Vern Poythress Visits FPC

We are excited to announce that this Sunday and next, June 10th and 17th, we will have a special opportunity here at FPC. Renowned theologian and teacher, Dr. Vern Poythress and his wife, Dr. Diane Poythress, are visiting Taiwan and Vern will be giving an hour-long talk at 1:15pm, both Sundays, on the 7th floor of the 261 Roosevelt Road building. He will also be delivering the Sunday message on the 17th. (Jump to the bottom of this article for a brief video clip of Dr. Poythress.)

Dr. Poythress earned a B.S. in Mathematics from California Institute of Technology, where he was class valedictorian, and a Ph.D. in mathematics from Harvard University. He completed an M.Div. at Westminster Theological Seminary as well as a Th.M. in apologetics. He has received an M.Litt. in New Testament from Cambridge University and a Th.D. in New Testament from the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa. He has also served on the Translation Oversight Committee for the ESV Bibles that sit in our pews.

We encourage you to make time to attend his Sunday, June 10th meeting. Naturally, we think you will be enriched by both talks, but Sunday afternoon schedules are often filled with activity. So, if you can carve out time for just one of the two talks, make it the one on the 10th. 

There are two good reasons for this. First, if you like what you hear on the 10th, you will still have the option of coming back for more on the 17th! Second, the topic for the meeting of the 10th will have more of a practical focus (Studying the Bible in God's Presence) and will likely be a better "starter" talk than the one scheduled for the 17th (Christ in Leviticus), though we are equally excited about both. You are welcome to bring your lunch for both of the talks. 

The chance to personally "sit at the feet" of Dr. Poythress is an enriching opportunity that few have. For those who attended any of the marvelous lectures by Dr. Sinclair Ferguson here at FPC last fall, be assured that Dr. Poythress is a "Ferguson-level" teacher (some might even say that Dr. Ferguson is a "Poythress-level" teacher!).

To whet your appetite, here is a short video of Dr. Poythress giving an introduction to one of the most challenging books of the Bible, the Book of Revelation. Hope to see you on the 10th!
 

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.