Hakka Christians in Hualien encouraged and strengthened through fellowship
Reported by Chen Yi-hsuan
Written by Lydia Ma
Hakka Christians living in Hualien area usually get together once a month to fellowship with one another. On January 15, 2011, the venue for this occasion was Fenglin Presbyterian Church in Taitung hosted by Fenglin Church’s pastor, Rev. Chen Ming-hui.
Such occasions are great opportunities for Hakka Christians to invite their families and friends who don’t know Christ yet. Though people are usually not yet ready to receive the gospel, Chen believes it’s vital Christians continue sowing gospel seeds and leave the harvest to God.
“Hualien Hakka Christians Joint Service” was spearheaded by PCT Hakka Mission Committee about one year ago. The meeting usually takes place on the second Saturday of every month.
According to statistics, one-quarter of Taiwanese living in Taiwan’s eastern Taiwan are of Hakka descent. Hence, it is vital for Hakka Christians to fellowship with one another in their own language and help one another in sharing the gospel with friends and families using their own culture and language.
Most joint service meetings start off with a traditional church service followed by a presentation of Hakka culture, which may include Hakka poetry or Hakka Bible.
According to Chen, more than 70% of residents in Fenglin Township are Hakkas. Though many have heard of the gospel, attended a church service, or expressed interest in Christianity at one time in their lives, Hakkas are also concerned that becoming a Christian in a culture that emphasizes filial piety or ancestor worship will put them at odds with their friends and families. For this reason, very few Hakkas are willing to be baptized.
Though ministering to Hakkas has been challenging, Chen is convinced that sowing gospel seeds remains his ultimate calling. His church often takes part in various community projects with hopes that these interactions will give Hakkas more opportunities to know what Christianity is really about.
