“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely, I will help you, surely, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
Dear Praying Friends:
In 1980, I was praying about an invitation from Dr. James Taylor, founding president of China Evangelical Seminary (CES), to take his place as a teacher of Greek and New Testament as he was going to Singapore to become General Director of Overseas Missionary Fellowship (OMF), of which Dori and I were members.
Because my health and spirits had been broken during our first term as missionaries, we had been sent home on an early furlough. I didn’t want to return to that place of hardship and disappointment, but these words in Isaiah came to me with convicting force and made me willing to go back. That started a decades-long happy relationship with the seminary and with Christians in Taiwan.
I will shortly embark upon this long-anticipated return to Taiwan, God willing.
During my stay in Taipei, I plan to
Preach in the church of former members of International Christian Fellowship (ICF) in Charlottesville
Speak to the faculty of CES and meet with the current president of the seminary and other faculty
Meet with the current Taiwan OMF Field Director and other members of OMF
Spend time with China Institute Partners, Global China Center Associates, former students, and friends from our church
As I have said before, I hope to
Encourage people by listening and prayer
Share my experiences of the grace of God since my last visit in 2013
Learn more about Taiwanese society and Chinese history and culture
Refresh my rusty Mandarin
My goal is to serve while there and be equipped for more effective intercession for Taiwan, which faces increasing pressure.
Dori and I are trusting God to supply needed strength, to make this visit to Taiwan a blessing to God’s people there, and to take care of her while I’m away, to the praise of his glory.
Dori has printed out copies of Isaiah 41:10 for each of us to have in front of us while I am gone.
Yours in his divine presence, help, and support,
Wright