1 By 1 Class

Today was an interesting day. My last class of the evening is a 1 by 1 class. I teach a junior high school boy. The family is Christian and they attend church regularly. Tonight, as I walked through the door, his mom asked if she could talk to me. At first, I thought she was going to tell me that class would be cancelled next week because of tests. I already figured that was going to happen. What she wanted was something totally different. She asked me if I would begin class with prayer. Of course, I said I would be happy to do so. I asked her if she had told her son. She said no. I was a little worried about how he would feel about doing this. I told him what his mom wanted us to do and he gladly accepted his mom's suggestion, and even asked me to pray for his tests. So, we prayed before class, asking God to be with our class, his family, and his tests. Our class was different tonight. It felt more relaxed. I am glad his mom asked us to pray. I think next week, I will give him a Bible Verse as well, and then pray.

History

I am convinced that most people just don't understand History, or the impact it has on today. Many Taiwanese will tell you that they hate History, but, still you would think that they would have some concept of it. Today, in my class at the University, the topic was, "Who, in your opinion, are the 5 greatest people in History." I was expecting kings, rulers, emperors, scientists, evil men, or incredible breakthroughs. Some of the answers? The Bee Gees, Bruce Lee, Creator of Doraemon, Jackie Chen, and Bill Gates. I was wondering if the Telletubbies were going to be on the list.......

Daniel and Caitlin

Aren't they just precious? I thank God everyday for my family. God has really blessed me. I have the most handsome boy and the most beautiful girl in the world. Thank God they take after their mom!!!!!

"Bei Bei" Parade

This is a video I took of a parade for Latern Festival. The big temple in HaiFong does this parade every year. One of my former students asked me to come watch with him. So, I did. Many people would ask, and have, "Why would a Christian go to such a thing?" My answer is simple: In Taiwan, religion is mixed with every aspect of society, from politics to economics, to social behavior and the lottery [yes, even the lottery].

While watching the parade, i asked my friend a question: "What if I am at work when the parade comes by my home? How do I worship?" He replied, " You can go to the temple, but god isn't there." I said, "Wait! Why would I go to the temple to worship if god isn't there? Where is god?" His answer was, "I don't know. I will ask the caretaker [of the temple]. " He came back and told me that the presence of god is where the statue of that god is. This led me to ask him why do I want to worship a god that cannot be present everywhere. He just looked at me. I know he understood what I said. He could not reply. I thank God that I went there with him. I am glad I was able to share the Gospel of Christ to a young man at a false god's parade. He didn't accept Christ, but, i am still in contact with him. Pray that he can see, for himself, that there is only one true God, and that he needs Christ in his life.

Tony's Engangement

Becky's younger brother is engaged to get married. Congats DiDi! The wedding will be this summer. Tony is a good man who works hard. He is an only son and has 4 older sisters. How did he ever manage?

Carlos' Wedding

What a great night!!! As usual, not everything went according to plan, but, last Saturday, Carlos and Karina tied the knot! Carlos has been a member of the English Church for a very long time and I considered it an honor to be asked to perform the wedding. The great thing was that I was able to share about the love of Christ to her family, which does not know His love. They wanted her family to understand how God had brought them together! Don't they just look perfect together?

UPDATE

I will begin updating this blog. I know I have said that before, but, I have made up my mind to do it! There is so much to share, and so many pics. So, let's get to it!

Bro. James Price

I am sad to report that Bro. James went to be with the Lord on 9/25. He was 78 years old. Bro. James holds a special place in my heart. I had the priveledge of leading him to the Lord at the young age of 71. I will never forget the first time I met him. I had just become the pastor of New Providence. I was asked by some of his wife's family members to go visit him and their sister. As I stood there on the steps of the house, James opened the door. He asked if he could help me. I told him that I hoped I could help him. He invited me in and immediately asked, "Are you a salesman?" I replied that I was the new pastor down the road.

As we began to talk, he told me some of the history of the church. It wasn't all good, either. I just looked at him and said that that happened before I was born. He just looked at me kind of strange. He said, "I like you. Want a Dr. Pepper?" Of course, I said yes. I stayed there about an hour. He told me as I was leaving that he was busy that Sunday, but, that he would try to come the following week. I just looked at him and replied that I would hope to see him.

James and Ruby came to church the following Sunday, just like he said he would try to do. From that point on, for 3 years, unless he and Ruby were sick or away, they were at church. He accepted Christ as his Lord and was baptized into the fellowship of the church.

My wife and I were very close to this dear couple. In fact, they caused me to have a panic attack once. Becky was pregnant with Daniel and a storm was coming. I decided to leave work a little early because I didn't want Becky to be home alone when the storm hit. I drove as fast as I could go without getting a ticket. I pulled into the driveway and went to the door. It was locked. I thought that maybe she went to the neighbor's house. Barbara stated that she hadn't seen Becky. I thought maybe she walked down to "Grandma's" house. Grandma was the oldest member of the church. Nope. Not there.

Where could she be. I thought about Ruby and James. They have often asked us to come and eat with them. I drove down to the state line and knocked on the door. James answered the door and said, "We kidnapped your wife and she and Ruby are in the kitchen cooking." Of course, he had that big grin on his face. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, cornbread, and Dr. Pepper. I should have known from the very beginning where she had gone. I had never felt uncomfortable at their home. They always treated me and my family as their own. To this day, I still enjoy the conversations Ruby and I have on the telephone.

Bro. James will be missed. My heart is sad and hurting today. My prayers go out to Ruby and her family during this difficult time. Bro. James will always be a ray of hope and sunshine in my life. He has gone to touch the face of God.

English Church Blog

I have created a blog for our English Church here in Pingtung. Please feel free to look at it. Will keep it updated every Sunday with prayer requests, sermon outlines, announcements, etc. If you have any suggestions or want to post, please let me know.

The blog address: www.pingtungchurch.blogspot.com

Caitlin's Birthday

Caitlin turned 1 year old on September 6th. It was a joyous day for us. I can't believe how big she has grown over the last year. Of course, she loves daddy. And, daddy adores her. Happy Birthday, Queen!

Fantasy Football

I have created another Fantasy Football League again this year. Kind of excited this year. The last 4 years, my friends and I here in Taiwan have competed. This year, we have decided to form an Asian league. The requirement is simple: must live in an Asian country. Only 1 person from a country will be allowed to participate. At first, I was worried that I wouldn't get the other 7 slots filled. But, as it turned out, all 7 are filled from people in Japan, Korea, Singapore, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, and of course, me here in Taiwan. Kind of excited about it. So now there is the Taiwan League and the Asian League. Will keep you posted on the progress.

GameBreaker Football game

Well, just completed another season in the Dynasty Mode of GameBreaker. I started out as an assistant at Texas. I know...treason for an Arkansas boy. I was the Offensive Coordinator. We won the national Championship. After that, I spent 2 years as the Head Coach of UConn. We won the National Title my second year. I have now been at Penn State for 2 years, having secured another National Title.

My "dream" job of course is at Arkansas. The last 5 years, they have not had a winning record. As a matter of fact, they have only won 4 games a year. So, what hasn't that job opened up? So frustrtaing. After the "last season," I was hoping it would open up. It didn't. However, teams like Purdue [10-2], Alabama [9-3], Notre Dame [8-4], and Oregon State [11-1] opened up. Go figure.......

I have decided to stay at Penn State and try for back to back titles.

Love the game........

Typhoon Day

Big Typhoon hit Taiwan today. Can't go out. Play with Daniel and Caitlin. Funny thing is that a couple of weeks ago, my mom called me and was so worried because someone kept calling her about the typhoon that was going to hit Taiwan. I told her that if she worried for every typhoon, she wouldn't get any sleep for 2 months. This is our 3rd typhoon since that conversation.

Major Update

I have been quite busy lately. Will have pics soon. My old computer finally gave out. Had to get another one. Thank you JR! Here is a rundown of some things that have happened in the last few months.

1. Went to the US to see mom and friends. While I was there, I had the honor of performing Robbie's and Robyn's marriage ceremony. I also had the honor of speaking in 2 churches: New Liberty and Osceola 1st. New Liberty has always been special to me. It was the church I was saved in. It was kind of strange preaching there. Memories kept coming back to me as I walked through the church. Not much has changed since I went there. I hadn't been a member there for over 20 years. Osceola 1st was an interesting experience. I said a few words about my work here in Taiwan, then opened the floor to questions. I was suprised by the number of questions asked and the knowledge they knew about Taiwan.

2. Daniel celebrated his 6th birthday in the US. Had 2 birthday parties. I told him that he shouldn't expect that every year.

3. Began working at Pingtung National University of Science and Technology. It has the largest campus of any university in Asia. The scenery is breathtaking. When I turn to go into the school, the first thing I see is the outline of mountains. Great place to work.

4. Daniel graduated kindergarten. He was in the English skit. Who would have thought that?

5. Caitlin is almost 1 year old. She said "daddy" and daddy was happy.

6. Will be presenting a paper, "Human Rights Under Martial Law of Taiwan." Excited and nervous.

7. Celebrated my own birthday.

There are more things. I PROMISE to put up some pics whenever I download them out of my camera.

Daniel

Daniel is growing so fast. In a few short months he will be 6 years old and will start Elementary School. He is very active and likes art and logic. He doesn't like it when "mei mei [Caitlin]" throws up milk on his pillow. He loves his little sister, but, sometimes he is a little jealous. The first words out of his mouth when I come home: "Daddy, play game." He loves to play with Uncle Kyle [Kentucky], Uncle Michael [Arizona], and Uncle Cyril [France]. Of course, I am the one who has to go home with them when they are finished. Woe is me! Sometimes, i can't tell who is the little kid....Kyle or Daniel.

As you can tell, Caitlin is growing fast. I call her "queen." I am just a servant. I love to kiss on her and Daniel. Daniel doesn't like it, but Caitlin does. Yesterday, I gave her a big kiss and she wanted to return the favor. She spit out the pacifier and pushed her head towand my cheek. As she got closer, I was getting happy. Then, she let me have it. She threw up milk all over my face and clothes. I guess that is her way of saying "I love you, Daddy!"

Kidneystone

In January, I had another bout with kidneystones. Just in case you are asking, the 2nd time around is just as painful. Hurt for over a week. I went to church and preached in the Chinese Church. Very uncomfortable. Went to the English Church at 4. Preached again. Still in pain. I asked the church to pray that the pain would go away. Went to bed in agony. The next day, i woke up. God had answered those prayers. The pain was gone. God had went a step further. He completely took the stone away. Now, having this problem before, I know what it feels like to pass one. I didn't pass it. God removed it! That is the power of prayer!

Ramblings

Just a few things that have happened in the last several months:

1. Celebrated 7 years of marriage. Still can't believe she hasn't killed me.
2. Made plan to go back to US in June.
3. Caitlin is now 7 months old. Time flies.
4. Working like a dog. Some things never change.
5. Working on a site for our church. With help, of course.
6. Played a new game called Acquire. Kewl game...... ask Kyle
7. Had a battle with kidneystone.... will discuss in a more detailed post.
8. Motorcycle accident
9. Found a great coffeeshop that isn't as expensive as starbucks
10. Daniel has found a new person to "da pei pei." The aforementioned Kyle.
11. Ate a fruitcake.
12. Kept up with the soap opera that is unfolding in Fayetteville.
13. Getting angry at traffic in Pingtung. Nothing new about that.

There's other stuff as well, just got tired of listing.

Updating

Sorry for not writing. I know it has been a long time. Things are very busy here now. I will be posting quite a bit over the next couple of days to get caught up. Sorry for the delay.

Arkansas 63 SEMO 7

Arkansas is now 5-1 [3-0 SEC]. Play Ole Miss this Saturday in Fayetteville. With one more win, the Hogs are going "bowling".