TAIWAN

Outnumbered by Buddhist monks at the site of the horrific plane crash in Taipei last week, Christians are by no means taking a backseat in community work. The worst disaster in the history of Chiang Kai Shek airport, the tragedy claimed 203 lives. Within hours, Buddhist monks were chanting funeral prayers at the site. “Christians can learn something from this incident,” said country leader Beng Guat Flood, who added that though they were not “the first to arrive in a crisis situation, Christians nevertheless maintain their low-profile work (like prison ministries) well. Last month, the most notorious criminal in Taiwan, Chen Chin Hsing - imprisoned for murder, robbery, rape and kidnapping - expressed a need for God after prison visits by Christians. Taiwan is predominantly Buddhist-Taoist-Confucian, with Evangelicals making up three percent of its population.

The team appreciates prayer for:

1. An opening to preach the gospel following the tragedy.
2. That the Christian community will practise more forwardness in crisis situations.
3. Stronger partnership with churches. There is a greater sense of missions awareness after businessmen’s meetings last year.
4. That Allan and Beng Guat will have a smooth transition moving into new premises which allow them separate office space.

OM’s role in the Church is to mobilise people to share the knowledge of Jesus and His love with every generation in every nation. OM pioneers and leads initiatives to redeem lives, rebuild communities and restore hope in over 110 countries.