I. Country Report 1993　

Introduction

The year 1993 has come to an end, and so we reflect on the issues and actions that have shaped this segment of history in our country and in the church community. Review is sometimes a painful experience, because we realize our shortcomings. At times it is a satisfying, comforting one, when we feel that some efforts have not been in vain, but perceive them to be productive and helpful in God's Kingdom. We do so knowing that significant others have likewise contributed to the strengthening and growth of the work of the church in Taiwan. For this we are grateful to the many partner churches and organizations which have shared in prayer, gifts, and have stood together with us through stress and disappointment as well as in joyful times. So, please join us as we reflect and take this journey through time (1993) together. 

Top Ten Stories in 1993

These ten news items were chosen by the media in Taiwan as the most newsworthy during 1993. Not all will be referred to in the text of this report:

- Koo-Wang talks in Singapore (KMT/PRC)
- Cabinet reshuffle led by former Premier Hau
- US invitation to join APEC (Seattle) 
- Opening of the KMT National Congress
- Sunshine Act (leaders must reveal assets)
- November 23 elections
- Hijacking (10 in 1993 from China) 
- ROC's bid to join the UN
- Fires involving the Mass Transit System
- Formation of Chinese New Party, split off KMT

International Political Issues

The Koo-Wang talks in Singapore was a meeting of the Kuo-Min-Tang (KMT) {Republic of China (ROC) Nationalist Party and ruling Government of Taiwan} and some Mainland {People's Republic of China (PRC)} officials to discuss matters of mutual concern, particularly matters of investments in China, cross-straits disputes, illegal immigration, etc. These talks were followed up with a recent meeting in Taipei (the first of this kind since the Chinese Civil War - 1949). The focus was on three items (illegal immigration, hijacking, and fishing disputes), none of which were satisfactorily dealt with. There was some agreement in principle, however, since China did not regard Taiwan as an independent sovereign state, not much progress was made. 

China's "white paper on Taiwan" (published in 7 languages) has set back the cross-straits negotiations. It basically treated Taiwan as a local government, and claimed Taiwan responsible for the conflict between the two sides. PRC has never ruled Taiwan since it was established, nor does it seek the interests of the people in Taiwan. Yet the paper demands that Taiwan hand over military and diplomatic powers to Beijing in order to gain autonomy.

The Seattle Meetings of APEC brought the issues between Taiwan and China into the international arena. While the President of the ROC was not invited along with other Pacific heads of state, Taiwan did send a president's representative and two cabinet members who were well received, despite the opposition of China. This was in itself a rather significant diplomatic achievement. It still remains to be seen if Taiwan can gather enough support to enter GATT in 1994. 

While the government has been actively seek entrance into the United Nations, a number of organizations have sprung up to promote the cause. One such group is the "U.N. for Taiwan" Alliance (UNTA) which was organized largely through the efforts of Ms. LU Hsiu-Lien (Annette), a legislator serving in Taiwan's parliament on the Foreign Affairs Committee. This alliance has been active in lobbying, publishing, and speaking at meetings and demonstrations for the Taiwan cause. It seeks to explode the myth that both ROC and PRC hold that there is only one China, and that they are the sole legitimate government. While Taiwan has been completely separate from the PRC (PRC has never governed Taiwan), it is a peaceful nation, self-sustaining, and sovereign. It has continued to be de-recognized by nations of the world under pressure from China. Military intimidation from the PRC and authoritarian rule under the ROC has not diminished the desire for Taiwan to be a recognized part of the world community. It has gained international status through its growing economy and influence in Asia and the world through trade and benevolence. It's population is larger than 75% of the members of the UN, and holds one of the largest foreign reserves in the world. It meets all the requirements for membership in the UN according to Article 4 of the UN Charter, yet it has not gained membership to date. The slogan of the Alliance (UNTA) is "The UN Should Open its Door to Taiwan". 

The Czech Republic was the first Eastern Block country to open a trade office in Taiwan. Great interest has been shown by the government and businessmen in opportunities in Eastern Europe since the dissolution of the USSR. 

Local Political Issues

The "White terror" of the 1950's surfaced again this year, when 163 graves of dissidents executed were discovered. Following the purge of 1950-52, many families have wondered where their family members were buried, and were afraid to ask. These were only a few of those executed, and so one wonders where the others are. The government was embarrassed at this discovery and expressed the need for compensation. They also agreed to set up a memorial to commemorate them and restore their reputation. Compensation for the victims of the 228 incident (1947) has also not been agreed on. With the number killed during that time (est. 20-30,000) the amount of compensation could be enormous. 

The Chinese New Party (CNP) was formed by former KMT members dissatisfied with the progress of the old party. The New Party calls for rapprochement with Beijing challenging the KMT's 44 years of refusal to hold official negotiations with the Chinese leaders. They favor direct air and shipping links and oppose Taiwan Independence, at the same time advocating greater democracy without antagonizing China. It's rival, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) continues to push for a seat in the U.N., for independence, and for democratic rule by all of Taiwan's citizens. The general mood in Taiwan is one of concern about the future of the island, as the latest developments in cross-straits negotiations continue. There is some fear that the leaders may sell out Taiwan, and eventually get caught in being forced to accept Communist rule. Consequently polls show an increase in those who would seek independence.

Meanwhile, the old party, now referred to by the reformers as the "Taiwan-KMT", headed by President LEE Tung-Hui has changed some of its rhetoric. It now says that reunification is the final goal, but for the time being Taiwan is a sovereign state, and that most people recognize that we are two different sovereign countries. The opposition party talks about Taiwan independence, referring to the fact that Taiwan for forty years has been in fact independent from China, and that a two China policy has been in place. The KMT admits that the PRC is real, and for the time being, they should recognize that Taiwan is a real sovereign entity.

November elections for city mayors and county magistrates showed the strength of the opposition party, who received 41% of the votes. However, that did not translate into equivalent number of positions gained, as they only were able to gain 6 seats. The DPP chairman stepped down, accepting the blame for a poor showing in the positions gained. The KMT, even though showing well in the number of seats won (15 out of 23), lost popular votes, claiming less than 50% for the first time. An encouragement to the Aboriginal community was the first Aborigine elected as a county magistrate. The elections were described as "undramatic, fairest in years, and peaceful", yet there was considerable evidence of the link of the KMT to organized crime. Some candidates dropped out of the election due to intimidation by gangsters referred to as the Hei Dao (literally the Black Gang). One leader said that the idea of a free and open election was also damaged by the control of the media by the KMT, and the continued practice of vote buying.

The World United Formosans for Independence secretary general was killed in a car crash, reportedly planned by an assassin. Politics can be dangerous to one's health, as seen also by Changhua Council member and friend running for office being shot by assailant's bullets. 

A boycott of the United Daily News which began in late 1992 resulted this year in the court sentencing persons from the Taiwan Professors Association, Taiwan Medical Doctors Association, and the PCT. The Rev. C. S. Yang, General Secretary (PCT), was given a 50-day jail sentence which is still under appeal. The boycott had considerable effect on the paper's subscription and advertizing income. The issue which prompted the boycott was its pro-China stance while ignoring the concerns of the Taiwanese people. It continually quoted China officials in threatening to invade Taiwan if Taiwan made moves to become independent. 

Dissident Mr. SHIH Chao-Hui (called Shih Ming), head of a secret group in Japan (Association for an Independent Taiwan Nation), was arrested in October. His case was dropped and was released after being detained and questioned by authorities. This ends the era of white terror and the black listing of those who criticize the government.

Economy and Development

While showing growth during the year, Taiwan's economic reports reflect that profits declined. In other words profits ran counter to the trend signalling that the economy may be losing momentum. Foreign trade is the machine that keeps the economy going. This year it looks like Taiwan has surpassed the PRC in its total trade (first 7 months of 1993 - US$80.5 billion). However, China has surpassed the ROC in trade with the USA and has become its 4th largest source of imports in 1993. In the larger Asia area, the combined trade of China, Taiwan and Hong Kong will outstrip Japan for the first time. 

Taiwan's foreign reserves in December showed a balance of US$83.9 billion, second only to Japan. It's growth rate was better than the USA or Europe, but as experienced by other "little tigers" it was overshadowed by the "Big Tiger", China, in the percentage growth. Taiwan's predicted growth for 1994 is 6.2%, 3.8% inflation, and US$11,265 per capita GNP. 

New foreign investment by Taiwanese businessmen continues to be strong in Asia, with Shanghai being the current most favorite place for joint ventures. The government has tried to regulate overseas investment, however only a portion of the currently estimated 12,000 companies already in China are registered. These companies may have invested as much as US$8 billion. Vietnam has also received much Taiwan capital, as Taiwan is the major investor there, with an increase of 435% over last year. 

Concern about the signing of the NAFTA agreement has Taiwan businessmen worried about further cuts in US trade. Some are suggesting that Taiwan should invest more in Mexico to soften the effects of that trade agreement.

Formosa Plastics began the largest ever project in Taiwan, the 6th naphtha cracker complex. It was stalled for some time due to environmental, water, and land problems. This single project will cost approximately US$9 billion to complete. In view of the lack of laborers, the project may take longer than projected. Currently, the government has approved over 100,000 foreign laborers, however, as of this report less than one-third of this number have been processed and available for work. The President Enterprises Group also announced in November that it decided to invest NT$50 billion in Taiwan in accordance with its 10 year plan. This investment covers a variety of projects, from shopping malls to iron works. 

An indicator of the economic traffic in Taiwan is the fact that the Kaohsiung (southern Taiwan) harbor has become the world's third largest container port. While its services are still lagging behind some of the other Asian ports (ranking 5th in Asia), it does a tremendous amount of business each year. 

Jobless rate hit 1.58% in September, while the working included a total of 8.8 million employed. Average monthly salary in industry and service sectors reached NT$27,378 according to local government figures. The service sector has increased in size and now has passed industry in its contribution to the national GNP. 

The concept of the "wealthy Taiwanese" is a confused picture as the gap between the rich and poor is growing wider each year (for the past 12 years). This gap encourages violent crime and social unrest. The rich have gained on stocks and land speculation, with real estate being the major contributor to rapid accumulation of wealth in the hands of a few. Among the countries of the world, Taiwan is the 13th largest holder of gold, and is the first in the consumption of gold per capita. Evidence of wealthy life styles are seen in the cities, as an increase in luxury automobiles crowd the already tight fitting alleys. Over one-half of the 125,000 imports cost between US$30,000-70,000, with a good number of super deluxe cars (large models of Mercedes, BMW, and Rolls Royce) costing over US$ 100,000. 

Other items: 
- Civil Service workers receive 8% pay increase
- Autos imported top 125,000
- Brazil fastest growing market for Taiwan goods
- 9,100 firms register for investment in China
- Taipei builds a 52 story building
- Mass Transit System will open two lines in 1994
- ROC cuts tariff on 699 items, eyes on GATT
- Stock market hits a 23 month high in December

Social

Recent strides have been made toward serving the elderly. The Executive Yuan drafted a revised version of the Senior Citizen Welfare Act which would require the government to build public housing suitable for 3 generational families, thus encouraging children to live with parents. The Ministry of Interior is initiating a social security program which will make payments to seniors of NT$2,100-4,920 per month.

Child prostitution continues to be a national disgrace. It is estimated that between 60,000-200,000 child prostitutes are enslaved in the trade on the island. Newsweek magazine carried an article referring to the trade in Taiwan and other Asian countries, quoting PCT's Rainbow Project director, about some of the details of the local scene. Local support groups have been proposing stiffer laws and enforcement to protect children. Recently some legislation has been passed that first time offenders (customers) have their pictures published in the newspaper, the loss of their ID for one day and a lecture. For second time offenders, a maximum of 3 years in prison. In November 11,000 people "jogged for children". Taipei residents outraged by the child sex abuses and child prostitution, participated in an early morning jog from Chiang Kai Shek memorial to Hwahsi street (red-light district) bringing public attention to this embarrassing slave trade. Notables from Taipei City who joined the jog were DPP Chairman, Taipei Mayor, Finance Minister, Minister on Interior and others. Taiwan's Seven-Eleven stores (now over 800 of them island wide) have been staunch supporters of anti-child prostitution. Each store has a collection box for raising funds to assist children caught in this unfortunate situation. 

Crime plagues the island as Taiwan becomes a drug traffic safe haven, according to the local daily. The United States is seeking to enter a treaty with Taiwan for extradition of drug runners. The supply line mainly comes from China, though it may be filtered through another Asian country before coming here. Smuggling is big business. Not only drugs, but guns, people, peanuts, and even pencils are brought in illegally. Coordination between the military, police and custom officials is a must if there is going to be any reduction in illegal smuggling of goods. This year a large shipment of 336 kg. of heroin was seized at one of the port cities. Drug use and trafficking is the most common crime. The United Daily News reported that this year the number of drug users was up to 48,000, one-third of all criminal suspects caught. Robberies total about 30,000. 

"Underworld credit coming soon" (reported the daily news). Taipei City Government is promoting the use of new paper credit cards in place of paper money traditionally burned for the dead. The civil affairs staff designed the "Ming Gwo" (underworld kingdom) credit card and financial card. The dead relatives should be able to use these cards "forever". This was an attempt to reduce the large amounts of paper money burning in the city, causing undue pollution.

Cross straits bigamy protested - activists demonstrate in December seeking a law to prevent cross strait bigamy. Due to the many Taiwan businessmen having a wife in Taiwan and one in China, the saying goes "One China, Two Families". Since each country does not recognize each other's laws, the two family situation has grown in recent years. Some researchers say that 70% of the Taiwan businessmen in China have extra-marital affairs or have a second wife. This has caused a great deal of stress on the family. 

Other items:
- Divorce rate up, currently 1 out of 5 ends in divorce; Taiwan has highest rate in Asia.
- Poverty line = N$4,650/mo.
- 77,000 checks bounced (reported by Central China Bank) in one month.
- Increase of white collar crime.
- Women earn approx. 67% of what males earn in equivalent jobs. 

Health

The Public Health Department produced a first "white paper on health" this year. It showed the current life expectancy with current levels 71.9 years for men, and 77.2 years for women. This is quite a contrast to statistics of 1951 when men's expectancy was 53.38 years, and women 56.33. This increase is attributed to better medical facilities and higher standard of living. However, with the higher standard of living has come high blood pressure (one out of every 5 persons over 40 years), lack of exercise, lack of sufficient sleep, and stress of fast living. Obesity is something new experienced by people in Taiwan and is increasing due to general abundance of wealth, and eating is increasingly becoming a past time, a way of life. Living in Taiwan is dangerous! Accidental death is the number one cause of fatalities among ROC citizens between the age 1-39. The Health Dept. put out statistics on death causes for different age groups. Suicide ranks high in age bracket 15-34 for women, and for men age 20-24. Diseases causing high death rate are cancer, strokes and heart disease, followed by liver, kidney, lung disorders. 

Education

The Nobel Prize winner, Dr. Yuan T. Lee, criticized the education system in Taiwan as not preparing students to become world class scholars. He said the current exam system fails to discover real talent, problem solving skills, and other talents. Students are trained to be great test takers, but not independent thinkers. Dr. Lee recently was appointed as president of the Academia Sinica (highest research institute in Taiwan). He is the first Taiwanese to hold this post. 

This year 43.9% of college/university exam takers, were admitted into the halls of higher education. A concern that has been registered by families, is the lack of jobs for college graduates. While unemployment is low in the general population, among college graduates (ages 20-24), unemployment ran as high as 9.3%. Some scholars feel that more emphasis on technical and vocational education would be better than the current push for academic degrees. Others say that the reason for lack of jobs is that college graduates do not want to work hard, or they have unreasonable career goals. 

As the political situation has changed, some primary and secondary schools are beginning to offer local languages, Taiwanese, Hakka, and some Aboriginal dialects. 

Environment

Greenpeace warns that Taiwan is becoming the dumping site of toxic wastes from industrialized countries. Taiwan imported 2,000 tons of toxic waste last year from USA and Britain during first six months. The large influx of wastes (even paper) reduced the price of local recyclables, people became less willing to recycle waste. 

A nuclear report from the Anti-Nuclear Coalition for Taiwan reveals that residents of Min Sheng Villa showed signs of radiation-related diseases due to radiation contaminated iron bars used in construction of their apartments. Tests performed by the renowned facilities in Osaka and Hiroshima showed results substantially differing from those original exams taken at the Veteran's General Hospital in Taipei. It appears as though the Atomic Energy Commission had arranged to cover up the effects of misuse of radioactive materials. Min Sheng Villa is not the only apartment complex that may have been so contaminated, others are in the process of being tested by independent laboratories. Owners are somewhat reluctant to speak out about the problem, since they would have difficulty in selling the property if they should want to move. The government needs to consider repurchase the properties and rebuild them, removing the contaminated materials.

Shrinking island! Most of Taiwan's. 1,200 km. coastline has been in retreat for more than a decade due to the dramatic use of gravel, sand for construction, and the damming up of rivers for hydroelectric energy. When these factors are combined, less silt reaches the ocean, and consequently less accretion happens. The coastline then retreats and erodes, causing damage to oyster beds, beaches, and low lying farmland. Not only is the island shrinking, but also sinking due to the overuse of ground water, which has caused the lowering of the water table and land levels in some areas has dropped.

Defense

It was announced that there would be a cut in the number of armed forces by 1994, by 30,000, bringing the total personnel to 440,000. At the same time they projected an increase in military hardware, notably an increase in air power as ROC purchases F-16 jet fighters from the USA and Mirage jets from France. Estimated number by year 2000 is 430 fighters. Meanwhile, in 1993, the first guided missile frigate locally built was launched and added to the coastal defense forces. The DPP criticizing the government's defense system, complains that the air defense has many holes due to waste by the military, and corruption. As the year closed, the murder of Captain YIN Ching-Feng was under investigation. His death is reportedly linked to a massive secret arms purchase program which benefitted some very high ranking officials.

Tourism

Taiwanese travelling abroad has increased dramatically this past year. Over US$ 4 billion was spent by travelers during the first half of the year. The most frequent overseas destination was Hong Kong, where the largest share of the tourist dollars was spent. One third of the tourists visited China. In coming tourism is a big concern to government officials, as Taiwan receives fewer than neighboring Asian countries. Things which hinder local tourism is chaotic traffic conditions, high cost of accommodations, crime, and cumbersome entry and exit procedures. 

The high cost of living for foreigners in Taipei was highlighted in an article which showed that Taipei was the 7th highest cost city in the world, and third highest in Asia. Based on the base line of 100 (New York prices), Taipei was listed as 125.

In an attempt to increase tourism, in December the government sponsored the Taipei International Tourism Fair with 81 countries participating. There were over 300 booths exhibiting the special features of different scenic and recreation spots in many countries and on Taiwan. The fair was billed as the largest of its kind ever in Asia.

Beginning January 1, 1994 a new tourist visa regulation went into effect, allowing visitors from 13 countries to have landing visa service. A landing visa is good for 14 days. If longer period is desired, the regular visa application procedures apply. The thirteen countries are Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. 

Hijacks

Certainly one of the interesting happenings of the year was the continued hijacking of airplanes from Mainland China to Taiwan. This rash of cross-straits traffic (10 during 1993) have made a mockery of the "no direct" travel stance between the two countries. While most of the hijackers carried non lethal "weapons" (box of chocolates, soap, can of nails, etc.) the threats were taken seriously and over 1,000 passengers in ten hijackings survived safely. The hijacking issue discussed at a recent cross straits talks held in Taipei did not resolve the issue. In principle Taipei did agree that the hijackers ought to be returned to China, but insists that they be tried in local court. This would mean that extradition would be possible if Beijing would honor jail terms given by Taiwan courts. Considerable suspicion has been indicated by Taiwan's military regarding the possible intelligence gathering through these hijacking attempts. The fact that all planes used different flight patterns, and the 10th incident included a request to land at Kinmen, Taiwan's most heavily fortified military position could have been interpreted as being instigated by security agents in China.

　II. Church Report 1993　

Introduction

The past is behind us, the future is now. The church is constantly reminded of its heritage as well as the demands of the church in community for today's ills. The PCT has been active on several fronts of evangelism through the Year 2000 Gospel Movement, in the political front in its campaign for clean elections, and in the social arena concern for the disabled, prostitutes, fishermen, and a variety of social problems. We are concerned about the environment, about the arms buildup, not only for Taiwan but in the world. We are concerned about the growing gap between the rich and the poor in the country, and that we demonstrate to the less fortunate our love in the name of Christ.

In this year's focus on the Indigenous Populations, the PCT has demonstrated concern for our Aborigines, and for those indigenous peoples beyond our borders. On the broader scale we need to continually examine our relationships with others in the light of Christ's mandate for us to be peacemakers, pure in heart, reconciling those with whom we have had misunderstanding and conflict. We trust that the new year will be a beginning for greater sensitivity to God's calling for us as a Church and as a nation to be God's instrument of grace and peace.

Aborigine Work and the UN Year of Indigenous Populations

During this UN Year of Indigenous Populations a number of PCT Aboriginal church leaders attended the Human Rights Conference (NGO Forum) in Vienna in June, and following meeting in Geneva sponsored by the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations. Throughout the year numerous activities locally were focussed on raising public awareness and concern for aboriginal issues. Some of these were: 

(1) Easter sunrise service, aborigine choirs participating in New Park, Taipei City, 

(2) Demonstration (1,000 persons) petitioning government to return tribal lands, [calling for the government to end its expanding commercial development on aboriginal land, but rather encourage aboriginal economic and social development, returning land to aboriginals where tribes currently live and where government institutions are occupying tribal areas].

(3) Consultation at YMCA about aboriginal social issues, 

(4) Meeting with the Legislative Yuan to have input into discussion about bringing about unity between the Hok-lo, Hakka, Mainlanders, and Aborigines,

(5) The 40th anniversary celebration (Taitung) of the Aboriginal Work Committee of the PCT by having special events, sports, demonstration, cultural fair, speeches, etc.

During the year, several mission and church growth consultations, election issues, and leadership seminars were held. One meeting dealt with the function and future of districts and presbyteries within the aboriginal church communities.

Women's Work

As the PCT women celebrated 35 years of continuous publishing of their Christian Women's magazine, they held an essay contest to help them discover new talent. Other activity related to publication and writing were (1) revision of the Women's Fellowship Handbook, and (2) holding a writer's training workshop. 

PCT women were active in 1993 in international exposure and learning through visits to Indonesia, Singapore, and other countries. Some skill training observed abroad, have sparked interest in developing some of their own skill training for women of the church. Other international activity included developing contact and networking with women of other Asian countries (Thailand, Japan, India, Sri Lanka, etc.). Representatives attended the ACWC meeting in Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. In their concern for South to South projects, the PCT women invited Rev. Florence Deenadayalan (Association of Theologically Trained Women of India) to visit Taiwan about one month. Chairpersons of the presbyteries organized her itinerary. The Committee organized a fund for victims and victim's families of toy factory fire in Thailand which took many lives (some of them Taiwanese). 

Other women's activities included women's awareness, women's theological training workshops, sponsoring of women theologians to study abroad with scholarship assistance, and a mission gathering in Taichung which was an ecumenical event covering four days, with over 2,500 people attending. The world day of prayer was observed by numerous women's groups.

PCT and UCCJ Interchurch Consultation

In October the PCT and the United Church of Christ in Japan (Kyodan) held their fifth interchurch consultation. During the four day event, the group not only met for discussion but split into two groups, one going to the East Coast, and one to Central Taiwan. The theme of the consultation was "Striving for Dignity of All". The visitors increased their awareness of the plight of the Aborigines and the concern of the Taiwanese for independence. The consultation ended with the churches reaching a consensus on issues related to the rights of indigenous people, and other marginalized groups (such as women and children). A joint statement was produced highlighting issues related to human rights, and national sovereignty.

PCT and PCK Sign Mission Agreement

Moderator Elder Han Young Jae Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK), Moderator, Rev. Chuang, Yi-Yen (PCT), plus twelve representatives each from both churches met in Seoul for a joint mission consultation in May. Both sides agreed to strengthen their mission cooperation in light of the changing times and the break in diplomatic relations between their respective countries. 

University Student Work

About 1,000-1,200 students around the island gather in 60 small groups each week in university student centers, churches, or elsewhere, as part of the PCT's outreach to students. They have fellowship and an opportunity for study and reflection on matters of faith and life. The ten formal university centers (2 Aboriginal and 8 Han) provide leadership training, exposure learning settings, and numerous activities. Each year several groups enter Aboriginal areas for exposure (cultural learning) and for teaching younger children in some basic academic skills (eg. math, etc.) that they might have been difficulty in learning during the regular school year. Other camps (winter and summer) give Bible study opportunities and a time for recreation and fellowship. 

In what the leaders call "human resource development", students break into small groups for discussions on societal issues, social policy, as well as faith application to one's environment. One interesting program brought students together to simulate being a handicapped or disabled person. Students were either blindfolded, confined to a wheelchair, or simulated some other disability, so that they could experience and develop a greater awareness of the difficulties and feelings that differently abled persons face. 

A few of our students were given opportunity to participate in overseas WSCF meetings, or other international exposure trips which included India, the Philippines, and Brazil. 

The New Messenger magazine, a publication for university youth, has been published for over 20 years. It continues to be printed every month, and has a circulation of about 2,500. It provides timely articles on student issues, real life concerns, and faith related topics.

Church & Society Committee 

This has been an active year for the Committee in fund raising for international crises in Africa (famine), India (earthquake), USA (Mid-west flooding), and Bangladesh (flooding). These gave our churches opportunities to respond to human tragedy and human suffering. Locally, an opportunity for mobilizing support for crisis was the fire in Nantou County, where 28 aboriginal homes were burned in October, displacing 30 families. 

During the year the Committee organized church members to join in public demonstrations to protest government action regarding nuclear wastes, to promote establishing a National Holiday in commemoration of the 228 Incident, to support Taiwan Independence and the joining the United Nations. In view of the November elections, it organized a "Clean Election Campaign" to support anti-vote buying groups on the island. Speeches, fliers, buttons, news articles, all were prepared to support this movement. The Committee joined forces with an alliance of organizations which provided anti-drug promotional materials. Drugs have become more a problem with Taiwan students and with the general public. "Say NO TO DRUGS" has become a common slogan supported by many businesses and churches. 

As this report is being written, a delegation of high level officials from China are coming to Taiwan, following up the Koo-Wang talks in Singapore. This is the first of such level of Chinese officials coming to Taiwan since the KMT government retreated to Taiwan in 1949. The C&S Committee is organizing a protest, because these talks, much like the one in Singapore, will treat Taiwan as a province, rather than a sovereign nation. 

Evangelism

The PCT was active in the Year 2000 Gospel Movement and is currently preparing for the MISSION RALLY (expecting 1,500 persons to attend) in January, 1994. The rally is designed to help pastors and church leaders prepare and enable their congregations to participate more fully in the movement and to understand the way PCT does mission. During the year, focus of the Year 2000 Gospel Movement was on prison ministries and on persons involved with drugs. High level discussions with authorities resulted in more access for visits to prisoners, and more opportunities to share faith issues with them. There were four regional seminars on drug abuse, providing exposure to the dangers of drugs, and provided a forum for former drug addicts to share their experiences and their new found faith in Christ. 

The Evangelism Committee is responsible for the post-seminary students job placement, and training. These young ordinands were invited to participate in pre-assignment orientation, and on-the-job training, through a special workshop set up by the committee. Experienced pastors assisted in this workshop. Approximately 60 recently graduated future pastors participated in this program.

The Hakka Evangelism Committee held four "Cultural Nights" in different locations, which aimed at increasing people's awareness of the cultural heritage of the Hakka people, and at the same time provide opportunity to share the Gospel. Hakka songs, guessing games, Hakka movies, and an evangelistic message was part of the program. The Committee cooperated with the Bible Society in publishing in August a Hakka Bible, which included the New Testament and the Psalms. The 6,000 copies were made available to the Hakka churches, which in the PCT number 30 in a population of between 3-4 million in Taiwan. Outside the PCT there are a few other denominations also working in Hakka communities and whose total membership is somewhat larger. A hymn book is being compiled, and should be published sometime in 1994.

An all-island Hakka gathering was held in Hsinchu recently with over 800 persons attending. Following the gathering pastors and church workers met for additional two days to discuss how to be more creative and active in reaching the Hakka people with the Gospel.

Elderly

The elderly in Taiwan have passed the 7% of the population level and is continuing to increase. Both the church and the society are focussing more attention on this growing sector of the population. Both are planning more programs, engaging more funds for the elderly.

This year a special celebration was held at Chang Jung Girls High School (Tainan) commemorating the ten years of service of the PCT to the elderly. The Committee for Senior Citizens continues to develop education and training opportunities for this age group, and supports the year 2000 Gospel Movement by training elderly in witnessing skills. Some of those trained have helped filling pulpits of churches without pastors. Over 700 elderly have enrolled in the "Pine University" (continuing education program) which has been operating now for four years. This year the first graduation class numbered about 60 persons.

While the main campus (headquarters) is located in Hsinchu, there are now 9 branch campus centers around the island. Dr. C. M. Kao, former PCT General Secretary, is currently the President of Pine University. 

Christian Education

"Good curriculum must be accompanied by relevant teacher training", our PCT Education program secretary reports. His concept is that the most elaborate and concise Biblical curriculum is of little value without a dedicated, well-trained teacher to present the content to the student in a meaningful way. The role and witness of the teacher through interaction and example is immeasurable. In addition to the published curriculum, the teacher should become a "living curriculum".

All age curriculum continues to be developed, published and distributed to the local churches throughout the PCT. Input from youth (both inside and outside the church) and adults has helped the curriculum team develop relevant materials. The General Assembly Curriculum Center now has the number of staff planned, two in publishing, four working on the "Lamb" (children's magazine) and ten in the Sunday School Curriculum department. The "Lamb" magazine (now less than two years old) is well established and has reached the three goals set reaching the families, secure a pool of writers/artists (people bank), and publish books. The "people bank" currently has fifty persons for which we are thankful. 

The General Assembly Curriculum Center serves in a supporting role to the presbyteries' education committees through implementing teacher training workshops, and holding district consultations for Sunday School teachers. Christian Education is seen as a vital element in reaching the goals of the Year 2000 Gospel Movement. 

Fishermen's Service Center

At the close of the year, the FSC reflects on the issues that plague the Taiwanese fishermen: (1) high risk and personal safety on board, (2) long periods away from home base and family, (3) introduction of Chinese fishworkers from Mainland China into the Taiwanese fishing fleets, (4) detention of Taiwan fishing boats, even on the high seas in international waters, causing conflict between Vietnamese, Chinese, and Taiwanese. 

The FSC addresses these issues and works hard to educate fishermen to be more aware of the above. Recently the Center sponsored a tele-broadcasting program dedicated to fishermen and their families called "The World of Fishermen".

Conclusion

This past year has been a journey of optimism, perhaps not "exuberant optimism" but certainly a steady, meaningful journey just the same. We are wiser for having travelled this road, and have gained new insights and perspectives. Through it all, we trust that God has been honored, and that our growth has included a broadening of our vision and deepening of our commitment to Christ's mission in the world. Thank you for sharing with us on this journey.