wfn.org | In Taiwan, Transformation is not Termination; it's a New

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

Beginning
Taiwan Church News 2638, September 22, 2002
Reported by Tio Leng-kip.  Translated and rewritten by David
Alexander

   Moving more deeply into neighborhood ministry, the Community
Rebuilding Care Centers established by the Presbyterian Church in
Taiwan (PCT) following an earthquake on September 21, 1999 are
undergoing transitions.  On September 14th a ceremony was held to
mark the initiation of partnership arrangements between local
centers and churches in distant towns.
   PCT General Secretary, the Rev. Mr. William J. K. Lo, called
for churches nationwide to join and cooperate in the ministry of
the rebuilding centers.  He described the partnerships arranged
to date as models for how alliances between congregations in
urban areas could join with remote mountain churches in areas
where residents still feel the aftereffects of the quake.
   At the celebration documents were signed sealing 4
agreements.  The Rev. Father Albert Poulet-Mathis, SJ, addressed
the congregation, urging all to stand in support of Taiwan.  He
said, "Where there is suffering, the Catholic and Presbyterian
Churches stand together."  Rev. Hong Ruei-lang, convener of the
committee tasked with transforming the centers and their
programs, said, "The partner church arrangement is not the same
as what we encouraged in the past under the label of 'sister
congregations'. We are not talking only about writing checques.
This is about long term support for targeted ministries."
   He added that over the years since the quake the PCT's work in
the reconstruction zone has received welcome and approval from
local social agencies.	This could be characterized as
"groundbreaking" work.	If it were to stop now its progression
from service to gospel ministry would be lost.	The Rebuilding
Care Centers' success has been built on the long term presence of
their program in the area, and their close contact with the local
residents.  Transformation reveals many deficiencies in resources
and the limitations of churches, but many of these can be
overcome when there are alliances between the local centers,
local churches, and distant supporters.  Walking together with
one heart, the gospel can be spread to all of Taiwan's society.

For more information: 921crc@ms2.pct.org.tw
				  William J. K. Lo
wmlo@ms2.pct.org.tw
				   Father Albert Poulet-Mathis
apmsj@ms1.hinet.net

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