“The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”  (Psalm 126:3)

l          The Campus Ministry just concluded their “Rejection 3,000” project, (see “Good News Sharing, April 2005”).  Despite this great number of rejections, many came to Bible Talks and even started studying the Bible with the disciples.  After about 50 disciples labored fro two and a half month, three people eventually were baptized into Christ.  We can’t help but be reminded the Scripture:  “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”  (1 Cor. 15:58)

l          A casual conversation between Jeff Lu, (a married Bible Talk leader in Taipei), and the lead Evangelist resulted in an idea to invite the disciples to become full-time ministers, even if it’s just for a short while.  Two months later, the “Spiritual West Point Academy” program was launched, where qualified disciples would quit their jobs and be trained in the full-time ministry for two semesters of four months each.  Each month, every “cadet” would get a monthly stipend from the church and ministry training from the staff.  There are now 20 disciples enrolled in the first semester, and their zeal and sacrifice have already inspired the church.

l          With the year after year success of the Campus Summer Mission Team, Taipei Church’s MK, (Married with Kids), ministry was inspired to launch their own Summer Short-Term Mission Team.  While the kids are out of school during the summer, different MK Bible Talks have signed up for short-term mission programs to various cities in Taiwan for various length of stay.  Their examples and sacrifice have also inspired the church—if the MK can do it, no one else has excuses!

l          New book projects under way:

1.      “50 Ways to Propose”—Creative Ways to Propose to Your Girlfriend.

More than two years ago, Gloria Wong, a married sister in the Taipei church, had the idea to compile all the creative ways through the years the brothers of the Taipei Christian Church proposed to their then-girlfriends.  Finally, in July, the book will be published and a press conference will be held.  This book, not only will benefit those future husbands who need creative ideas, but will also increase the public awareness of our church in Taiwan.  The church logo and websites will be included in the book, for those that would be interested in learning more about us.

2.      “Book of John Study Guide”

With more than 95% of population of Taiwan Buddhists, many have never been to a church, let alone read the Bible.  We would like to publish the Book of John and add behind many passages personal insights, sharing, and/or stories.  This will increase the readability and help people who have never read a Bible to understand how practical and powerful it could be for their lives.  James’ Sector will spearhead this project and have a draft version in two months.

3.      “365 Day Devotional Bible Passages”

Many nominal Christians in Taiwan, (about 4% of the population), don’t read their Bible.  Instead, they rely on books about Bible passages to keep them “spiritual.”  We will ask disciples to volunteer to pick one of their favorite passages and write a 800-word paper to share about their lives and convictions.  These papers will then be collected and edited for a new book.  Kevin’s Sector will pilot this project and involve the whole church afterwards.  With six hundred disciples, we should have enough material for even the second installment later!