Taiwan leaders do 'wishing tree' for mission renewal

The gathering, hosted at Taipei’s Adoration of Light Girls Middle School, opened with a communion service that drew upon the image of crushed grain and grapes to emphasize unity of believers. Sheldon Sawatzky, a former mission worker and now (since October 1) FOMCIT General Secretary, preached on the miraculous catch of fish recorded in Luke 5:1-11. He challenged the delegates to launch out into the deep water, to go to new places, to try new methods, to have a new attitude of humility and obedience to Christ’s command in mission. In response, the 50 delegates stood to their feet in an act of recommitment.

They then performed a “wishing tree” exercise promoted by the Mennonite World Conference in the World Fellowship Sunday materials for January 2011. On paper fruit and leaves, each wrote their wishes for an ideal church, then posted them on a poster image of a tree. Each delegate also selected a wish to pray for during the prayer times.

From small groups and plenary discussion, the group established goals and action steps for the next five years. The goals include the mounting of a website and prayer network; the development of discipleship materials from an Anabaptist perspective; the development of an Anabaptist study centre in cooperation with an existing seminary; the appointment of a new general secretary; the strengthening of the function of FOMCIT’s board of directors; and the planting of three new churches, beginning in southern Taiwan.

The delegates also adopted a mission statement based on Mennonite core values:  "Based on Jesus Christ the foundation, build a community with a mission of love and peace." In keeping with the statement, FOMCIT”s theme for 2011 will be: "Be disciples of Jesus, proclaim the gospel of peace."

The assembly was grounded in inspirational input from members and visitors. Morning devotional messages set the tone for each day. Pastor Titus Liao spoke on new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), and guest Samson Lo, director of multi-cultural ministries for Mennonite Church Canada, explored the theme of servant leadership.

Harold Lue, superintendent of the Taitung Christian Hospital and a Mennonite church elder, detailed vision and mission statement processes from the perspective of an organization.

On the closing day, Pastor Joshua Chang motivated the delegates through a presentation on successful Christian leadership. Fighting back tears, Chang confessed his failure to have a vision for his church. Making himself vulnerable on this point left a deep impression on many.

In the sharing session at the conclusion of the gathering, Pastor Chai Wanli said, “to see a pastor recognize his failure to have vision, and to then plead for vision through tears was the most moving moment of the conference.”

During the sharing time many delegates expressed what for them was the high point or of greatest significance during the assembly. “This was a different kind of meeting than in the past. It is an opportunity for breakthrough,” said one. “There are challenges, but we have talented persons to help us make a new beginning,” stated another.

The newest pastor, Jeremy Wang interjected, “Now we have a new vision, a new sense of direction into the future. There is hope for the church.”

The chair of the conference board of directors, Pastor David Lin, closed the conference with a message, again based on Luke story of the large catch of fish, emphasizing the importance of partners to help complete the task.