Revolving Door

Here is a picture of Leanne and I with a couple of friends who had just been baptised when the picture was taken. The reason for the title of this post is that they have been an integral part of my band at church for the last two years and will be leaving in a couple of weeks. When they leave my band will have to make huge changes in style as he was the drummer and we don't have another to replace him. Our church suffers the revolving door phenomenom as most people in it are only in Taiwan for 1 or 2 years. But the encouragment comes in what God has shown a few of us as the purpose of this church. People come to Taiwan usually running from something. As a church we have seen numerous of second baptisms (I like to call them Mennonites after they get the second baptism) as a result of people who were baptized as babies but wanted to recommit. The purpose with the short time is to get them in and get them ready to go back into their home country and church as on fire believers ready to set their church aflame with the help of God. Pray for these guys (Brad and Laura) as Brad has no real christian community in South Africa as he became a Christian is Taiwan. It will be a struggle as he deals with old friends in their old ways. Pray Laura will be a good support for him.

The Mist

A mist hangs over the hills after a brief downpour. This was taken in a mountainous rainforest type area in central Taiwan called Shi Tou. We were on a church retreat on which we baptized 4 people. It was amazing to see what a great artist could do with just the color green. As we left His showroom and returned to Kaohsiung we all knew once again that he is a God of Wonders. Indescribable.

My Girls

Here is one of my favorite pictures with a couple of my favorite girls...Excuse me...WOMEN. When I look at this picture I am reminded of change. I think about where I was many years ago and where God has taken me in that time. I think it is pretty amazing. I used hang out at malls looking to fill time. Now I am in Taiwan doing more than I ever thought possible all by the power of God. I miss Taco Bell though.

Next Step

I have been struggling lately with what my next step in life will be. It has caused me tension and anxiety. I need prayer. Lord help me to trust You in all that happens today and with all that will happen in the future.

New Life

A tunnel in an old Japanese fort in Penghu. From the darkness into the light.

A Taste Of Heaven

Looking at this picture always makes me happy. It is during worship at church one Sunday. Our church is an international church and in this picture there are people from Africa, Finland, England, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, and Taiwan. Seeing all those people together worshipping the Lord, united by nothing except the love of God makes me feel this is just a taste of Heaven.

The Lights

Danshui at night.
A long day done, so were riding the subway back into Taipei city. The lights across the river caught my eye. I seem to be drawn to lights. Cities, christmas trees, sunsets, neon. Pulled toward the lights is a good thing I think. At times when I stray into the darkness, to know and see the light is still there is a great relief.

First Time

The first time you do anything is always a little exciting. For example, right now. I have never had a computer before or had a blog before. I really don't know why I am doing it. It might be a way to keep in touch with people or it might be a place for me to ramble on incoherently without caring what other people think. Or I might just think it is cool. We'll see from what I post I guess. So far I am going with the rambling one.

Another World

Here is a picture of Leanne and I in Penghu. Leanne loved the store behind us but I was less impressed and decided to play with my camera outside. This was my first timer shot on the camera.
Penghu is an island near Taiwan (4 hour boat ride). We had a great weekend there with our carecell.
It was like stepping into a whole different world from Taiwan. Still all chinese but much cleaner and low key.
Beaches were beautiful.
Sunset picture in the previoous posting was from the boat ride back.

Life

I see the sun and know life comes from it and all the science of how that happens. And yet it takes your breath way doesn't it.