5 Questions with...Vivien Shum

1. How did you first get involved with Friendship Presbyterian? My husband Steve and I were living in my home country of Singapore when Steve’s job brought us to Taipei in 2014. We searched for a bilingual church, thinking it would be a great way for us to learn Mandarin (my first language is English). We were attending a bilingual church nearby when we discovered FPC. We fell in love with the preaching, the music, and the friendly people and have been attending FPC ever since. I became a member two years ago.  

2. What do you do Monday through Saturday? I keep busy with a small private consulting service where I advise high school students on how to apply to U.S. colleges. I also attend BSF and participate in a separate Bible study that consists of a small group of ladies whom I met through BSF. I used to attend Linda Ludwig’s Fabulous Females of Friendship community group as well. On Saturdays, my husband and I like to go and visit small towns and scenic places around Taiwan. 

3. What is something people might be surprised to know about you? I also volunteer with an organization called UWC Taiwan. Not many people in Taiwan have heard of UWC which stands for United World College, It is a movement which was founded 57 years ago, at the height of the Cold War. Its collection of 17 not-for-profit colleges around the world has a mission of making education a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. The Taiwan national committee selects outstanding Taiwanese students to continue their grade 11 & 12 education in any one of the 17 UWC colleges (IB curriculum), providing them with full or partial scholarships, which are provided by the UWC Foundation and private donors.   

4. What do you find most challenging about being a Christian today? Living according to God’s Word in a secular world. Living a fully God-centered life is challenging. The Christian life demands change, and it is difficult to change ourselves. It often means turning from things that come easiest, following the accepted norms in today's society, things that satisfy our natural urges, and our need for control. We often struggle to freely choose to say no to our urges and impulses and surrender to God's road map for us. 

5. What is one of your favorite books of the Bible? The Book of Revelation. It is the final book of the 66 books that make up the Bible. When I studied Revelation the first time, I was struck by the vivid and extravagant imagery the Apostle John recorded, its message of a believer's hope, God's promises of the defeat of evil, and God's full deliverance of His people. Revelation speaks of the bright future awaiting God's children. The hope of heaven puts into perspective our daily life in this world.