May 9, 2010
Reported by Chiou Kuo-rong
Written by Lydia Ma

"We're all ordinary people, but the secret to receiving a great calling from God is to live a sacrificial life according to God's commands," said Rev. Wu En-tien, pastor of Hsu Chun-fang Memorial Church.

This PCT church in Taipei organized a Mother's Day community celebration event ahead of time on the afternoon of May 2 to honor every mother and welcomed families living in the church's neighborhood to attend.

According to Rev. Wu, though mothers are very ordinary women, they are always lauded by their sons and daughters because of the sacrifices they make for their families. If everyone would live sacrificially as taught in the Bible, their lives would bless others and garner praise from their children and society.

More importantly, people who've been blessed because of other people's sacrificial living would contribute more to society in return because their hearts would brim with gratefulness. Little by little, these actions start a cycle of goodness and good deeds in society, said Wu.

Many disadvantaged families who've been helped by Hsu Chun-fang Church attended this event along with church members. They listened very attentively to Rev. Wu during the sermon.

The church used this celebration as an occasion to showcase some of its members' volunteer work among disadvantaged families in their own communities. City councilors and district leaders who also attended this celebration praised the church's work and contribution to their community.

According to one church elder, the church had started an after-school program about five years ago that continues to this day. Every weekday afternoon, some women church members go to a nearby elementary school after classes recess to help children from disadvantaged families or children with disabilities to study and read.

Through these women, many children experienced God's love in the form of someone by their side, helping them with homework. Some of these children's parents have even begun attending church and bringing their children with them after seeing their children enjoying the church's after-school program so much.

The program has become a bridge between Hsu Chun-fang Memorial Church and many parents and a good way to share the gospel.

Taiwan Church News