TheBellSite

On or Off the Radar?
October 28, 2007

After living overseas for 7 years, we have gotten very slack in keeping our prayer partners updated.  Please accept this attempt to move us closer to one another.  Although you have been on the radar of our hearts, we hope this update will place us on the radar of your thoughts so you can know how to pray for us.

When we returned to Taiwan mid August, responsibilities with both IMB and BSF put us on the fast track, running the race set before us.  We both love and enjoy the work God has called us to do, but we find that as we age, we require all the more routine rest, especially as travels tend to mess with our body clocks. 

In late August, we both traveled to BSF Area workshop to equip us for teaching the Matthew study in the Taiwan classes.  The Evening Men’s class is growing, and the class has moved to a larger facility, hopefully allowing for more growth.  Jackie taught “Homiletics” seminar to the men, equipping them to outline bible passages so they can become leaders in the local churches.  In a few weeks, he will teach them how to “Share the Gospel”, in a clear way that will hopefully give the men confidence as they witness.  The Women’s class has expanded into a secondary facility adjacent to the host church, as they are now larger than they have ever been in their class history.  As they continue to grow, they will need a larger facility.  Please pray that these Taipei BSF classes will be a strong influence to lead seekers to the gospel truth, and also be used to equip fellow believers so they can in turn become bolder witnesses and strong leaders for Christ.  Remember, many of these bible students are from pagan, idol worshipping backgrounds, and they face much persecution from family and friends for their devotion to Christ.

In early October, we had the privilege of traveling to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the BSF Area Leaders Retreat.  This event occurs once every three years.  The attraction to the study of God’s word through BSF has grown significantly on this side of the world. This year’s Retreat had 1,400 leaders attend, whereas the 2004 Retreat had 1,000 leaders, and the 2001 Retreat had 700 leaders.  It is very exciting to meet leaders representing 55 classes from 13 area countries:  China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.  The customary dress representing these cultures was very colorful!  Our flight back to Taipei was very bumpy, as we returned to Taiwan on the exit winds of a typhoon.  God’s peace was evident among the 50 plus leaders on our flight representing the 3 Taipei classes. While being jostled in the air, Isaiah 58:8 came to mind …. “the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard”. He certainly guarded us safely through the storm!

Jackie travels alone for the mission sometimes.  In early September he traveled to Thailand for an annual event which unites our Area leaders and those that serve as strategy coordinators.  Jackie handles updates and enters a lot of data, helping to assemble the annual budget request that the East Asia region will present to the IMB.  This coming week, he will travel to a different city in Thailand to meet with the annual AGM planning team, as they begin executing plans for our upcoming annual event with all personnel in the EA region.  Please pray for travel safety for Jackie, and stamina to be focused on the task at hand for both of us while we spend a few days apart.  We find the older we get, the more we are attached to one another, leaving a void during our days of separation. J

We update our “blog” more often then we send out newsletters, but we tend to think very few visit our website since we rarely receive comments.  Fran has added a “mission moment” to the “blog”, and Jackie continues to give book reviews, adds culture photos and makes a variety of interesting entries. The “blog” is easier for making short entries, and we tend to rely on it more instead of using newsletters to stay in touch.  Although both mediums only provide one-way communication, we have found that more of you email us after we send a newsletter.  We say all this, in hopes that we may appear back on your radar!  

We really would love to hear from you so we can get caught up with your life also.

You are on the radar of our hearts,

In His overseas service,

Jackie & Fran
Taipei

Phil 1:3-5