Mission Taiwan » Photos

2010 NCUE Graduate Farewell

Eric — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 06:01:10 +0000

Graduation Day again! It is clock-work each year in the spring… and never without the strange sense that part of your group of friends is unnaturally displaced as you look forward to the next year. It is a necessary step for each one of the graduates, but all of our hearts burn with joy and sadness as we see them move on to God’s next step for their lives. The 2010 NCUE Navigator graduates have left behind a legacy of laughter and fun while setting a pace to follow Christ that each undergraduate can eagerly strive for. Please pray for this 2010 Changhua Navigator class as they take big steps following God’s leading into work and service for Him throughout life!

Sitou Forest in Nantou, Taiwan

Eric — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 03:00:18 +0000

NCUE day trip to Sitou Forest. Actually, it was a Plan B trip to Sitou Forest. Originally, we wanted to go on over-night hiking trip to Hehwan Mountain, but because of all the rain from the Plum Rain Season we ended up doing a day hike. Sitou is only about an hour drive south on the Number 3 highway from Taichung City. So a day break start wasn’t necessary to still have enough time in the park, which is always a huge plus with college students.

While in the park, we hiked around the endless trails and wound our way up to the ancient tree. It is know as a god tree because it is estimated to be around 3000 years old. Unlike other ancient trees in Taiwan, this tree did not have a nearby temple or shrine to worship in. Probably, mostly because it was located with the park. Other ancient trees or living objects hold a special place of worship in many Taiwanese religious beliefs and will have daily tending and offerings placed around the tree.

A short distance away from the ancient tree is a small shelter offering souvenirs, ice cream snacks, and lunch. Our group hid there for about an hour eating lunch and chatting while waiting for the heavy rain to subside.

From the ancient tree down, there are many small paths that weave through the mixtures of forests of soft-wood, evergreens, and bamboo. It is truly a unique region in sub-tropical Taiwan partly due to the mountain evaluation and fluctuation in temperatures allowing such a great variety of vegetation.

I believe the best part of the trip was being able to be out in God’s creation with other friends and be able to marvel together about how wonderful a Creator God we know. It brings to life verses like Romans 1:20… “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” and gives us all new insights into the characteristics of the God we worship! I am also appreciative he is still creating new life everyday in each one of my friends who went with me.

In the end, Sitou Forest turned out to be great. It rained hard and we all got wet, but the rain drove away many of the visitors who would normally be roaming the forest trails on a Saturday. But it was a special close to the end of the semester, and what a day to enjoy God’s beautiful creation in Nantou, Taiwan together!

Here is the link to the Taiwan website (English) describing the Sitou Nature Education Area.

Remodeling Project

Eric — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 01:30:24 +0000

The Changhua Navigator Center is located in the middle of a neighborhood on the Northeast side of the NCUE campus. The neighborhood consists of many old residents, shops, and markets; many of these buildings and stores have been servicing this community since the beginning of the NCUE campus and influx of students. The building resides on a small alley and a five minute walk directly to the campus main gate.

The basement is a gift from God. Very few, if any, Taiwanese home buildings have basements, let alone a double basement big enough to fit nearly 80+ chairs and a couple other floors able to accommodate overflow as the church grows.

The basement area before and after the installation of the hanging ceiling and lights.

Wiring the church to be able to have sound and video feeds to the over flow room on the second floor and sound to the nursery/child care room on the third floor. Speakers in the upper floors will allow many more people, and families taking care of children, feel welcome to join us to worship each week.

The cross in the center of the basement meeting room.

Each Sunday afternoon for the past month, the church has been meeting to pray and approach God for his direction on how to proceed along each step. This has been a blessing to all of us as we grow in dependence on God through many of the steps he is leading. It has also helped us as we have been able to repent from any person pride, or selfishness, in the process and seek and fight for unity together as a church in following God together.

Last night was our first meeting together at the new building! We remembered Jesus’ life and death on the cross through the sharing of Chaoron. He illustrated the importance of Jesus’ sacrifice and the hope we have together in our new life. Please pray for many students who heard the Scriptures shared last night about Jesus that Spirit will continue to work in their hearts as they continue to know Him.

Our group meeting together for the first time for Good Friday 2010!

Taiwan Travel Photo Album

Eric — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:05:03 +0000

Taiwan Travel

This photo album has photos selected from different locations throughout Taiwan. I expect to have more photos as I have future opportunities to visit friends and places around the island. Many of the photos do very little justice to the beauty of Taiwan’s scenic destinations which really need to be personally explored to fully absorb all the beauty!

Penghu Photos

Eric — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:40:30 +0000

Part of our 55 university student team visiting the whale cave in Penghu.

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All the teachers were excited after the camp!

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Our entire group, including teachers and campers.

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Me and Amy, one of our students.

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The yellow submarine team.

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Daniel Tsai sharing his life story.

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ShaoU and I with the Taiwan University students.

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Ricky and Harry, the morning Bible study group.

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