April 20, 2003

Though the end of major warfare in Iraq presents a ray of hope, the processes of relief and reconstruction are not going to be easy. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently invited several Christian agencies: The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT), the Taiwan Catholic Mission Foundation, the Eden Social Welfare Foundation and World Vision/Taiwan; along with 12 other NGO's to coordinate its "Love from Taiwan / United Aid To Iraq" action. The plan is to involve the people of this nation (not just the government) in the provision of pure water, milk powder, salt, sugar and other staples to alleviate shortages in war torn areas. Chang Hwa Christian Hospital, a PCT agency, made the first monetary donation, 30 million Taiwan Yuan (810,810 Euros) to get the ball rolling.

According to reports from World Vision staff in Iraq, since sandstorms began on April 8th the need for medical and nutritional supplies in refugee camps has risen dramatically. Currently there is not enough food in the camps to adequately supply the needs of the residents.

Foreign Ministry, wishing to participate in international humanitarian aid, has invited NGO's into its effort. The PCT as represented by Vice Moderator Rev. Carl Y.C. Chen.

Mr. Chen said that the church operates from a basis of loving life and sharing in suffering. He encourages all churches to pray for the suffering people of Iraq and to devote at least a month to fundraising for the relief and reconstruction project. Regarding the PCT's participation in amassing the resources listed by the Foreign Ministry, he emphasized that prayer and support know neither season nor limitation. He pledged future cooperation in both material and spiritual aspects of the work.

Taiwan Church News
Reported by Ku Hao-jan and Li Yi-shin. Translated and rewritten by David Alexander