Taiwan Church News 3016 Edition December 14~20 2009
Reported by Chen Wei-jian, Chen Yi-hsuan. Written by Lydia Ma

In southern Taiwan, everal PCT Aborigine churches severely affected by Typhoon Morakot decided to have a joint worship service this Christmas after spending the past few months working together toward recovery. Urban Aborigine churches used Fongshan Presbyterian Church as venue for their Christmas worship service and members from Paiwan and South Bunun presbyteries gathered there to praise and thank God.

This is the first time urban Aborigine churches in southern Taiwan have a joint Christmas worship service and the occasion seems to herald the beginning of closer ties between people from different tribes. As churches from different regions gathered to worship God together and took turns leading worship, the Holy Spirit was also at work in them and through them.

Typhoon Morakot reminded Aborigines of God's grace and their strengths and limitations. For Aborigines making a living in urban areas, it is especially challenging for them to keep up their Christian faith and roots. We must remember to support them in our deeds, words, and prayers.

In related news, hundreds of Aborigine children from Alishan region took part in a Christmas caroling event on December 12. These children were among the youngest victims of Typhoon Morakot. The caroling was planned by World Vision Taiwan and took place in local churches and special areas set aside for Morakot victims to reside temporarily.

Besides caroling, children were invited to write down their wishes and hang their wish cards on a Christmas tree. Priests and pastors from several churches were also present at this event and led people in prayer.

Hsiao-ying, a little girl from Alishan, wrote on her wish card: "I hope that mom can get better." Her mother has terminal cancer and is currently undergoing treatment. Typhoon Morakot totally destroyed her home.

Hsiao-you, a little boy from Alishan, wrote: "Just after Typhoon Morakot, my village lost power and water and there wasn't enough food for everyone. All the roads connecting us to the outside world were also destroyed and everything became inconvenient from then on. So, my wish is for every little kid to have enough food to eat and live happily every day. The happiest thing for me right now is that I can stay with my mom and my big brother and we can live together."

World Vision leaders commented that Christmas is supposed to be a season of love and hope. The organization's goal is to use Christmas events like this one to reignite hope in the hearts of children who've lost their homes during Typhoon Morakot and then encourage them to reach out to others as well.