with the students.

Last Friday, the student for whom we have been praying seemed to make a greater effort to participate in the class activities.  There were still moments when he had difficulty relating to those around him, but we believe that God is already working to help him.  Please continue to pray for him.

The planning for Christmas activities has already begun.  A C&MA church in Taipei will send some believers to be with us Thursday afternoon Dec 20 and Friday morning Dec 21.  Please pray for them as they practice Christmas carols and have some other training sessions before they come.  We also need to purchase tracts and candy so that we can have some treat bags to give to community residents.  AND, would you please pray for good weather.  If it is too cold and windy that evening, the night market will be cancelled and people hunker down indoors.  So the weather has a major influence over what we are able to do and who we are able to meet.  Thanks!

Thank-you for praying with us over the past week.  Although very busy, there have been many encouraging moments.  For instance:

• A chance to meet a Canadian Alliance church member who is working in northern Taiwan teaching English.  It was exciting to hear some of her experiences and some of the dreams God has placed in her heart.  We are hoping she will be able to join the missionary team for the American Thanksgiving celebration.
• At the Chinese Alliance World Fellowship, different pastors shared each morning from the Word.  Hearing the insights the Father had given them encouraged and empowered us to want to press forward in obedience.
• The focus of the discussions at the meetings was on both continuing and expanding mission work throughout the world.  On Friday evening, there were a number of young Taiwanese adults who stood indicating that they were giving themselves to God and willing to serve Him.
• We had an opportunity to share with the Canadian contingent some of our burden for Taiwan’s working class people, and the ministry plan for our town.  As a result, one of their recommendations will be that their association of churches encourage member groups to consider involvement in the Hidden in Plain Sight Ministry.  Knowing that God loves those who are a part of this least-reached people group, we are excitedly watching to see how God will add more workers to our ministry team and provide the other resources needed.  Thank-you for joining us in praying about this.
• In addition to showing some of the sights of our town to the visiting regional leaders (see last week’s update), we also had the privilege of bringing two Canadian pastors home with us after CAWF.  They had both been born in Taiwan, and brought with them a church member currently living in Taipei.  As we toured our area, we were able to share: what is happening, some potential opportunities for the future, and how churches in Canada can partner with us.  Our visitors even had an opportunity to interact with some of Lorne’s men friends because they have the ability to speak Mandarin and Taiwanese.  They told us that the visit helped them better understand and know how to pray for this work.
• Today we had a chance to talk to the principal and teachers at Fuhsing Elementary School (attached photo is of the school gate).  Beginning November 15 we will have the opportunity to help the students at that school on Thursday afternoons.  In addition to helping them with learning to speak English, we are hoping to include some character-building curriculum in our teaching sessions.  Please pray for us as we take on this additional challenge.

So we are encouraged as we see God at work.  We hope that you are taking time to look for evidence of His work in your life and the place where you live too.  Until next time….May you be encouraged in Jesus.

Thank-you for praying with us and taking concerns to our Father in Heaven!

The principal at one of the schools where we volunteer asked that we would pray for a student who is having some serious struggles getting along with his schoolmates.  We were glad to agree to pray, and our secondary request is that as God brings healing to that student’s life, Jesus would get the glory.  We would love this to be one of the “God-moments” that helps to bring people to faith in Christ.

We are currently hosting regional leadership and discussing strategic initiatives.  Please pray for good communication and wise decision-making.

Tuesday through Saturday we will attend the Chinese Alliance World Fellowship (CAWF) meetings in Taipei.  There will be about 160 delegates from different locations around the globe all united to share what God is doing and look for areas that God is calling the Chinese C&MA churches to unite and address spiritual needs through partnering.

A couple of Canadian pastors who are attending the CAWF meetings will travel back home with us to see our place of ministry.  In addition to seeing the work that we are involved in, Rev. Wong will preach at the newly started church in Yuanchang Township.

A book that Lorne found helpful recently was Forgiveness Formula:  Finding Lasting Freedom in Christ by CJ Hitz and Shelley Hitz.  We are now going to read it together as a couple.  The authors share their own experiences and remind us of some of the teachings of Jesus that are the foundation for living the Christian Life.  Although the matters talked about are important, we are not finding it to be difficult to read.  If you are looking for a book to read (paper or e-book) we recommend this one.

Because you are receiving this email we are probably on your prayer list (having you pray for us).  But are you on ours?  We are privileged to pray on a regular basis for our Seamless Link Partner Churches and for some individuals who have share some of their burdens with us.  We would love to rejoice with you when you are praising God and join with you when asking for God’s help.  Please feel free to write and share with us!

Thank-you for praying for the Taiwan C&MA Fall Business Meeting.  It was good to see long-time friends from different locations around the island.  In addition to the plans and budget decisions, they made a decision to approve the Life Alliance Church in Chungli City purchasing a new larger church facility.  Overall there was evidence in the reports and the discussions that the leaders are trusting God as they face various challenges. God is blessing the denomination with visionary leaders.  There is slow steady numerical growth occurring.  We praise God for what He is doing in building His church in Taiwan.

Thank-you for praying for Lorne as he preached and led Communion at the Fullness of Life Alliance Church in Chungli City.  Rev. Jordan Yang was back from his sabbatical, and presided over the baptisms.  It is encouraging to see the numerical growth in the church and the increase in participation by lay leaders.  Rev. and Mrs. Yang ask for your continued prayers for his healing.  He is finding it hard to step back and not be the one preaching and doing many of the things he did on a regular basis.  Waiting for God to heal is also emotionally tiring, for their whole family and for the church congregation.  Please continue to include them in your prayers.

This week we are preparing for the arrival of regional leaders on Friday.  We will travel with them to encourage other C&MA Canadian personnel working in other ministries in different parts of Taiwan.  We will also be able to show the leaders our ministry before we go with them to attend Chinese Alliance World Fellowship meetings October 30 – November 3.

There are a number of men in our Baojhong community that we believe God wants Lorne to spend time with.  This includes a group of men who have decided that teaching Lorne Taiwanese is what they should do.  There are others with whom the relationship is in the early development stages.  Please pray that God will guide and help to build connections with those who have open hearts and those who can draw others toward God.

Kathy-Lu was encouraged last Tuesday as she attended the luncheon with the women pastors and the pastor wives.  She went hoping to bless others and received a blessing herself.

Lorne will attend the Taiwan Alliance Church Union General Meeting on Saturday, October 20.  Decisions will be made at that meeting regarding the plans and budget for the Taiwan Alliance denomination for next year.  We are trusting God for this to be a time of encouragement as well as an opportunity for the church delegates to trust God as they review ministry possibilities for 2013.

Next Sunday, October 21, Lorne will be speaking at the Fullness of Life Alliance Church.  It is also a baptismal and communion service.  Please pray for Lorne as He prepares.  We noted on the church website that Pastor Jordan Yang is back from his sabbatical has been preaching at some recent services.  We have been praying for his healing. (See updates 31, 32, and 37.)  We hope to give you a further update of how to pray for him next week.

Planning for the Christmas season has begun.  A short-term team from the Songshan Alliance Church in Taipei will be coming to assist for a few days in the week prior to Christmas.  In previous years they have been able to help with carolling and visitation in Baojhong and Sihhu Townships.  Please pray as we plan the activities and focus for this year.

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Praise the Lord for a wonderful week with the Vision Prayer Team.  We ordered a roasted turkey for Sunday dinner, and celebrated Thanksgiving together.  We are also thankful for their safe travels back to Canada.  We pray God will bless them and help them to quickly overcome the jet lag.

We saw some answers to prayer and saw evidence of God at work during the week.  For instance:

• Some felt a prompting to pray at the exact time when a councilman unexpectedly arranged an immediate meeting with an elementary school principal.  (We were in different locations without communication between us at the time.)
• People saw us and came out to talk—including some we did not previously know.
• God allowed us to meet a Christian who has moved back to Baojhong and is not currently attending church.
• There was a great sense of camaraderie on the team, and we were able to encourage each other and learn from each other.

Please pray for us as we follow-up on what began during our week of praying together.

Lorne continues to tell Bible stories to grade six English students on Tuesdays and Saturdays.  Pray that God will use the stories to develop positive growth in the lives of the students.

On Tuesday, Kathy-Lu will attend a meeting with the Northern Taiwan women pastors and pastors’ wives.  Please pray that God will used the time together to encourage and strengthen their faith.

Praise the Lord that the Prayer Team members all arrived in Baojhong Township on Sunday, September 30.  Because that was also the Mid-Autumn Festival, they were welcomed with lots of fireworks.  We are all thankful for the cooler weather and the breeze.  Temperatures are very comfortable.  We have a good start to our week together.  Please pray that our eyes will be open to see what God wants us to observe and that our ears will be open to hear and know His will

The typhoon that had been threatening Taiwan turned north and stayed well east of the island.  The result was a little bit of wind (and dust) but no serious rain storm conditions.  It did not affect the arrival of the team members, nor is it affecting our planned activities.  This was a wonderful answer to prayer.

This past week we heard that the education department of the Kaohsiung City government, the largest city in southern Taiwan, passed a resolution that appears to limit the teaching of curriculum that instructs students about sexual purity prior to marriage.  Previous communications had indicated that the school curriculum would be changed to include a more tolerant view of homosexuality.  This new decision appears to go much further.  Christian leaders are trying to get clarification, and have asked us to pray for wisdom as they communicate with elected officials about these matters.  We also desire that there would be continued freedom to teach biblical relational values.

Philip and Bethany reported to us that they are moved to their new home.  Thanks to all who helped them (we were a little too far away to led a hand).

We are taking this week off from teaching in the schools.  We have heard that an invitation will be extended from a third elementary school this week.  Please pray for wisdom and a clear sense of God’s leading as we evaluate and make decisions.

Last Friday was the anniversary of the September 21,1999 Taiwan earthquake.  Students now attending elementary school were not even born when it happened.  The schools all had a ceremony remembering that event.  At 9:21 AM the students left their classrooms, held book-bags (or at least a book) over their heads, and walked out to the playing field.   There they were reminded of what happened 13 years ago and they were told how to be safe in the event of an earthquake.  Almost all adults can tell us about their fear during that earthquake and how that event affected their lives.  The Bible story I was sharing in the English class that day was from Daniel 3.  God is able to protect those who trust in Him.

The Vision Prayer Team are scheduled to arrive next Sunday.  The six participants will spend a week seeing the community, praying for people, praying for those having a Christian witness in the community, and for God to move in a mighty way leading people to faith in Christ.  A typhoon is developing in the Philippines and some predictions are for it to pass near Taiwan prior to the team’s arrival.  Please pray that the weather will not affect the team’s arrival nor the events that are planned for October 1-7.