2000-11-27

Dear Friends & Family Nov. 27, 2000

Many of you expressed concern about the Singapore Air Crash and the Typhoon here in Taipei over the past couple of weeks. The CKS airport is about an hour or so outside of the city. Although the local news only acknowledged the Buddhists rituals, we understand that the Chinese Christian Relief Team ministered to some of the victims and their families. Many lives were lost during flooding in areas east of us. The area that we live in and travel around seems to have adequate drainage and we were not personally effected. Please pray for the local churches, the damaged communities and the families of victims from both of these tragedies.

Jackie has settled in somewhat with his administrative position at the office and he seems to be enjoying it thoroughly. We’ve returned to language study and spent last week reviewing and learning some practical things about identifying different parts of the city and famous landmarks. These skills enable us to expand our travel within the city. This week our study is focused upon learning the numbers for months, days and years. Anytime we review numbers it increases our confidence in the market place. Our current schedule allows me an extra hour at home alone in the mornings for study and I feel very comfortable traveling the subway alone. I seem to see the funniest things while alone. This morning at one of the stops, a fully dressed clown stepped aboard the subway car I was on, turned around to face a camera crew, did a quick mime and then stepped off the car before the door closed. I just chucked. After class, I often venture out on my own into some new areas to shop for export items. When alone, the locals seem to be friendlier, enabling me to converse. One shop owner had CNN playing in his shop and he told me he wanted Mr. Bush to win the presidency expressing “he would be good for Taiwan???.

Since we last wrote, my BSF Teaching Leader asked me to become a substitute discussion leader in the evening class. I feel very honored and humbled to serve with these committed Chinese women in this ministry. For the past two Saturdays, I’ve walked with Jackie up the street (just a couple of blocks) to attend the leaders meeting and prayer time to prepare for Tuesday’s class. The men meet on the 4th floor and the women on the 5th floor of the Friendship Presbyterian Church at 6:30 a.m. every Saturday for the leadership meeting. For the past two Tuesday evenings, I’ve had the great joy of leading a discussion group of ladies, prepared and ready to share their lesson answers on Matthew 5 & 6. The study of God’s word is bringing lasting heart and life changes in these peoples lives. As a substitute, I will have the privilege of leading a different group each week while other leaders alternate serving as volunteers in the children’s program. Jackie and I share a real burden for these classes. Approximately 20 men attend the men’s class, and less than 100 attend the women’s class. In a city this size (over 3 million), these classes should be busting at the seams. Please pray with us that the current class members will share their current zeal for God’s word, and invite their families, friends, and co-workers to consider studying the bible with us through BSF.

Praises –
Travis – travel safety/fun trip to Canada & a good annual medical report
Paige – peace and joy in finalizing her decision to graduate with her Masters in May 2001 & her car is repaired
Jackie & Fran – the Lord’s guidance for us to serve as leaders in Bible Study Fellowship International
Christmas gifts purchased and in route to our families (Who would have ever thought that I had to move to Taiwan to complete our Christmas shopping pre-Thanksgiving? This is a first!)

Please continue to pray that our minds would quickly absorb the Chinese language. While attending the Bilingual worship service, I discovered a deep longing within my soul to be able to sing hymns of praise in Chinese. Through two songs, I was able to sing two words. “Ni shr…, Ni shr…, Ni shr…???, meaning “You are…, You are…, You are…???! After singing the song in Chinese, I was able to sing along to our Lord in English, “You are the Lord of heaven, You are the Lord of all the earth, the only one I desire is You.??? I’ve noticed, on the streets, the Chinese language sounds like pagans babble, however, while attending a worship service, the language sounds BEAUTIFUL as the powerful word of God is spoken and praises are sung to Him. There is unity among the nations when God is praised!

We appreciate your commitment to us.
Love,
Jackie & Fran

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.
Matthew 6:33