Day 2 and 3

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Trip to North Coast

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