Noteworthy Events

• G2C (University Ministry) – Sept 9th: This Sunday, Sept. 9th, the G2C group welcomes all newcomers and the return of old members with a special fellowship. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information go to the Newcomers Welcome Table in the Fellowship Hall after service where you can pick up a schedule and join the Line group via their QR code. You can also check the bulletin board in the fellowship hall for their Autumn Events.

• Monthly Prayer Group – Sept. 11th: FPC’s monthly prayer group, “The Engine Room,” is now meeting regularly on the second Tuesday of each month. Accordingly, the September meeting will be held this Tuesday, Sept. 11th. Come join us for an evening of kingdom-centered prayer. We gather at 7:30pm on the 4th floor of the church building and go into prayer from 7:45 to 9:00. All are welcome.

• FPC Fit Kids – Parents’ Night Out – Sept. 29th: Jackie Z. and the Fit Kids team are planning another gathering, this time a games night at the church. It will be a parents' night out with lots of fun and games for the children! Fit Kids is an outreach, so bring along a friend and share the love. Go to the church website (www.friendshiptaipei.com) for details. 

• Newcomer Welcome Lunch – Sept. 30th, 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 others who are new to the church and helps us get you connected to the life of the church. We will gather at the main entrance of the church building at 1:00pm and walk over to the apartment together.

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.