August 16, 2009
Translated by Lydia Ma

Taiwan's landscape, geography, and mountains were completely altered after the 921 Earthquake in 1999. The earthquake loosened the soil in Taiwan's mountainous regions and mudslides have been grave concerns whenever there is heavy rain. There are no quick fixes to long-term environmental degradation, but this serious problem has been compounded by continuing exploitation of sandstone from rivers beds, which in turn changes the course of rivers.

However, we believe if officials would pay more attention, increase efforts, and have more compassion, people would not feel as helpless as they do whenever typhoon season approaches.

Typhoon Morakot unleashed the highest amount of rainfall in Taiwanese history, far surpassing a severe storm on August 7 almost fifty years ago, which also devastated Taiwan. Strong rain and winds brought by Morakot pummeled southern Taiwan this time.

What is noteworthy is that 48 hours before Morakot's landfall, U.S. network CNN had already warned the storm might inflict heavy losses and damages in Asia and warned us to do whatever necessary to be prepared and avoid flooding. Despite CNN's forewarning, we still ended up with a major disaster on our hands after a night of wind and rain.

In the wake of the storm, President Ma placed the blame on Central Weather Bureau (CWB) for inaccurate predictions, but ironically, CWB's inaccurate predictions most likely saved the Ma administration. If CWB had advised the national government to do everything possible to guard against severe flooding, would Typhoon Morakot have been less devastating? Our guess is that damages would be just as debilitating, but the administration's incompetence and unwillingness to take responsibility would be brought to the forefront for all to see.

In times like these, we must cut to the chase and say, "Enough rainwater to clear out already! We need more people willing to roll up their sleeves and get to work. We need to see politicians with more sweat coming out of their pores and fewer words coming out of their lips!"

This storm also brought out the good and loving side of Taiwanese people and we saw average citizens starting websites to collect donations and provide updates. Many private organizations also mobilized their resources. With God's help, we know that we will overcome this as well.

Being a socially active church, the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan didn't lag behind in relief efforts and promptly offered first aid, supplies, and assistance with the help of local presbyteries. PCT churches in northern Taiwan that were not affected by the storm took initiative by reaching out to hard-hit churches in southern Taiwan. Churches built on higher terrain reached out to their neighbors living in lower terrains of the same city who were devastated by the storm. While local churches mourned with those who mourned, the PCT General Assembly used its organizational skills to coordinate rebuilding efforts.

According to the book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament, when Nehemiah heard about the devastation that had taken place in Jerusalem and how the city walls had been torn down and the city gates burned, he did a lot of introspection first. Afterward, Nehemiah rose up and joined his people in rebuilding Jerusalem's city walls. He gave up his position and income, endured people's ridicule, and truly identified with his people.

In the history of the PCT, we also have a hero we can look up to and emulate. Dr. William Sia once wrote in his diary, "If I delay a minute to tend to patients, it'd be that extra minute those patients will have to suffer." Though Sia passed away more than thirty years ago, his life clearly reflected Christ's love and mercy.

In moments like these, let us get wholly involved with relief efforts and show love and compassion toward our neighbors. Let us also continue to keep them in our prayers and ask God to have mercy on us, forgive us of our ignorance and failings in taking care of the environment, and help typhoon victims in their suffering.

Now that the rain has stopped, let's shut up and get to work!

Taiwan Church News