wfn.org | Taiwanese Church Penetrates Society through Cultural Work

[Taiwan Church News <pctpress@ms1.hinet.net>]

Taiwan Church News 2668, April 20, 2003
Translated and rewritten by David Alexander

   In decades long past people working to produce sea salt in
Southern
Taiwan suffered an occupational affliction known as "black foot
disease".
Christians concerned for the suffering people of this land made
many
contributions to the alleviation of the condition until it is
known today only
as a bit of historical trivia. The facilities of Pak-mng-su
Presbyterian Church
in Tainan County include a small structure that once housed a
free clinic for
black foot patients.
   The building has been restored as a local cultural museum and
monument,
the "Taiwan Black Foot Disease Medical History Memorial Hall."
The
Women's Ministry Department of Tainan Presbytery made significant

contributions to the restoration project.  On April 12th young
and old were
invited to a dedicatory ceremony to pass on the story of
Christian social
concern and action.
   The Rev. Lim Keng-to, pastor of nearby Thau-sia Presbyterian
Church,
addressed the gathering on the topic of new life. He urged all
present to use
practical action to show concern for the weak and helpless,
engaging the
society with God's love.
   Because the free clinic had been funded by the Mustard Seed
Mission,
people who attended the dedication were encouraged to plant
mustard
seeds in the garden in front of the building. They took home
small glass jars
filled with soil into which a mustard seed had been planted.
   Ms. Lian Siong-bi, the pastor of Pak-mng-su Church, says that
the
memorial hall serves as a window between the church and the
neighborhood.  People can see through and communicate by way of
the
facility and what it stands for.  She hopes that this cultural
work can enable
the church to serve as a spiritual home for the community; a
companion to
sing a new song of life for the neighborhood.

For more information:  Mustard Seed Mission  FAX +886 2 2597 5028

			Lian Siong-bi  TEL & FAX +886 6 786 2138

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