Christmas 2015,

Dear Friends

Whilst in Malta a month ago , I am recalling a conversation on a bus with a Maltese lady who talked of two of her daughters, one living in the district of Paris where the attacks have taken place and the other living in Marsaxlokk in Malta where many of the refugees are housed. “The one in Paris is afraid to go out”, she said, “the other consumed by guilt that she cannot do more to help.” Then,she said, “ The world is obsessed by on one hand denying God, on the other hand blaming God . Perhaps the problem is that we as Christians don’t shout loud enough that it was a baby coming into the world, New Life that brought hope. Life is precious. Life is sacred”

Life for me has been and still is full but good. I have much to be thankful for. Even as the “Eternal” Interim Moderator with 3 churches to look after, preaching at different churches most Sundays and a few other things, friends have been made and new experiences given. So all is well.

I was at a funeral in Borth Y Gest (Wales), this week, taking part in a celebration of the life of Catherine Jones aged 92. Catherine and her husband Pearce spent many years in Jamaica with CWM. Catherine was a wonderful person to visit and the strength of her faith amazed many of us. Her children referred to the privilege of being able to live and grow up in another culture. It made me realise how fortune I have been to be part of Taiwan, even for few years. And I did enjoy our time together in Taipei (April). Thanks especially to Carys.

What about you? I hope you are well. God bless you in this coming year. Happy Christmas!

All my Love

Linda

Rev. Linda Elliott

URC (former missionary Chang-Hua Christian Hospital)