From the Desk of Pastor Peter

One of the things that has kept me going as a believer through so many years is the fact that I try to hold on to God's promises. But it can often be difficult to hold on to His promises, especially if you don't know or if you don't remember what they are. One of the most practical ways that I've found to hold on to God's promises is through memorizing Scripture. Many of us have attempted to memorize Scripture but have failed miserably for various reasons. However, I would like to challenge us all to keep each other accountable to hold on to His promises even through the simple act of adding Scripture memory verses to your accountability groups or small groups.

One verse that has stayed with me ever since I was in high school has been Proverbs 3:5-6. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Obviously, Christians suffer just as much as non-believers do, so the idea of having your path made straight cannot mean that you will have no troubles in life. Rather, it would mean that God is leading us through the troubles. When you go through a difficult time, trust Him. Don't lean on your own understanding. Acknowledge His ways, meaning remember that God's ways are greater than your ways and that His way is to rescue you from your own sinfulness and from the world through Jesus Christ. Trust in Jesus, and your path will be made straight!

So, what's your favorite verse? I encourage you to share with someone, and perhaps come share with me also!

5 Questions With...Marojahan ("Ojah") Tampubolon

1. How did you first get involved with Friendship Presbyterian? I came to Taiwan from Indonesia to pursue my Master’s degree in 2012. The main reason I came to Taiwan is that Taiwan provided a scholarship, in addition to its high-quality education, especially in electronic engineering. I was introduced to FPC by a brother I met in my grad-school department, who had also graduated from my high school. A few months later, I joined the newcomer meeting in Pastor Dennis’ house. It was the first time for me to get to know more about Pastor and some people in FPC. FPC was the first church I visited in Taipei and I have never thought to find another church. I was attracted by the fellowship time in the fellowship hall. For me, it was unique because I have never found this kind of fellowship style before. Another reason that makes me stay on is that the teaching is biblical, gospel-centered, and very profound. I joined the membership around May 2013. 

2. What do you do Monday through Saturday? In this last month, from Monday to Friday, I have been working for a company in Hsinchu. Basically, I am doing things related to electronic devices. Saturday is just like a typical day off. When I was a student, I would sometimes visit nice places in Taiwan or just hang out with friends. But now, I always go to Taipei to join the Bible study in our school on Sunday afternoon.

3. What is something people might be surprised to know about you? I do not think I have something that might surprise people. But this one might be surprising for all the modern people in our congregation. When I call my parents back home, I have to use an old 2G service because the service in our home area does not cover the more advanced telecommunication service. 

4. What do you find most challenging about being a Christian today? Well, for sure, the most challenging thing is to be like Christ. Firstly, because of the sinful nature of man. Secondly, because the freedom that the world offered has become so distorted such that we are tempted to downgrade our values and moral standards.  

5. What is one of your favorite books of the Bible? The book of Romans is my favorite. It is beautiful, deep, challenging, and very eloquent. 

Tanzania Update: An Unexpected Trip

by Michelle Ko

Greetings from Taiwan. I have had an unexpected trip under unexpected circumstances. I was sent from Tanzania back to Taiwan on July 26 due to an unknown illness that was not able to be diagnosed in Tanzania.

I was in Dar es Salaam on business for a few days, and then on July 12th, I traveled 12 hours back to Mtwara, ready to move into my newly renovated home...

                      (Before)                                             (After)

When I arrived, I realized I had triple (and more) vision and thought I was too tired because of the extremely long trip. I thought that once I rested well, my vision would become normal again. After two days, there was no change. I became panicked and started calling for help. The local hospital could not do much and referred me to Dar es Salaam for further check-ups.

The next day, I traveled to Dar and began to receive many check-ups. Full eye exams, blood tests, an MRI, and a spinal tap (taking a sample of fluid from the spinal cord). It took many tries before they got any fluid. Due to mistakes made by the hospital, my pain was almost unbearable, and I could not get out of bed for a week following the spinal tap. Additionally, there was still no one who had any clue regarding the cause of my vision problem. Therefore, my mission organization, SIM, decided to send me back to Taiwan immediately for more check-ups and treatment.

After 3 weeks, the spinal fluid result finally arrived, and my neurologists diagnosed me as a “Multiple Sclerosis” patient (my immune system attacked my cranial nerves). Multiple Sclerosis (MS)—a name I had never heard before because it is an extremely rare disease among ethnic Asians. While I have recovered temporarily from experiencing triple vision via a steroid injection, I am not sure if it will happen again and, if so, when.

Nevertheless, I am very grateful that God’s grace is sufficient, especially in the midst of excruciating physical pain. Special thanks to:

• SIM (Serving In Mission) worldwide family who assisted me through a very difficult time.

• The Pierce and Ogawa families who came a long way to Dar accompanied me and drove me endlessly to the hospital.

• The Dar es Salaam Chinese Christian Church, which provided me with a room and food when I was very ill.

• Churches' and friends' prayers, special financial support, and words of encouragement and comfort.

Since my diagnosis, I have been dealing with exhaustion (the most common symptom people with MS experience), and at the same time feeling shocked and saddened. I lack any energy or motivation to do anything. Will my life be energetic and chatty again? Will I be able to travel and climb mountains freely again? Will I be able to return to Tanzania to continue to serve God? There are many questions that I have no answers to at this time and, frankly, it leaves me feeling overwhelmed.

Michelle FB: MichelleKoInAfrica What’s App: +255628097198 Line ID: 61488029218

P. S. - Sorry, but I was not able to reply to any emails in a timely manner after July 12th due to my illness.