2023.06 Monthly Update (Eng.)
Hey! I started this blog because there are so many things I want to share with all of you. After much contemplation, I decided to use this platform to share my thoughts and experiences. This way, I can neatly organize and share a truckload of things with you all. Here's what's new this month:
After graduating from BSSM's first year, I returned to Taiwan and spent a month catching up with family and friends. Besides enjoying some delicious food and going hiking, I've been working on translating two books. I hope to finish translating them by the end of this summer. Additionally, I've been visiting several churches this month and it's been truly heartwarming to witness God's hand at work in Taiwan. It's amazing to see brothers and sisters in Taiwan experiencing God's presence on this land.
In this blog post, you'll find🦖🦖🦖
- Recent learnings, revelations, and insights.
- Recent testimonies.
- Things I like (recent discoveries, fun experiences, interesting findings).
- Prayer requests.
- Updates on fundraising for my second year at BSSM.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates and content on the blog! Thanks for joining me on this journey.
1. Recent Learnings
/ The Face of the Father /
Before graduating from the first year, I had the privilege of connecting with an amazing mentor, Mark. He is an American who spent ten years serving as a missionary in China. He shared with me that the moment he set foot in China, he fell in love with the land and its people. Throughout our conversations, I consistently felt one thing – he was empowering me with every word.
There was one revelation he shared that deeply impacted me and I want to share it with all of you. He mentioned the familiar parable of the talents (see Matthew 25:14-30), where there were servants entrusted with five and two thousands, respectively. They each earned an additional five and two thousands, doubling what they were originally given, and received their master's commendation and reward. However, the servant who received one thousand buried it in the ground and faced the consequences of his inaction, being scolded by the master, having his talent taken away, and being cast out in sorrow.
Mark posed a scenario that is not recorded in the Bible: Suppose you are a servant who was given twenty, and instead of burying them or earning more, you actually lost those twenty. Then he asked me:
How do you think the master (God) would respond? How do you imagine the face of the Father in such a situation?
I believe many people, just like my initial response, would say, "He would probably scold me even worse than the person who buried the one thousand." He responded, "Oh, really? I don't think so."
He said, "I believe the Father would say, 'I'm so proud of you!' He would applaud you and comfort that heart that expected to be scolded, saying, 'At least you tried.' And then kindly ask you, 'What did you learn from that?'"
The father in the parable of the prodigal son and the master in the parable of the talents both represent God, the Father. They are one and the same. So why would you think that the accepting father in the prodigal son's story wouldn't accept someone who tried and failed?
Wow. What an astonishing revelation.
(Although upon reflection, the context of the parable of the talents may not have intended to convey this message, this perspective indeed reminded me that our Heavenly Father accepts and loves us even when we make mistakes and experience failures!)
2. Recent Testimonies
- Sharing the Faith with an Indian Friend
While staying at my friend's house in Taiwan, we had two foreign visitors, a French guy and an Indian girl. The Indian girl was curious about why I chose to attend a school of ministry and become a Christian. God opened a door for me to share my faith with her. Eventually, I asked her if she wanted to have a personal relationship with Jesus, because what Jesus desires is not our performance but a relationship with us. In the end, she made the decision to follow Him! Hallelujah. Thanks to the abundant grace of the Lord, I was able to introduce Jesus, who loves me so much, to her without any pressure. - Two Rain
There was a class at school called "Lifestyle of Healing and the Miraculous," which not only covered healing miracles but also mentioned weather-changing miracles. During my first mountain hike after returning to Taiwan, it started raining shortly after we began. I remembered what was taught in that class, so I commanded the rain to stop in Jesus' name. After a while, the rain gradually eased, the clouds dispersed, and we could see more of the beautiful scenery. When we reached the mountaintop, the sun was shining brightly, and it didn't rain on our way back. I'm truly thankful to the Lord for allowing us to enjoy the hike joyfully. This was a testimony of the rain ceasing.
On another day, I was riding my scooter to visit friends at church when it started raining. I immediately commanded the rain to stop in Jesus' name. However, instead of stopping, the rain turned into a heavy downpour within three minutes. In that moment, I realized that Taiwan could indeed have such heavy rain (I wish I could show you guys LOL). The rain didn't stop. Though I felt a bit disappointed, I didn't let that discourage me. I asked the Holy Spirit, "What does this mean? What are you trying to tell me?"
The Holy Spirit didn't reply, but I made a personal discovery in my heart. "Wow, I really love these people. Even with such heavy rain, I'm still willing to ride my scooter to see them." I realized that in the past, my motivation for going to church was often because of my involvement in serving and my own "need to go." But the truth is, I had a choice. I could have turned back and gone back to the comfort of my home, yet on that crazy rainy day, I still chose to go. I began to see a love within me that I had never consciously realized before. It turns out, I had always been driven by love. Only now did I see it, and only now could I appreciate it. Because of that rain, I discovered an aspect of myself that I can truly appreciate. It's quite beautiful.
In that "Miraculous Lifestyle" class, we heard many incredible testimonies, but it all condensed into a simple question: Pause and ask the Holy Spirit, "Lord, what are you doing/saying right now?" and "How can I partner with you?"
3. Things I Like
Hahaha, it's fun to have this section in the email! Let me share some things that I really enjoy. These are my personal recommendations that I think many people would appreciate. (I love recommending things to others!)
🙋🏻♂️ IG Account Recommendation: @dadlifejason
Recently, I came across this Instagram account of this dad. He shares his perspectives on parenting and adoption, and I find it absolutely fantastic. However, after following him for a few weeks, I realized that he's actually doing something remarkable—he shares the love of Christ without using any religious language. It's truly amazing!
Jason Linton
🫕Restaurant Recommendation: Kong Ye (Vagan)
My friends who know me well are aware of my love for a restaurant called "Tai Chu" before I went abroad. However, when I returned to Taiwan, I found that their dishes had become too salty, so I didn't enjoy it as much anymore. BUT! Kong Ye is also under the same group as Tai Chu and is basically a vegetarian version of it, and it's even more delicious! I highly recommend trying their deep-fried king oyster mushrooms (even better than Tai Chu's fried chicken) and their deep-fried mantou (just like the one at Tai Chu). Personally, I'm not a big fan of noodle soups, but my mother loves their tomato noodle soup, and their spicy dry noodles are fantastic! Lastly, they serve a special brown rice tea for dine-in customers, which is incredibly soothing and tasty (I always end up having four cups every time I go there 😌).
If you are visiting Taiwan, this is the place in my city I will love to take you to.
📚Book Recommendation: Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools
This book, written by Tyler Staton, is about prayer. I know we've all read many books on prayer, but this one is truly my favorite. It even discusses why it's becoming increasingly difficult for us to establish a prayer habit nowadays. While we're familiar with using the Lord's Prayer as a model for prayer, the author doesn't focus on "teaching us how to pray the prayer Jesus prayed (in terms of actions)" but rather "how to pray like Jesus (in terms of mindset)." I highly recommend this must-read for life! (I also read it based on the recommendations of several pastors in BSSM.)
4. Prayer Requests
- Tuition, living expenses, rent—praying for God to do it again! Praying for sufficient provision and timely grace to successfully complete my second year of studies.
- During this summer, I desire to deepen my relationship with God in love and not miss any opportunity to demonstrate His love.
- Praying for God to open the door of favor for me. (Which means to stay humble.)
5. BSSM Second Year Fundraising Update
Regarding tuition and living expenses for my second year, I am fully relying on God's provision. When I applied for second year, I was constantly amazed at how God provided for my first year. Truly, only God can do it. I believe that attending second year is God's leading, I give my "Yes" to God, continuing to trust that He will provide abundantly.
$9,000 USD for rent and living expenses.
If you feel led by God to support and bless me financially, below is some ways to support. Let us experience God and build His kingdom together ! If you are interested in joining my prayer team or becoming a part of the monthly financial support team, please connect with me further. I am eager to share the vision God has placed in my life and look forward to being a blessing to you as well! Thank you, Heavenly Father, and everyone, for your generosity, allowing me to delve deeper into my destiny!
Cash app: $horacehuang
Zelle:horaz0425@gmail.com
Wise: horaz0425@gmail.com
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me! Perhaps it could become the topic of my next article 😃