Hot off the presses! The latest issue of The Taiwan Times.
The Taiwan Times
By Mark Wolfram
Reporting on God’s Mission in Taiwan
May 2010
20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
Baptism Classes
Greetings everyone! I have a couple of updates to start this newsletter. First, I had written earlier about my 8th grade student Jack, who started taking baptism classes. This month I found out that he is continuing to take them, and is set to be baptized in July. Since I will be in the US, he told me that he could take some pictures for me to see. I was really excited to hear this. Also, during our conversations, Jack told me of another student who is in 7th grade, who is also in his baptism classes. That student’s name is Kevin. I teach Kevin for a small group conversation class, which rotates throughout the year. As a result I have taught him for 3 months worth of classes this year. Praise God that Kevin will also join Jack in the waters of holy baptism, and receive God’s free gift of the Holy Spirit. Please pray for both of these students as they get ready to be baptized this summer.
Liaison and Short Term Mission Team
Second, I had written earlier about a change in my job requirements for the coming year. Beginning in the fall I will be a part time teacher and have part time administrative responsibilities as the CMS Liaison, becoming a communicator between the missionaries and the school and LCMS World Mission staff. Beginning in the middle of May, I had the opportunity to start to fulfill some of those duties as CMS Liaison, and it has been great starting to get a feel for what my job will be like in the fall.
One part of the new job will be to coordinate short term mission teams who come to Taiwan. Tomorrow, I am really excited to be able to help with the short term mission service of my good friend Doug Larson, and his son Jacob, and his son’s friend Garrett. Doug and the boys will come to do outreach at local publics schools, namely Chia-Yi Girls Senior High and Chia-Yi Boys Senior High. In addition, they will assist the American missionaries with our On-Campus Student Fellowship, Friday Night Bible Study, and Youth Group. One highlight of their mission work will be when they play an outdoor concert at the local shopping center and department store. This free concert will be a great chance to reach out to people in Chia-Yi and invite them to activities at our church. Please pray for Doug, Jacob, and Garrett as they travel to Taiwan and serve in ministry here.
New Teachers Needed
We are currently looking for new teachers to serve next year in Taiwan. As of right now, we are losing five people from our current staff, and have yet to replace any of them. Please pray that God would raise up people to serve in the mission field here in Taiwan. Furthermore, if you know anyone who would be interested in serving as a missionary as an overseas teacher, please contact LCMS World Mission, or me. God has really blessed my time out here in Taiwan, and I would love to share information about the job if anyone is interested.
Fundraising Update
I am also continuing to work on fundraising for next year. Praise God for the contributions that so many people and churches have made. God continues to work in this process, and I know that he will be faithful to provide the funds that are still needed. I currently need to raise $5,848 for next year. I am elated to announce that the first goal of 25% has been met, and thus I am officially extended for next year. My next goal is to meet the 70% I need to return to the field at the end of the summer. To meet this goal, I need to raise $2,575 by the beginning of August. If you would like to contribute financially to the ministry in Taiwan, please send a check to:
Missionary Support
LCMS World Mission
1333 S. Kirkwood Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63122
On the memo line for the check please write “Mark Wolfram account #50152”.
Or go online to my prayer card and make a donation over the Internet. http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=8521
Thank you for your prayers and your consideration of financial support of the mission work here in Taiwan.
In addition, I will be back in America from July 3 until August 7th. I would love to come speak at any church or group that is interested and fits the schedule. I currently have two Sundays that are not booked, July 4th and July 11th. Please let me know if you are interested. Even if I can’t make it, I would love to send you a DVD and some information about the mission work here in Taiwan.
Prayer Time
1. Please pray for Jack and Kevin, who continue to take baptism classes.
2. Please pray for my transition to the new job of CMS Liaison. Pray that God would give me guidance, wisdom, and strength to best serve him.
3. Pray for Doug, Jacob, and Garrett who will be arriving to share the Gospel here in Taiwan. Pray that God would bless their efforts and that they would be able to help plug students into the church and activities that are on-going throughout the year.
4. Pray for more teachers to come and serve as missionaries in Taiwan. Pray for God’s will to be done.
5. Pray for my fundraising and for all of the missionaries here in Taiwan who are needing to fundraise for next year. May God provide the support that is needed.
God’s peace,
Mark