October 24-30, 2011
General Assembly News
PCT Youth Ministry reflects on 2011 ecumenical programs’ successes and lessons
Reported by Sam Lee
Written by Lydia Ma
Ecumenical exchanges have always been at the forefront of PCT Youth Ministries and 2011 has been a busy and exciting year for ecumenical exchanges. To help PCT organize future events, a meeting for staff and participants of this year’s many exchange programs was held on October 21-23, 2011.
One recurring theme during this meeting was that Taiwanese youths who took part in these programs came back with a better understanding of their identity. Having met young people from other countries and having conversed with them, Taiwanese youths learned from these interactions that the term “Republic of China” was a foreign and illusive name for many people around the world. As result, they came to understand the importance of Taiwan’s plight to gain international recognition and the importance of nurturing the next generation to be informed citizens.
Chu Mu-jen, a student majoring in earth sciences at National Cheng Kung University who went to this year’s WCC sponsored International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) in Jamaica in May, recounted how he was questioned for one hour by immigration officers at the airport in Jamaica because officials there didn’t recognize “Republic of China” passports. “This turned out to be an opportunity for foreigners to know about Taiwan’s international predicament. Thought a lot of people may not be familiar with Taiwan, its existence and predicament are undeniable,” Chu said.
The group concluded that 2011 had been a busy and productive year for PCT youth ministry. It included highlights such as a visit from Presbyterian Church in India’s Mizoram Synod Choir, “I Love Taiwan Mission” camp, Youth Conference on “PCT Statement of our National Fate”, CWM conference in July in Singapore, as well as participation in WCC’s IEPC conference in Jamaica. Next year, PCT Youth Ministry Committee plans to send delegates to youth exchange programs in Thailand, India, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, and also hopes to welcome youths from all over the world for “I Love Taiwan Mission” camp.
