Christmas in Shalu

One of the strangest times to be living outside the United States is the Christmas season.

Christmas does not permeate every aspect of daily life as it does in America. 

Well, to most people here in Taiwan, Christmas doesn't exist.

And what they do know about it,  comes from the movies released from Hollywood and the international retailers conducting business in Taiwan. The malls are decorated and many stores are playing the traditional Christmas shopping music. As Carl and I were shopping last night, we saw many Christmasy billboards. Shop clerks wore Santa hats, and many businesses proudly displayed decorated trees at the entrance of their shops.

But as for celebrating the reason for the season, that is limited to the Christians.

As a result, this is a great time to share Jesus with those around us.

Last Friday, a large group  from the Morrison community visited a local Chinese school to share this message. A drama group comprised of Morrison high school students reenacted the Christmas story, using both Chinese and English. In smaller break out sessions, they asked the students if they had heard the Christmas story before. Only a small percentage of the students knew the reason for the celebration of Christmas.

Yesterday,we had the opportunity to celebrate the reason for the season with the families and teens of the Ark Fellowship in Shalu.

After singing a few carols and sharing a pot luck lunch, Carl shared why God sent His only Son to the earth as a tiny little baby.

Waiting for all the food to arrive!

Food and fellowship. A perfect combination!

At least they had each other to converse with!

Carl and Sharon, ready to share.

Michael and Anna sharing their home with us all.

After eating and Carl's sharing, we headed outside for a gift exchange.

Presents!

Michael and several high school students serenaded us beautifully during
the gift exchange.

Please remember to pray for our friends in Shalu. For most, this will be their only celebration of Christmas this year. Several of our adult membership are becoming more interested in the thoughts of God. They are seeking the love, joy, and salvation offered by their creator.

One of these is a mom who comes to the Sunday Bible study, as well as Carl's Wednesday morning English class . She believes and wants to be baptized. Her husband, who faithfully attends with her and their three children, supports her decision. Her mom, however, does not. While this is a foreign concept to us westerners and our independent ways of thinking, it is not in Taiwanese culture. Pray that her mom's heart will be changed.

Also pray for a family of five that has been attending. They have visited a local Chinese church, but are still seeking a place where they can learn more about Jesus. During Carl's previous Bible study, the father asked many questions revealing the depth of his yearnings to find the truth. It is encouraging to see the whole family participating. 

Thank you to those of you who faithfully remember us and the people of Taiwan in your prayers.We gratefully appreciate your sacrifice of time and effort.

 聖誕快樂 

Sheng Dan Kuai Le

(or in other words, Merry Christmas!)