alife: Alliance Life

GCF IN ACTION

Amazing Grace

By Julie Daubé

Alliance international workers are making progress among a people group in the least-reached area of Taiwan, where less than half of 1 percent of the population follow Jesus. Regular gatherings for worship and teaching have begun in a rented facility in Yuan Chang Township, a rural community in south-central Taiwan.

The first believer in the group, Amy, named the fellowship Chi En (Amazing Grace) Church. “We met Amy during the first few months after moving into this community,” says Alliance worker Penny Iverson.

Amy, her husband and son attended a parent-child English class taught by Penny and her husband, Tim. When the class ended, the Iversons invited the students to their home. “That’s when Amy learned that we were Christians,” says Penny. About six months passed before they saw her again. “Then one evening, she stopped by our house. Almost the first words out of her mouth were, ‘What is a Christian, and how do I become one?’ This is very unusual in Taiwan.

“It is difficult for Taiwanese people to turn to Christ. They are not really persecuted, but because they value family harmony, they fear opposition from family members.” But soon after her second visit with the Iversons, Amy decided to follow Jesus. “Amy’s growth in Christ has been steady and solid, and she’s been a real blessing to us,” Penny adds.

Chi En Church is located in the poorest county in Taiwan, where alcoholism, gambling and abuse are prevalent. “We have countless friends here [for whom we are praying]. We get excited for each little step they take toward God,” says Penny.

The Chi En Church stands as a beacon of hope in Yuan Chang Township. As Alliance workers shine the light of Jesus into this spiritually dark region of Taiwan, it is clear that God has not forgotten its people.

When you give to the GCF, you partner with Alliance workers in bringing the good news to people, such as those in Yuan Chang Township, who have yet to embrace the hope that only Jesus offers.