"He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the kind as his friend."
Proverbs 22:11
I believe God is planning something important through the relationships we are making in Taiwan. On this last trip, even though I was only in 3 countries, I spent time with people from 9 different countries around the world. Many of these were people who are sold out for Jesus, pursuing Him with everything they have; and I had an immediate connection with them as brothers and sisters in Christ. I feel God's hand, weaving these threads together. Who knows what might come of these connections in 10-15 years?
But why Taiwan?
That little country has become a big focal point, politically, culturally and spiritually. It stands mostly alone as a bastion of free speech in its hemisphere, making it a ripe harvest field for evangelism. More than that, it is at a crucial tipping point. The island's big communist neighbor to the west is constantly threatening its freedom. The Taiwanese people are torn; while the older generation would fight to the death to maintain their current standing, the younger generation would avoid conflict, even if it means giving up their freedoms. The country is in a volatile position, much like Hong Kong in the early 1990s.
I think we should approach every volatile situation like it's an opportunity. No one knows what will happen with Taiwan's geopolitical standing. But, even if the worst takes place, God is in control; in fact, His hand would be in it, guiding all things toward His purposes. I believe He uses those hard times to turn people to Him, and bring a greater number into His kingdom. The book of Daniel is a reference point for this: when Babylon besieges Jerusalem, do we run and hide, or do we offer our services to the foreign king, knowing that God's will shall be done?
I cannot be certain that this type of situation will take place. I just have a feeling in my gut that now is the time to raise up the Daniels of this region. God could always use more devout, steadfast, capable people to infiltrate the kingdoms of this world. I intend to connect with those people, many of whom are beginning to come through Taiwan for missions. God is moving the pieces; we need to respond.
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Overseas Trips: What God Has Been Doing
Since our overseas update in October, we have taken 2 trips focused on Taiwan and Vietnam. Here is some of what we have been building:
- Local churches and pastors in Vietnam, who continue boldly in the faith despite persecution. We have supported them with Bibles, Christian teaching, and relief support in recent months.
- Carried several hundred Bibles into Vietnam, and financially supported their printing within the country.
- The mission base in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, where we are working alongside other ministries to foster outreach, intercession, and support of the local church.
Connections via the Mission Base
Thanks to the hard work of the local church members and Priscilla Wan (of FHLHOP in Columbus, OH), the mission base is Kaohsiung is growing by the day. She has arranged for many teams of missionaries to come and stay there, either to do outreach, or as a pitstop where they can be spiritually edified before moving to their next field. The base truly is a great place for any missionary to stay.
Priscilla has asked me to help host teams that come through, as God leads. After a lot of prayer, I think He is asking me to invest more time into this place and, as I wrote above, build connections with emboldened brothers and sisters from around the world. I feel God's hand on this. Starting in May I intend to play host to more teams here. Please pray that God blesses the connections we make through this mission base.
Bible Printing in Vietnam
Brother Simon has been translating and distributing Bibles in the tribal dialects of Vietnam for many years. In February, he made a breakthrough: he got government approval to print New Testaments of 6 different tribal languages within the country. This is very unusual, basically unheard of. God has opened a door for these projects to get done.
However, the window is short! At $3 USD per Bible, Simon's team needs to raise support for the printing of 22,000 books. The total amount is due by April 15th. He has asked Go Forth Ministry to sponsor the printing of one of these languages, or 4,000 New Testaments.
Our goal is to raise the total $12,000 for Simon's team by the end of the month. If you feel called to support this unique opportunity, please visit our page "I Want To Support." Thank you!
Upcoming mission trip. Sign up today to serve the church in Asia!
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As always, your prayers and support do not go unnoticed. Thank you for coming alongside GFM as we continue this overseas work. May God bless it!
Go Forth Ministry Updates
