Aborigine pastors encourage, inspire one another after rough season
Reported by Sam Lee
Written by Lydia Ma
PCT Indigenous Ministry Committee recently held a retreat for Aborigine pastors and their wives. For many pastors and their families, this was a much-needed break and opportunity to re-charge after months of work in the aftermath of Typhoon Morakot in August 2009 and Typhoon Megi in October 2010.
The retreat, held November 8~12, 2010, in Kaohsiung, revolved around the theme “Promises in the Midst of the Storm”. Young and old Aborigine clergy set aside their daily routines to enjoy fellowship and share their ministry experiences. Many reported afterward they were very encouraged by the stories they heard from other pastors.
Rev. Takiyo, a retired Amis pastor and keynote speaker at this retreat, shared his experiences to encourage pastors to press on. He introduced himself as an Amis Aborigine who’d ministered in Atayal churches before his retirement and therefore spoke fluent Atayal.
Takiyo encouraged the younger generation of Aborigine clergy not to forget the reason and passion that had originally propelled them into full-time ministry. He also used his own experiences to remind them of God’s provision and grace.
About 60 pastors registered for this retreat and gave it “two thumbs-up” afterward. The retreat also included a tour of the newly-built PCT Kaohsiung Mission Center. It will likely be held in central Taiwan next year and include pastors’ kids.
