February 28-March 6, 2011
Editorial
Editorial: Women’s mission in this new era
Translated by Lydia Ma
The plight women have faced throughout history just to earn proper recognition and treatment is a tragedy we cannot ignore. Since the fall of Adam and Eve and restrained by paternalistic cultures and unjust laws that favor men and belittle women, women have long lost much of the dignity that was theirs at the time of creation as God had originally intended.
The harmony and equality between husbands and wives that God intended at creation was destroyed by sin, resulting in husbands “lording over” wives. But God created women and gave them intrinsic dignity and value. We’re certain of this assertion because Scriptures record Jesus treating women with dignity and kindness. He extended to them the same kind of respect he did to men. In doing so, Jesus liberated women and gave them a new life.
There was a surge in overseas missions during 19th century Europe and women played a pivotal role in creating network systems that eventually resulted in more and more people getting involved. Women were also the ones who supported missions through prayers and collecting financial gifts.
Besides playing a crucial in sending countries, European missionaries later discovered that women would also play a key role in receiving countries as well because they were receptive to the gospel message, passionate people, and they would eventually manage to win their husband and children to Christ. As result, many women missionaries emerged and were sent overseas to preach to women.
As education became gradually available to all, women’s place in society also began to rise. PCT noticed that women had many talents that needed to be discovered and began to nurture and mentor them so that they could also become decision-makers and leaders. Through its communication ministries and other ministries, it began to equip young women to overcome challenges in the realm of employment, childrearing, homemaking, and church ministries with the goal of nurturing a new generation of young women of faith and talent who would be able to teach the next generation in their own churches.
PCT General Assembly is committed to seeing women play a key role in its “One-leads-one, New Doubling Movement.” In this day and age, not only must women be empowered anew to share the gospel, they must also be equipped to speak out against violence, stand in support of gender equality, care for new immigrants, and environmental protection.
It’s time for Taiwanese women to rise up, join other women in the global ecumenical movement, and share their insights, use their talents, and bear fruits that will advance God’s kingdom.
