wfn.org | Taiwan's President Chen Addresses National Prayer Rally

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

Taiwan Church News 2677, June 22, 2003
Reported by Li Yi-hsin and Ku Hao-jan. Translated and rewritten
by David Alexander

   Reconfigured by the SARS contagion, Taiwan's annual National
Prayer Breakfast convened as a decentralized national prayer
rally on the morning of June 14th.  Nearly 2,000 people gathered
at Taipei's International Convention Center, and thousands more
at locations in each of Taiwan's 18 counties and major cities.
They lifted their voices in concerted prayer for the nation.
   In Taipei, the meeting opened with music, followed by an
address by the Rev. Kow Shaw-en from The House of Christ.  His
topic was repentance and renewal: an emphasis on the role of
prayer in transforming individuals, churches and nations. He
claimed that all Christians in Taiwan hope that President Chen
Shui-bian will come to believe in the power of prayer, that God
will transform the nation and give hope to all its people.  He
repeatedly called for Christians to act justly, mercifully and
humbly as they walk with God.
   President Chen was present and addressed the rally
personally.  He began with words of thanks and appreciation for
the medical professionals who sacrificed so much during the
recent SARS crisis in Taiwan.  He thanked Christians for the many
donations they made towards relief and healing.
   As he spoke he frequently quoted the Bible. He exhorted his
listeners to pray at all times and give thanks in all
circumstances. He advised them that a joyful heart is good
medicine, and he blessed them with peace.  He joined the gathered
ministers and laypeople in prayer as they called on God to grant
peace to the nation and spiritual health to the people.
   Following his speech and departure, Christian leaders from
different ethnic groups engaged in mutual footwashing as an act
of servanthood and reconciliation.  Then a former recording star,
Ms. Tsuei Siao-ping, gave a testimony of her imprisonment during
Taiwan's "white terror" era of political repression. She
encouraged all to seek healing for the past through the present
love of God.
   Joint prayers, led by clergy and church leaders from various
groups, were lifted to heaven, and the meeting concluded with
songs of praise.

For more information: www.ccea.org.tw

Taiwan Church News is published weekly in Taiwan's local
languages.
Visit our web site: www.pctpress.com.tw