TAIPEI, Taiwan - With the theme “Transformation – How to be Spiritual Influencers of the Country”, the 8th National Prayer Breakfast event was held on the morning of Nov. 29 at the Taipei International Conference Centre.
The participants included the newly elected Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou, Mayor of Taipei Hau Lun-ping, various government officials, and representative ministers of every denomination in Taiwan. They’ve prayed for national developments and harmony among the different ethnic groups. Democratic Progressive Party Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen and Israel Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei (ISECO) Director Hovav Ref also attended this prayer meeting.
Preparation committee staff elder Chen Ting-chi and Rev. Chu Tai-shen gave the welcoming speech. Chen stated that now the government and the people are facing enormous challenges, so we should humbly come before God to pray.
Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship Taiwan Chapter (FGBMF) members then led the crowd to sing praises. In their praises, they’ve sang of the Lord as the king of kings and all authority lies in him. In addition, members of the Renewal Fellowship and Ren-ai District Choir group performed, testifying of the changes that God has done in their lives.
Rev. Kou Sha-en (Mandarin) and Rev. James C.C. Hsiao (Taiwanese) delivered a sermon from the Bible passage of Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Both speakers emphasized repeatedly the importance to obey God’s will and that the key to national transformation is to unite with God, which is also the way to overcome the current difficulties.
When giving the dedication speech, Mr. Ma said that this meeting reminded him of his attendance of the United States National Breakfast Prayer event about 20 years ago. Also, when looking at the theme “transformation”, he was reminded of the historic change in America – Barack Obama was elected as the first African-American president of the country. He said that Dr. Martin Luther King once dreamed of justice and equality, and this dream is finally fulfilled.
Furthermore, President Ma said that Taiwan has undergone many changes in the last few decades, but there are many aspects that still need improvements. He believes that with the wisdom and courage of the people in Taiwan the country will be able to withstand the financial crisis.
Rev. Chow Shen-chu then led a pastoral team that consists of ministers who speak aboriginal dialects, Hakka dialects, Taiwanese dialects, and Mandarin to lay their hands on Mr. Ma and to pray for him. This combination of ministers of different backgrounds symbolized the unity between them.
Chow prayed that Mr. Ma won’t just be the media’s spotlight, but he will also be the precious son of father in heaven, which God’s righteousness can rest in him. He also prayed that the president can gain the wisdom of King Solomon in order to govern the country; he also prayed that Mr. Ma can have the ability of King David to lead the nation out of difficulties.
Prior to the event’s conclusion, President Ma left to take care of other urgent affairs.
Rev. Pan Liu Yu-Hsia, Good TV CEO, World Vision Taiwan President Hank Du, and Rev. Yang Ning-ya then led the crowd in prayers for every level of Taiwan’s society: economy, media, technology, entertainment, family, and etc.
In his prayer, Yang said that financial crisis can occur once every decade, but family crisis happen everyday.
“May the Holy Spirit place the love of Jesus inside every family in Taiwan, particularly, the males in the family. When the male in the household is revived that is when the family can have hope. When the family is transformed, that is when society can experience true transformation,” said Yang.
Two hours into the event, brothers of the FGBMF led the crowd to sing “Yahweh’s Blessing Overflows”, which marked the end of the event.
National Prayer Breakfast event coordinator and chairman of Overseas Radio and Television Inc. Hong Shan-Chiun told the reporter of The Gospel Herald that the most beautiful part of this event is seeing the different ethnic groups and brothers and sisters from different denominations participating in the event in order to seek only for God, and he is very grateful to see the unity among the participants.
[Editor's note: reporter Ian Hwang from Taipei, Taiwan contributed to this report.]
