2020 Micah Global Asia Regional Consultation in Taiwan, 320 Members from More than 30 Countries Participate

Micah Global is a global Christian community of organizations and individuals committed to integral mission which is with nearly 900 members from 99 countries. Micah Global holds regional consultation once three years; and this year, the onsite host is the Mustard Seed Mission (MSM), the first and only member in Taiwan. With the cohost of Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, this consultation is held the first time in the Chinese speaking region.

Due to COVID-19, the consultation is held online and offline with 320 participants from 34 countries; inviting speakers from Taiwan, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, etc. to share the topic of “Integral Mission and the Public Square”. The consultation focuses on discussing the social responsibilities and roles of churches and Christian organizations in public fields such as social issues, democratic thoughts, and social justice under the Asian context, looking forward to the exchange of various views and the sharing and learning of experiences, and to discuss issues and solutions together.

Integral Mission and the Public Square, Social Engagement of Gospel
Xiao-Ping Wu, CEO of MSM, said that the “Integral Mission” promoted by Micah Global is implemented in relief, reconstruction, development, care for the created world, charity, and equality. She believes that Christians and churches need to re-understand “what it means to follow Jesus in the world” and use “social participation” to share the gospel, which is also in line with MSM’s vision and mission. Through this Micah Global Asia Regional Consultation, MSM hopes to introduce the practice of the Taiwanese church in integral mission, so that the world can see Taiwan; at the same time, promotes the theological reflection and dialogue of integral mission between Taiwan and the global church organizations.

Christine MacMillan, chairperson of Micah Global, said that Christians should think about 3 questions: “How do we bring a kingdom language to the public square? What is our voice of justice? What is our understanding of living in communities that are strived by COVID-19 at this time?” She encouraged the attendees to continue the conversation and ask deeper questions of living in our world with the faith and hope.

In the consultation, Taiwan Legislator Yu-Chin Wu was invited to talk about “Christians in politics”. After she served as a legislator, she promoted the amendment of Article 52 of the Employment Service Law which eliminated the requirement that foreign workers must leave Taiwan for one day before re-entry after the three-year contract ends. Facing the backlash from brokers, she had lots of pressure at that time. However, her faith strengthened her confidence in promoting the amendment. She said that from being a social worker to a politician, one thing that has not changed in her: God has the first place in all things. In every interpellation and before she speaks in the sittings, she prays for God’s wisdom to speak for the disadvantaged.

Hsiau-Shen Chuang, Reverend of the Tektung Church PCT, made four theological observations in his speech “The Social Responsibility of the Church”: 1. Jesus’ Messianic Mission: Jesus focused his proclamation on the issue of justice and mercy, and He also challenged His followers to do social action of mercy; 2. Jesus’ Mission Statement is about Holistic Salvation: It includes “politic, economic, and social” and“Mind, Spirit, and Body”, and also a “Salvation of Reconciliation”; 3. Jesus asks His followers to do actions to fulfill the ongoing mission; 4. Jesus’ Church are Signs of the Kingdom of God: The church is God’s ambassador of reconciliation. It is both universal and rooted in this land, identifying with all its inhabitants, and through love and suffering becoming the sign of hope.

Facing the Post-epidemic Era, Caring Society with God’s Love
Taiwan Former Vice President, Chien-Jen Chen, was also invited to share the topic “Plenary-Pandemic Solidarity in Asia”. He pointed out that solidarity among the people of Taiwan can bring good control of COVID-19, and global solidarity is indeed quite important too. Chien-Jen Chen said: “ This is actually like what we believers say: When we’re together, we need to love and support one another. When we live out that love, we’re able to control the pandemic well.”

MSM promotes the Mustard Seed Community Network in order to establish a community assistance network. Currently, connected with more than 700 churches in Taiwan, MSM devotes itself in caring for children from poor families in the community. Building nearly 200 community food banks, empowering the community with awareness of disaster prevention and disaster preparations; and partnering with churches for future plans on employment and community industry. For now, MSM works with local institutions in Nepal, India, Cambodia, Indonesia and the Philippines to help local families and children get rid of poverty. So far, it has served more than 2,000 people overseas. MSM is willing to work with the churches around the world to practice the commandment to love neighbors, to show mercy to the poor and wounded so that God’s love can spread to every corner of the world; just as Micah Global connects church partners from all over the world and walks along the path of the integral mission.

Learn more about MSM’s Ministry https://www.mustard.org.tw/locale/en/tab/808/id/2417

9F.-2, No.4, Ln. 609, Sec. 5, Chongxin Rd.
, Sanchong Dist., New Taipei City 241, Taiwan

The Mustard Seed Mission is the first registered NPO in Taiwan, serving Taiwan for nearly 70 years. Focusing on community work, MSM promotes the Mustard Seed Community Network in order to establish a community assistance network. With nearly 9,000 community partners, MSM provides services including Sponsorship program of vulnerable children, Youth Employment Empowerment and Food Bank for the disadvantaged families, children, women and elders in the community.

Micah Global a global Christian community of organisations and individuals committed to integral mission. Established in September 1999, Micah draws Christian organisations and individuals, often operating in isolation, together to significantly enhance their capacity and impact as well as develop their ability to act collectively in key areas of concern.

This release was published on openPR.