_____________________Thursday, March 01, 2007__________________
TAI WAN!!!
Location: East Asia
Population: 22,401,000
Literacy rate: 94%
Official Language: Mandarin
Incomer per person: US $13.900 p.a.
Major religions: Chinese (43.2%)
Non-Religious (25.3%)
Buddhists (25%)
Christians (6%)
Spiritual focal points
When Buddhism reached China in the 1st Century AD, it mixed with other Chinese Philosophies such as COnfucianism and Taosm. The Majority of Taiwan's grassroots people, perhaps 70% of its 22M population are believers in Chinese folk religions, but will call themselves Buddhists. Folk religion, which mixes ancestor worship in teh home, offerings to ghosts, temple worship and the use of spiritual mediums, is behind most of teh significant festivals in Taiwan. This syncretism makes it hard to define who is a true Buddhist in Taiwan. Without doubt, Buddhism is growing in Taiwan and Taiwan Buddhist organizations are playing a significant role in the promotion of Buddhism worldwide. Taiwan is the only Asian country where ordination of women as Buddhist nuns is fully accepted and as a result women play a prominent role in Taiwan's Buddhism.
Prayer points:
-Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism continue to dominate and influence the Taiwanese people. Pray for a desire to know the Truth and grace of God's love
-The Mormons and the True Jesus church cults have gained popularity. Pray that the eyes of those involved would be opened to the deception
-The Church of Taiwan contines to lack internal resources, including pastors and lay leaders. Pray that hese needs would be met.
~from "A Billion Wait"