Thank you for traveling with me in the natural and in the Spirit for the past 2.5 weeks.
Today brought to a close my stay in Kaohsiung and the Lord willing I leave in the morning to start the trek home (Thursday night at 9:00 at home.).
A young man "John" became my e-mail buddy during my last trip here two years ago. Now he is 18 and what a joy to see how he is growing in the Lord. He begged and begged Pastor Bracken (Chris) to allow him to come to my hotel and see me and to practice his English. But Pastor rightfully thought it would not be best. Instead we met him for lunch and then on to see one more option for a new church building. He has no father in his life so I became "Ba Ba" to Brother John. His letter he gave me as I said good bye will tear you up.
It was so hard to tell the Kaohsiung saints good bye. While the reputation of many Asians is that they are cold, it could never be said of these folks. Their tearful good byes made it really hard. But home beckons me. And the hope of returning soon, the Lord willing strengthens me.
Typhoon Nuri went south of us by about 100 miles. But today we felt its effect. The winds were as strong as I have experienced. Late this afternoon, Pastor Bracken took me down to the coast and we watched the waves. In 46 years I have never seen any that compared in size. And this was in the Taiwan Strait which should have been a little sheltered.
After a family dinner with Abigail (age 5) and Ethan (age 3) tugging at my sides to color with them, we made one last stop....to the famous foot massage..... After all the walking of the past 2.5 weeks, it was the perfect close to the trip. It is the best $18 I spent the whole trip. Indescribable.
The boarding pass is printed and the bags basically packed. Behind I leave 1.2 billion Chinese that only know false gods and ancestry worship. But I bring home a life time of memories and experiences. I bring home a passion to reach them that has been fueled to yet higher temperatures. But most importantly, I bring home hope for a day they will be reached, faith that God is not willing that any one of them should perish and a love for souls never surpassed in me before. And the greatest of these abiding things is love.
God be with you til we meet together again!
AMH
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Wednesday Run Down
Our day started at mid-day with meeting the family of the mother that received the Holy Ghost Sunday night in service. Keep in mind she is coming from a background of ancestry worship. But we give God the glory for the good work that has begun in her.
The mix was interesting: One that spoke zero English (the husband), two that spoke zero Chinese (Sister Tiffany and myself) and two that speak both fluently (Chris and the mother). Add four toddlers overdosed on Hershey candies and we had ourselves a real interesting meal! At one point I was left at the table with husband (English name Jacob). It was pretty funny. He couldn't speak a word of English and I'm a little rusty on my Chinese. It was a long 10 minutes of silence and awkward grins. And I thought my precious mother-in-law ate slow....after two hours dessert was just starting.....
The husband is making progress. He is a little more reluctant to be baptized and embrace truth but he is coming along. He has thrown away his idols and that is HUGE start. God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him!
Tonight is the closing service. If the Lord allows, I will be preaching "Get a Grip!"
Tomorrow (Thursday) will be spent getting it together to come home. And I think a couple of tourist sites here in Kaohsiung may be on the schedule. My flight takes off Friday morning at 9:00 which is 9:00 pm Thursday night at home.
Finally, I give God the glory for sending Typhoon Nuri to the south of us. No offense to the Philippines that are taking the brunt of it. My flight out heads north to Tokyo so we should be able to escape its wrath. Thanks be to God!
The mix was interesting: One that spoke zero English (the husband), two that spoke zero Chinese (Sister Tiffany and myself) and two that speak both fluently (Chris and the mother). Add four toddlers overdosed on Hershey candies and we had ourselves a real interesting meal! At one point I was left at the table with husband (English name Jacob). It was pretty funny. He couldn't speak a word of English and I'm a little rusty on my Chinese. It was a long 10 minutes of silence and awkward grins. And I thought my precious mother-in-law ate slow....after two hours dessert was just starting.....
The husband is making progress. He is a little more reluctant to be baptized and embrace truth but he is coming along. He has thrown away his idols and that is HUGE start. God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him!
Tonight is the closing service. If the Lord allows, I will be preaching "Get a Grip!"
Tomorrow (Thursday) will be spent getting it together to come home. And I think a couple of tourist sites here in Kaohsiung may be on the schedule. My flight takes off Friday morning at 9:00 which is 9:00 pm Thursday night at home.
Finally, I give God the glory for sending Typhoon Nuri to the south of us. No offense to the Philippines that are taking the brunt of it. My flight out heads north to Tokyo so we should be able to escape its wrath. Thanks be to God!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Pictures
All the pictures can be viewed (and many more) can be viewed at http://picasaweb.google.com/ahatheway777
I think if you click on any picture in the slideshow it will take you there.
I think if you click on any picture in the slideshow it will take you there.
Here Kitty Kitty
As we journeyed through the streets of Kaohsiung on the motorcycle today, I was really fascinated at some of the shops. Because 99.99% of the signs are in Chinese and are either yellow, blue, green or red in color, every street looks almost exactly the same. So you can't just look at the sign and readily figure out what the shop is.
We passed one little shop and I thought, "Cool, that looks like a nice little cafe maybe even with some western food." And this one was unusual because it was actually enclosed so it had air conditioning. I noticed a couple sitting at a table for two in the window with coffee cups in their hands.
But when I looked up and saw the sign in English, I got real nervous... "Pet Store".......
We passed one little shop and I thought, "Cool, that looks like a nice little cafe maybe even with some western food." And this one was unusual because it was actually enclosed so it had air conditioning. I noticed a couple sitting at a table for two in the window with coffee cups in their hands.
But when I looked up and saw the sign in English, I got real nervous... "Pet Store".......
Advice for the Day
Hold on and keep your mouth shut....
The plan for the day was for Chris and I to visit a couple of possibilities for moving the church into larger facilities. What a surprise when I went to the lobby of the hotel to find he was picking me up on a motorcycle. So on with the helmet and away we went.
You have to understand how traffic works in Taiwan; or doesn't work depending on your perspective. It is mere chaos on a good day. I am convinced that the lines for the lanes were provided just to give someone the job of painting them and that traffic lights are really more for decoration. Unlike China, at least for the most part, they basically all travel the same direction, but not if it is not convenient. And there are no rickshaws to contend with, only literally millions of scooters, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians and of course autos.
Thankfully Chris weighs in at about 110 pounds so there was room for me on the bike. I held on for dear life. Quickly I learned that unless a mouthful of bugs with a smog chaser is on your weight watchers plan, then you are well advised to keep the mouth shut. We had two close calls. On one of them the van that side swiped us actually was touching the side of my pants when it stopped. Of course Chris is accustomed to this and was not rattled in the least. But I'm a weenie. I'm clearly not ready for Taiwan traffic and equally as important; it is not ready for my artistic style of driving.
The first place we visited was a Language School that been foreclosed upon. The difficulty is that in Taiwan, the buildings are built with earthquakes and typhoons in mind. So, most buildings have multiple 4 x 4 foot posts throughout them. Such was the case for the first option. And there was no rhyme or reason to where they were located in the floor plan. So it clearly was not conducive to renovating into a sanctuary.
The second option was ideal both in terms of location and layout. The posts were appropriately stationed affording an area where a platform could be built and at least 250 chairs, if not more, could be arranged in good view of the platform. The drawback for this location is that the bank wants to sell the whole floor which is far more space than is needed. That of course hikes the price. But if a Bible College is in the works, then this might be ideal. With just one miracle, I am confident God can make a way for this location.
Chris got me back to the hotel as storm clouds loomed.....
The plan for the day was for Chris and I to visit a couple of possibilities for moving the church into larger facilities. What a surprise when I went to the lobby of the hotel to find he was picking me up on a motorcycle. So on with the helmet and away we went.
You have to understand how traffic works in Taiwan; or doesn't work depending on your perspective. It is mere chaos on a good day. I am convinced that the lines for the lanes were provided just to give someone the job of painting them and that traffic lights are really more for decoration. Unlike China, at least for the most part, they basically all travel the same direction, but not if it is not convenient. And there are no rickshaws to contend with, only literally millions of scooters, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians and of course autos.
Thankfully Chris weighs in at about 110 pounds so there was room for me on the bike. I held on for dear life. Quickly I learned that unless a mouthful of bugs with a smog chaser is on your weight watchers plan, then you are well advised to keep the mouth shut. We had two close calls. On one of them the van that side swiped us actually was touching the side of my pants when it stopped. Of course Chris is accustomed to this and was not rattled in the least. But I'm a weenie. I'm clearly not ready for Taiwan traffic and equally as important; it is not ready for my artistic style of driving.
The first place we visited was a Language School that been foreclosed upon. The difficulty is that in Taiwan, the buildings are built with earthquakes and typhoons in mind. So, most buildings have multiple 4 x 4 foot posts throughout them. Such was the case for the first option. And there was no rhyme or reason to where they were located in the floor plan. So it clearly was not conducive to renovating into a sanctuary.
The second option was ideal both in terms of location and layout. The posts were appropriately stationed affording an area where a platform could be built and at least 250 chairs, if not more, could be arranged in good view of the platform. The drawback for this location is that the bank wants to sell the whole floor which is far more space than is needed. That of course hikes the price. But if a Bible College is in the works, then this might be ideal. With just one miracle, I am confident God can make a way for this location.
Chris got me back to the hotel as storm clouds loomed.....
Sunday, August 17, 2008
The Home Stretch
Sunday night at home means Monday morning in Taiwan. Every Monday morning at 10:00 Tom Bracken comes down from Tainan and meets with Chris to talk spiritual strategy. I have been invited to attend. In my honor, they decided that today's meeting would be at the temple of the holy roast....Starbucks.... It will mean my having to say good bye to Brother Bracken as he and Sister Sandy Bracken are headed to Malaysia tomorrow to preach a camp meeting there. I will be hosted the remaining days by Chris and Tiffany Bracken here in Kaohsiung. They are in their late twenties and have two adorable little kids, Abigail and Ethan. They are absolutely passionate about winning the Chinese for Jesus Christ. The fellowship with them is always spiritual, just like it is with his father Tom.
The only other item on the itinerary so far for the week, other than service Wednesday night is a prayer meeting Wednesday at noon with the woman and her husband that received the Holy Ghost last night.
Chris mentioned that we likely will go out Tuesday in search of a new building for the church. They are beginning to get cramped in their existing building. I am thrilled to be a part of searching out.
The only other item on the itinerary so far for the week, other than service Wednesday night is a prayer meeting Wednesday at noon with the woman and her husband that received the Holy Ghost last night.
Chris mentioned that we likely will go out Tuesday in search of a new building for the church. They are beginning to get cramped in their existing building. I am thrilled to be a part of searching out.
Return to Kaohsiung, Taiwan
We returned from Xian safely late Saturday night. It was about 10:00 before we were in our rooms and I could sit down and begin preparation for the Sunday services.
This morning I preached for the church pastored by Brother Richardson on the far northern edge of Kaohsiung. I had preached for Brother Richardson on my last visit. What a great church! The worship was anointed and lively. Chinese Apostolics don't play church. They love to worship and they love to hear preaching. It is always harder to preach with an interpreter but they are still easier to preach to than many North America churches because of their hunger and sincerity for the Word.
I'll make no assessment about my preaching. It is not about me. But I rejoice at the work that was done at the altar. The altar service lasted a long, long time and Brother Richardson told me later that one of the ladies praying had not been at the altar in years. She wept intensely as she sought God. And she prayed intensely no less than 30- 40 minutes.
It is a growing church and their prayer life has a lot to do with it. The Chinese want true experiences. They do not want rituals and dull routine. Buddhism offered them that. They do not come to soothe their conscience. They seek authentic experiences with God. That is why their altar services are powerful.
Every Sunday morning after service at this church, the Sisters of the church serve a meal. I just prayed. Brother Bracken had cautioned me about eating local food. So many that visit here want the "authentic" Asian experience and throw wisdom to the wind when they start eating food their stomach is not accustomed to and they pay a dear price later. TB had really warned me about seafood....
I prayed because there has to be a balance between wisdom and courtesy as the last thing I wanted to do was hurt their feelings. But in the end, the food was really good. Even the fish was very good. She rumbled in my tummy a little later on, but we made it. Of course, I have no clue what some of it was, but I think most of it was vegetables. If they weren't vegetables, just let me go on thinking that's what it was... I tried a chicken curry type dish but just one taste and I knew I better pass. Way, way spicy.
Brother Richardson got me back to my hotel in Kaohsiung by mid-afternoon which gave me a couple of hours to rest and prepare for the Sunday night service there.
In short, the Sunday night service was one of the most powerful services I have been in for quite some time. I read my scripture text and then the Holy Ghost just took over. I preached about 45 minutes...without notes. I had them, I just never used them.
Without question, the altar call was an outpouring from heaven. One woman in particular repented of her sins and was filled with the baptism of the Holy Ghost. She had come to service off and on for 6 years but never made a move toward God. But tonight was different! She went home with a glow upon her face that can only come with the joy of the Holy Ghost taking residence in her heart. And I could write much, much more about others in the service...but suffice it to say...it was greatest service I have been privileged to be in in my two trips here. Even testimony service was an overwhelming move of the Spirit.
Sister Tiffany Bracken was on cloud nine. She has invested so much into this woman and her husband and to finally see them respond to God's drawing brought a steady flow of tears of joy to her eyes. Oh that men would praise him for His goodness to the children of men!
And my heart leaped when Jing Ting walked in! Jing Ting is a 15 year old who was in his first Apostolic service ever last week when I preached in Tainan. Last Sunday we gave him his first Bible and he read it almost all the way through in one week! So much for reading it in a year!
Immediately after service, Brother Chris Bracken asked me if I would preach again Wednesday night. I accepted without reluctance. I love the Chinese people and God is affording me the chance to live one of my dreams bringing them the Word of God.
It's after midnight....obviously well past my bed time.
This morning I preached for the church pastored by Brother Richardson on the far northern edge of Kaohsiung. I had preached for Brother Richardson on my last visit. What a great church! The worship was anointed and lively. Chinese Apostolics don't play church. They love to worship and they love to hear preaching. It is always harder to preach with an interpreter but they are still easier to preach to than many North America churches because of their hunger and sincerity for the Word.
I'll make no assessment about my preaching. It is not about me. But I rejoice at the work that was done at the altar. The altar service lasted a long, long time and Brother Richardson told me later that one of the ladies praying had not been at the altar in years. She wept intensely as she sought God. And she prayed intensely no less than 30- 40 minutes.
It is a growing church and their prayer life has a lot to do with it. The Chinese want true experiences. They do not want rituals and dull routine. Buddhism offered them that. They do not come to soothe their conscience. They seek authentic experiences with God. That is why their altar services are powerful.
Every Sunday morning after service at this church, the Sisters of the church serve a meal. I just prayed. Brother Bracken had cautioned me about eating local food. So many that visit here want the "authentic" Asian experience and throw wisdom to the wind when they start eating food their stomach is not accustomed to and they pay a dear price later. TB had really warned me about seafood....
I prayed because there has to be a balance between wisdom and courtesy as the last thing I wanted to do was hurt their feelings. But in the end, the food was really good. Even the fish was very good. She rumbled in my tummy a little later on, but we made it. Of course, I have no clue what some of it was, but I think most of it was vegetables. If they weren't vegetables, just let me go on thinking that's what it was... I tried a chicken curry type dish but just one taste and I knew I better pass. Way, way spicy.
Brother Richardson got me back to my hotel in Kaohsiung by mid-afternoon which gave me a couple of hours to rest and prepare for the Sunday night service there.
In short, the Sunday night service was one of the most powerful services I have been in for quite some time. I read my scripture text and then the Holy Ghost just took over. I preached about 45 minutes...without notes. I had them, I just never used them.
Without question, the altar call was an outpouring from heaven. One woman in particular repented of her sins and was filled with the baptism of the Holy Ghost. She had come to service off and on for 6 years but never made a move toward God. But tonight was different! She went home with a glow upon her face that can only come with the joy of the Holy Ghost taking residence in her heart. And I could write much, much more about others in the service...but suffice it to say...it was greatest service I have been privileged to be in in my two trips here. Even testimony service was an overwhelming move of the Spirit.
Sister Tiffany Bracken was on cloud nine. She has invested so much into this woman and her husband and to finally see them respond to God's drawing brought a steady flow of tears of joy to her eyes. Oh that men would praise him for His goodness to the children of men!
And my heart leaped when Jing Ting walked in! Jing Ting is a 15 year old who was in his first Apostolic service ever last week when I preached in Tainan. Last Sunday we gave him his first Bible and he read it almost all the way through in one week! So much for reading it in a year!
Immediately after service, Brother Chris Bracken asked me if I would preach again Wednesday night. I accepted without reluctance. I love the Chinese people and God is affording me the chance to live one of my dreams bringing them the Word of God.
It's after midnight....obviously well past my bed time.
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