SHEPHERD'S CARE TAIWAN

Several years ago, Bobby and Michelle arrived after an exhausting time in Taiwan.  As Asians themselves, they told us, “We have never experienced rest before.  It is not an acceptable part of our culture, and we don’t know how to do it.”  

As you can see in the video below, they figured it out!!  They were so impacted by the results of God-blessed rest that they went back to Taiwan with a new perspective.  Over the last 2 years, they have instituted their own version of Shepherds Care in Taiwan.  The mission’s leadership is so impressed with the results the they are willing to expand and fund this new idea of member care for their weary Shepherds.

In the Fall of 2022, Bobby and Michelle hosted a couple of single missionaries with a version of SC.  We had our Support Team praying for them and here is what they sent back:

Hi Joe and Patty,

The retreat concluded well on last Thursday. We had beautiful weather. The place was great. This was the first time for these "weary" missionaries to experience this kind of retreat in Taiwan. As we bid farewell to each other, they all wanted to stay longer if they could.  

Hanna, a single worker, served in a restricted access country in the middle east. She went through a lot on the field. We wish we could share more. She is on leave of absence. She appreciated the opportunity to talk to the counselor and the quiet time to process at the retreat.

Kelly, a single worker, served in Japan who just returned to Taiwan for home assignment and is living with her parents. She was grateful for the opportunity to have some time away from her parents to ponder on some major decisions she is facing. She sees the value of this retreat and desires to advocate in her mission agency and contacts.

This kind of retreat for "weary" missionaries is very "foreign" to Christian workers (includes missionaries, pastors) in Taiwan.  Culturally, Chinese Christian workers tend to look at ministry as the most important thing, even above family and children. They are afraid to take rest or they would be seen as "unspiritual" or "not tough enough to serve in ministry."

Ling Huei Wang, the counselor, whom we invited to the retreat, and two other Chinese counselors recently published a "Member Care Guidelines" for Chinese Christian workers. They are hoping to raise awareness of importance of "Member Care" in churches and mission organizations. Ling Huei is our strong advocate for this kind of retreat. 

Thank you so much for your and the other 100 people's prayers.  We believe the Lord has ministered to Hanna and Kelly, specifically.  We are grateful for your partnership in making Shepherds Care's possible in Taiwan.

Blessings,

Bobby & Michele

Here is the video they made for us after their Shepherds Care visit on Hilton Head Island: