3059 Edition
October 11~17, 2010
Church Ministry News
Buddhist temple helps Christian hospital in outreach for typhoon victims
Reported by Chen Wei-chien
Written by Lydia Ma
One recent local news report in Taiwan announced Bao-An Shrine, a local Buddhist temple, had decided to build a walk-in clinic and had gotten help from Puli Christian Hospital in Nantou, which had agreed to provide stand-by counselors.
To answer speculations people may have about this unlikely partnership, Puli Christian Hospital’s head chaplain Rev. Hsiao Chin-feng said the two religious organizations got acquainted when Bao-An joined Puli in reaching out to people living in remote mountains in central Taiwan. He added that Bao-An had donated one ambulance to Puli about 4 years ago because it was impressed with Puli’s efforts and ministries.
Ever since then, top officials at both organizations have been keeping in touch with one another and have even rescued and served typhoon victims on various occasions. Through genuine outreach, Puli Christian Hospital slowly cemented its status in the community, garnered a lot of trust, and bridged pre-existing religious divides.
Hsiao added that a few other shrines beside Bao-An had also begun medical fundraisers under the auspices of Puli Christian Hospital. “All they’re asking for is a responsible and accountable organization to manage the funds so that they’ll really go to people who need them the most,” Hsiao said.
He also underscored the hospital’s mission in this ministry and partnership was to follow Jesus’ command to love one’s neighbor as oneself. “Buddhist teachers sometimes come to us seeking medical treatment. We treat them with love, respect, and affection and leave the rest to God. Jesus’ love goes beyond a person’s religious affiliations. What we need to do is simply bring out love and goodness within every person.”
