December 11, 2011
Reported by Chen Yi-hsuan
Written by Lydia Ma

Churches in Sinying District in Tainan came together for the first time to host a Christmas carnival on December 3, 2011 at a local park. This Christmas carnival called "Share the Love" first originated in Hong Kong and began to be held in Taiwan beginning in 2006. Based on the themes of grace, respect, and joy, the carnival includes, local cuisine, games, sharing of the gospel, and free services such as massages and haircuts.

This carnival sponsored by 11 local churches was the product of 8 months' worth of planning and praying. It attracted a crowd of more than 4,000 people and churches used this occasion, which coincided with the season of Advent, to meet new people and invite them to their respective Christmas celebrations so that residents of Sinying would learn about the origin of Christmas.

This is the first time that churches in Sinying have co-sponsored such a big event and they were aided by Tainan City Council and Sinying District Office, which spread the news to local residents via borough leaders and local schools.

There was a 2-hour live performance at this carnival, which included Christian songs, dance, and drama. A total of 12 food stands and 13 game stands were also set up on the sidelines, along with 15 stands offering services such as counseling, massage, haircuts, and more. Sunday School teachers from various churches also set up "Story Houses" where they used puppets to tell stories.

This carnival originating from Hong Kong has already taken place in several cities across Taiwan, including Keelung, Tamsui, Hualien, Changhua and more. Participants are given free vouchers ahead of time where they can use toward food, games, and services. The vouchers are free and this is how the carnival shares the meaning of "grace" with non-Christians. "Grace" is also one of the three themes of the carnival.

The second theme of the carnival is "respect," and this theme is highlighted by the warm hospitality of church volunteers at the event. The last theme of the carnival is "joy," which can be found in the food and games and services provided.

The Monday after the carnival, various churches began contacting participants who had left their contact addresses to arrange home visitations and invite these new acquaintances to their church for Christmas services and events.

Taiwan Church News