Taiwan Church News

3320 Edition

October 12 - 18, 2015

Headline News

Celebrating PCT150, A Wooden Cross Is Carried To Set Up At The Summit Of Yushan Mt.

Reported by Lin Jia-jin

From October 5 to 7, an event entitled "Take Up the Cross to Climb Mt. Yushan - Clean Up Mountain and Receive Lord'sBlessings" is held by PCT Preparatory Committee for PCT150 at central Taiwan area. A team of 38 PCT members, recruited from PCT General Assembly Office, Taichung presbytery and central Bunun presbytery, carry the 26 kg wooden cross sculptured by the nationally acclaimed Art Master Chang Jin, climbing up to the summit of Yushan and presenting the cross as a sacrifice to God.

This heavy wooden cross is carried alternatively by deacon Tien chin-chen and elder Yibi Iskakafute of Wang-shan church from central Bunun presbytery. When the team is lined up and marched after the cross, there is a touching emotion ineffably rising from the bottom of everyone's heart. Along our way up to Yushan summit, some other mountain hikers are very surprised to see the cross at such high altitude and ask taking photographs with the cross.

In the dawn on October 7, the PCT members successfully reach the summit of Yushan. A thanks-giving service is held by Rev. Lin Jin-soun, Moderator of PCT Taichung presbytery, inviting Rev. Chuan Cheng-kung to pray in the Bunun language. Evangelist Chuan Tsai-yun, who specially comes from Hokkaido to attend this mountain-climbing event, prays in the Japanese. Finally, Rev. Lin asks every PCT members raising up their hands to pray and bless Taiwan. Afterwards, a sublime chorus of pasibutbut by the elders of central Bunun presbytery at the Yushan summit inspires everyone with a wonderful praise to God.

While everybody takes the opportunity to photograph with the wooden cross at the summit of Yushan in the altitude of 3,952 meter, Rev. Supina Nakaisulan, secretary of PCT Indigenous Mission Committee, especially demonstrates a flag for "Taiwan Independence" proclaiming Taiwan is an independent and sovereign state blessed by God. This is the will of the Taiwan people, speaking out loud by Lord's loyal servants at this historical moment of PCT150.

Translated by Peter Wolfe