From the Pastor's Desk

by Pastor Peter Kim

Prayer for the Missionaries

In Taiwan last month, we were hit with a daily downpour of rain for weeks that seemed to be the worst in a number of years. However, compared to what was and is going on in other parts of the world, we have had it pretty easy. The worst, perhaps, that we can complain about is how wet we will be by the time we get home (this month, that is more likely to be the result of the heat, instead of the rain!). And since things do not seem so bad here in Taiwan, it is easy for us to forget about how people are suffering around the world.

But, let's bring it back to Taiwan for a bit. There are a number of people who are here with us in Taiwan who are deeply affected by what is going on in the world. One of the many groups affected are the missionaries among us. Let me try to set the picture.

Foreigners who desire to stay in Taiwan may have a bit of a difficult time coming in. Missionaries, likewise, have a difficult time coming in and finding a way to stay. There are a number of options that missionaries have. Either they can come in as an English teacher (which would force them to divide their time); as an employee of a company (again, their time is divided); as a student of Mandarin (once again, their time is divided, and the rules of keeping a student visa are strict); as a missionary (requiring them to be licensed and have two years’ experience, which is something that not all missionaries may have, especially if we are talking about non-pastoral missionaries); or simply as a visitor (which will require them to travel outside of the country every three months).

Many missionaries have their visas and are able to stay in the country without many issues. However, there are some among us who are struggling with what they need to do. For those missionaries who have come in with a visitor visa, they would normally simply travel somewhere outside of Taiwan every three months (or as some say, "do a visa run"). However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all such travel would not work because, as foreigners, they would not be able to re-enter Taiwan. Thankfully, the government has provided extensions, and many missionaries were able to stay a bit longer. But now, many of them are nearing the 180-day limit and are again faced with a dilemma.

Another bit of good news is that the Taiwanese government is now allowing foreigners with the right type of visa (students, employees, teachers, and even missionaries) to come to Taiwan. However, many of the Taiwan government offices in other countries are backed up in processing documents because the offices are often closed due to COVID-19. In other countries, the Taiwan government office closed down, again, because of COVID-19 (https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3957402).

There are missionaries in our church that have faced or are facing such issues. I also have two friends who are missionaries in Taiwan who are currently facing such an issue. Let us pray for the missionaries, that the Lord would provide a way for them to accomplish His kingdom work.

Let us also pray for Michelle Ko, who we support. She has not been able to re-enter Tanzania because of the risks of COVID-19 there and is still trying to find a way to return to Taiwan. Let us pray that God would provide the way and that He would continue to guide her steps.