Three Shopworkers – Three Stories
16/06/2011 9:00 am <>
Three Shopworkers – Three Stories
One of the major goals of the shopworker ministry is to reach out and communicate the gospel to shopworkers, mostly ladies, working in the large department stores and malls in the Taipei area. Not only do most of them come from non-Christian backgrounds, but many are from broken and abusive homes, suffer depression and self-image issues, and have financial difficulties like credit card debt. Their busy weekend working schedules make it hard for them to attend typical Sunday morning church services and weekend church activities. The shopworker ministry caters to their schedule by meeting in the late evenings, after they finish work. The vision of the shopworker ministry is to establish small groups for fellowship, Bible study, and prayer in every major shopping area in Taipei, meeting in places such as coffee shops and fast food restaurants.
Here are three typical shopworkers who are currently attending the small group meeting near Taipei Main Station. They are in various stages in developing a relationship with God.
Ramani is 31 and a lesbian. Her dad regularly had affairs, divorced and remarried with these women, and has 6 children from 3 marriages. Growing up, Ramani was beaten by her stepmom and her own mom when she lived with them. She despises her father and has little trust to men. As a teen, she ran away from homes for many years. When she was in her late teens, she developed an interest for girls. She called herself “a man” and once frustratedly told us, “I will never be able to be baptized because God is not pleased with my homosexual lifestyle.” We encouraged her that, “Once you know God, you will have power to change. In God’s eyes, you are a very beautiful girl. God will prepare a good man to love you.” As she heard these words we spotted surprise and a sense of hope in her eyes. Pray that Ramani will continue to come and experience God’s healing and love.
Yvonne is 25 and a recent college graduate. She is a seeker but lives together with her boyfriend, a playboy. You can clearly see turmoil in her as she described how she struggles to please her boyfriend to try to keep their relationship. Pray that Yvonne will know more about God and has wisdom to deal with this situation.
Gigi wanted to meet with Emily right after Easter weekend. Earlier she told us that she and her boyfriend Charlie will continue to live together and get baptized in the end of this year after they marry because she wanted to wait for Charlie to be baptized together. Gigi now recognizes that Charlie may not be ready at the end of year, even though he also came for our Good Friday service and seemed to be moved. Apparently the Spirit has convicted her of this sin and instead put a desire in her heart to live for Him. They have talked about living separately but there are still some issues that need to be resolved. Pray for Gigi’s obedience to follow God and for Charlie’s conversion.
Chris and Emily Pang - Taipei
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