Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Peace and greetings from Taiwan! 2020 thus far has been a tough year for everyone globally. The fear of being infected with the COVID-19 impacts every aspect of life, our body, mind and soul.  Thankfully, God has given mankind wisdom to adapt to challenges and strength to thrive.

We are grateful that in September we were approved by IM to relocate to Taiwan. In February we finished a work trip in Taiwan but were forced to stay because of the virus outbreak, global travel restriction and the new implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law. Our omnipotent and omniscient God had already led us to a more well-pandemic-controlled place—Taiwan. We continue our previous ministry in overseeing the COVID Relief in Hong Kong with the Swatow Baptist churches and NGOs, and in Taiwan there are new opportunities for us to serve the Christian Hakka Seminary and the Research Center for Supporting Families of Children with Special Needs of Chung Yuan Christian University. In Seminary we are sponsoring theological education. In the Center we provide spiritual support, discipleship and administrative consultation for the staff, volunteer students, clients and their families. During this unexpected stay, in July, through the connection with the Hakka churches, we helped establish a new and the first Hakka church in southern Taiwan. The church serves the neighboring Hakka community along with college campus ministry.

With much gratitude we praise the Lord for His leading and protection. We are fine, healthy and having lots of new learning experiences in this environment. We often watch international news and though we feel trapped here, we pray more for you, friends, churches, country, overseas partners and the world.  YES! Apart from “We miss you very much”, we echo the same deep lament with you, “HOW LONG will the pandemic be?” People may look to the COVID-19 vaccine as the savior, but Jesus Christ is the true Savior for life. As we prepare for the upcoming Christmas, we think of James 1:17-18 (NIV), “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.”  These verses remind us that in spite of the trials that believers face, God’s gift to us is unchanging. This gift is, of course, His son Jesus. And it is through this gift that we receive eternal life.

May you and your family have a Blessed Christmas and a grace-filled New Year!

In the peace of Christ,

Ivy and Emerson Wu