March 14-20, 2011
Church Ministry News
PLU adds zest to seniors’ lives as witnessed at annual large gathering
Reported by Chen Yi-hsuan
Written by Lydia Ma
Hoping to help its students become acquainted with one another, PCT held a party for all students at Pine Life University (PLU) branches in southern Taiwan. The event drew approximately 1,200 seniors from 16 different PLU branches where the median age of attendees exceeded 70.
The celebration included a worship service, a talent show featuring instrumental, dance, and sign language performances, and a trip to see Taiwan International Orchid Show held in Houbi, Tainan.
PLU President Huang Te-cheng encouraged every student to hold on to their dearest dreams and goals and to have faith, glorify God, be thankful in everything, and cast all burdens to God. He also said a person’s reward is determined by optimism and concentration and went on to remind Christians that they had every reason to live each day with optimism because God made every day and each of them is to be lived to glorify God. “So, cast your worries on God. Don’t say negative things anymore, Surrender yourself completely to God and rely on God for everything,” he said.
In 1989, PCT founded an university for seniors with the goal of helping them learn new skills in a friendly environment conducive to boosting their self-esteem. Years later, the school grew into a renowned institution with 44 branches across Taiwan.
PLU branches in Kaohsiung, Pingtung, and Tainan planned this party for the first time 9 years ago and it has been held once a year ever since. Students from 16 different branches of Pine Life University across southern Taiwan took part in it this year, including Aborigine branches of the school. It was a rare opportunity for Aborigine students to mingle with students from other branches and make new friends and acquaintances.
Tainan Mayor William Lai also made a brief appearance at this party and prepared a short speech. He praised PCT for having such vision and innovation and taking care of the needs of senior citizens. Noting that Taiwan’s aging society is becoming an important issue, he also vowed his administration would continue Tainan County’s tradition of offering stipends to seniors who register for classes at Pine Life University.
