Week 4: Jan. 18 - Jan. 25

As we reached the halfway point in our mission, more cracks were starting to form.

In what could have been a very tough week, I see now that when we have no more of our own strength left to give, God shows up and does what He wanted to do all along.

"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

John 15:5

Dave, praying for TKC Church youth as we pushed into the end of the week.

At first, we had a discouraging street evangelism session in the crowded Taichung Station. It seemed no one was interested in even having a conversation. Eventually, my teammate and I sat down to pray and decided to go around simply complimenting people to at least brighten their days, and share some of God's love whether or not they knew it.

More of our teammates continued to get sick, with one going to the ER with an infection, and another with an enflamed shoulder, not to mention massive swarms of mosquitoes at night.

Massive crowded station with the even larger "Anticipation" statue. If you look closely you can just barely see us!

THE BIG BARBECUE

The following day we had a massive barbecue for the neighborhood, inviting many locals and new friends to come enjoy some American/Taiwanese food and exchange stories. We had lots of low and slow conversations about life, culture, and most importantly: God. It was nice to build more relationships, but I felt I was at my limit. I really questioned, "how big of an impact or help are these talks really having on others?"

I was ready to go to bed early, when to my surprise, a woman turned up who we'd met in the first city we'd be to (Tamsui). In that first week, my teammates, Dave and Tuukka had a seemingly inconsequential conversation with her about her father's upcoming birthday. As it turned out, her father lived in Taichung and his birthday party was that very evening - which he invited us to go.

None of us wanted to go.

We were restless, mosquito-bitten, and exhausted from the barbecue. But we prayed against the flesh and mustered the energy to go. Yet, when we got there, the daughter who'd invited us seemed inconvenienced that we'd come! At this point of massive internal tension, social awkwardness, and fatigue, we were ready to head back home.

We turned aside to pray - and thank God for a team that prays - we felt the Holy Spirit clearly telling us to stay for dinner; to draw close to the father, mother, and daughter. So we insisted, moved some tables, and the family became insatiably curious about the gospel and our stories.

God really showed up.

By the end of. the night, the three of them accepted Jesus. We prayed the salvation prayer with them as they wiped tears from their faces, and got them in contact with some local churches.

HALLELUJAH

Moments like these make it all worth it; that God really can and does work through people - sometimes choosing to drag weak folks from across the globe, just to tell a small family He loves them.

And our week did not stop or slowdown there! The next day was equally jam-packed with us visiting another international high school to share our testimonies, the importance of identity, and about integrity with faith in the workplace.

TKC YOUTH GROUP

TKC Church's Youth Group joined us in street evangelism and park ministry where we'd do public worship and a skit. But before all of that, we spent time warming to one another with our own dinners, worship, and prayer.

" OSCAR "

Each adult partnered up with a youth to pray for them and I met Oscar Li, an incredible young man after God, pursuing law and seeking out God's vision for his life. He seemed to have so much compassion and the Love of peacemaking.

HIS DREAMS FOR US

A few of us went up on stage to share any words we received to pass along to these youths. I was hesitant, feeling I didn't have anything to share, yet the Holy Spirit prompted me to consider the incredible dreams God placed inside each of their hearts.

I see so much potential and bright futures ahead of each of the Taiwanese, and know that God wants so desperately for each of His children to know Him and partner together!

And so we go... spending the rest of our week together in ministry.

And as for Oscar...

I know the future of Taiwan and God's kingdom on earth is in good hands. I have faith, seeing how He's raising up such passionate future leaders.

Onward to Toufen and Miaoli! Next week we will see God moving among kids camps in the countryside.

9 "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

2 Corinthians 12:9-12

Your brother in Christ,

George