Day 9 - 7/8/2016 - Typhoon Time in Taichung
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
- Mark 4:39
Hey there everybody, it's Edward once again! Despite the impending typhoon, today was full of surprises and blessings. It's great to see that God is at work in everything that we do, and for that we are truly grateful.
Knowing that the VBS was unfortunately not being held today, Jeremy and I got out of bed quite late into the morning. However, what greeted us was neither strong winds nor a downpour of rain as we had expected, but rather the peace and quiet of a beautiful and shelteringly clouded morning. Expecting that the typhoon was simply delayed, and that we would be hit by the tail of it later.
However, I soon learned that we were actually completely safe from the typhoon, and that the worst we would feel was a bit of rain, despite the fact that parts of southern Taiwan were actually hit quite hard and drenched in rain. By the grace of God, the worst we experienced was a drizzle in a late evening shower. It really reminded me of a story that was told back when I went to Guatemala led by Pastor Dan. Back in one of the earlier Guatemala trips, Pastor Dan was speaking to a church about Mark 4:39 while it was storming outside. However, when he read from the verse and got to "Quiet! Be still!" the storm outside immediately stopped. It's such a blessing to know that our even the wind and the sea obey our God.
Knowing that it would be safe to venture out, the team met up at a hot pot restaurant nearby to have lunch together. It was great to be able to reminisce about the past week's events with our friends over a fulfilling meal.
Afterwards, we all headed to the church together to help prepare for the upcoming final VBS closing ceremony. After preparing the games, bible verses and slides, the entire team took time to enjoy our limited time with the members of the youth who were with us. We had a great time playing on guitars, ("playing" defined very loosely for some of our sausage-fingered members) listening to music, playing the piano and drums, and talking about everything we could think of, all the while sipping on delicious milk teas and tangy lemon teas. Before we knew it, it was time for us to go to dinner together. Despite feeling like I had barely finished digesting lunch, I couldn't wait to see what great new foods our generous hosts would treat us to.
For dinner, we revisited the restaurant that we went to the first day for lunch - except in a different location. Once again, the food was delicious, and Josh, Jeremy, Emily, Albert, Amber, and I were able to have a wonderful conversation over bowls of noodles, plates of radish cakes, buns, and, unexpectedly, french fries. After we headed our separate ways, I looked back on the day's events, realizing how much of a blessing this break from VBS was. Not only were we able to prepare for an indubitably great closing ceremony that was no longer at risk of cancellation, we had many great opportunities to fellowship with the youth of the church, talking about everything ranging from the U.S. election, to how to keep conversations going, to Christian living in a socially liberal world. I feel both grateful and reassured that everything that has happened, both good and "bad" news, has all been part of the Lord's plan too bring Him glory. Thanks so much for everyone's continuing prayer support throughout the entire trip!
We are so thankful for:
- Protection from the typhoon
- the day of rest resulting from cancellation
- fellowship with the Church's youth
Please continue to pray for:
- Tomorrow's closing ceremony to bring the Gospel to the families of the children and Open hearts in both the children and the adults
- Our continued safety
- The future of the Taiwanese church and their youth.
Thanks so much once again, everybody!
Until next time,
Edward Lin
- Mark 4:39
Hey there everybody, it's Edward once again! Despite the impending typhoon, today was full of surprises and blessings. It's great to see that God is at work in everything that we do, and for that we are truly grateful.
Knowing that the VBS was unfortunately not being held today, Jeremy and I got out of bed quite late into the morning. However, what greeted us was neither strong winds nor a downpour of rain as we had expected, but rather the peace and quiet of a beautiful and shelteringly clouded morning. Expecting that the typhoon was simply delayed, and that we would be hit by the tail of it later.
However, I soon learned that we were actually completely safe from the typhoon, and that the worst we would feel was a bit of rain, despite the fact that parts of southern Taiwan were actually hit quite hard and drenched in rain. By the grace of God, the worst we experienced was a drizzle in a late evening shower. It really reminded me of a story that was told back when I went to Guatemala led by Pastor Dan. Back in one of the earlier Guatemala trips, Pastor Dan was speaking to a church about Mark 4:39 while it was storming outside. However, when he read from the verse and got to "Quiet! Be still!" the storm outside immediately stopped. It's such a blessing to know that our even the wind and the sea obey our God.
Knowing that it would be safe to venture out, the team met up at a hot pot restaurant nearby to have lunch together. It was great to be able to reminisce about the past week's events with our friends over a fulfilling meal.
Afterwards, we all headed to the church together to help prepare for the upcoming final VBS closing ceremony. After preparing the games, bible verses and slides, the entire team took time to enjoy our limited time with the members of the youth who were with us. We had a great time playing on guitars, ("playing" defined very loosely for some of our sausage-fingered members) listening to music, playing the piano and drums, and talking about everything we could think of, all the while sipping on delicious milk teas and tangy lemon teas. Before we knew it, it was time for us to go to dinner together. Despite feeling like I had barely finished digesting lunch, I couldn't wait to see what great new foods our generous hosts would treat us to.
For dinner, we revisited the restaurant that we went to the first day for lunch - except in a different location. Once again, the food was delicious, and Josh, Jeremy, Emily, Albert, Amber, and I were able to have a wonderful conversation over bowls of noodles, plates of radish cakes, buns, and, unexpectedly, french fries. After we headed our separate ways, I looked back on the day's events, realizing how much of a blessing this break from VBS was. Not only were we able to prepare for an indubitably great closing ceremony that was no longer at risk of cancellation, we had many great opportunities to fellowship with the youth of the church, talking about everything ranging from the U.S. election, to how to keep conversations going, to Christian living in a socially liberal world. I feel both grateful and reassured that everything that has happened, both good and "bad" news, has all been part of the Lord's plan too bring Him glory. Thanks so much for everyone's continuing prayer support throughout the entire trip!
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| Birthday celebration for Cherry! |
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| A pic of the adult's too! |
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| Typhoon winds exceeding 3 km/h!! |
- Protection from the typhoon
- the day of rest resulting from cancellation
- fellowship with the Church's youth
Please continue to pray for:
- Tomorrow's closing ceremony to bring the Gospel to the families of the children and Open hearts in both the children and the adults
- Our continued safety
- The future of the Taiwanese church and their youth.
Thanks so much once again, everybody!
Until next time,
Edward Lin
Praise to the Lord! We were worried about you! Thank God to give you a break from the busy schedule. We will pray for the success of the close ceremony and openness of the children and their parents to gospel.
ReplyDeletelovely! praise the Lord for all his protection, and will continue to pray for you guys. Keep up the prayers!
ReplyDeletelovely! praise the Lord for all his protection, and will continue to pray for you guys. Keep up the prayers!
ReplyDeletePraise to the Lord that the typhoon did not cause too much trouble! God is good, always! And you guys got one day of rest. May God bless you all for tomorrow's successful closing ceremony!
ReplyDeleteGod is good. great to know you all in peace. Praise the Lord! pray for the hearts and souls open towards to Jesus. Pray for God continue granting you strength while laboring guys in Taiwan.
ReplyDeleteThanks Edward for another wonderful, blessing-filled and informative blog. Reading the blog, talking about your blog becomes a highlight of our days since you first put out the blog. Full of surprises--not only variety of the food--the love that pouring over to the team, your creativity in curriculum preparation, and your adaptability..and .more, all speaking out for He is the Lord who loves you all! May His name be glorified! May the Holy Spirit moving the hearts of the campers and the families. We will keep you all in prayers for the last day of the camp.
ReplyDelete