wfn.org | The Challenges of Small Weak Aboriginal Taiwan Churches

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

Taiwan Church News 2592,  November 4, 2001
Reported by Uidy Kao,  Written by David Alexander

The General Assembly of the PCT called for systematic and suitable
development and aid for weak and small Aboriginal churches.  Many
situations faced by congregations in remote mountain and island areas
are already at a crisis point.  The General Assembly issued a call for
concern and aid from churches with resources for those which are
lacking.  Dividing the nation into ten zones regardless of presbytery
affiliation, the call went out for partnerships in mission between the
plains (ethnically Taiwanese and Hakka) churches and those that are
ethnically Aboriginal.
      The growth of the Aboriginal Churches was once termed the 20th
century miracle.  But the growth occurred in ways that currently present
problems.  Faith, resources and human resources all have been strained
in recent years.  The majority of Aboriginal churches are in the
highlands and islands where transport is inconvenient and economic
development has been stifled.  These factors have seriously affected the
churches' development.
      Rev. Sing Olam, General Assembly Aboriginal Mission Program
Secretary, commented, "In the past the Assembly has promoted a system of
pairing plains and aboriginal churches in sister relationships.  It was
hoped this would result in systematic growth and support of the
aboriginal congregation.  Churches could mutually share burdens and
enjoy glory.  But actual exchanges were limited.  Our General Assembly
just celebrated its fiftieth year and the whole world has entered a new
century.  In this time the relationship of partnership is more suitable
for the development of aboriginal churches.  They currently struggle
with issues of low ministerial salaries, inability to employ a full time
minister, lack of resources for the building of believers' spiritual
lives, and a low sense of mission even among some full time Christian
workers.  Secularization has come to the mountains along with the drop
in commodity prices for the things that are produced there.
Unemployment rises and the population ages.  All of these matters are
especially needful of our prayers."
      The General Assembly suggests that ministers and members of plains
congregations can take advantage of the weeks when there is no work
scheduled on Saturday to make short trips to the mountains.  This way
they could become familiar with the needs and begin the first steps of
interchange.  Service and resource sharing could begin on an informal
basis, and mission partnerships develop from there.  A plains church
familiar with the situation of a partner in the mountains could more
knowledgeably pray for and support the ministry there.
      The Executive Committee has established some guidelines for
registration and arrangements which are currently on their way through
relevant committees.
      To start a mission partnership, or support the program in general,
churches are directed to work through the Aboriginal Missions Committee.

For more information: PCT Aboriginal Missions Committee
                                     Tel: +886 2 2362 5282 ext. 254