To the Seven Churches in Taiwan
Nancy and I were asked if we would come to Taiwan during the month of November, 2014, to help some co-workers to perfect their English for preaching the gospel throughout Asia. This turned out to be for us, the trip of a lifetime and the highlight of our church life.
The English perfecting training was for the first three weeks in November. Sixteen brothers labored from Monday evening through noon Friday for two weeks preparing and speaking gospel messages and prophesying. The third week was practicing conversational English with the use of various APP’s for the smart phone. Nancy and I were able to render some help both with their grammar and pronunciation, but the brother’s advance in speaking English was mostly due to their commitment, consecration, and labor. May the Lord bless them in the gospel with abundant and remaining fruit. We feel blessed by the Lord to have spent time blending with these brothers.
On week-ends and during the fourth week we traveled and visited the churches in Taiwan. In all, we were hosted by and stayed overnight at seven cities. The cities we visited are Taipei, Hualien, Taitung, Kaosiung, Nantuo, Hsinchu, and New Taipei City. In some cities we visited various districts. For example, We stayed overnight and attended a Lord’s Table meeting at hall 1 , stayed two nights and attended an English speaking small group meeting at hall4, and attended a Lord’s Table meeting at hall 14, all in Taipei. In New Taipei City, we attended a prayer meeting at Yinge district, and took hospitality at Sansia district and Banciao district.
The churches: In all the places we visited we were brought to small group meetings. All of these small group meetings were filled both with newly baptized ones, and gospel friends. The God ordained way is truly being worked out in Taiwan. My first impression of the churches is that they are burning for the gospel and bearing much fruit. I do believe the churches in Taiwan are a model where anyone can visit and see all members functioning to preach the gospel, nourish the new ones, build up the Body of Christ through prophesying, and practice the church life in the homes.
My second impression of the churches is of how closely they follow the ministry of the age. In every city, in every meeting, there was nothing to be heard except the present speaking of the present truth. During the whole month, I did not hear one word that was not directly out of the seven feasts currently being enjoyed in the Lord’s recovery. The Elders and co-workers in Taiwan have truly been diligent to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the uniting bond of peace.
The saints: I must say, we have never been cherished to such a degree as during our visit to Taiwan. Everywhere we went we were taken care of as though we were visiting royalty. We never lacked for anything, and were never allowed to pay for anything. And the food; it is difficult to describe how abundant and delicious the food is in Taiwan. Dinner consists of course after course, (up to twelve) of delicious dishes. I am forever ruined with regard to American Chinese food. It will never measure up to the real thing.
Our thanks to the brothers and sisters who took time to drive us to sight seeing places, kept us so well fed, gave us a place to stay, and loved us with the love that come from our Father. Grace to you and bless you all.