2006-12-10
Greetings from Taipei December 2006
Thanksgiving:
We are thankful for YOU! We appreciate all our prayer partners as you faithfully pray for us during our separation from family during all the American & Christian holidays. We trust you had a wonderful time of giving thanks to God with your families. Our gathering had over 40 fellow m’s for a tasty spread. [See our web page for photo.]
Blogging:
Jackie has made a commitment to do his best to post a photo every day to our Blog for the next year. So far he has done a pretty good job of keeping up with that commitment. Hopefully our efforts to make entries concerning daily life, ministry involvement, and culture will keep you better updated. Please visit our blog and leave comments.
Christmas:
The Christmas season in Taiwan is very different than it is in America. Since it is not an official holiday or day off of work, many do not even acknowledge it. Since our arrival in 2000 it does seem to have gained a little momentum – although it comes mainly from the desire of the retail stores to commercialize it. It is a little difficult to “get into the holiday spirit” when those around you ignore it all. Pray that this month we can experience the wonder of God’s amazing love demonstrated in His Son.
We pray that you will not be overwhelmed with the busyness of the days ahead but rather that you will be able to just enjoy your family and the Joy & Peace of our Savior this Christmas season.
Praises & Prayer:
v Since our last newsletter, God has provided 3 new leaders in DW BSF class! Thanks for praying!
v Please pray for God’s provision of 2 more leaders. Many are currently facing sorrowful and challenging life circumstances. Please pray for strength during times of sorrow (Ps 119:28) for these precious leaders.
v Praise God for the successful completion of the (English as a Second Language) Creation to Christ training and the new friends made there. Pray that the trainees will put into practice what they have learned and that they will sew many seeds into their neighborhoods.
Our Deepest Sympathy:
Our hearts and prayers are with extended family and friends as they face “holiday firsts” after the passing of loved ones this year: Tom Hunter’s niece, Sara Snyder’s mother, Christine Kok’s father, Vivien Fung’s mother, Joanna Smith’s husband and Joyce Hauerwas’ husband.
May the words of the old hymn “He Leadeth Me! O Blessed Thought”, written from Psalms 23:2, minister to you:
He leadeth me, O blessèd thought! O words with heav’nly comfort fraught! Whate’er I do, where’er I be Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.
Refrain:He leadeth me, He leadeth me, By His own hand He leadeth me; His faithful follower I would be, For by His hand He leadeth me.
Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom, Sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom, By waters still, over troubled sea, Still ’tis His hand that leadeth me.
Refrain:He leadeth me, He leadeth me, By His own hand He leadeth me; His faithful follower I would be, For by His hand He leadeth me.
Lord, I would place my hand in Thine, Nor ever murmur nor repine; Content, whatever lot I see, Since ’tis my God that leadeth me.
Refrain:He leadeth me, He leadeth me, By His own hand He leadeth me; His faithful follower I would be, For by His hand He leadeth me.
And when my task on earth is done, When by Thy grace the vict’ry’s won, E’en death’s cold wave I will not flee, Since God through Jordan leadeth me.
Refrain:He leadeth me, He leadeth me, By His own hand He leadeth me; His faithful follower I would be, For by His hand He leadeth me.
You may wonder how you can participate as co-laborers:
v Prayer will always be top of the list
v Phone calls – we love to hear your voice
v Letters/cards/emails/ surprise packages J
v December is Lottie Moon Christmas Offering month. If you are not in a church that supports the LMCO, you can visit the International Mission Board website to give directly (click the link). 100% of this offering is used to support the missionaries sent out by the IMB (that means us). Please know we never take for granted the sacrifices you make to send us as your co-labors.
With grateful hearts,
Jackie & Fran Bell
P.O. Box 39-875
Taipei 100, Taiwan R.O.C.
We have a Dallas phone number that rings us here in Taiwan.
Ask and we’d be glad to give you the (214) number.
We are now 14 hours ahead of Dallas.
