Taiwan Church News 3017 Edition December 21~27 2009
Reported by Li Hsin-ren. Written by Lydia Ma. Photo by Li Hsin-ren

"Spending Christmas at a barrack is indeed an unusual experience!" said a resident from Nansalu in Namasiya Township, and he wasn't alone in his feelings. Many residents from Namasiya are still living in a barrack in Yenchao, near Kaohsiung County, after Typhoon Morakot swept away their homes last August. Aborigines living there lighted candles to thank God for bringing them this far and prayed for the reconstruction of their homes.

Though it's been four months since Typhoon Morakot, there are still 427 Nansalu residents living here. This barrack houses more Morakot victims than the other three barracks in Kaohsiung area. Morakot caused so much damage that at least half of Nansalu residents have already been notified that they will never be able to return to their homes and reservations.

Though it is fairly comfortable to live in a barrack, Aborigines still miss their own homes and Christmas season makes them feel especially homesick. That is why they decided to hold traditional Christmas celebrations as usual this year. To help them keep their minds off their homesickness and enjoy Christmas, Aborigines planned many activities, such as decorating competitions, pot lucks, and a Christmas gala. For a moment, life returned to normal - just like before the typhoon.

Mintzu Presbyterian Church also relocated to this barrack after the typhoon struck and about 120 church members live there as well. These Christians have been meeting regularly for church services and weekday group activities in the past few months. Gatherings between Christians have become an integral part of life in the barrack.

However, these Christians wanted to share the joy and message of Christmas with others who lived or worked at the barrack instead of keeping the gospel to themselves. When they did so, they discovered that this was the first time many officers had heard about the real meaning of Christmas. Officers later joined Christians in singing and praying to God and a barrack became a surprise mission field during Christmas.

Military barracks remain a temporary housing solution for Morakot victims who lost their homes. Some residents from Nansalu will later move to Binlin Township and live in permanent housing units the government is building. Local authorities are still evaluating whether some Aborigine communities are safe for residents to return and rebuild their homes. Their findings will be reported after New Year holidays and many residents are weary about the results of this report. Mintzu Church has asked that churches continue to pray for these residents and for reconstruction efforts.