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Taiwanese experience Kiwi culture

  • “For me everyday during this trip was new and full of fresh experiences; the beautiful nature and Kiwi passion were very impressive.”
  • “One week in Christchurch we lived with a Kiwi family and we took part in the fellowship of retired old people and women. Everyone treated us kindly and lovingly, and I learned how to be a host. Besides I found some people who try their best to serve God. This model makes me think about what I can do for the people and my church.”
  • “Staying in Gore and enjoying the fresh air, serenity and spacious grounds was quite a joyful thing for me.”

The comments above were just some of those made on the last day of a Taiwanese youth exchange programme held from 2-17 July.

We can be very proud of the churches that hosted this group of young people.

I can still clearly remember when I was talking with one of the young men of the group at the Connect conference. We were having a time of prayer and he said to me, “when I go back home, I want to renew my faith; I want to take what I have learnt here and share it with others.”

A few days after the programme I was talking with some of the hosts. One of them said to me, “our understanding of God’s mission has been challenged and we want to know more. They were so lovely, and although they were different in many ways, so much was also the same.”

So much was the same. The more I travel and experience the churches around the world, the more I see that people are the same everywhere. I see the Church facing similar challenges. Again this was highlighted with the exchange programme.

To share our faith is hard work. To be involved in God’s mission is risky and takes energy and perseverance. But as a worldwide faith community, we can support each other, challenge each other and strengthen each other.

We will realise that God not only goes ahead of us but is already in those different places doing mighty things.

By Stuart Simpson