“Therefore, go and make disciples…”

The Mobile Bible Talk

Besides the non-Christian-focused church website and mass-mailing quarterly publications full of life-changing stories, the church in Taipei has been witnessing a refreshing way of fulfilling the Great Commission.  In a span of a few hours, three Sectors, comprised of about 300 disciples, had 270 visitors literally lined-up for Bible Talks!

It all started about six months ago when a young intern, Duke, (who has just decided to give up his PhD in Biochemistry for ministry), realized that getting visitors to Bible Talks were getting harder.  Instead of accepting that as a way of the ministry, he decided to try things differently.  His Bible Talk started to share their faith in the busy business/entertainment district of the city.  Instead of waiting to invite them to their home days later for an evening Bible Talk, they just told them that a Bible discussion would be happening in a few minutes around the corner by the “sitting area”—(small area provided by the mall for tired shoppers.)  They would designate one brother to host a 20 min. topical discussion on a Scripture or two, every half an hour, which every disciple, once they get someone interested, can bring the person to participate.  They called it, the “Mobile Bible Talk.”  The results were way more encouraging than they anticipated.  After persevering about four months, they finally baptized a young engineer, Billy. 

By this time, the sentiment of the disciples in their sector had changed from skepticism to zeal.  (Yes, one person could do that sometimes.)  In June, the whole sector, about 100 disciples, rented out a coffee shop on a Saturday afternoon, which would turn out to be a much bigger and adequate “sitting area.”  They saw 90 people filed into the coffee shop to participate in different 30 min. Bible Talks, (20% of them later decided to set up one-on-one Bible Studies!  With some even began to study right afterwards at other tables.)  By this time, two other sectors had become convinced enough to ask this sector for a little “mentoring.”  So, on another Saturday afternoon in August, two coffee shops were rented out.  Together, three sectors witnessed another 180 people lining-up, registering, and waiting to attend different Bible Talks at different tables.  Although they could be just attracted by the enticing discussion topics like “Da Vinci Code and the Bible,” or just wanted free coffee on a Saturday afternoon, the fact remains that many heard the Word of God for the first time in their lives.  Again, many one-on-one Bible Studies were set up.  More importantly, the disciples saw with their own eyes that people ARE interested in spiritual issues, if we find a way to show them.

We praise God for the missional hearts of the disciples, and we also thank Him in showing us “more than we ask or imagine.” (Eph. 3:20)  I can’t help but be reminded of the saying, “if there is a will, there is a way.”  Actually, I think Jesus said it first, “According to your faith will it be done to you.” (Mat. 9:29)

Steve Chin

Evangelist