Category Archives: What’s Happening?

2018 #25

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Mondays with the Whites 
Volume 25   June 18, 2018   

Taiwan – Hidden in Plain Sight Ministry

Last Week

Highlights from Field Forum include:

  • Great times of worship and ministry from Kelvin Walker.
  • Excellent child-care for the MKs.
  • Kathy-Lu’s safe arrival on Tuesday morning
  • Praying for each other and receiving affirmations.
  • Safe travel to and from the meeting location

This year the number of participants was smaller.  We had opportunity to informally interact with all the other participants.

Additional Prayer Items

Please join us in praying:

  • Praise the Lord that the Plum Rain Season has begun, alleviating the drought conditions that were affecting areas of Taiwan.
  • Please pray for the preparations for the Elementary Summer Camp (July23-25).  A short-term team of 13 people will be coming from Taipei to assist with the camp.
  • A joint Missions Conference for the three Alliance churches in our area will be held on July 15.  Missionaries sent by Taiwan to the Middle East will be sharing.  The missionaries will also participate in other activities at our church.  Please pray that God will use this to create a burden for evangelism and for worldwide ministry.
  • Please pray for a coworker who needs God to provide relief for a painful physical condition.
  • Please pray for wisdom as we schedule summer ministry commitments and determine the focus of the next preaching series.

2018 #24

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Mondays with the Whites 
Volume 24   June 11, 2018   

Taiwan – Hidden in Plain Sight Ministry 

New Team Members

Over the last number of months, a couple has been preparing to come and join the family of C&MA International workers in Taiwan.

Rev. Chinh and Lieu Truong (Photo) have been officially appointed by the C&MA in Canada as international workers to Taiwan.  They are coming to be a part of the Vietnamese Diaspora Ministry in Taiwan.
Please pray for them as they visit churches, arrange their personal affairs, and wait for the processing of their visa application.  Our hope is that they will be able to arrive in late July.  Pray that Lorne will be able to locate and rent a suitable apartment for them in Taichung.
Please pray for their adjustment to living in Taiwan.  Their daughter will attend high school and will need to make new friends.  Chinh and Lieu will first study Mandarin Chinese so that they can work with Taiwanese Christians to share the gospel with the large number of Vietnamese living in Taiwan.

Additional Prayer Items

Please join us in praying:

  • Please pray that God will use the sharing by  Kelvin Walker and the other events of the annual field conference (June 11-15)to refresh our spirits and minds.  Kathy-Lu will join us on Tuesday.  Please pray that she will be able to overcome the time 15-hour time change and be able to engage in the conference with us.  The conference will also be a time for  the mission family to bless and pray for Thu and Hanh Nguyen who will be leaving Taiwan at the end of August for home assignment and retirement.
  • Please pray for the preparations for our church’s Elementary Summer Camp (July23-25).  A short-term team will be coming from Taipei to assist with the camp.
  • A joint Missions Conference for the three Alliance churches in our area will be held on July 15.  Missionaries sent by Taiwan to the Middle East will be sharing.  The missionaries will also participate in some other activities at our church.  Please pray that God will use this to create a burden for evangelism and for worldwide ministry among the members of the nearby C&MA churches.
  • Please pray for our coworkers, Albert and Elaine Lu, as they spend a busy last month in Canada before their return to Taiwan in early July.  They will need to find a different house to rent before the end of July.  Please pray that God will provide.

2018 #23 Interruptions

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Mondays with the Whites 
Volume 23   June 4, 2018   

Taiwan – Hidden in Plain Sight Ministry 

Interrupting the Schedule

The government has planned an interruption to everyone’s schedule for an hour on Thursday afternoon. (Actually, the announcements are not yet clear whether it lasts for an hour or only half an hour.) As part of the current Taiwan Forces Military Exercises, the public will participate in an air raid drill. No one is to be outside or driving down the street during the drill.

Lorne learned today that because the drill will be during the time we usually travel to teach English, the classes we teach will be cancelled on Thursday afternoon.

It is an experience that is different from recent memory in Canada. But it happens about once each year for us in our adopted land.

It has made me think. There are times in life when the wisest response is to run and hide. That is why Psalm 32:7 says: “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” When is the last time you ran to God for protection?

I (Lorne) will try to remember to put some music on to remind me that God’s protection includes surrounding me with songs of deliverance.

Additional Prayer Requests

  1. English Bible Story-telling at Baozhong Primary School (June 7,8)
  2. Monthly visit to the local Nursing Home (June 9) to sing and to share with the seniors.
  3. Saturday Afternoon English Class – Nicholas and Susan will be teaching this week
  4. Sunday Service:
    • Pastor Joshua will share from Psalm 42 at Baozhong Alliance Church
    • Lorne will share from Matthew 7:24-29 at Hualien Alliance Church

2018 #22 Resilience

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Mondays with the Whites 
Volume 22   May 29, 2018   

Taiwan – Hidden in Plain Sight Ministry 

Resilience

How does one create resilience?  There are books on the subject and there are many people willing to offer advice.  As someone looks for the answer, it gets complicated.

In Matthew 7, Jesus summarized what is needed when He stated only the person who listens and and puts His teachings into practice will be able to repeatedly withstand the storms of life.
Before writing this update, I was busy printing photos to hang in our family gallery.  Remembering the past and the blessings that God has given in helpful when overwhelmed by the present.. Seeing each photo we remember different blessings that God by His grace gave.  Such reflection helps when life gets intense.
Kathy-Lu will leave Wednesday to go attend a family gathering in remembrance of her uncle who transitioned to be with the Lord.  Being with others helps us process the things that are happening, especially when the group share in a common belief that blessings don’t just come from people, but ultimately from God.  Sharing with others helps us keep perspective even when there is pain or uncertainty.
We are looking forward to the annual Forum when we gather with coworkers to reflect on the past year, be reminded of some of Jesus’ teachings, and step forward in faith into the future.  As many of our team members are away from Taiwan this year, the gathering will be smaller.  But we still expect to hear “big” God stories.  Those stimulate faith and help to motivate us to keep listening and keep obeying Jesus.
We don’t know what will be faced in the future, but we know that the changeless truths that Jesus shared are sufficient to provide a stable foundation for our lives.

Additional Prayer Items

  • Lorne will be telling Bible stories most mornings this next week as some class times were rescheduled.   Please pray that the students will listen well and will reflect on the difference between a true God and false gods.
  • Nicholas and Susan, friends from Coquitlam who now live in Taiwan, will be visiting the Saturday English class.  Please pray that their interaction with the students will motivate the students to desire to live a purposeful life.
  • Our community has been surprised by the sudden passing of a prominent citizen.  He was a doctor and promoted Buddhist beliefs.  Please pray that his passing will prompt people to reflect on the transience of this life and what comes after.  The Christian worldview is radically different from what they have heard their whole lives.  It often takes time for people to hear and process the truths about a God who sacrificially loves them.

2018 #21 “I find it hard to pray to a God I cannot see.”

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Mondays with the Whites 
Volume 21   May 21, 2018   

Taiwan – Hidden in Plain Sight Ministry

“I find it hard to pray to a God I cannot see.”

Last Saturday Pastor Joshua had the privilege of going and talking to the mother-in-law of a believer at a nearby Alliance church.  The mother-in-law was concerned because the believer had removed the idol worship table from her own home.  Pastor Joshua was asked to use Taiwanese to help explain about believing in Jesus.

The mother-in-law has prayed to the images of her gods her whole life.  She is finding it hard to think about talking to a God that is not seen with our physical eyes.  They explained and prayed with her.  The daughter-in-law has invited her to attend church with her to learn more about Jesus.

This story illustrates just one of the struggles that happens when we wish to share about Jesus with seniors.

A “Hyper-Aged” Society!

The newspaper recently informed us that within 8 years the percentage of Taiwan’s people aged 65 and older will make up more than 20% total population.  That is the threshold for a society to become “hyper-aged”.  Taiwan will reach this milestone years before Japan, the USA, France and the UK.  Singapore and South Korea are projected to become hyper-aged societies about the same time as Taiwan does.

Currently, one out of every 7 people in Taiwan is 65 or older.  That makes it an “aged” society.  We have a few years before we join that group, but we are very aware of people in that age group.

This news is important as we plan how to share the gospel with people in Taiwan.  Senior citizens are a major component of the population throughout the country.  We must think and consider how to share effectively with the older generation.

Today in our town:

  • 14.9%  are under 20 years of age
  • 27.6%  are  20~39 years of age
  • 37.6%  are 40~64 years of age
  • 19.9%  are 65 years of age and older (including 2 over 100)
Please pray that we will be able to find effective ways to share with each age group.

Additional Prayer Items

  • Please pray as we use English conversation opportunities to  build relationships.  Our goal is to use friendship evangelism to help these people know about Jesus.
  • The afternoon weather is 30~35º C. most days now.  Please pray because the hot temperature combined with the humidity is making teaching in classrooms without air-conditioning a challenge.
  • Please pray for us, and others in the mission community.  On Sunday Lorne attended the memorial service for a teacher (and dorm mom) who went to be with the Lord last November.  She has a legacy of living for the Lord and enthusiastically encouraging others to do so.  Pray for healing in the grieving process and that we too will rise to the  challenge of being faithful to our God.

2018 #20 Carnations and Mother’s Day

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Mondays with the Whites 
Volume 20   May 14, 2018   

Taiwan – Hidden in Plain Sight Ministry

Carnations and Mother’s Day

 Kathy-Lu researched the history and learned that an American, Miss Anna Jarvis, is credited with being the founder of the celebration of Mother’s Day.  She created it as a means of remembering her Mom.  Because her mother’s favorite flower was the carnation, she chose pink carnations as the symbol for that day.  So both Mother’s Day and carnations as the flower of choice are both associated with Anna Jarvis.  Today, Mother’s Day is celebrated in more than 40 countries.

We used carnations in the celebration here this year.  We gave out 45 stems as we celebrated at the nursing home (on Saturday) and at the church (on Sunday).  We took the last remaining few stems and gave them to some mothers we know in the community.

We are hoping and praying that by blessing some ladies with a carnation and adding words of truth at this special time of year, God will use it as a part of the process to help them decide to become Christ-following daughters of the Heavenly King.

Praying Together

  • Elyssa, our daughter, is engaged to Carl Anderson.  She accepted his proposal on May 5.  Please pray for them and for God’s leading as plans are made for their future together.
  • Praise the Lord that last Saturday’s  “English Conversation Club” went well.  Once again there were new students.  A total of 10 have attended so far.  We are making an effort to get to know the students better.
  • Praise the Lord for the positive Mother’s Day Celebration at the Nursing Home.  Please pray for wisdom as we would like to see at least some of those seniors receive Jesus’ love before it is too late.
  • Please pray for two mothers who have not yet personally committed to believing in Christ who attended the Sunday celebration.  Pray that God will continue to work in their hearts, helping them understand His love.

2018 #19 Honoring Mothers

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Mondays with the Whites 
Volume 19   May 7, 2018   

Taiwan – Hidden in Plain Sight Ministry

Honoring Mothers

Believers in Taiwan are encouraged to find ways to honor their parents, especially on special days like Mothers’ Day.

It is difficult for mothers when their children decide to believe in Jesus and make Him their Lord.  Relatives  frequently view the Christ-follower as abandoning the belief system of the family.  Because the folk religion includes beliefs that souls of departed family members are cared for by those still living, older people are filled with fear that no one will provide for them in the next life.  They do not know Jesus who stated:  “I am going to prepare a place for you.”

  • Please pray for Christians who are working hard to help mothers understand that they want to show respect and filial piety in other ways.
  • Please pray for Christians who will be making efforts to honor mothers in ways that are acceptable to Christ.
  • Please pray that God will work in the mothers’ hearts to help them be willing to listen to the truths about Jesus’ love for them.

Praying Together

  • Thank-you for praying for the ongoing planning for the ministry to Vietnamese speaking people in Taiwan.  Please pray for the visa application of an international worker couple in the appointment process, planning to arrive in Taiwan in July.
  • Praise the Lord that the second “English Conversation Club” went well.  The students are having mid-semester exams, so they are under a lot of pressure right now.
  • We are looking forward to celebrating Mothers’ Day.  Please pray that people who are invited will attend and be open to Jesus working in their lives.
  • We are praying for our sending churches, as well as for the church here, that we will have the opportunity to see people make decisions to believe in Jesus as Saviour.  Will you trust and pray with us? (Last Sunday at one of our sister churches, two people prayed asking Christ to be their Saviour.)

We send these updates so that you can pray and partner with us.

THANK-YOU for praying, sending words of encouragement, short-term team ministry, and financial support.

2018 #17 A New Opportunity

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Mondays with the Whites 
Volume 17   April 23, 2018   

Taiwan – Hidden in Plain Sight Ministry

A New Opportunity

Just over a week ago Lorne was asked whether the church could provide an English Club to help Middle School students learn English.

We will begin to meet on Saturday, April 28.  There are four students registered and others expressing some interest.

We will use the English Teaching Magazine pictured above.

Please pray for this new ministry.  It will help church members as well as some from the community.  Through relationships that develop we want to share about the difference knowing Jesus makes.

Praying Together

  • Thank-you for praying last week as Lorne and Pastor Joshua discussed a ministry plan.  They agreed to continue the existing plan without implementing changes at this time.  Having this agreement will help us to work together in unity of purpose.
  • Please pray for the start of the Middle School English Club on Saturday afternoons.
  • Lorne preached in Mandarin, and Pastor Joshua translated.  That means some people heard the message twice.  This was an experiment, but is a good way to remind everyone that the church desires to proclaim Jesus to everyone in our town.  Please pray for more to be added to our church fellowship.

You are Important!

We are in Taiwan to give people an opportunity to hear the good news about Jesus.

We are supported by the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada church members.  That means each person in the church has the opportunity to be involved in what is happening.

We send these updates so that you can pray and have a sense of partnering with us.

THANK-YOU for praying, sending words of encouragement, short-term team ministry, and financial support.

2018 #16 Walking, Riding Bicycles, Finding Their Way

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Mondays with the Whites 
Volume 16   April 17, 2018   

Taiwan – Hidden in Plain Sight Ministry

One here, Another There

We first noticed people standing by tables at the side of the road, appearing to be waiting for someone.   As we drove further, we noticed a person walking, and not far behind two more.  As we continued driving, we notice others.  Some were pulling a small cart with a box of belongings. Others were on bicycles.  Occasionally we observed someone on a motorcycle. They all carried a small flag sticking out of their backpack.  To the tip of the flag-stick were attached small rolled yellow papers.

Who are they?  What are they doing?  A quick check confirmed that it is the annual pilgrimage from DaJia to XinGang.  People will walk a minimum of 216 km (round trip) in order to show devotion and make requests of a deity that many worship.  Fishermen, farmers, and ordinary people all pray to Matsu for protection and everyday life needs.

Usually in the past we have seen photos of the crowds that accompany the carved image from the one temple to the other, with many stops along the way.  This is the first time that we have observed individuals on a personal pilgrimage.  They will accept refreshments from people along the way, and will stop at temples where that deity is worshipped for rest and group veneration.

Our hearts are saddened as we see the efforts people will make in order to find peace and security.  They do not know about Jesus.  They do not know about the God who offers grace that includes what they are seeking.

Please pray for the continued proclamation of the gospel throughout the countryside in towns such as Baozhong.

Praying Together

  • Lorne and Pastor Joshua will be meeting to discuss creating a ministry plan for the Baozhong ministry.  Please pray for wisdom and leading from Christ in this endeavor.
  • A church member has suggested that some Middle School boys come and have an English Club at our church on Saturday afternoons.  Parents are being consulted.  We see some benefits, like relationship-building with students and their families.  Please pray for students and parents to have open hearts toward the idea as they are invited.
  • Praise the Lord that the Sunday sharing in Taiwanese was well accepted.  We plan for Pastor Joshua to do this about once per month.
  • Please pray for the breaking down of strongholds so that God’s kingdom can be established in people’s lives and in our town.  We need to have a greater witness for Christ, and for people to choose to make Christ their Saviour.  It will not happen without a spiritual battle.

2018 #15 Prayer is Needed

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Mondays with the Whites 
Volume 15   April 9, 2018   

Taiwan – Hidden in Plain Sight Ministry

The Necessity of Prayer

I picked up a book from my shelf. It is one I want to read for personal learning.  It is: Hijacked By Glory by Sunder Krishnan.  In the “Acknowledgements” he quotes some influential leaders and some of the “priceless one-liners that have helped [him] stay on track.”

I draw your attention to this one:

  • Prayer is a wartime walkie-talkie to enable us to stay in touch with command headquarters to receive marching orders for the battle, but we have turned it into a domestic intercom to make life more comfortable in the den. (John Piper, The Pleasures of God)

The sentence challenged me.  It also reminded me that we need to pray, and we need others to pray.  That is why you are receiving this “Monday with the Whites.”

  • Will you pray right now?
  • Will you pray for us each week?
  • Will you join those who pray for us each day?

Praying Together

  • Praise the Lord that a church member who was hospitalized due to a severe infection has now been released.  Please pray for her complete healing.
  • Praise the Lord that the elementary school has granted us permission to hold a children’s camp July 23-25 and another January 21-25.  Please pray for the short-term teams who are working to prepare for these camps.
  • Please pray for wisdom as we seek God’s guidance regarding which language to use during weekly services.  A number of people are comfortable in Mandarin, but there is also a large group that prefer Taiwanese.  Please pray that we will find a workable way to include both groups of people.
  • Please pray for the breaking down of strongholds so that God’s kingdom can be established in people’s lives and in our town.  We need to have a greater witness for Christ, and for people to choose to make Christ their Saviour.  It will not happen without a spiritual battle.
  • Please pray for those reading the Bible and studying  with Kathy-Lu.  Please pray for them to grow in their commitment to Christ.  Please pray that they will have wisdom to navigate through the family relationships that put extensive demands on their time and energies.