Ten Seconds for Taiwan

Bible storying

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 07:55:51 GMT

Bible story telling is a wonderful way to do evangelism. Most people are willing to listen to stories and, through them, God changes their worldview so they can understand Him more.

Lord, we pray that Your story would be like cold water to a weary soul to the working class people of Taiwan, and that You would prepare Your church in Taiwan to speak this good news. (Proverbs 25:25; Ephesians 6:15)

Working class men

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 02:31:35 GMT

Men are often slow to make decisions to believe and follow Christ because they fear the ridicule of their friends and families. May they know that following Jesus is worth any cost.

Heavenly Father, we pray that the Taiwanese working class men can see that belonging in Your kingdom is like finding a pearl of great price, the opportunity of a lifetime. (Matthew 13:45-46)

Funerals

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 07:17:28 GMT

Non-Christian funerals are a time when Christians come under strong pressure. They can be beaten, shunned or even divorced for refusing to 'honour' the dead by doing ancestor worship.

Lord, we pray that You would by Your power fulfill Your good intention and help the Taiwanese working class people remain faithful to You in such circumstances so that everyone will give honor to the name of our Lord Jesus. (II Thessalonians 1:11-12)

The elderly

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 03:14:21 GMT

As Taiwan's population is aging a common sight in many parks are elderly in wheelchairs being attended by foreign care workers, mostly from Indonesia. Taiwan's government is willing to support day care centers and activity centers for the elderly in poorer areas. A few churches have become involved with such care for the elderly. This is also a great opportunity to reach the care workers.

Lord we pray for the elderly of Taiwan, especially from working class communities where there are so few resources, that they would come to know the God who can renew their life and sustain them in their old age. (Ruth 4:15)

The Experience of Failure

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 02:31:24 GMT

Academic failure, low status, little power. These common experiences lead many working class people to suffer low self-esteem and fear of failure. They have little motivation to learn or improve themselves. This affects their willingness to respond to the gospel and also affects the willingness of Christians to lead or serve.

Pray that working class people would experience the love of God and understand how precious they are in His eyes. Pray they would see how He chooses and honors people like them. (James 2:5)

Suicide

Mon, 23 May 2011 02:11:52 GMT

Recently, many working class people of Taiwan were disturbed by the news of a young couple attempting suicide together in Taiwan. Suicide rates have continued to climb among different age groups.

Lord, may the Taiwanese working class come to know that no matter what mistakes they have made or trouble they are in that they can put their hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with Him is full redemption. (Psalm 130:7,8)

Temple Processions

Fri, 06 May 2011 02:35:26 GMT

Processions of temple officials carrying the idols of patron gods or goddesses are a common sight in Taiwan. The idols are thought to bring blessing and fortune to the towns they "visit".

Lord, we thank You that You are not limited to location and that You desire to bless the nations. We thank You that You did not spare Your own Son, but gave Him up for us and the working class people of Taiwan--how will You not also, along with Him, graciously give all things? (Romans 8:32)

Dealing with sin

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 02:19:55 GMT

The Taiwanese Working Class would rather perform good deeds than confront the sins which bind them. To confess their sins would be seen as "losing face' therefore it is easier for them to give money to fortune tellers or temples.

LORD, we pray that the Taiwanese Working Class will confess their sins and see how faithful You are; as you not only forgive them but purify them from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

Tomb Sweeping

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 03:48:08 GMT

April 5th is Tomb Sweeping Festival, an important time to gather family, tend graves and worship ancestors. For the Taiwanese Christian it can be a difficult time as they want to be filial, showing respect to the family and former generations, but also want to only worship the Lord God.

Father give Your Spirit of discernment to Taiwanese Christians. Help them to respectfully honour their families yet be faithful to You. May their choices particularly at this time bring Your Name glory and honour. (Deut 5:7,16)

The local church

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 03:25:35 GMT

While Taiwan is still only 3-4% Christian, the local church has been used by God to further His Kingdom. Many denominations are indigenous Taiwanese and have been faithful in witness.

Lord, we want to take a moment to thank You for what You are doing through the local Christians in Taiwan. We pray that You will revive them, continue to equip them, and use them to make disciples of the entire island.

Back to work

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 02:27:13 GMT

For many working class families, Chinese New Year is an especially exhausting time of serving crowds that rush in to buy the goods and services they want for the holiday. Now that the season has officially ended, some of them may have a chance to catch their breath as the pace of work returns to normal.

Lord Jesus, thank You that You invite all who are weary and burdened to come to You, that You may give them rest. May the Taiwanese working class take Your yoke and learn from You. Thank You that they will be blessed to find that You are gentle and humble in heart, and that they will find rest for their souls, for Your yoke is easy and your burden is light. (Matthew 11:28)

Chinese New Year 2

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 01:44:08 GMT

Chinese New Year is celebrated this week. It is a time when families get together to celebrate but they also worship their ancestors and traditionally the Jade Emperor or Tien Gong, the highest God in the Folk Religion Pantheon.

Lord we pray that the working class of Taiwan will come to know you as El Elyon - God Most High and it will be you that they will turn to you as families in praise and thanksgiving. (Psalm 9:2)

Chinese New Year

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 13:07:54 GMT

Chinese New Year (Feb. 3) is a difficult time for young Christians. They face family pressure to participate in ancestor worship and many struggle to know how to stand firm in their faith while still respecting their parents.

Lord, we pray that you strengthen your people to stand firm against family pressures and persecution. Help them to maintain a faithful and effective testimony over this coming new year period. (Luke 21:16-19)

The problem of guilt

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 02:17:04 GMT

The majority of Taiwanese folk religions do not center on morality, or how our personal guilt is dealt with, but how the gods and spirits affect our present world. So most Taiwanese have not contemplated the need for forgiveness, let alone a God who has taken their guilt upon Himself.

Lord we pray that the Taiwanese working class can see that there is no other god who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression, and sense the conviction of your spirit in their hearts. (Micah 7:18/John 16:8)

Christmas evangelism

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 10:42:11 GMT

The Christmas season is a great time to share the gospel. The Taiwanese people are curious and open to hear about the meaning of Christmas. Churches often put on large events in order to reach out to their communities with much receptivity.

Father, we pray that during this time many Taiwanese working class people will hear about "Immanuel, which means 'God is with us.'" May they understand the meaning of Christmas, that "God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him." (Matthew 1:23, John 3:17)

The idol industry

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 03:48:29 GMT

One of Taiwan's subcultures involves the idol industry. This includes the makers and sellers of idols and the sellers of those things involved in idol worship. These people's livelihood depends on the worship of idols. Response to the gospel for them seems extremely costly.

Father, we pray that those who are involved in the idol industry would hear the gospel. May they not be like Demetrius who was willing to defend false gods in order to continue the business of idol worship, but rather may they respond to your invitation to worship You, the Most High God. (Acts 19:24-27)

No churches

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 01:19:37 GMT

In many small towns in Taiwan, there are no churches at all. Temples abound instead. In the towns where there are churches, they are frequently small and without full-time pastors. Those that are in leadership are often overwhelmed by the burden they carry.

Oh Lord, we call upon You to raise up leaders and pastors to equip Your people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. We pray that the church may grow in Your Word and reach out to their communities. (Ephesians 4:12)

Working class ambitions

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 04:08:14 GMT

Making money and prolonging one's life are two driving motivations in the typical Taiwanese working class life. Yet, in the daily grind required in their pursuit, few see what they are living for.

Lord, You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Though our days quickly pass, from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. Please teach us and the Taiwanese to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. (Psalm 90)

Fear of death

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 01:24:59 GMT

Many working class Taiwanese are so fearful of death that they are reluctant to even mention the word.

Father, we pray that the people of Taiwan will come to know and put their trust in You, Lord. May they confidently take hold of the hope of eternal life with You. (John 14:1-2)

Fear of hell

Sun, 10 Oct 2010 10:28:32 GMT

The end of September coincided with the birthday of the Taiwanese god Yeh Luo Wang. He is believed to be god who oversees Hell where souls are tormented for their sin.

Lord we pray that the Taiwanese would be released from fear of death and hell by coming to know the one who has prepared a place for us in His Fathers house. (John 14:2)