Sunday, May 21, 2006
In Taiwan
"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
I cannot express how good it is to be back in Taiwan right now! We had a safe flight over and arrived at our apartment just after midnight on Thursday, May 18, making it approximately 30 hours of travel. The long trip combined with jetlag was quite taxing on Malcom, but he is gaining strength now.
We have many things for which to be thankful. Friday night there were two special events: First, the graduation ceremony for Chinese Baptist Bible College. Thomas Yu, led to the Lord, discipled and mentored by Malcom, graduated after 9 years studying part-time while working, raising a family, and pastoring the Jung Shan Baptist Church! Following the graduation, the church held an Ordination Service for Pastor Yu and he was officially ordained a "Minister of the Gospel." Even though weak from the strain of our trip, the Lord enabled Malcom to officiate the ordination service. That evening will always be remembered as a highlight in our missionary career.
Today was another special day: the 6th anniversary of our work in Dali City--Faith Baptist Church. Malcom asked the Lord to give him strength to stand and preach again in Chinese, and He did! This was a bilingual service so Missionary friend, Andy Simpson, did the translating to English. The church was packed and several decisions for the Lord were made.
In the fellowship afterwards, one dear lady gave me some good advice. "Make the most of every day. Don't waste energy worrying about how many more days you will have, just treasure the time you have today." I'm not sure if Mrs. Chang knew it or not, but her words of advice echoed the scripture: THIS is the day that the Lord has made...today let's rejoice and be glad. It is this verse that Malcom often uses to encourage himself in the Lord on those days when it is difficult to even get out of bed.
At the end of this day, we can reflect that it was indeed a good day blessed with the presence of the Lord.
I cannot express how good it is to be back in Taiwan right now! We had a safe flight over and arrived at our apartment just after midnight on Thursday, May 18, making it approximately 30 hours of travel. The long trip combined with jetlag was quite taxing on Malcom, but he is gaining strength now.
We have many things for which to be thankful. Friday night there were two special events: First, the graduation ceremony for Chinese Baptist Bible College. Thomas Yu, led to the Lord, discipled and mentored by Malcom, graduated after 9 years studying part-time while working, raising a family, and pastoring the Jung Shan Baptist Church! Following the graduation, the church held an Ordination Service for Pastor Yu and he was officially ordained a "Minister of the Gospel." Even though weak from the strain of our trip, the Lord enabled Malcom to officiate the ordination service. That evening will always be remembered as a highlight in our missionary career.
Today was another special day: the 6th anniversary of our work in Dali City--Faith Baptist Church. Malcom asked the Lord to give him strength to stand and preach again in Chinese, and He did! This was a bilingual service so Missionary friend, Andy Simpson, did the translating to English. The church was packed and several decisions for the Lord were made.
In the fellowship afterwards, one dear lady gave me some good advice. "Make the most of every day. Don't waste energy worrying about how many more days you will have, just treasure the time you have today." I'm not sure if Mrs. Chang knew it or not, but her words of advice echoed the scripture: THIS is the day that the Lord has made...today let's rejoice and be glad. It is this verse that Malcom often uses to encourage himself in the Lord on those days when it is difficult to even get out of bed.
At the end of this day, we can reflect that it was indeed a good day blessed with the presence of the Lord.
7 Comments:
Hi! I'm so happy and thankful to see you guys again after so long! I really missed you guys so much! I enjoyed the afternoon singing today! I love you guys! Pastor, we are all with you! Take care! Muahhh.... :)
This report of your trip so far is absolutely exciting! I'm so happy for you. Love you bunches!
Missy
We are so happy to hear about your trip to Taiwan and especially how God is helping Malcom to minister while he is there. You both have been in the prayers of many here in the States, plus all around the world. I copied off the letter you wrote today and took it to Noble Hill. Everyone was very happy to hear the good report. Looking forward to seeing you soon. We will continue to pray for you and those in Taiwan.
Love,
Vivian
Hey girl, this is your Thailand friend, JOY. So you are back on this side of the world? For how long? Did you know Debi came to speak in Singapore in March? I didn't know about it either until too late but would you believe God knew ahead and I had already bought tickets to go see Ginger, so I got to go to one day of the seminar. Would love to see you. Take care. Under HIS WINGS, JOY boy
Friends,
SO very good to see your last two blogs. I am without a computer but am at my sisters where I have been trying to catch up. I have thought about you and wondered each day how you were doing !! God is so good !!
Lovinglym
M
Carol, we are SO happy to know you have arrived safely. We are praying, as is our church, that Malcom will be able to do all that is needed to accomplish the things you told me about. Your friend is right about not wasting your energy worrying....just be thankful for each day. You know we love you and miss you.
CB
So glad to hear that you made it to Taiwan and that you're able to do some preaching. It sounds like the Lord is really working through you! We'll keep praying that you will continue to have strength enough to do the things you desire. Much love and prayers...Carole Miller
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