[Confronting
Taiwan's Society, Community and Neighbor in Jesus' Name] |
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| About Taiwan Taiwan is a very middle-class nation, there are poor people at the bottom, and the fantastic wealth of a few forms the apex of a very wide triangle. There is un-even-ness in Taiwan’s society, and there is little peace of heart among most people who strive only to get richer. Why the people of Taiwan had put a “pro-China” government into office. It was the desire for a good government. The previous “pro-Taiwan” government had many of its initiatives blocked by the “pro-China” forces in the legislature. Though it was plagued by fewer scandals than earlier governments. It was not scandal-free. Taiwan’s voters freely turned the “pro-Taiwan” party out of office and chose Mr. Ma and his party in hope of a better government. This has not materialized. Taiwan: an independent and self-governing nation, covers in the shadow of its powerful neighbor, China. Under the previous government that was not “pro-China”, Taiwan’s neighbor aimed up to 1,500 ballistic missiles at my homeland to remind Taiwan not to oppose China’s agenda for annexation. Though the current government of Taiwan is friendly to China, not one missile has been removed. |
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| An Economic Cooperation
Framework Agreement with China which would yield a large
part Taiwan’s economic sovereignty to big neighbour.
This deal is being discussed without the involvement of
the legislature. The doubts and worries of the people and
the scholars were ignored by the government and not been
replied. The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan has joined
social groups to call for a popular referendum on the
agreement. The referendum commission which is formed
largely by pro-China ones rejected the motion. The church
is asking Taiwan’s people to stand together against
the government in a peaceful and legal action for the
sake of the nation. Some say that the church has no
business being involved in this kind of issue. Others
would say this involvement exactly emulates the actions
of Jesus. But government is not the only social
institution that the church confronts. In Taiwan, the mission has been both sacred and practical. Evangelism, bible teaching and spiritual counselling have been shaped within the context of educational, medical and social service work. Churches re-interpreted their mission, offering their facility as a community meeting space for all sorts of gatherings, including non-religious ones.Operating happy weekend programs for community children. Some churches go beyond changing their understanding of their buildings and reach out to their communities as good neighbors, running the life-education programme at the school. Non-Christian children are happily go to the church to meeting their friends. Many parishes send meals to isolated elderly people in their neighborhoods every day. The church is concerned for the individual needs of lonely and fearful people for faith and healing, and brings the good news of Jesus Christ to them. There are communities and situations in every nation under heaven where the social welfare structures fail to meet all needs. Those are the places where Christian people can live the gospel in compassionate action, and bring the people into the churches where the good news is spoken with conviction. Part of a movement to double the church, the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan is training members in how to reach out to people. Seminars are held at several locations. Focus on themes like “showing empathy, visitation techniques and inter-personal relationships.” The Gospel calls us to be involved at all levels. The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan is concerned for Taiwan’s social and political future. Especially regarding the big neighbor with its 1,500 Missiles, the economical invasion and controlling. The church speaks. and I humbly invite you to share my concern for the faith and spiritual health of my nation’s people. In China the Christian proportion of the population is now 10%. Praise God for that! But do not forget. China’s churches are still government regulated. In Taiwan the proportion is less than 3%. Both places need more of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us not forget Taiwan in the rush to support China. |
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