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Christmas Carnival in the Park

There is a small park near where we live where several of our team members do prayer walking and outreach to working class people. Surrounded by a morning and afternoon market, it is always a busy place. On one side of the park, men chewing betel nut sit all day long and play chess or gamble. On the other side of the park, a playground attracts kids after school and on weekends. People come to exercise and get together to chat.

Because we want to be part of the community, we often spend time in the park. Sometimes we just sit there and chat or play like everyone else. People get used to us and feel we belong there too.

Last year we wanted to go one step further and planned a big park activity – a carnival! Our aim was to be actively involved in the community, make new contacts, and show that we care for people in the community.

Having to cancel the carnival when we first planned it last August because of a typhoon, we eventually were able to hold it in December. We, the Chiayi team together with an Australian short-term team, prepared various activities for children and adults. The children loved face painting, balloon animals, and games. Many people were attracted by the “photo shooting” activity. A person could have his picture taken and get it printed out and laminated right away. We also offered blood pressure testing, bicycle decoration, and drinks. Of course, everything was free. When the short-term team performed the biblical “creation and fall” story as a drama, it was received very well. Altogether around eighty people came. It was a very happy and “hot and noisy” atmosphere, which the Chinese like. One father of three daughters said, “I’ve been living here for twenty years, but nobody ever had an activity like this for us!” When we met him again a few days later, he said, “I cannot become a Christian, since I’ve been in our traditional religion too long, but my three daughters can believe in Jesus if they want!”

When walking in the area now, we get many friendly greetings, and people ask when we will hold the carnival again. Since the carnival we have been doing a kids’ activity every second Saturday with games, a story, and crafts. Slowly we are getting to know the parents of the kids. We pray that the gospel will find a place to grow in these families’ hearts!

Kerstin Richter – Chiayi