Trying Simple Life in Taiwan

this is going in the next few hours to our local Christian newspaper....I hope they can translate it ok:-)

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” John III 1:4

This is such a strong statement. I feel that many parents will not truly understand it unless they have walked those rough lines with their children. My children are still very young, so you are probably wondering why I am quoting that verse.

See, we work with teens; teens that come from all kinds of backgrounds and situations. We’ve sat through tears, worked through attitudes and lies, faced their active anger and passive anger. We’ve worked with one overcoming smoking addiction. We have had doors slammed and well, you get the picture. Yet, no matter how old they are now, they still call us mommy and daddy. Kinda melts your heart when they still do that.

So, one recent Sunday, as I sat and listened to special music at church, I had to stare at the ceiling to keep from crying too much. Why? It wasn’t just the song that was being played, but the singer and piano player. My heart was touched by the majestic beauty that is in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The pictures of the past and now were going through my mind.

The couple singing and playing are dear to us. W, 21 year old, was our first foster daughter, our first “child” in the work that God has laid on our hearts. It was almost because of her that we quit too, but God in HIS beauty, kept us going strong, looking towards the future. I am glad we continued on, or I wouldn’t have been able to sit and have this moment.

W, came to us when about 16 years old. I was 28 years old. She came to us with smoking issues, and a hard heart. She would sit and stare at her jacket and all but rip a hole in it while being told the truth in love. She hadn’t had an adult figure do that for her. Her now husband, J, I have known all my 12 years in Taiwan . He is a Christian and comes fom a difficult family situation as well. He is a great young man who really has grown a lot the past few years.

As I sat on Sunday listening to them sing, memories of past events went through my mind. I remember so clearly those times of anger, sadness, coming close to having her moved, curfews missed, lies told, etc. When W finally moved out, we knew of her lifestyle, but didn’t go after her. She knew we didn’t approve, and so didn’t come looking for us. After all, we hadn’t moved, the church hadn’t moved, she could find us. Well, one day they did, and that changed many peoples lives.

We had gotten a phone call they wanted to come over and talk. They did. She showed up 8.5months pregnant and not quite yet 20years old. How could we help? Were we angry? Would we help? Well, being angry now wouldn’t help anything and the Lord certainly wouldn’t turn them away, why should we.

We helped them reach a decision. A few days after she turned 20 years old, our small church got into action and had a very small private wedding for her and J. Our ladies helped out tremendously. It was a family time. Unfortunately, her family never showed up. We did, we were her only family there. That made a big difference in our relationship I feel.

W and J gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. We opened up the apartment at our church for the new family to stay in, just paying water and electric. They were close to us if needing something, would have no excuse for not being at church and really had to watch their testimony more than ever. J went to work and W started her role as a Christian wife and mother.

Has it been easy for them? No. But because of the love of God, we have been able to see them mature, physically and spiritually. W helps play the piano at church and now works with Sunday School. J helps in leading songs and for awhile was leading prayer meeting. Both have been having a strong testimony to their friends and family. Some can’t believe that this young couple is still together and now expecting baby number 2. Some look at them and are jealous of the relationship they have now as husband and wife. We have the privildege of having them come to our house once a week for dinner and fellowshipping with them. My husband has been able to be there to answer questions and teach J to be a young husband and father in the Lord. I have been blessed to help W with being a Christian wife and mother. My husband and I have learned as much if not more than they have.

So this past Sunday, as I sat and listened to them sing a beautiful song of God’s listening to our prayers, helping us in our lives, taking our tears away, I was touched of the beauty of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I have had the greatest gift of seeing HIS work in the lives of these young people.

Sure, working with teens is tough and at times we wonder if they listen, if they care that we care. There are many times when you ask “And God, why again am I doing this?” And HE answers back “for these lives and the ones to come my child, that’s why, don’t fret, don’t give up. Have faith.”

Friday, March 7, 2008

an article I am submitting to our local Christian newspaper.....

Friday, March 7, 2008 - Untitled Comment

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