wfn.org | Taiwan's Baptist Alliance Celebrates 50 Years

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

Title: Taiwan's Baptist Alliance Marks its 50th Anniversary
Taiwan Church News 2741, 6 - 12 September 2004
Reported by Gu Hao-jan.  Translated and Rewritten by David Alexander

With great fanfare and expressions of thanks to God a thousand local and
international visitors gathered on September 5th at Grace Baptist Church in
Taipei to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the Chinese
Baptist Alliance.  Led by the Rev. Chou Lien-hwa, who had twice served as the
alliance's moderator, they were encouraged to emulate the New Testament church
at Philippi in continuous prayer, offering and support of evangelistic work.
Rev. Chou also encouraged all Baptist congregations to strive for health and
reconciliation.

Worship was led by a praise team and choir from Tsy-kuang Baptist Church, and
included a variety of musical styles.  Church members who had been part of the
Alliance since its earliest years were recognized along with past officers and
leaders.

The Alliance was organized in 1954 with 10 congregations, 20 preaching
stations and 2,690 members. It was originally known as the "Taiwan Baptist
Alliance" but changed its name to "Chinese" in 1972.  It currently has 138
member congregations, 60 preaching stations and 25,940 members.

The celebration included a video presentation of the alliances history
highlighting the way challenges were met and overcome.

Current plans and goals are expressed in terms of "Taiwanization" and "growth
in the Holy Spirit."
The alliance calls for revival based on a firm understanding and apprehension
of scriptural truth.
"Revival must be more than a slogan. If it is to be genuine it must be a life
influence demonstrated through service." For this reason it must be rooted in
religious education and steadfast defense of the faith.

The meeting concluded with song followed by a blessing pronounced by The Rev.
Tsai Ruei-yi, president of the Baptist Theological Seminary in Taipei.

For More Information: Chinese Baptist Alliance: ctba2000@ms46.hinet.net
Taiwan Church News is published weekly in Taiwan's local languages.
Visit our web site: www.pctpress.com.tw