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How Do We Serve the Community?
In this article “We don’t believe in the term ‘superhead’ – the disadvantaged don’t need rescuing”, Steve Chalke, founder of the Oasis charity and academy chain, wrote:
Oasis does not believe in a culture of “them” and “us”, “hero” and “rescue”. This shallow rhetoric, which sadly still creeps into the language of some educationalists is, for all its good intentions, rooted in the same soil as “poverty porn”. It leaves people feeling disenfranchised and has the power to stigmatise whole communities.
At Oasis, we often say that we never come to do things “for” people, which patronises them. Or “to” people, which disempowers them, but always “with” people – only this will empower them. We are not the hero who rides in over the hill to turn things around.
This remind me of how we serve the community — “with” people. (more…)
What “Gospel” are we preaching?
Since I am a layperson, I was reluctant to discuss the sermons preached from the pastors openly; particularly those involved in politics and doctrines. Now, I was retired for five years and approaching seventies, the inner voice told me that I can talk openly in a way not to offend people. So, here I am. (more…)
COUNSELING AS MISSION 宣教中的諮詢
The world is experiencing unprecedented suffering and wounds. As followers of Christ, we are called to respond. People caring for people is not a new concept and the Bible is replete with illustrations of caring acts that are similar to what is known today as counseling. In today’s world this work is also known as pastoral care, spiritual direction, psychotherapy, coaching, mentoring, social work, crisis intervention, trauma treatment and more. Some focus on ministering to the needs of Christians. Others are using their God-given gifts to reach out to all those in need of care and counsel. (more…)
Community Care and Support
Background
The children in Guogou Church’s nearby communities were admitted to the Church’s after-school tutoring program by a selection process because of the limited resources. The selection criteria include (1) single parent, (2) foreign spouse, (3) family heads by grand-parents and (4) low-income. Some of the children had bad behaviors and/or deviate value systems. The families of the admitted children may have other needs and problems that were unknown by the people outside. As the community church, we feel a burden to get to know these families better so that we can help them to overcome their problems.
將一顆藝術的種子埋在鄉村
[Written by Fanny Liao]
台灣路得關懷發展協會(簡稱路得協會)為關懷嘉義偏遠海區，於98年設立後，致力於照顧弱勢家庭學生之課業，協會長期辦理課後照顧班，對象從小學、國中、高中皆為服務對象，很多參加課輔孩子因家境清寒，沒有營養均衡的晚餐可吃，為了照顧這些清寒孩子的需要，協會免費準備豐盛的晚餐讓孩子享受到家庭的溫暖。為了讓偏鄉孩子在漫長暑假有多元的學習機會，協會長期辦理雙語營、夏令營，並邀請來自全台各地甚至遠從美國的年輕人，讓這些孩子享受活潑多元有趣的暑假生活。為提升社區居民學習風氣且提供社區孩童、成人有閱讀學習的空間，協會辦理婦女讀書會、長春成長班、婦女海韻合唱團，讓社區民眾有機會學到不同的才藝。
Class Outline
Shortly after I arrived at Guogou, the Principal and three teachers from I-Zhu middle school visited me at the Center. They invited me to join the School’s “Science Laboratory Program” that was funded recently. Particularly, they wanted me to design a 10 weeks laboratory classes/experiments for the 7th graders.
In a follow-up visit to the School laboratory, I found they only had limited resources — out of date instruments, equipment and glassware sets. Added to these is the limited budget. I searched the web sites and found that 2011 is the International Year of Chemistry and the designed laboratory program fits the School’s low budget. After discussing with the teachers and the Principal, we designed and implemented a 10 weeks classes/experiments. The students were in high spirits and learned a lot. Since this program is a trial and only selected students were attended. I hope the School can expand this program to all students. (more…)
“A Peaceful Night of July”
These YouTube video clips were recorded during the “A Peaceful Night of July” out reach (平安七月夜佈道會) on August 13, 2011 at the town center of Guogou Village, Chiayi, Taiwan. This event was a joint effort by the Evangelical Team of Seattle Formosan Christian Church (SFCC) and the Guogou Church. (more…)