Taiwan Church News 3052 Edition August 23~29, 2010

Reported by Chen Wei-chien. Written by Lydia Ma. Photo provided by CCH

Ever since PCT Changhua Presbytery and Korea’s Iksan Presbytery became partner presbyteries, they’ve maintained an intimate relationship through frequent interactions and inviting each other’s pastors and youths for short stays and visits.

When Changhua Presbytery celebrated its 40th anniversary earlier, it was no surprise that a delegation from Iksan came to celebrate this occasion. This summer, Iksan Presbytery’s choir was invited to visit Taiwan and tour local churches in Changhua area.

Choir members first visited National Palace Museum in Taipei, National Museum of Natural Science, Sun Moon Lake, and other tourist attractions before touring a few churches in Changhua area and Changhua Christian Hospital (CCH).

Not only did this choir of 35 people perform during weekday chapel services in CCH, it also sang in the hospital’s lobby for patients waiting to see their doctors or waiting to pick up their prescriptions. Choir members also took time to shake patients’ hands or give them a hug.

In an interesting twist, culture shock became a topic of some eye-opening conversations during this visit. PCT David Landsborough Memorial Church pastor, Rev. Wei Chien-hsiang, reported that Korean Christians were taken aback to see Taiwanese pastors and their wives personally order take-out food for their guests. They commented that, in Korea, pastors usually taught and preached while elders and deacons served the flock.

Wei also reported his congregation learned a lot from Korean Christians and looked forward to future visits. “Korean churches have a lot to teach us about prayer. Perhaps we can invite their elders or seminarians to come and share their experiences with us. We can provide food and lodging, and I believe communication shouldn’t be a problem as long as they can speak English. These are a few things we’re aiming for in the future,” Wei said.