Mothers Are “Sew” Special

Using this theme, the ladies of Lighthouse Baptist held a Mother’s Day tea as an outreach into our community. Many brought their quilting and sewing projects we have made during the weekly ladies’ meeting as decorations and prepared special refreshments. We mailed and passed out numerous invitations, and the Lord blessed with more than sixty-five mothers, children, and even two fathers attending. During the evening we sang, played games, made crafts and used the steps in making a quilt to correlate with principles in rearing children. Not only did the Lord bless with first time visitors, but also with several of our ladies leading part of the event. This was a big step in their learning to serve the Lord.

Decision Time 2008

Taiwan’s new president Ma Ying-jeou takes office in May after the people of Taiwan made the decision for the country to head in a different direction. It remains to be seen what effects this will have in Taiwan and Asia. On the ministry front, important decisions need to be made that may have a great impact. First, Bro. Peter Wang, the lay-preacher who took charge of the Chinese ministry of Dali Faith Baptist Church last fall, has expressed his desire to step down from this position stating that he has not seen any growth. We are trying to work with and encourage him to continue on as we personally know the work can be slow and discouraging. Unfortunately, there is no one else to assume leadership in this area. Please pray for the Lord to give wisdom and to provide a Taiwanese preacher for this church.

About four years ago, Lighthouse Baptist Church’s landlord told us he wanted us to move so he could sell the building. After much prayer, the Lord moved on his heart not to sell but to allow us to continue renting at a higher price. However, now he is immigrating to Canada and definitely will sell the building. Previously, his asking price was NT$9,000,000 (US$300,000) but this is still much more than our people have saved and can afford. The current lease ends in April of 2009 so we need your prayers as we seek the Lord’s will and look for another suitable building in the area to rent.

We always like to end on a more positive note. Two of our newer converts that we have written about, Ariel Wang and Frank Lee, continue to be faithful even though they have recently both faced tough trials. We have seen other new believers fall away when faced with similar situations, and so we praise the Lord and encourage you to keep praying for the “fragile Christians” of Taiwan.

For souls,

 Andy & Lisa Simpson