Shepherd's Staff Ministry

Story shared at St. Regis Community Church

2012-02-21T14:49:00.000-08:00

The Bear Story

by Mike Raether on Feb.21, 2012, under Faith

The following story was written by my friend, Craig Sheppard. It is a good story to share with children, but adults will enjoy it too.

There was once a family of bears who lived in a cave high on the side of a mountain. There was a momma bear, a papa bear and a baby bear. The mama and papa bear had one rule they taught the baby bear. The rule was never cross the big creek outside the cave, for beyond the creek lay a deep, dark forest. They reminded baby bear of the rule often. But baby bear really wanted to cross the big creek.

One day baby bear couldn’t stand it any longer. He waited until momma bear and papa bear were very busy. Then he went outside and quickly crossed the creek!

At first, baby bear thought it was exciting to be on the other side of the creek. He ran along the bank, always staying within eye distance of the cave. Then he became bolder and followed a trail he found heading into the forest. Soon it became very dark all around him. When he saw it becoming darker he became frightened. He tried to follow the trail back to the creek, but somehow he’d lost the trail. It was getting late and he finally realized he was lost. This made him more frightened and he began to cry.

As he sat and wondered what to do, he heard a noise in the woods drawing near him. This frightened baby bear even more. He was about to run away from the noise, when suddenly a big moose broke through the trees. It was just the moose that had made all the noise. The moose saw the baby bear and greeted him.

“Hi baby bear, it is nice to meet you. But what are you doing in the deep, dark forest? I thought all the papa and momma bears taught their babies not to walk in the forest.”

Baby bear said, “I’m lost, big moose, and I’m very scared. Can you tell me how to get to the big creek?”

The moose recognized baby bear as belonging to the momma and papa bear that lived in the cave on the side of the mountain. The moose told baby bear to follow him.

After a little walking baby bear heard the creek and recognized where he was. They finally came out of the dark woods and crossed the creek to his cave. Mama and Papa were worried and jumped for joy because the moose brought baby bear home. They thanked the moose greatly, and baby bear gave the moose a big hug!

To us, the world is like the forest. When we are given boundaries like the creek, we have a natural desire to go where we should not go. When we do something we shouldn’t do it feels good at first. But then we often get lost – and frightened. The moose is like Jesus Christ. He knows where we are, and if we ask Him he’ll bring us to safely back to God.

Luke 15:11-24.

Last thoughts of Mexico and ParaPan Am. Games

2011-11-20T11:54:00.000-08:00

It's been over a week and time to turn towards home. I fly out early Monday Morning so I thought I would write down A few thoughts. 1) Ministry at this type of event has many forms. Praying for the athletes who compete - For their safety and well being and for their families as well. This I did a lot of especially with Catholic athletes. One on one ministry takes place as well - God had a way of providing translators when they were needed. During our fellowship and devotional times it may have taken time with translations, but God rewarded those who were there with His presence and some very good fellowship. Mexican and Brazilian are extremely passionate about there faith. It's like worshiping with someone who drank hundred cups of coffee and on caffeine pills. Thanks for all the prayers they were answered. 2) People in Mexico are a very excitable people. But they also know how to give out of their own needs. There is a big difference between the poor and rich. It is senn throughout these cities. But what challenged me was the poor gave to those in need. They gave despite of their own poverty. God Bless and hope to see you all soon. In His Service, Pastor Craig. Bueno Steeas!!!

Ministry Pictures

2011-11-20T11:42:00.000-08:00

Magna and Hailey (Brazilian Judo) were sharing after Bible Study. They are very passionate believers.
Maria with a silver medal (Singles Tennis and Doubles Tennis), Laura (co-chaplain) on Right share the spotlight with two of Maria's team (Brazil).
Mexico, Colombian and Brazilian after Bible Study. Time to Fellowship and take pictures (Smile)'
It's time to pray!
This man jumped on the bus and started singing. He later took donations. What a job????

Friday at Games

2011-11-18T15:19:00.000-08:00

All I can say is wow. Ministry has picked up here as more athletes are finding there way to chapel for prayer and Bible Study. It is very interesting to see the passion of the central and south American athletes. Yesterday evening I was blessed to see during our Bible Study - a spontaneous worship and testimony time all in Portuguese and Spanish. How do I know it was good? God's presence was there. One athlete told us that he has had a problem with fear ever since losing his vision. He told us after prayer that there is no more fear "PRAISE GOD". That's a quote. Also had a nice chat with a Brazilian wheelchair tennis player who was not supposed to come, but because the 2 players above her couldn't make the trip - She Came. She won a bronze individuals and silver doubles tennis medals. We discussed the why she was here question and prayed. There are other stories to share, but for now let me thank you for praying. The language barrier is still there but we have been getting around it. But it is in very eye opening to have a Bible study in 2-3 languages at one time. Will post some pictures soon and as always, God Bless from Guadalajara and keep praying. Pastor Craig

Basketball Video

2011-11-16T13:51:00.000-08:00

I am posting this men's game footage of part of the USA vs Guatamalla to show you how talented these athletes are.

Basketball Pictures

2011-11-16T13:18:00.000-08:00

Team USA before there game with Guatemala. Final score 95-23.
Entertainment at the game. They play a lot of jazz.
USA women against Mexico. USA won 77-46. The crowd was very loud for the home team.
Entering the Basketball Venue.
One of the mascots of the games "huichi" (a pink deer).

Pictures "Life in Mexico"

2011-11-16T12:56:00.000-08:00

e At any stoplight you can run into from 1 - 3 people performing during the stoplight. They do anything from acrobatics to juggling. This guy is doing some baton tricks. After they complete these tricks they run down the line of cars accepting gifts.
Here is a street vendor. They are scattered throughout the city. Most of them setup near bus stops to sell there wares.
While this riding on the bus to "The Villa" this man jumped on bus and talked to the driver. He then turned to the crowded bus waving a paper and speaking Spanish. After about 5 minutes he went down the bus and received money from those on bus. He came to me I told him I didn't speak Spanish. He spoke English and told me what he said. He got out of prison and showed his release papers. He asked for a peso or two so he could find a job after he traveled home. People here gave out of what they had to help him without question. What a giving people.
The bus drivers in Mexico can personalize the bus he drives how he likes. So far I have seen a Mickey Mouse and this tinted window of Christ.
At the streetlights people do more than just entertain, they wash windows like these guys are for money. They also sell things like papers dolls anything you can think of.

Weds. Observations

2011-11-16T12:08:00.000-08:00

It's been two days since my last post and in those days some things have happened. The most notable visit I have had is with the father of a Quadriplegic who injured himself diving into his fathers pool while he was on leave from the marines. The accident happened around 1985 and his son has been on the US Bocchie team for 16 years. In the military if you become a Quadriplegic or Paraplegic they assign to a "core group" of people to Rehab. with - This helps because they bond in such a way as to help each other through their traumatic experiences including the use of legs (if Para or Quad) and arms (if Quad). Evidently in this his sons core group 4 out of 6 people have died. The father told me that over 80% of Quads over age 45 die due to apathy (not knowing what to do or not wanting to be like they are).

In terms of ministry taking place - most of it is praying with people and trying to build relationships (one on one). For this Americano it has been difficult so far for 2 reasons: 1) The language barrier. Most of athletes speak little English and when I am by myself I try to recruit an interpreter. When two of us are here it is a a lot easier. There is still ministry taking place when I am alone as I do connect with Americans and Canadians. Just not as much as I'd like to see (pray for this). The second challenge is that we are trying to leave 1 chaplain in chapel at all times. So when you are by yourself, it is tough to get out and meet the participants of ParaPanAmericonas Games. We do overlap our times in the afternoon and get out then to meet people. Being short a Chaplain hurts us in that respect, but I would ask you to pray for the chaplain who became ill and could not come. His name is Todd. Keep us in your prayers as we are here to serve the athletes and ultimately God! - I will write back in a day or two, God Bless!

Pictures of Guadalajara

2011-11-14T12:08:00.000-08:00

Entrance to the ParaPanAmericanos Village (where the athletes stay during the games).
Some participants hang there flags from the windows of their apartments.
The Flag pavilion in the "International plaza" where the athletes hang out and visit each other.
Advertisement in a local shopping mall. The malls name is "Plaza del Sol".
Outside the Chapel after service. Here was our worship team - Hugo Vargas Rivas and his wife.

More pictures to come throughout week.

It's a new week

2011-11-14T11:03:00.000-08:00

Hi again from Guadalajara 2011. It's the second day of the games. Saturday at the games was slow because people were still flying in and the athletes were getting adjusted here at the village. Some athletes stopped by to introduce themselves to us as well. All the athletes come from the western hemisphere (including Cuba). In setting up were able to post an announcement for the services here in the village. While out I met a wheel chair athlete who competes in Bocchie. She and her dad (who is a Pastor) stopped by to let us know they were interested in some of the services but she had to compete Sunday Morning so they would miss church. Saturday most conversations were brief letting people know we do a have services here in the village. Sunday we had chapel. The crowd was small, but God showed up. The message was on, "What type of athlete are you". We used the story of David and Goliath and asked if you were a Saul (under-confident), a Goliath (overconfident), or a David (humble and knew his limitations). When we got David a blind Mexican athlete let us know it was David's trust in God that allowed him the victory! After the service two Brazilian came to the Cappila (Chapel). They could not make the early service because they were competeing so we talked with them and prayed. It seemed to help one of them as she had a few tears after the Prayer. We then invited them to our evening Praise and Devotional time. After that I left due to a touch of nausea and lightheadedness. Continue to keep us in your prayers. God Bless!

Mexico Ministry

2011-11-11T17:29:00.000-08:00

Greetings from Guadalajara, Where we are getting ready for some Chaplaincy ministry at the Para Pan Am Games.

The athletes are arriving ready to compete. Two of the three chaplains made the trip as well. The third one fell ill and is unable to come at this time. The person in charge is a Pastor/Church Planter here in Guadalajara.We are ready to go - Before we began he gave us a tour of the athletes village where we will be working. He also filled us in to the areas "Roman Catholic" background. One of which is shared with many of the nations around it. He told us 1-2% of people in Mexico are Christians. Since the percentage is so low many Mexicans view evangelical Christianity as a "sect" or a "cult". Roman Catholicism is main religion in Mexico and surrounding nations. As I continued to learn, this type of Catholicism is more Spiritist than Catholic. As many appheritions have appeared throughout the region. Most claimimg to be Mary the people haved turned to "charms" and various saints to seek help and salvation. Please begin to pray for these people, they are slaves to a Religion and truly need a Relationship with Christ. Pray for us at the athletes village as well - That God would use us to draw the athletes to a personal relationship with Christ. Pray also that God would bless our Sunday Morning services and nightly devotional time. In His Service, Pastor Craig

taiwan Pictures 2

2011-10-16T12:27:00.001-07:00

Lieng Mansion sacrificial Bogota.
Sculptured mountain at Lieng mansion.
Church at Joy fellowship Siloam.
Baptismal at church with Joy fellowship.
Group at Lieng mansion.
Altar time at Chosen Ones Filipino Church, Taipei.
Dance Team, Worshiping at Chosen Ones.
Main Station MRT (subway) in Kaoshuing, Taiwan.
Fruit vendor in Kaoshuing, Taiwan.
Celebrating communion at Agape ICA, Taipei, Taiwan.
Temple in Taichung, Taiwan.
Restaurant in Taipei.
Tallest building in world (The 101).
Royal Palace Museum, Taipei, Taiwan.
Sacrificial altar in a temple.

Please be in Prayer for our next Mission Trip to Guadalajara, Mexico. We will be a Chaplain at the Pan-American Paraplegic Games Nov. 10th-21st. Will Post trip as it happens in November. Know your Prayers are being answered and are important! God Bless you all, Pastor Craig.

Pictures of Taiwan

2011-10-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

Micheal leading us around the Campus he works at in Taouyan, Taiwan.
Pastor Dave sleeping on the job???
Fundraiser workers helping Angel center,
A Christian meeting room and restaurant we went. Angel center where Jack lives.
Dinner at Camp, Great Food!
Worship team at camp.
Let's Worship with Nana.

Jack working out in Angel Care's gym.
It's time to go to Camp!
Enjoying Yehilu's beauty.
The Queen's head at Yehilu Park.
Entering the GeoPark.
Worship at Camp.

Worship Video at Chosen Ones

2011-10-03T19:46:00.000-07:00

Sunday Video and Pictures

2011-10-03T19:35:00.000-07:00

Banner for Phillipino Church in Morning where we worshiped.
Worship band at Chosen Ones.
It's offering time, they walk up to altar to give tithes.
Pastor Craig sharing on "Waiting on God".
It's altar time with God.
Chosen Ones dance team.
Agape ICA's worship team.
Sharing the Word with Agape ICA.
Let's turn to ...
Communion with those at Agape.

Sunday's Highlights

2011-10-03T19:16:00.000-07:00

Sunday Morning started out quickly. We got to the Philpino church just as service started. They began with a mild two worship songs then "Dao gao" prayer. Then we began worship with the dance and worship team (see pictures). they then greeted everyone at the church (grandpa says he got more handshakes here then a long time (10 years). What a precious people! The Philippino people are very emotional. Then came the sermon (Waiting upon the Lord) - There was a good response to the altar call with a few of the Philippino down under the power of God. We sensed God's presence throughout the service. We then had a great lunch with the missionary pastor from the Philippines. Here is a interesting note she told me. All of the church works in the factories and the factories control their daily lives. They have to get permission to go off company grounds - If they leave without it they will be deported immediately. They also have no say in their work place - So they often work 6 to 7 days a week 10-12 hour shifts. Pray for these people they seem to be treated like slave labor. Pray that God will allow the people to attend the Bible Studies and Church - That their bosses would allow them the time to go to these events.

We then went back to Agape ICA to have a service there. What a time it was. The difference between their daughter church (Chosen Ones where we preached in the morning) was striking. The Phillipinos worship loudly and emotionally where Agape was a little more tame. Though both services were extremely Pentecostal. Shawna had come up from Kaohsiung and celebrated services with us and it was a good time for all. After church we jumped the High Speed rail back to Taichung where we are staying. Thanks to all who have been praying and God Bless from Taiwan. I will be downloading some pictures from this beautiful country.

Final Thoughts of Ministry time with Joy Fellowship

2011-09-27T21:53:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Bill says, "Literally speaking Joy fellowship is a articulated fundamentally sound ministry. Joy fellowship lives a life of praise before God."
Pastor Craig's thoughts:
1) While here with the ministry team I have been humbled by their loving service. They live a simple life of faith. Where at times we tend to get caught up with what is going on around us.
2) Worship of God is more than just the portion of a service we sing. Worship should be a life lifestyle we live with thanksgiving to God. The ministry team in Siloam Joy fellowship demonstrates that principal everyday with their ministry in Chongli city.
3) True discipleship is not only leading people to Christ. But showing them how to grow closer to God. It also assists them when they are walking through tough times by adopting them into the Family of God and praying for them.
4) God had a way of making us meet the people we needed - Even when we were out sight seeing ministry took place with "chance meetings" we know were orchestrated by God. We must look for these opportunities in our own daily lives.
THANKS FOR ALL THOSE WHO PRAYED FOR US DURING THIS TRIP. It was a pure pleasure to serve with Joy Fellowship. I will continue to post through the weekend services I preach at in Taipei. Please pray for these services. God Bless!

Final Dayz Pictures

2011-09-27T19:34:00.001-07:00

Angel Center's leader was excited to see the gift Joy fellowship brought. She told us that she could use the magnets to teach the centers children about animals.
Pastor Dave presents the magnets to Angel Center.
Nicholas presents the center's head with a gift.
A picture in the Angel Center.
Physical Therapy area at Angel center.
Classroom at Angel Center.
At the hospital to visit a baptismal candidate.
Coffee house by the River.
Coffeehouse on river. Former guesthouse for foreign dignitaries.
Group at bridge leading to Coffeehouse.
Pastor Dave baptizing Amy's father in hospital. Bridge leading to coffeehouse (one of Chang Kai Sheik's old houses was on river. (Why the bridge is so fancy).

The final Dayz

2011-09-27T18:57:00.000-07:00

The last two days of the time we spent with Joy fellowship went by much to fast. Monday was a special day because we started at a Special Education Center for kindergarten and Adults after High School. (Could it have been special because my wife works with special needs children back in the states? Probably.) We were first treated to a presentation by the staff about the facility (where one of the staff of Joy Fellowship Siloam works). They then gave us a tour of a very up to date facility (Pastor Dave says he hadn't seen this good of facility in all of his Asian journey's). They work with children who have Cerebral Palsy. But the work is not just limited to them they have Autistic children and many other diseases. The adults there are treated a little bit differently. They are taught how to care for themselves, cooking and adl's (activities for daily living). All the program are tailored to meet the clients need and aim for them to be able to function as independently as possible. Goal to help children to attend school and adults to live a more productive life. This facility is so up to date that they offer Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies either onsite or at local hospital. Following this visit we had a huge lunch (sometimes it seems all we have done is eat). The highlight of the day was to baptize a church members father who has had a few strokes. During his life he was against Christianity, but came to Christ recently. His eyes truly shone when he was baptized!
We met the morning of the next day and discussed how the trip affected us on the team and how it affected the Fellowship in Taoyuan. The Fellowship in Siloam felt that having the team (especially Anna Mah, Nicholas and Nana) were an excellent example of how to live a Christian Life everyday. They told us that they have been teaching the principals of Christian living. But to see it acted out in daily life taught their people how to live. They told us that morning one of the church goers had called and told them that since the team showed so much of God's love - he thought he should by helping to pay our meals. Can you believe it? We then had coffee at a coffee house overlooking a river at one of Chang Kai Sheik's many homes. What a view in the evening. We then rushed back to get Grandpa Bill and Pastor Craig to the train station.

Service Pictures

2011-09-26T18:46:00.000-07:00

Micheal began our service leading worship and reading scripture.
Micheal reading the Word.
Pastor Dave shares about being baptised.
Jimmies baptism.
Nana reading the Word.
Kelly shares her testimony.

Sunday Service

2011-09-26T18:33:00.000-07:00

The day began early for us, had breakfast with church setup (no table). then we got ready for service. What a time it was. Baptizing 3 people can do that to a church service. We were visited by Jack's parents from Taipei and Jimmies parents (Buddhists). Jimmie's parents truly looked uncomfortable but through the services warmed up to the songs to the point they were clapping with the worship songs. Micheal lead the service to begin with and some of the worship. Michelle continued with 1 song then Pastor Dave shared from his heart about the meaning of Baptism. Soon we went outside to baptize the 3 people. It was windy which made me think the Spirit of God is here. We then went inside to here one of the people who was baptized testimony. The three baptized then sang a song and Pastor Craig presented them with certificates as a memory to their baptism and a Bible to feed their relationship with God. The group then had a spaghetti lunch together after the service. After lunch they waked around a lake nearby to celebrate the walk around the wall they participate in every year in Vancouver. Later in the day they visited a family we were unable to visit earlier in the week.

Park Pictures

2011-09-24T18:16:00.001-07:00

The reception area where the elders sat in high esteem. On both sides there are many chairs that face each other, but the elders were elevated above them all in the center, as a place of respect.
Bamboo plant in one of the gardens. An interesting shape to this type of plant.
Stairway made to look like a mountain climb near the moon garden.
The whole team at the mansion.
A offering shrine near the largest pool in the gardens. In the background the mountains were made to resemble mountains from his mainland China home.

The entrance to the Lieng mansion. This was the family home when they lived here during the Ching dynasty.
Pastor Craig pushing Eunice through the mansion.
Esther, John and Bill on bus to Lieng mansion.
High Speed rail terminal in New Taipei.
Theater inside one of the Gardens.

Saturday at a park

2011-09-24T18:06:00.000-07:00

We traveled to the city of New Taipei (a suburb of Taipei). We took the bullet train which goes at speeds up to 180 mph. Upon arriving we had lunch at a Japanese restraunt then took a bus to the Lieng mansion. This place was spectcular. The Lieng family was a rich family who donated this garden estate to city and was turned into a historical site. There was many gardens (water pools and plants) and a few of the buildings that the lieng family used. The pictures posted cannot show how grand the place really is but should show you some of the beauty. Robert ministred to a very sad mother who blamed herself for not being a good mother. Paster Dave shared his love with the son and gave him his joy fellowship hat. Upon returning we began preperation for Sunday services. Please pray for our continueing ministry here.

Mackay Pictures with Micheal's place

2011-09-23T17:33:00.000-07:00

This is how George traveled when he first came to Taiwan. (Photo in a museum on the campus of Oxford (Altetheia University).
While at the campus the team met two other disabled groups. They were able to chat and pray with some of the people they met.
Micheal welcoming us into the building he lives.
Micheal showing us his room and also some of the items he sells to support himself.
A chapel dedicated to the name of George Mackay. It used to be a girls school he started while doing his ministry here.
Micheal shows us where he works in the computer department at the university.
Micheal leads us around the university on with his bicycle with Pastor Claire.
Pastor Dave and Nick with Pastor John at the meeting center and restaurant.
Pastor John shares about the meeting center/restaurant ministry.
Dinner with Jack's parents.
Jack's FMu (Parents) with pastor Dave.
Pastor Dave meets with Micheal's friend who feeds him daily at his restaurant.

Day 4 and 5

2011-09-23T16:42:00.000-07:00

Day 4 found the team with a dilemma. The people we were to visit were not available. So the team went into Taeipei and visited where George Leslie Mackay did most of his mission work. George came to Taiwan in 1872 to do missionary work among the people of this island. Over an 8 year period Rev. Mackay began his service at his lodgings in Tamsui. He spread the gospel, offered medical care and provided education and agricultural expertise. He later started the first university on the island which he named Oxford (after the city in Canada whose residents donated generously to the work). He is very well known to the Taiwanese people as the "bearded Barbarian". The one who began the first university in this nation and really founded the medical system as well.

Day 5 found us visiting another disabled church member, Micheal. We were able to see the witness he has in the area he lives. He lives in a building that is empty for a reduced rent (he is like a caretaker). After attending a Christian university and graduating from the computer software college. He was hired as a part time assistant after a professor (who belongs to his church) noticed the time and effort it took for him to obtain his degree. He also works with a campus ministry at the university and showed us where they had chapel and the offices for the staff of this ministry. It was started by a man who was sponsored by Rutgers University. He shared that even though it is a Christian University the majority of students are not Christian. After touring the university, Micheal took us to a restaurant he eats at free. The man who owns it is a Buddhist, yet through the years got to know Micheal. As a result of this relationship he allows Micheal to eat there free everyday. (What a witness!) In the evening we traveled to Taipei to meet with Jack's parents. There home was small so they took us to a restaurant/meeting room to talk. We met the owner who is a missionary and working through this restaurant and meeting rooms. He shared how God had blessed his establishment and how it came to be. We shared a little about camp with Jack's parents and then ate dinner. a wonderful evening was shared by all.

Please pray for our baptismal service tomorrow at Joy fellowship Siloam and Agape Christian Fellowship in Taipei as well. That God would bless both services.

2011-09-21T21:12:00.000-07:00

Jack's homes exercise equipment.
Pastor Dave taking a nap in Jack's living room area.
Jack's room, he sleeps with 6 people. They have built a new facility to house more people and hope to decrease the number of residents sleeping in their rooms.
The group poses for a picture in front of Jack's home. Jack and his Mom are back row left.

Residents sell donated items to help support themselves and the group home. They are getting ready for a big sale this weekend.
Pastor Dave and Michelle are explaining baptism at Jimmie's house.
All of Jimmie's aunties welcomed us with open arms. Most are not Christian.
Pastor Dave and Jimmie at his house.
Michelle and Jack's center staff exchange gifts of goodwill.
Nick reading the Word. Jimmie's mom (a buddhist official) was astounded that Nick could read well. She came to him to see if he really was reading.

Day 2 and 3

2011-09-21T19:44:00.000-07:00

I wasn't able to blog yesterday because of the schedule we are keeping. So here is what took place the last day of camp and the first day of visitation. I expect you will be glad to hear that God is answering all prayers on this journey and your continued prayers will be very helpful.

The last day of camp started like everyday had, at the meal table. We were joined once again by the 2 young couples who led us in worship. (They had to go back the day before to open their business yet still took the time to drive 2 hours back to camp to serve as our worship leaders.) In the service as they led worship, I began to realize one simple fact. Worship is a universal expression of our love for God. When I say universal I mean no matter the language barriers we had, God continued to bless our times together. If we didn't know the Chinese words, we knew WHAT WAS BEING EXPRESSED it is almost like we knew what they were singing even though we didn't. (I hope that doesn't sound strange but God had this way of translating that is hard to describe.) From there we prayed for the two young couples who took their time and families to serve us. Pastor Dave commented that he felt it was the most intense time of the camp, because of the presence of God. Pastor Dave preached on how to incorporate reading the Word and prayer into ones life with practical applications. Then we heard to stirring testimonies from Robert Yu and Auntie. Robert spoke on how his daughter, wife and team member Nicholas challenged him by own lives.He hopes to begin a life filled with devotion like these great examples. A life of devotion to God and study of his word. Auntie shared her story as well. She let us know if it wasn't for God's grace she would not have been here. A few months ago her bed caught on fire with no one home. She could not get out of it due to physical limitations. When she was taken to hospital her whole side was burned. So bad the doctors thought she was not going to live. After a few months in ICU she was allowed to go to the general medicine floors then home. They told her stronger physically people would have died. Yet she shared it was God grace that helped her through. Though she is unable to use her burned side, she continues to live. If you look at her picture - I hope you can see the light of God shine through her. We then traveled to a local historical market and headed back to Siloam Joy Fellowship in Taouyan.

The next day we would see God's hand at work once again. We visited a residential care home of one of the church goers - Jack. Similar to a group home in Canada or the U.S. There we were greeted by Jack, his mom and the staff at the center (even the director). After Jack showed us around in his own hurrying way we had time to talk with the staff. After the visit the home opened the home up to Siloam JoyFellowship to have a bible study. This was a new event as they had yet to ask or start something there. But they noted how the team cared for not only it's own but all who lived there. Pray that this would continue and that God can use Siloam to start a small study and begin to change peoples life with the Word of God there. Not only the residents, but the staff's lives as well. After lunch we visited another members house who is getting baptized (Jimmie). His mother is a high official in Buddhism and has been to see the Dalie Lama. We spent three hours at this house and while there we noticed the mother much more accepting of the Christian Religion. She was very nervous at having us over because she thought we were a cult. But was astonished to see and hear the love of the team's parents and children. Her total disposition changed and is now excited to see her son baptized. Her sister was there as well and she is the mayor of a neighboring city. After participating she became really excited about the possibility of a joint venture with Joy Fellowship Siloam to aid people with disabilities. She laid out a dream for how it could be accomplished, and has the power to do it. Pray for Jimmie's Mom and sister as well - We changed the day of the baptism so more members of his family can attend. Continue to pray that God will continue to break down the barriers here and His Word will be accomplished. God Bless and thanks for your prayers!

Camp Photos

2011-09-20T05:26:00.001-07:00

Our adopted worship leader Nana.
Our worship team.
It's time to Dao Gao (pray).
A group picture for Camp, shiao (smile)
Robert gave a challenging testimony with his daughter.
Skit time with (Pastor Dave) the physcian pronouncing there is no cure for this paralytic. But the power of prayer to Jesu healed this paralytic.
Robert challenging us to read the Word like his daughter Nana does everyday.
Auntie tells us about the grace of God sparing her life because her bed caught fire. The doctors told her stronger people would have died of her injuries. Praise God.

2011-09-19T16:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday (Monday) began with a traditional Chinese breakfast followed by our morning session. I taught on the basics of personal prayer, including who we pray too. In Taiwan there are many different Gods and I tried to make sure they knew that Christ was the only way to God. A couple of days ago coming here we ran into a Taiwanese parade celebrating some of their God's birthdays. They had idols in the back of trucks and were in traditional costumes working hard to please their own God's. It is great to know that our God hears us when we pray. After morning session we went to lunch then on a nature walk. Along the walk we saw a temple. Talking with one of the leaders she let me know that all the dragons and intricate details on the roof are for a purpose. To fight off and discourage evil spirits coming into the temple. It made me think that if they do this they are a fearful people. Fearful of the supernatural. Please pray that the fear these people expereince would lead them to the arms of Christ. Where the Bible says there is no greater power and protection in the love of God. Pray for our return trip to Taepei today. God Bless!

The Park to Camp

2011-09-18T23:10:00.000-07:00

The Group at the national Park by the Ocean.
God's handiwork. This called "The Queen's Head".
Some more of God's Handiwork.
Finally made it to camp. This is where Camp is being held.

Name of National Park

2011-09-18T22:21:00.000-07:00

This is the National Park we stopped at to visit. The place where we could see God's handiwork in nature.

Going to National park

2011-09-18T22:16:00.000-07:00

We started out on a bus in Chongli city. We are ready to go to Camp.

Trip to North Coast

2011-09-18T06:51:00.000-07:00

We le ft for camp today. What a joy it is to see the excitement for some of these campers. The bus was very tall (like the double deckers in England) and big. It was an amazing thing to see this bus on some of the streets in Taipei (the streets were like 1 lane roads with no shoulders) to get to the coast. On the way we stopped at a National Park (Yeiliue Pronounced Yeh-Looo). There we saw God's creative power and grace both. Through the years the ocean waves and winds have sculpted some very interesting figures on this coast in Taiwan. One such figure is known as "The Queens Head". Tomorrow you will see a picture of this marvel, it actually looks like Queen Nepherite of Egypt head. It truly gives you the oppurtunity to marvel at God's creations! As I was walkikng by these monuments I paused to wonder "Did the flood in the time of Noah help carve these images?" I know the evolutionist would argue with me, but to see these images just shows the power God has over creation. After we got to camp and settled one of the campers dad and a person who also came with the church we are with from Canada lost conscioussness after falling backwards at the hot springs near here. He went to hospital and the doctor said he was fine, but he still doesn't know what happened. We are grateful for God's protective hand over hi. Please pray for him - His name is Robert. The first meeting tonight went well. It is amazing to worship in two languages and still be one under God. Wish you could all experience it. God Bless Pastor Craig

Flight Troubles

2011-09-16T18:22:00.000-07:00

You think you have a bad day? We had one trying to get Taipei. Upon getting to the airport at Boise we found out our plane was delayed to San Francisco. We got to San Fran 5 minutes after our plane to Tokyo then Taipei. I ran all the way to the international terminal and the plane was still there! I should have figured it would have been there with the prayers we said in Boise. After just catching that plane we landed in Tokyo. Upon arrival we found out they cancelled the second portion of our flight to Taipei. (God seems to have a sense of humor in allowing use to stay in Tokyo). There was only one thing wrong, we had no phone numbers with us of those in Taiwan that we're meeting. We called Sue at home at 4:00am, but she didn't answer. Luckily,(probably God intervened) Shawna got a hold of us and took care of our situation. So we will fly out 25 hours later and hopefully land in Taipei - Pray we can make a easy and good connection with the team we are meeting tomorrow.

Joy Fellowship Summer Camp 5

2011-08-09T13:22:00.001-07:00

What a beautiful place to hold a Camp.

Joy Fellowship Camp 4

2011-08-09T13:20:00.000-07:00

Boy I am hungry, cake anyone???

JoyFellowship Camp 3

2011-08-09T13:19:00.001-07:00

God is a God that gives Second Chances!

Joy fellowship Camp 2

2011-08-09T13:16:00.000-07:00

Free Time at Camp, Croquet anyone?

Joy fellowship Summer camps

2011-08-09T13:01:00.000-07:00

Boy I love this ferry ride!