wfn.org | Aboriginal Student Center Reopens in Taiwan after 10 Years' Suspension

["pctpress" <pctpress@ms1.hinet.net>]

Taiwan Church News 2723, 3 through 9 May 2004
Reported by TCN Staff. Translated and Rewritten by David Alexander

After ten years of suspension, the Aboriginal Student Center in Puli has
reopened. The organizational moves were initiated last February and official
operation began with a ceremony in April. The Rev. Biza-takehunan, moderator
of the Central Bunun Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan,
presided
as evangelists Ispalakan Ibi and Mangogo Usas were installed to supervise the
ministry. The center's work will emphasize provision of an environment to
nourish the intellectual, moral and spiritual needs of its residents.

Ibi said that the ministry starts from scratch. Since February it has been a
process of trusting on the grace of God as an empty building is equipped. 
The
dormitory is a three floor structure with fifty ping (165m2, 1800 sq ft ) of
usable living space. It was provided by World Vision/Taiwan. During the
months
up to its completion, however, the office of the student center and residence
of the evangelists has been a pair of cargo containers provided by Puli
Christian Hospital. These will continue to be used until the new building is
certified habitable by the local government.

At present the student center cannot be considered "equipped". It has a phone
but lacks a computer, FAX machine, desks and other office furnishings.	The
cooking and sanitary facilities in the cargo containers can hardly be
described as "adequate." Ibi estimates that the office could be equipped for
about 50,000 Taiwan Yuan (1,250 Euros)

The Puli Aboriginal Student Center will be welcome applications from
potential
residents in June and be ready for students to move in by August.  Ibi says
that, even though there are current and anticipated problems, he believes
that
under God's leading with the help of the Holy Spirit all can be brought about
smoothly and in time.  He is especially thankful for the help of Puli
Christian Hospital and the Rev. Tsai San-hsiung, the head of the chaplain's
office for the support received to date.  He hopes that churches far and wide
might lift prayers and offer financial support as the reopened ministry hits
the ground running.

For More Information: Puli Aboriginal Student Center: TEL +886 49 299 5478
To make monetary contributions: Taiwan Postal Giro Account 00256822, Puli
Christian Hospital, (Mark form for Puli Aboriginal Student Center Use)
Send donations in kind to:
545 Nantou County, Puli Township, Hsi-An Road, Section 1, Lane 479 #7  TAIWAN
Taiwan Church News is published weekly in Taiwan's local languages.
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