by Senoh Noemi, Narita Full Gospel Church
Japan Full Gospel Association
“I Love Taiwan” (ILT) is an annual program begun by the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan in 2002, so this year was the 14th such event. This year’s event was held June 29-July 16 under the theme of “The Present from God,” and 42 young people from foreign countries and 142 Taiwanese (including staff) participated. Two persons from the Kyodan, sponsored by the Committee on Taiwan Church Relations, were among the participants.
Previously, I had thought of Taiwan as just a foreign country, but because of my experiences through the “I love Taiwan Mission,” Taiwan became a huge presence in my life. I had many wonderful experiences through this camp, but for this report, I would like to touch on just two of them.
First, I was afforded the opportunity to watch the youth of my generation work closely together in preparing for the Taiwan Mission and seeing it through. I was particularly impressed by the joyful attitude they had as they carried out the various programs by themselves. While the percentage of the Taiwanese population that is Christian is not particularly high, being about six percent, seeing the youth take an active role in the Taiwan Mission was truly inspiring, and I thought that Japanese Christian youth have much to learn from them. It was such an encouragement to me that there were young people of my generation who worked for God in like this in another country.
The second aspect I would like to mention is that as part of the program, we were separated into groups that were sent to serve in various churches in outlying areas. The group I was in consisted of youth from Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Japan. As we were from different countries with different cultures, and each of us from different backgrounds, coming together as one was not an easy thing; but having the same goal of the gospel is what brought us together in a joyous unity of heart. These were days in which I felt the beauty of the unity of the spirit as we worshiped the same God and worked together for his Kingdom. This has continued to be a source of strength for me since returning to Japan.
I am so thankful to have been able to participate in ILT. Both Taiwan and Japan continue to have a great need for the Gospel, and I think that the youth have a very important role in accomplishing this task. ILT is a “mission camp” that encourages and strengthens youth for such a role. I pray that from now on the missionary work in Taiwan and many countries will be blessed through ILT. Finally, I wish to thank the Kyodan for its support in sending me to ILT. And I thank the Lord for this opportunity as I make this report. (Tr. KY)
I Love Taiwan 報告
台湾基督長老教会が主催する「I Love Taiwan」は2002年から始まり、今年で14 回を迎えた。 6月29日から7月16日まで「The Present from God」のテーマで行われ、42名の海外青年、142名 (スタッフも含む)の台湾青年が参加した。
私にとって台湾はただ単に一 つの外国という認識でした。しかし今回のI LOVE TAIWAN MISSIONを通して台湾は私にとって大きな、
一つ目は今回のILTで私と同年代の青年たちが台 湾のミッションの為に準備を重ね、
二つ目は台湾の地域教会にグ ループで派遣され、奉仕をしたことです。
今回ILTに参加することができたことを心から嬉しく思っていま
(日本フルゴスペル教団 純福音成田教会)妹尾のえみ