wfn.org | Aboriginal Ministers in Taiwan Engage in Rumor Control

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Taiwan Church News 2735, 26 July - 1 August 2004
Reported by Chen Yi-shiuan.  Translated and Rewritten by David Alexander

Two leading pastors from the Aboriginal Pinuyumayan District of the
Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT) left hospital beds to squelch a rumor
that
has recently begun to circulate among their small tribe. It was said that the
two were made ill because their Christian faith had disturbed the tribe's
ancestral spirits. The rumors began to drive a wedge between tribal
traditions
and Christianity. The Rev. Cheng Ta-ming, pastor of Likavung Church in
Taitung
County's Peinan Township, spoke out clearly at a monthly worship service that
brought together members of all six congregations in the district.  He spoke
from the Bible, pointing out many reasons why people might meet difficulties
and disease, quickly putting the rumors to rest.

He began with thanks for the many members of Pinuyumayan District churches
who
have prayed for him and otherwise showed concern as he has undergone
chemotherapy. His physical condition has stabilized. He reported that the
Rev.
Wu Hsien-ming, who has also been in hospital, had returned home to rest. The
rumors had started when he and Mr. Wu had to leave their villages and be
hospitalized. A couple he described as a "wizard and witch" who promote in
traditional practices in small villages eventually "diagnosed" the situation.
The rumors became so widespread that even some of the local Christians were
drawn in and caused to be ill at ease.

To avoid the snowballing effect of rumor mongering the district has openly
reported on the physical condition of the two ill ministers. From a
standpoint
in the Theology of Suffering they have even explained that illness is a part
of the human condition. They have spent no little time in Bible study to show
how believers can use sufferings to the glory of God.

The rumors agitated District Moderator Chang A-hsin. He often has to deal
with
the kind of people who start and spread such tales. He believes that they
should take responsibility for the disturbances they have caused. He wonders
if "freedom of speech" even should include this kind of nonsense talk, and
hopes that believers can defend their faith in the One true God.

A couple of Aboriginal officers at the PCT's General Assembly were asked to
comment.  The Rev. Chiocar, secretary to the Aboriginal Mission Foundation,
said that there was "no case" in this situation among the Pinuyumayan because
Christian faith and traditional culture are deeply interrelated. He suggests
that the General Assembly must attempt to understand the matter, but sees a
significant portion of the problem rooted in the poor pay of some Aboriginal
ministers. To make ends meet they often seek outside employment. In the long
term, working two jobs takes a toll on the minister's health.

The Rev. Sing O'lamu, Aboriginal Ministries Programme Secretary at the
General
Assembly, urges renewed emphasis on the gospel by churches, ministers and
believers. This will protect them in the midst of the flood of rumors. He
also
asks that the sisters and brothers pray for the two suffering ministers and
encourage them so that they might soon return to their earlier health and
places of service.

For More Information:  Cheng Ta-ming +886 89383899
					Wu Hsien-ming +886 89223218
					Chang A-hsin +886 89237266
					Chiocar  chiocar@mail.pct.org.tw
					Sing O'lamu sing@mail.pct.org.tw
					Pinuyumayan District
p429640@ms53.hinet.net
Taiwan Church News is published weekly in Taiwan's local languages.
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