2001-10-25

Oct. 25, 2001 Blessings from Taiwan –

Thank you all for your prayers for our travels last month. Our trip to Singapore and Thailand was truly a blessing, packed full of encouragement and pertinent information, for fruitful planning.

It was truly a blessing to attend the BSF Leaders Retreat for the Asian BSF Leaders. Bible Study Fellowship International is a worldwide lay-Bible training organization that Jackie and I have both been a part of for many years. Singapore had more classes represented than any of the other areas in Asia. They have 9 classes in a city of 3 million people (18% Christianity). The gospel is flourishing greatly there. The classes of Singapore hosted us most graciously. A very nice man picked us up at the airport and transported us to the hotel. He had a great “God story??? telling us how God had provided a car for him. The cost of living is very high in Singapore as we soon discovered throughout the rest of the week. It is by far the cleanest, nicest, most English Friendly place we have visited since coming to Asia.

This BSF Asia Leaders Retreat represented 8 Nations – classes from India, Korea, Japan, Tokyo, Philippines, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Taiwan. There is even a class in Shanghai, China (only people with citizenship outside of China are permitted by the government to attend). The retreat represented 32 men’s, women’s and young adult classes. Ninety-five percent were first time retreat attendees. Classes in Asia have tripled since the last retreat held 4 years ago. We also learned that the number of classes have doubled in Africa. I’m reminded how BSF was founded by a missionary from England (Ms. Wetherell Johnson) who was among many who evacuated China in the late 40’s. Although she was from England, the Lord led her to the USA where 5 women came to her asking her to teach them the Bible. Only God can bless in such a way that these Bible lessons have spread completely around the world through over 970 classes. We are seeing God grow our Taiwan classes. Pray God will supply leaders in all three classes to keep up with the growth of membership.

We were able to see a few sites in the evenings (see the web for photos) during the rest of the week while attending another conference associated with our mission organization. We even met up with one of Paige’s friends who is currently working in Singapore. John treated us to a wonderful dinner at the Outback!

The trip to Thailand was packed full of information to help us to be part of a planning team for our mission organization’s annual meeting early next year. Please pray that we will be organized in such a way that we will compliment the rest of the planning team and that all of the preliminary work will make for a smooth area gathering for fellow missionaries.

Our Sunday evening class at the Bi-lingual church service seems to have a revolving door. The students seem to be as curious about spoken English as they are in studying God’s word. Please pray that the class would stabilize in attendance. I really see Jackie enjoying the preparation and the opportunity to teach each week, however we are not sure if this is the best place for him to invest in discipleship training.

As we continue to serve here, and have the opportunity to learn how God is at work through many different mission organizations in this part of the world, it is exciting to see how the gospel is spreading in accordance to the great commission. It is an honor to be on mission with you.
Thank you all for your prayers, and for your correspondence. Staying close in times like these is a great comfort. Our prayers continue for our homeland, as we keep abreast with the news.

In the Grip of our Savior’s Grace,
Jackie and Fran Matthew 28:18-20