Site tools

• home
• contact
• site map

The Pearls of Wanhua

(Note: All names have been changed.)

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. (John 15:1)

What does a woman do if her husband passes away, leaving her with huge debts and two young children, or if she needs to earn almost US$200 a day to pay off loansharks? How about when she urgently needs a large sum of money for a critically ill parent? Faced with such trying circumstances, some Taiwanese women end up in the tea shops of Wanhua. “Tea shops” are places where men can drink tea or alcohol in the company of women.

As you walk through the streets, Wanhua seems like a typical working-class neighbourhood in Taipei. But venture deeper into the alleys, you will see the tea shops with women sitting outside, waiting for customers. The spiritual darkness is palpable. Longshan Temple, one of the oldest and most active temples in Taiwan, dominates the scene.

Through God’s gracious provision, the Pearl Family Garden women’s centre was set up 2 years ago in the heart of Wanhua. It is a warm, cozy apartment that the women can call home and a safe place where they can come for Bible study, English class, craft, lunch fellowship and prayer. Currently, 4 OMF missionaries (Tera van Twillert, Audrey Lin, Charissa Mak and I), one part-time Taiwanese co-worker and several volunteers serve in this ministry.

Sowing

The harvest doesn’t come overnight but God never forgets where the seed has been planted. (Henry Breidenthal)

With Tera and Huang Jie leading the way, I walked hesitantly down a flight of stairs to the dimly lit basement. We found Lily’s room, only slightly bigger than a cubicle. I tried to ignore the musty smell and poor circulation. We opened the door and found Lily sleeping. She woke as we entered. Her tired face bore the effects of a recent stroke.

Lily used to sit outside tea shops, waiting for customers before bringing them back to this room. She cannot work after the stroke but she still lives in Wanhua, sharing this tiny room with her 30 year-old son. We visit Lily each week, encouraging her with songs, Bible stories and prayer.

Pruning

… every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. (John 15:2)

For 3 years, Fiona has faithfully met up with Tera and Huang Jie to read the Bible. She feels convicted by the Holy Spirit to stop working in the tea shop. A year ago, she even applied for social assistance and found a job as a care giver. But she had to quit due to some health issues. Recently, she made the decision to leave Wanhua. Pray that Fiona will keep trusting God as she looks for a new job.

Bearing fruit

You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. (John 15:3)

A-qiu used to work in Wanhua to support her drug habit. By the grace of God, A-qiu was baptised in a local church just before Easter this year. She boldly testified that God has delivered her from drugs and given her a new life in Christ. Praise the Lord!

Remaining in the Vine

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. (John 15:4)

Pray for all our workers to be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Pray that we may stand firm in the Lord and not falter in this battle against the spiritual forces of evil. We long to see many women “rescued from the dominion of darkness” and “brought into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Col 1:13-14)!

Teo Sin-Ee, Taipei