wfn.org | Taiwan's National Prayer Breakfast Reconfigured by SARS

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

Taiwan Church News 2671, May 11, 2003
Reported by Li Yi-shin. Translated and rewritten by David
Alexander

   In the light of the SARS situation, the National Prayer
Breakfast, originally scheduled for June 14th, has been
reconfigured.  All events planned for the 13th and 14th of June
have been combined to a national fasting and prayer meeting. It
will take place 7:30 to 10:30 AM on June 14th at Taipei's
International Convention Center.
   Taiwan's SARS situation has caused changes in planned meetings
of all sorts. Large scale events have been cancelled.  The
organizing committee for the breakfast says that, in
consideration of the safety of invited overseas guests, this year
the prayer breakfast will not be held. The fasting and prayer
rally will be its substitute.  They hope that many people will
contribute their prayers and strength, praying together for the
health of Taiwan.
   The original theme for the breakfast was, "Repentance and
Renewal." It focused on ethnic identity, calling together
representatives of Taiwan's many aboriginal and immigrant groups
for reconciliation in the love of Christ. This theme will
continue to prevail in the modified event, but will be
supplemented with prayers regarding the SARS situation,
specifically for health, economic and media issues which SARS has
exacerbated. All will be lifted in prayer, calling for God's
mercy, leadership and renewal.
   The organizing committee calls on churches nationwide to
continue to pray for the event's smooth progress and for the
reform of Taiwan's spiritual atmosphere.  Without gathering in
one place, churches might begin special prayers from May 29th to
June 14th for the political, educational, family, media, economic
and ecclesiastical affairs of this nation.  The 8th of June has
also been designated "A Day of Prayer for the Nation".
   The Rev. Dr. C. M. Kao, former General Secretary of the
Presbyterian Church in Taiwan and a member of the organizing
committee said, "When the early church suffered persecution it
scattered and spread the gospel to the whole world. SARS is not a
persecution, but it has prevented Christians from gathering
together.  Still, SARS presents an opportunity for gospel
ministry. Without dividing into our separate denominational
identities, we Christians can pray for Taiwan, not forgetting at
the same time to spread the good news, pray for power, and be
encouraged by God's mighty hand."
   All Christians are welcomed to join at the Taipei
International Convention Center from 7:30 to 10:30 on June 14th
to fast and pray for the nation.

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