Taiwan 2005

Posted January 26, 2005

Dearest Friends,

THE CANCER HOSPITAL

I am sitting in a cancer hospital for children as I write these words. We have had three shows here today and are waiting to do a third. Some of these children will never leave this place, so it is a special privilege to be able to tell them about Jesus and the hope He gives. On a normal day, there are not many smiles here. We understand that it was a rare privilege to see smiles on their faces as they watch the puppets, listen to the Bible stories, and hear Jonlyn, Sam, David, and Brittany share His love. A hospital administrator, who watched the program, had these two questions, "When will you come again?" and "Can you stay longer next time and do more shows?"

The first show touched all of us. Children, rolling their IV's with them, came down the hall to see the program. Many doctors and nurses joined us and some were strong believers. They had helped to open this door for us to share with the children. Two little girls, about 7 and 8 who are undergoing chemotherapy, came and thanked me after the show. Already their hair has fallen out, but even though they were sick, they wanted all of us to know they listened and were grateful for what they heard. Then, they SMILED!!!! We all felt a great outpouring of God's Spirit and know that many of you were standing here with us as you prayed.

More than 200 people filled an outpatient waiting area where we shared with our second show. The children crowded closer and closer, eager to watch a Christian presentation. This hunger and curiosity to hear about Jesus was put in them by our Father.

At every show, Jerry and Sandy Cole (our missionary friends) provided wonderful coloring books that told Bible stories in Chinese for all of the children. They also had copies of a Christian family magazine for the parents. Pray that God will use each book to touch the heart of a child and call them to faith.

THE TELEVISON INTERVIEW

The other day, when a TV station interviewed me, they asked me one question, "Why do you want to do these programs?" I reminded them of the many problems that children face and told them all about Jesus Christ who can meet every need. Sandy was also interviewed and she also used the opportunity to point them to the cross.

THE REST OF THE TEAM - David, Sam, Joylyn and Brittany

In their youth and their passion for Christ, David, Jonlyn, and Brittany have touched many lives. The following comments were from thank you cards they received this week. "I admire your courage and that you use your talents to honor God." "When I watch your shows, it makes my heart full of love." "Your bring happiness and love and I see God's love in you." "I think the way you tell people about God's love is cool." "Thank you for all the hard work done for God, known or unknown." I praise God for each one of these dear friends. Please ask the Lord to continue to provide for their financial needs for these trips. More, please ask God to send us more young people who walk in faith as they walk!

Every time I see the children delighted by Sam's juggling, I remember all of his hours spent practicing. Truly, he invested his time well. He has used these skills to share in a fun way with tens of thousands of children. Praise God!

OUR LAST SHOW

Our last show in Taiwan was an incredible blessing! We set up in the entryway on the ground floor of the hospital. Half the audience were doctors and nurses at the hospital and most of these people were not believers. Still, they stood and watched for an hour and all of us felt that they listened with their hearts. Our Taiwanese brothers and sisters were shocked at the large numbers (around 200) and their response. They asked us to pray for more conversations to Jesus with these co-workers. Please pray! One doctor told me, "When you shook the thunder drum and told how Jesus spoke and calmed the storm, I could feel it in my heart. I was so moved."

This has been the best trip! Thank you for praying.

HEADED HOME TOMORROW

Tomorrow, Thursday, we start home. Pray us safely home.

(Note: I had a very hard time editing this report. I had to stop twice, because the words on the screen were blurry from my tears. If you can read this report and you are not brought to tears, give me a call 706-397-2956. You need to talk to me or to someone, because your have a serious problem with hardness in your heart! Sorry for the "preaching", no wait, I'm not sorry at all. Mike)

In Jesus, Linda for David, Sam, Brittany, and Jonlyn

Posted January 25, 2005

Dearest Friends,

Dearest friends,

THE FULL MOON

Tonight, the moon is full and often Buddhist families will put out a table in front of their business or home. On it, they place fruit and meat as offerings to the spirits. Many times, they will then cook the food and have a feast. The words of Paul where he explains about what believers should do when offered food that has been sacrificed to idols has real relevance here.

At the local temple, they will have a contest to see who can raise the biggest pig for a sacrifice. The winning pig is often 1500 to 2000 pounds, beer fed, and unable to walk. At Confucius temples, they sacrifice a water buffalo and students rush to pull a hair from the body so that they can place in their books. They believe that they will become better scholars.

Superstition rules people's lives. Satan uses it to bind them into a living fearful life.

SPECIAL BRAND OF BUDDHISM

Buddhism here is a mix of Buddhism and folk ancestor worship. A true Buddhist believes in reincarnation, but here they believe their dead become ghosts. Once a year, during the 7th lunar month the gates between the world of the dead and this world open for 1 month and the spirits walk the earth. During this time, no one wants to sign a contract, marry, take a major trip, or have a baby. They burn special ghost money and put out food offerings to appease the spirits. If a person has financial trouble or gets sick at this time, they assume that it is the fault of the spirits. This is a dark place. They need Jesus!

The next time you see a full moon, use it as a reminder to pray for the children of Taiwan. Ask God to deliver them from all of this evil and darkness into His wonderful love and light.

MORE "STRAANGE" FOOD

We continue to taste many strange things and enjoy some of it. At the House of the Blue Swan, they serve passion fruit drinks that everyone loves. Have you ever eaten red kidney beans on your ice cream? For desert one day, we had cold green bean soup. Last night, we ate a kind of cooked grass. So instead of cutting your lawn, you can eat it. Do not even ask about a 100 year old egg.

OUR LAST DAY AND COMING HOME

Tomorrow is our last day of puppet shows. We will be sharing in three shows at a cancer hospital for children. Please pray.

(NOTE: Actually, their day started at 7:00 PM today, Tuesday our time. The will be packing up early in the morning, sleeping at few hours and leaving for the airport tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 our time, 4:00 AM their time. Mike)

In Jesus, Linda for Sam, David, Brittany and Jonlyn

Posted January 22, 2005

Dearest Friends,

SHARING IN THE STREETS OF PING DONG

Imagine standing on the streets of a predominantly Buddhist country. Imagine sharing with a puppet show, telling a Bible story, and sharing personal testimonies. Then imagine that a crowd of 200 gathers, clapping to Christian songs, clapping the word of God, clapping for the personal testimonies and then, many of those same Buddhists, rush to the stage to thank you. However, we did not image these things, we saw God do them today.

On a large stage in front of the largest upscale department store in Ping Dong, we shared with two programs. Well over 600 people received Gospel literature from local church members. Some of the people came by after the show to request more literature, but we were happy to honor their requests. Grown men even asked me for a children's booklet about Jesus, hungry to hear more about the Son of God.

In truth, the tracts are a good, simple presentation about how a person, child or adult, can put their trust in Jesus. Pray that God will cause each person to read this booklet. Ask Him to call many to faith. Pray for a new church or Sunday school group to adopt providing Gospel literature for these trips. This is a critical need since most who receive these scriptures have never before read the word of God.

I was in awe of what God did tonight as we shared about the one true God, actually using those words, and told stories about the miracles of Jesus. The crowds listened in silence, ignoring cars honking, traffic noise and all the other city sounds as Sam, David, Jonlyn, and Brittany spoke. Only He who made the heavens and the earth can command such attention. Please ask the Lord to pour His Spirit on two more shows in the same area, tomorrow afternoon.

THE NIGHT MARKET

Last night, the team shared at the night market where you can buy anything, including many things that we could not identify. Sam led the team on this outreach so that I could rest and try to get over my cold. There efforts to share Jesus love with the children, teenagers, and adults of Taiwan have been nothing less than outstanding. Please ask God to continue to strengthen Jonlyn, Sam, David, and Brittany. We have four more days of very heavy ministry schedules. Please pray for me too.

MORNING OF SIGHT SEEING

This morning, we were treated to a visit to the mountain people's cultural center where David and Jonlyn joined the tribe in a bridal carry. They were the only couple of the many who tried to complete the circle; with David carrying Jonlyn perched precariously on his back. This was a tribal test for a prospective bride and groom. If the groom was too weak to finish the circle, the marriage was cancelled. Sam, Sandy, and Brittany danced their way to stardom with a hundred other tribal dancers. The rest of us were wonderfully entertained and grateful that we were not chosen. We had a wonderful morning and saw some of the most incredible scenery I have seen.

Please stay on you knees.

In Jesus, Linda for David, Sam, Brittany, and Jonlyn

Posted January 21, 2005

Dearest Friends,

A BUDDHIST TEACHER

A Buddhist teacher said after we finished a show, "Wonderful performance!" Then another teacher announced that they were going to put the pictures, I had drawn during the Bible story, on the wall and assign the students to write stories about what they had learned. Without understanding, they are helping the stories of Jesus to grow in the student's hearts. Amazing!

MORE CHILDREN

The children and young people are often very excited by the program and respond with enthusiasm. One day they were so excited, they pressed us against the stage. Many times, they ask us to have their photographs taken with us. Today, dozens just wanted to shake our hands. These children are growing up without any knowledge of God. For most, this program is their first opportunity to hear about Jesus Christ. It is wonderful to see them leave each show happy, grateful, and with a sweet taste for the Gospel. Pray that God will grow His knowledge in their hearts.

EXCITEMENT FROM BELIEVERS

Often, we have to be so careful with what we say, so that we do not close the door with the schools. We do not compromise the Gospel, but we must be wise. The other day, I wrote about a Christian lady who asked us not to mention the name of Jesus and how I had refused her request. The Lord touched her heart and last night she shared that after our conversation, as she prayed, God changed her heart and is giving her His boldness. More, she has become a good encourager. One of our translators also told us how, at the first of the year, she had asked God to give her more opportunities to share her faith. Last night, she was so happy as she realized how incredibly God had opened so many doors for her to share.

This afternoon, we heard the sweetest sound in the world, children praying out loud asking Jesus to be their Savior! This is an extremely rare and special thing to see in Taiwan. Praise God!

PRAY FOR THE STREET SHOWS TOMORROW AND SUNDAY

Keep praying! Tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday afternoon, we will be sharing on a stage in from of a major department store. Please ask the Lord to especially bless this time!

In Jesus, Linda for David, Jonlyn, Sam, and Brittany

Posted January 19, 2005

Dearest Friends,

SHARING AT THE PRISON

Today, we stood in a prison with 240 men and shared about the one true God. In the same room was a large altar to Buddha. Some of the men were old, some very hard, some only teenagers, and some appeared to be listening with their ears and their hearts. When sharing in the schools, we have to choose our words so carefully, but in this place, surrounded by iron bars, we had complete freedom to share anything that we wanted. Each of us felt very blessed to be allowed to come to the prison. When we finished, the warden encouraged the men to return to their cells and think about what they had heard.

Earlier this morning, we were allowed to present a puppet show for a large group of mentally handicapped teenagers and they loved the program!

A VERY BUSY DAY

Later in the afternoon, we shared with hundreds of children, before traveling to the prison. After the prison, we shared in our 5th and final program for the day, at a drug rehabilitation center run by a Christian group. We heard a most wonderful sound this evening as some of the young men prayed out loud, asking Christ to be their Savior.

MORE STRANGE FOOD

At dinner, they honored us with pigeon eggs and the rooster's comb in our soup. The team continues to try strange foods such as stinky "dofu". It literally smells like a baby's diaper and none of us can imagine how anyone really likes it. Indeed we are far from home. Each day, we return home so tired and so happy, we have now shared with over 8,000 children, young people, and adults.

THANK YOU TO JERRY AND SANDY COLE

How do you ever thank someone for such a privilege? Jerry and Sandy Cole have served in Taiwan for over 25 years. Their love for sharing Jesus caused them to organize this trip. Later this year, they are leaving Taiwan and returning to the States, to discover what new ministry the Lord has for them. We encourage you to contact them at jcole@lwconline.com and invite them to come and share their stories at your church. You will not find a more humble, sweet spirited couple. Let them share what they have seen God do in Taiwan, in the hopes that someone, who hears their stories, will want to come and take their place. Praise God for their courage as they have stood in such a dark place for so long.

Please pray for them!

In Jesus, Linda for Sam, David, Jonlyn and Brittany

Posted January 18, 2005

Dearest Friends,

I just talked with Linda in Taiwan and she asked that I send out the following prayer requests and schedule for the next few days.

Remember, they are 13 hours ahead of us

Today - Prison puppet show
Tonight - Drug Rehab group puppet show
Friday Night - Center Stage at the "Night Market" in the cener of town
Saturday - On a stage across the street from the largest Department Store
Sunday - On a stage across the street from the largest Department Store

Monday or Tuesday - Video tapeing project. Puppet dramas, chalk talks, juggling will be recorded and along with our teaching materials (translated into Chinese) will be made into a DVD and that will be distributed and copied by other groups as the Taiwan national team travels and trains other teams.

Wednesday & Thursday, return home and prepare for India trip in two weeks.

In Christ, Mike

Posted January 18, 2005

Dearest Friends,

PRAY FOR THE BELIEVERS

"That program was very good, but please, could you not use the name of Jesus or maybe, could you just say that He was a great teacher?" This was the request we received after our first program here in Ping Dong and it was from a Christian lady. She was very concerned about the reaction of Buddhist teachers and principals. I lovingly refused her request, but did agree to stress to the students at the beginning of the program the wonderful opportunity they had to hear English. These statements did not compromise the presentation of the Gospel, but they did seem to make others feel better.

Please ask the Lord to make us wise and sensitive. Please ask God to help our Taiwanese brothers and sisters bold so they can share their faith. Someone told me the other day that if national believers would simply share Jesus, as they should, they would have little need for many missionaries. Ask God to take away their fear.

A TRADITIONAL HOME

On Sunday afternoon, we visited our friend's mother in a nearby village. Her home is very old and built in traditional style with the center room an altar for ancestor worship. Taiwan has its own style of Buddhism mixed with the worship of the dead. Some even put bowls of fruit on the table in front of the altar. A mirror hangs over the door so that evil spirits will see themselves and be frightened away.

In the courtyard, we met with Fuy Mae's mother and tried to show her the love of Jesus. As I knelt to pray with her, I was very aware that a family' s idols were in front of me. At my back was an altar to the god of heaven and a ghost money burner used in sacrifices. Pray for this dear lady to come to faith.

MORE CHILDREN

We spent today sharing His hope with over 2200 children and teachers. Some were very happy to see us, others made it very clear that they were not glad we came. We ignore the glares of some Buddhist teachers and focus on the children, which were having a wonderful time and leave the program with a sweet taste for the Gospel. One Buddhist principal gave us a "thumbs up". A little girl brought me a note after the show, which said, "I love you". Others ask for the drawings. All of us are blessed and tired. Please pray for open hearts, strength, and healing.

In Jesus, Linda for David, Brittany, Sam and Jonlyn

Posted January 15, 2005

Dearest Friends,

FALSE GODS

This is a land full of false gods. They are everywhere, placed in positions of honor in every store, hotel, and restaurant. Each home has a god shelf lit by a red light. Each city has its own god. Five story high Buddha's could be seen along the highway as we drove today.

It is hard to explain the control that mindless things made of stone hold over so many lives. People are motivated by fear, desperate to have peace. Regularly, they visit the temples, seeking protection for a trip, or asking blessings for their family members. Many make offerings to secure good grades for their children. They do not understand that they are calling on evil spirits.

There is no hope in this place for millions of people. Most have never heard the Gospel. Pray for the Christians in Taiwan to become bold in their witness. Ask God to make us a good encouragement to our brothers and sisters.

Here in Taiwan, a puppet team is a bu-o-twon which literally translates, "cloth idol team". None of us are very happy with this name.

THE MOUNTAINS, CHOPSTICKS AND PIG'S FEET

Yesterday, after 4 shows, our friend Pastor Peter took us to the mountains. God's awesome creation refreshed us, even though it was raining and very cold. We ate rice, vegetables and pork all wrapped up in a leaf and tied with string. Sam had pig's feet for dinner tonight and nearby is a city known as pig's feet city known for its pig's feet. Brittany and Jonlyn are doing great with chopsticks. David has no problems with them, but I struggle.

PASTOR JOSEPH

Tonight, we met with the Pastor Joseph who we will be working with here in Ping Dong. It is a small city of 180,000. Jerry and Sandy Cole, our IMB friends that we are working with began their ministry here 25 years ago.

Tonight we also met Melody, their dearest friend who was also their first convert. A former Buddhist, she led 4 of her nieces to faith.

This city is a dark place with lots of prostitution. Across the country many women openly accept that their husbands will use prostitutes.

PLEASE PRAY!

Please pray for us to be light in the dark. We have an extremely busy schedule for the next 8 days, sharing in schools, churches, in front of a department store, at a home for disabled children and a prison. Pray for strength.

In Jesus, Linda for David, Sam, Brittany and Jonlyn

Posted January 11, 2005

Dearest Friends,

ONE SCHOOL FROM LAST YEAR

One year and 3 months ago, we shared in 4 puppet shows at a school and today we returned to that school. Amazingly, the children all remembered us. More, the teacher asked them what they remembered from last year. They said, "Jesus loves us". These are Buddhist children and the seed of the Gospel is planted in their hearts.

We again shared there today in 4 shows for almost 800 children and teachers. We were not allowed to pray with the children, but we used the story of Peter and the miracles of Jesus, along with our personal stories of faith so that every child heard how they could become a Christian. One teacher enjoyed the story of Peter walking on water so much that she asked for all off the pictures I drew so that she could hang them in her son's room. Another teacher said that she was moved to tears as she listened. These wonderful things happened because you prayed. Keep praying! Sam was especially pleased to meet another Irishman, a man from Mayo who shared how he met his wife on a mission trip from Taiwan to the Philippines. He promised to pray for us as we continued in our ministry.

WONDERFUL DAY, SPIRITUAL ATTACK

Yesterday was a wonderful, but very difficult day. We shared in 5 shows for over 2700 children, and though we were very physically tired, that was not the real problem. Spiritually, we were under severe attack. All of us felt the presence of evil, and endured through constant prayer. Each of these programs was a first time presentation for the Gospel in those schools. God is blessing us, giving us strength, and opening closed doors because you pray.

FINAL TRAINING SESSION BEFORE WE TRAVEL

In the evening, we had our final training session with the team that we planted last year. Their joy was a sharp contrast to the opposition we faced all day. Many stayed for a full hour after we finished, anxious to learn all they could. One little girl, in very practiced English said, "Teacher, please show me how to do balloons." Even the children wanted to learn how to share their faith.

This should not have surprised us. We heard a story about a 10-year-old little boy in a closed East Asian country who loves Jesus. He attended a secret training seminar for children's workers because he teaches 12 year olds. There is no one else and he takes the responsibility very seriously. He asked if any of the adults could help him with ideas for getting his class to listen better. He said that they were very noisy. This little boy risks his freedom, maybe his life, so that other children will know Jesus. Do we have his courage? Do we have his concern? Do we have his love for Jesus Christ? Will you come with us? Will you send your children?

WE TRAVEL TO THE SOUTH TOMORROW

Pray for us as we travel to the south tomorrow and begin training a new team. Many street shows are planned, along with programs in schools. Ask God to make us wise and full of love and patience.

We are enjoying "real" Chinese food including snake soup, turtle something (who knows what it was) and fried chicken feet. Come go with us!

In Jesus, Linda for Sam, Brittany, David, and Jonlynn

Posted January 12, 2005

Dearest Friends,

WE HAVE ARRIVED – ALL OF US AND OUR BAGS ARIVE IN GOOD SHAPE

We are in Taiwan! As you pray for us, God is giving us strength. Last night, we arrived after traveling for two days, unpacked, organized our equipment and went to bed at 2 AM. By 8 AM this morning we were ready to leave for a school where we shared Christ with over 600 Buddhist children in 2 programs. We truly felt the power of your prayers, since 8AM here is 8PM at home. There is a 12-hour time difference so day is night and night is day.

Everywhere there are false gods and temples where the people worship images of gold and stone. Today we saw several temples including the temples dedicated to the master of hell and one to the king of hell. It is very dark here, but God is kindly calling people to faith.

A YOUNG WOMAN'S TESTIMONY

One young woman gave this testimony about her life before Christ: "I was going to America and I knew that people would talk to me about God. I knew that I had grown up with many gods and none of them had ever helped me, so I did not think I would listen to stories about another god. I did not need them. I came to know Jesus as my Savior while at the university. When I came home for the first time after becoming a Christian, I saw my country as a very dark place. I am so grateful that Christians come to my country to tell people about Jesus."

PRAY FOR THE SCHEDULE TOMORROW

We have 6 programs tomorrow and our second training session. This is the team that we trained last year. They have been so faithful, doing many programs in Taiwan, at the church, in a park, at schools, and in front of the mayor's office. More, they have taken what they learned and gone to other countries, sharing and training and equipping believers in Thailand and in other parts of Asia.

May God give all of us who say we believe, their vision, passion, and commitment to ministry.

In Jesus, Linda for David, Brittany, Jonlynn and Sam

Posted January 11, 2005

Dearest Friends,

Just received this note from the missionary family that they are working with in Taiwan. They were home for Christmas and ended up on the same plane as Linda, David and Brittany in Detroit.

Sam Shaw traveled from Ireland, to Thailand and met them in Taiwan as well.

Mike

**************************************************************

Just a note to let you know that the team and all the luggage made it safely in. Our flight was delayed in Detroit because someone did not show up and they had to open the cargo bays and find three pieces of luggage. We spent about one and one-half hour sitting on the plane at the gate. Other than that all went well. Sam was waiting when we came out and we got to the hotel in Hsinchu about 11:30pm our time.

(Note: They left our house at 3:00 AM Monday morning and they arrived at the hotel in Taiwan at 11:30 AM on Tuesday our time. 32.5 hrs later)

The schedule starts tomorrow morning at 7:30. (Note: They are 12 hours ahead, so they start work at 7:30 Tuesday night our time)

Please continue to ask the prayer intercessors to lift the team before the Father as they begin the ministry here.

God bless, Jerry & Sandy Cole Miaoli, Taiwan

Posted January 11, 2005

Dearest Friends,

Praise the Lord! Tomorrow, January 10th, David Thomson, Jonlyn Linville, Brittany Hornbuckle and I begin our journey to Taiwan. We are so excited to have this opportunity and beg you to pray for us. Ask the Lord to pour His spirit on this time as we travel north and south in Taiwan sharing Christ with thousands of Buddhist children. We will be working with dear friends, Jerry and Sandy Cole. Their love for God and passion for Jesus opened this door for us.

Rejoice with us as we celebrate the recent Christmas ministry that we all enjoyed. More than 600 children toured our home during Christmas and heard a program on the traditions of this incredible season. They heard about Jesus!

We began the new year with a puppet show at Chattanooga Christian School and heard dozens and dozens of children praying out loud, asking Jesus to be their Savior. Awesome! Please, we want to see this same response to the words of Jesus from the children in Taiwan. Pray!

Please especially pray for Mike as he must stay home and work. It is always so hard to part. We miss each other so much! I am so thankful for my husband's help and love for children that he has never met.

Pray with enthusiasm! Taiwan is a country of many false gods.

In Jesus, Linda...for all of us