The Church Is Poor In Taiwan

Hello, from Taiwan! Libby, Rebekah, and I landed safely here on Tuesday night (Jan 22nd) and were greeted by the bright city lights of Taipei, many smiles from the Henderson family, and our new friend Meng Xin. As we drove out of the city towards Wushulin, I was so grateful that the Lord has already provided us a new home, family, and friends here in Taiwan. As the days go by, I am continually moved by the hospitality and welcome we have had. Our home is beautiful. The convent and church grounds we live at had been abandoned for around 6 years, so there has been much preparation in getting ready our home.

So far I’ve been using all the Chinese I know (hello and goodbye). Veronica talked with her friend at the language school, and we have reserved spots for next semester. I’m very excited to begin language school, so that I can talk to more people. Although, I have already learned how to order my already favorite tea and say that I am a Catholic Missionary.

Each day the Lord is softening my heart to this new place and the culture here that needs to hear about Jesus. Christianity is a simple and common concept in the United States, but here I am learning that is not so. We are learning about the gods, and ancestors that a majority of the Taiwanese people worship. About the ideals of wealth, power, success, superstition, and education that govern the people’s lives. I know Jesus loves Taiwan and take great confidence in His desire for my brothers and sisters here. Jesus is our answer. He is salvation for all those who approach God through Him.

“Jesus is always able to save those who approach God through him, since He lives forever to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)

This verse gives me confidence in the Lord, in Jesus, and how much He longs for His people to come home to His heart.

All in all, I am adjusting well to living in Taiwan, my new schedule, and family here. Veronica, Libby, Rebekah, and I are forming a “Triangle of Mercy” running team to practice training for a 5K. Yesterday on our run we were discussing serving the poor here in Taiwan when Veronica said, “The Church is the poor in Taiwan.” This really resonated with my heart. The Church is suffering in the form of not only a lack of resources, but also a lack of people. I’m so grateful the Lord sent us here to work alongside, Father Francis, Maria, Meng Xin, and the Henderson Family. I’m so grateful to see what He can and will do with our yes. Please please pray for the people of Taiwan. Pray for the salvation of their souls. That they may encounter and come to know Truth Himself.

Father Francis wishes for this place to be a refuge of peace in Taiwan. A place where people can come to know Jesus Himself. Our wish is for Jesus’s little “Triangle of Mercy” here in Taiwan to be a place for “pilgrims of life” (those worn down by the world, outcasts, the lost and needy, especially those in need of hope, mercy, peace, love, and joy).

Jesus wants the nation of Taiwan, and so do we. We want it for Him!! Everything we do is for His Glory. Everything we do for love of our brothers and sisters here in Taiwan.

You are all in my prayers. Keep praying for this mission of love, for Jesus to be known in all our hearts, and for the nation of Taiwan!

Thank you Jesus for continually blessing me. Jesus, you’re beautiful.