wfn.org | TCN Editorial: Looking forward to 2009 through the lens of love and suffering

["Lydia Ma" <enews@pctpress.org>]

>Taiwan Church News

>2965 Edition

>December 22-28, 2008

Editorial: Looking forward to 2009 through the lens of love and  suffering

As the year 2008 draws to a close, Taiwanese can look back and say that  this has been a dramatic year. In the realm of politics, the Nationalist  Party (KMT) regained power. However, the new administration did not  bring in more democracy, instead, it created confusion on the difference  between state and political party, which impeded the progress of  democracy and human rights in Taiwan. In the realm of economics, the new  administration promised during elections that things would get better  immediately if Ma was elected. However, not only did the economy get  worse, Ma’s “633” electoral promise was proven impossible  to realize. In addition, the flurry of China-leaning policies did not  revive the economy but further undermined Taiwan’s hard-earned  national autonomy and dignity.

Since the first direct presidential election in 1996, Taiwan has  steadily emerged from the shackles imposed by China and established its  identity as an independent and self-governing country in the  international community. However, when the Ma administration assumed  office, Taiwanese identity was no longer promoted as the government  looked to please China and proposed China-leaning policies.

Throughout 2008, Taiwan’s national autonomy was threatened and  Taiwanese society struggled with the misconception of a “greater  China”. Wrong economic policies and contempt for human rights  further hampered national progress. The country also saw its misery  index and suicide rate increase as unemployment levels rose to a new  high.

When the prophet Isaiah prophesied about the birth of Jesus, he said,  “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our  iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by  his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of  us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity  of us all.” (Isaiah 53:5~6). These verses remind churches that  Christians are God-chosen messengers in every generation, called to be  carriers of hope. Taiwanese Christians have been proponents of  democracy, human rights, and freedom in Taiwan because they believe they  are called to follow Christ’s example and become servants of the  people despite the costs and sacrifices involved. In doing so, they  demonstrate religious convictions such as faith in God, love toward  others, and affection for their land.

For the past two years, the main theme of our church has been  “Being a Healthy Church, Practicing the Commandment of Love”.  We decided on this theme based on Taiwan’s national circumstances  and the needs of the Taiwanese. When universal values such as national  autonomy, democracy, freedom, etc. are forgotten and people’s  finances, hearts, and hopes are dashed to pieces, we know that God is  calling churches to become His servants in healing the people of the  land. We must respond to the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan’s  statement of faith, which includes the following: “We believe that  the Church is the fellowship of God's people, called to proclaim the  salvation of Jesus Christ and to be ambassador of reconciliation. It is  both universal and rooted in this land, identifying with all its  inhabitants, and through love and suffering becoming the sign of  hope.”

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus and look forward to 2009, we urge all  Christians to pray for God’s mercy on the Taiwanese and support  this ailing society through action. Prayer and action, together, are  keys to restoring Taiwan’s national autonomy and democracy, and  giving the Taiwanese a new sense of direction.

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