wfn.org | Taiwan - Ray of Hope Tells Teens to "Just Say NO!"

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

Taiwan Church News 2621, May 26, 2002
Reported by Chang Ruei-ting, Translated and Rewritten by David
Alexander

    In an effort to help its students understand their sexuality,
the Chien Tai Middle School in Miao- li invited a nearby Baptist Church to
lead four assemblies on the topic. The church, in turn, contacted the
"Ray of Hope" ministry for speakers.  Richard and Carolyn Ardron shared a
pointed message.
    They said statistics show that 25% of young people have met
with someone they contacted through the internet for sexual relationships, and
that in the past decade the rate of sexually active young women in Taiwan
has quadrupled.  They added that around the world every minute five
people get AIDS or become HIV positive.  Premarital and extramarital sexual
intercourse is widespread, and sexually transmitted diseases (STD's)
threaten public and student health.  "Where," they asked, "does Taiwan's
premarital sex education point us?"

   Ms. Ardron said that "safe sex" (promoting the use of condoms)
has been promoted in the USA for 25 years. Statistics have shown no
decrease in the transmission of STD's, in abortion rates, or in out of wedlock
pregnancy rates.  The government there, she said, is now considering
promotion of sexual abstinence education.  Taiwan currently is seeing the
failure of its own "safe sex" education program and is beginning to see how
abstinence education has merit.
    She pointed out how in those states in the USA which prmotot
abstinence education, the effect is being felt.  She advocated use of the
slogan "Say No To Premarital Sex" as a protection against unwed pregnancy,
abortion and STD's.     67% of the students who attended the session signed 
pledge
cards indicating their intention to live pure lives.

For more information:  Ray of Hope  FAX +886 6 281 0853

rohtn.wwf@msa.hinet.net

Taiwan Church News is published weekly in Chinese.
Visit our web site: www.pctpress.com.tw
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