October 2011 News

Evangelistic Concert during Ghost Month

Taiwan’s Ghost Month is now over. For those of you not familiar with this observance, Ghost Month (鬼月) or Hungry Ghost Month is the seventh lunar month when traditional Chinese believe that ghosts, including the spirits of the dead, rise from the lower depths and haunt the earth. Throughout the island, rituals are held to appease these spirits through offerings of ancestor money, clothing, food and worship. Wikipedia contains a more detailed discussion of Ghost Festival at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Festival. Our website video “Who are the Hakka Chinese” http://barthandjanine.blogspot.com/2007/07/who-are-hakka-chinese.html at 2:22-3:50 shows Ghost Month observances in the City of Toufen, Taiwan.

This year many Christians in Taiwan from various churches throughout the island fasted during Ghost Month as a form of spiritual warfare against the powers of darkness. God heard our prayers! Our church evangelistic band “TMT” held an outdoor concert at market area in Taichung City where 30 people gave their hearts to the Lord Jesus. We thank God for sweet presence of the Holy Spirit at the concert, a welcome relief from the evil oppression surrounding us. Barth performed on the saxophone at the concert. Here is a link to short segment of his performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khA0u8dfUvU

Continuing on by the Grace of God

Barth continues to preach regularly on Sunday mornings and at special meetings. He also recently assumed the position of Director of Worship for the Muyi churches. As part of his work, Barth conducts seminars on the Biblical Principles of Praise and Worship at various locations in the Taichung area. He also provides musical training in contemporary worship techniques for church bands and piano players.

We are precious in the sight of God

Janine continues to lead her Bible Study small group and do personal and family counseling. She is also a special speaker at the Women’s Retreats. Janine says, “I thank God for the growth I’m seeing in the people I minister to. People here are often afraid to step out and be used by God. This is due years of being told they were worthless and no good by society and their families. The situation is especially serious among women. Many of the women I minister to were given away to other families when they were young, because they were not boys. Unfortunately these girls often faced mistreatment and abuse in their adoptive homes. It’s sad but the preference for boys still prevails today in many families. Thank the Lord, through a clear understanding that we are all made in the image of God, fully accepted and loved by Him, we are seeing women and men become the joyful, confident and mature people that God always intended them to be.”