Taiwan Church News
3465 Edition
July 23-29, 2018
Church Ministry
Spiritual Formation Through A Dialogue Between Faith And Land
Reported by Chen Yi-fan
Tea industry, as a localized practice bonding faith and land in Taiwan society, was specially picked as a characteristic entry for a spiritual formation camp held by PCT Higher Education Committee at Lu-Kuk Presbyterian Church from July 16 to July 21, 2018.
Through an in-depth introduction and teaching, led by Elder Chang Tsai-pin, Deacon Chang Chong-zen of Lu-Kuk Presbyterian Church and some other tea experts, the participating members of the spiritual formation camp learned a systematic cycle of tea industry, from tea-leaf picking, panning, making, boiling, setting and drinking, and experienced the unique smell, taste and aesthetics of Taiwan’s tea culture.
Based on a substantial local knowledge of tea industry at Lu-Kuk district of Taichung City, members of this spiritual formation camp became enlightened to know why some champion awarded tea-leaf produce are worthy of very high prices after some competitive tea tasting contests.
In the day time, several local tea farmers were visited by the camp members to learn their cares and concerns during their daily farming on lands; in the night, a Táize prayer with the Bible reading, led by Evangelist Wu Chi-der of PCT’s Taipei Student Center, would be held to meditate the authentic meanings arising from these complex relationships between faith and land in Taiwan society.
Translated by Peter Wolfe
