April 25, 2010
Reported by Chiou Kuo-rong, Chen Yi-hsuan
Written by Lydia Ma

Earth Day is observed on April 22 around the world every year. It was first introduced by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin and environmental activist Denis Hayes around 1970. Today, many countries around the world use this day to promote environmentally-friendly habits or tips.

This year, Taipei Shih-Tung Presbyterian Church's Ladies Fellowship marked Earth Day by inviting Housewives Alliance to host a seminar at the church. The alliance, whose members include young and experienced mothers, taught participants how to make soap from discarded frying oil.

According to reports, not only is soap made from discarded oil safer to use compared to most soaps found in stores, it also reuses and recycles something people would have otherwise discarded.

With help from Housewives Alliance, participants enthusiastically made about to 4,000 ml of soap. Their finished products are currently stored away so that the soap can dry and harden. Once ready, they will be distributed to the whole congregation for sampling.

In another part of Asia, a Japanese youth is continuing his trek to raise awareness on environmentalism. Yuji Miyata, who trekked across Taiwan for the same reason last year during his three month visit, is currently in Vietnam.

As Yuji walked across Vietnam, he discovered that many people were maimed because of the Vietnam War. He also saw many orphans living in need. These encounters prompted him to start a fundraiser by selling canvas backpacks. Proceeds from the sales will go toward helping Vietnamese people who are in need.

Yuji met many people during his visit to Taiwan. One of his supporters is a pastor from Fongshan who has been corresponding with him. With the help of this pastor (who wishes to remain anonymous), Yuji found a 50-year-old, renowned shop in Tainan willing make canvas bags. When the owner of the shop heard that the bags were supporting environmentalism and orphans in Vietnam, he quickly agreed to sell them at a reduced price.

Though Yuji is not a Christian, this pastor has been reaching out to him and praying for him. Through their interactions, Yuji said he has been greatly encouraged. He shared that he recently encountered some setbacks in Vietnam that prompted him to try prayer, and was amazed that soon after he finished praying, he received a call that promptly solved all his problems, enabling him to accomplish what he needed to do.

Taiwan Church News