5 Questions With...Patricia Tsai

1. How did you first get involved with Friendship Presbyterian? A “long time ago,” when I had just moved back to Taipei from Holland, I was looking for an international church where I could meet people with different cultural backgrounds and grow together in Christ. David and Linda Ludwig fed me with delicious cakes and spiritual food as well, helping me to understand the difference between "serving" and “being served.” At that time, I was involved with the greeting team, ushering, deaconship, and planning outdoor activities. Friendship felt like my home. That was all “a long time ago.” Now, in 2018, after having been away for almost 8 years (living in Germany), I have come back to Friendship because it still feels like my home. 
 
2. What do you do Monday through Saturday? I work at an IT company and am in charge of the European market. If there are no urgent issues, it is quiet and relaxing in the morning. However, in the afternoon, when the Europeans start to work, I am a bit tightly wound, talking to customers, and jumping from meeting to meeting. Very often, I look forward to the weekend and wish to go hiking right away. Saturday is my hiking day. Mountains and nature give me new strength and regenerate me. Thanks be to God for his awesome creation!
 
3. What is something people might be surprised to know about you? I am not tall, but I walk much faster than tall people! 
 
4. What do you find most challenging about being a Christian today? Working at a Christian company in which 30% of the employees are Christian, I need to work even harder to prove that my achievement is not coming from some kind of "special relationship." As the only Christian in my biological family, my behavior is my witness to Christ. Because of that, I need to pay extra attention to not losing my temper when there is an argument. 
 
5. What is your favorite book of the Bible? The Psalms and the Book of Exodus are my favorite books of the Bible. Exodus shows me God’s love and mercy. Very often, the Israelites complained and were rebellious when they cried out to God. But God was slow to anger and had mercy on them. The Psalms teach me how to pray to and praise the Lord. 
 

Nanson Lai: FPC Intern

Friendship Presbyterian: Tell us about what brought you from Malaysia to Taiwan in the first place.
Nanson Lai: I was a college student in Malaysia. In March of 2017, I sensed a calling to begin my seminary studies. I looked for seminaries that upheld the Reformed faith, and China Reformed Theological Seminary (CRTS) became my first choice. There are, of course, Reformed seminaries in other countries, particularly in the West. But I preferred to do my first theological degree in Chinese. Since Malaysia has no Reformed Chinese seminaries, Taiwan became an ideal option. My enrollment was confirmed at the end of May, and I came to Taiwan on 23 August 2017.

FP: How did you come to be an intern at Friendship Presbyterian?
NL: In January of this year, while serving in CRTS, I got to know [former Elder] Kalan Spencer. He informed me that FPC was hiring an intern and asked if I was interested. Coincidentally, I was looking for a church to intern at. So, I applied and went for the interview. By the grace of God and the generosity of the church, here I am!

FP: What are your main priorities as an intern at Friendship?
NL: I am currently undergoing training to lead the University Ministry, Gospel 2 the Campus (G2C). This will be my main priority. I will also be assisting the senior pastor in various tasks.

FP: What do you find most challenging about being a Christian today?
NL: I find it challenging to set aside time every day to seek the Lord. Preoccupation with tasks and assignments always seems to be of greater priority. My assignments may be faith-related, but they are not devotional, so a separate session is still necessary. It is easy to preach the great love of Christ in the gospel and that we should respond to it by walking close to him every single day. But when it comes to practice, I am much in need of his mercy and grace.

FP: What is your favorite book of the Bible?
NL: Romans. I like the way Paul presents the Gospel, systematic yet expressing the glorious beauty of God's salvation plan. Pastor Dennis' current sermon series makes it even more fascinating!

FP: What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
NL: I hope it is safe to put this out there: I am generally afraid of insects, especially cockroaches. Flying ones are worse. So, I am not really enjoying the summer. 
 

Upcoming Events

• Member Receiving & Baptism – Sunday, May 20th: We will have a ceremony to receive our new members and also a baptism during the worship service on May 20th.

• New Community Group (for women) – every other Wednesday (starting May 23rd), 7:30-9:10pm: This new group will have an initial run of 8 meetings and meet in Room 501 in the church building. It will engage in worship, prayer, and Bible study, beginning with a study of the Book of Ruth. Please come to the welcome table for more information and to sign up, if you are interested. You may also contact Community Group Coordinator Peter Brown (pb2059@gmail.com).

• Fit Kids Games Night – Saturday, May 26th, from 6:00pm: Jackie & the Fit Kids team are planning another gathering, this time a games night at the Morrison Academy on Ding Zhou Rd. It will be a parents’ night out with lots of fun and games for the children! Grab a notice upstairs on the 4th floor for more details. You can also contact Jackie on FPCFitKids@gmail.com 

• Newcomer Welcome Lunch – Sunday, May 27th, 1:15-2:30pm: If you are new to FPC in the last two months, come join us for food and fellowship at the pastoral apartment near Shida Road. It is a time to meet people new to the church and helps us get you connected to the life of the church. You can register at the Newcomer Welcome table downstairs in the fellowship hall, or online at https://goo.gl/Vk91mG.

• Monthly Prayer Group – May 29th, 7:30-9:00pm: Come join us at “The Engine Room,” FPC’s monthly prayer group, for an evening of kingdom-centered prayer. We gather at 7:30pm and go into prayer from 7:45 to 9:00. All are welcome. Contact Peter Brown for the address (pb2059@gmail.com).

• Vern Poythress visit in June: Dr. Vern and Diane Poythress return to Taiwan in early June. Dr. Poythress will have two sessions following the worship service on June 10th and 17th: Studying the Bible in God's Presence and Christ in Leviticus. He will also preach on Sunday, June 17th.