March 7, 2010
Reported by Chen Yi-hsuan
Written by Lydia Ma

This year's government-sponsored Lantern Festival Exhibition was held in Chiayi and Catholic Bishops Office participated in this event by displaying lights in the exhibition's religion section.

Catholics and Protestants came together on the evening of February 28, the day of the Lantern Festival, to host a united choir performance and do some outreach. Members of Chiayi Christian Prayer Alliance, PCT Chiayi Presbytery, and other local churches could be seen distributing gospel tracts to the crowds.

One of the main performers on that night was famous Christian saxophonist Sam Hsiao who also shared his testimony at the end of his performance. The message on that night was delivered by Archbishop John Hong who also blessed the crowds coming to see the festival.

"If you take GOD out of GOOD, all you're left with is a zero," Archbishop Hong pointed out during his message. He said God's presence in people's lives is crucial for their lives to be filled with happiness and goodness. Though people believe the year of the tiger is supposed to bring good luck, real blessings can only come from God.

Volunteers handed out blessing cards and eagerly used this opportunity to share the gospel and the true meaning of happiness. Archbishop Hong said he was very happy to see Protestants participating and helping out as it shows the world that Christians are united in love and evangelism.

As for decorations and lights, Catholics decided to use white as the main theme and install a makeshift bell tower adorned with a cross at the top. The white lights that illuminated the tower were a stark contrast to the neighboring yellow and red lights used by other religions to light up their temples.

Inside of the tower, visitors could find Bibles, crosses, and brief introductions on the history and ministries of the Catholic Church in Taiwan. They could also try the make-a-wish bell installed inside the tower. Outside of the tower, some volunteers distributed cards with Bible verses on one side, while others taught how to make do-it-yourself couplets on the other side. These couplets are usually written on red banners and posted on door frames during Lantern Festival holidays.

Chiayi Christian Prayer Alliance chairman, Rev. Lin Chia-song, said Protestant churches were assisting Catholic churches this year during the government-sponsored Lantern Festival exhibition held in Chiayi. Hence, churches such as PCT, Bread of Life, Lutheran Church, Holiness Church, etc. were sending members to the festival to help distribute gospel tracts and offer counseling and prayer for anyone who wanted to accept Christ.

Taiwan Church News