October 30, 2009
I am never sure when to write an update. Our wonderful home church in the USA has us on a 2 month newsletter schedule, we are on facebook and here. I don't want to be repetitive, but I guess that will happen at some point in time.
November 2, Luke leaves for a week of meetings in Hong Kong. They will be discussing the upcoming opening of the underground Bible Institute. This is a very important meeting. Praise the Lord the money for the trip was taken care of. It will be hard to have daddy gone for a week, but we know that that must happen occassionaly as he goes and reaches people with the Gospel.
What is very important though is this:the end of November he will be needing to go to China again for visiting and teaching....but he cannot go if there are no funds.....he will need at least $1500US to cover all the flights, stay and transportation needs. Please pray and do what you can for the China ministry. This is important, but the extra funds are not in our account. The China ministry needs funds. If you can help, please let us know. He may have to postpone his trip if the funds are not there.
We will be having our Christmas program on December 18. The theme is "A Humble King". Everyone at church gets to participate in it. Pray that it can be a good outreach. The church members have been growing and learning more about serving in church. Pray for their continual growth and their testimony outside of church as well.
Our Morning Light Home currently has 2 unwed moms and 2 infants. The babies are in the adoption process. We also have two non-resident moms who we are helping as well. They have their own chidlren, but are single moms who are pregnant and are too late to get an abortion. Well, let's say they don't have the money to get an abortion....God is sparing the lives of these two babies. Pray as we minister through prenatal check ups and counseling and food baskets and the such. If you would like to sponsor a food basket for $30 or $50, please let us know.
Our family is doing great. Everyone has had a round of whatever was going around. We thank the Lord for HIS watching and provision for us. At this time, we might need to move after 6 years in our house. The landlord wants to sell the house, so pray we find a good house in the price range we can afford.
We pray that all of our prayer warriors are doing well. Please do continue to keep us in prayer. We love hearing from you all as well. So drop us a line sometime. We are on facebook, so if you want to see more of us, just look us up:-)
Till the Trumpet Sounds,
Luke and Deana and kids
August 25, 2009
I did not realize that it has been 8 months since last updating everyone. I do remember that last time a few of you responded to the "did you get the update?" email. I am not sure how many of these actually get to the addresses.
From August 26-29th we have our Vacation Bible School. We have 21 children from 5years of age to 11 years of age signed up to come. Hopefully a few more will show up as well. Please pray for the teachers as due to my (Deana) other ministry, I have given them the responsibility of doing VBS. If I did not feel they were capable then I would not have them do it, they though, have different opinions:-)....in the evening a teacher from the souther part of the island is here to teach them classes on Sunday school preparation and encourage them really. Please pray for souls to be saved.
August 30th we have a baptism service. There are 5 young men and a lady following the Lord in believers baptism. Two of those are our two boys, Joshua and Josiah. Last year at VBS Josiah accepted the Lord as his Savior. Pray as Luke teaches a 6 week course on baptism.
Luke is planning another trip to China in September sometime. Last trip in July, they found themselves surrounded by the police.....he is getting into a bad habit of getting followed:-)....the past few times they have realized there seems to be a spy in the group and they are trying to figure out who. In July, the camp for students was broken up early and they had to go home. They were all very sad over that and are praying they can meet up again. Please pray for Luke as he prepares materials and praise the Lord with us as his trip is only made possible by brothers and sisters in Christ who follow the burden to give financially so Luke may go. These funds do not come out of our monthly support as it is not enough as it is now. Luke can only make plans when he has money. So please keep praying for the China trip fund.
Morning Light Home is entering the registration papers by August 31, 2009. We still need a few things, but plan on getting what we have now and then entering the rest when we get it. It is crucial that we get this registration so please pray. Even without it though, we have 3 mom's, with #4 coming tomorrow and #5 contemplating. The oldest mom is 22yr old, the youngest just turned 16yr old. Pray as we begin Bible Studies with them and they continue to hear the Gospel at church. We have had many opportunities to talk with them. These girls need someone they can trust and just talk to. Please pray as we minister to them. They will be giving their babies up for adoption, a very hard decision. Through a wonderful Christian agency in the USA, we have Christian homes waiting to adopt. We also have 2 babies, soon to add another one in the home as well. So please pray that the adoption process goes smoothly.
Our family is doing great. August 31st we start back to homeschooling. I will have a 5th grader, 2nd grader and a kindergartener.....fun.....we'll see. Anna is keeping up with her brothers quite well. We are truly blessed with 4 wonderful children. As we watch them grow we realize that God has given us a tremendous responsibility to raise them to be HIS servants. Pray that as we have the ministries at church, China and the home, that we can fulfill the responsibilty God has given to us with our children.
May God bless as you serve Him wherever you are.
Til the Trumpet Sounds,
Luke, Deana, Joshua, Josiah, Noah and Anna Pan
servants of the Almighty in Taiwan and China
December 4, 2008
It has been 2 months since our last report, and longer since a snail mail newsletter. That is because God has been keeping us extremely busy here in Taiwan. When we sit back and look at all the things HE has us doing, we are in awe! Only God can be working like this. He has promised to take care of our needs, and that HE has.
CHINA:
Luke continues to preach via internet to a church in China. He has $500US given so far for his next trip. It might not be til after Chinese New Year though. He still needs at least $700US for that. He regularly has emails from students asking him when he is coming back. Their thirst for things of the Bible is unbelievable. A church he went to previously has still had no contact with members who were arrested. Their whereabouts and conditions are still unknown. YES! this still happens in China. We often praise the Lord for watching out for Luke each time he goes to China and comes back safely. We'll keep you informed of when his next trip is so you can have an opportunity to pray and give as well.
TAITUNG BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH:
We have been privileged to have some young people from the USA come and worship at our church. They are English teachers who every Sunday, take a 45min train to come to our church. They want to help out a local church of like faith, and the last one is hard to find here in Taiwan. It has been good having them here on Sundays with us. God has used them to encourage our church members as well. Our church has Bible Institute classes on Tuesdays. We have only 3 students, but that is ok, they are learning alot. Fridays is Bible study. So, we keep them busy. Wednesday morning and Thursday night I (Deana) teach English Bible to adults. When I teach adults, I use Bible curriculum. We don't have many resources to English as a Second Language Bible curriculums, so we are kinda on our own.
Our church is now preparing for Christmas. The play is entitled "A Gift". Last night they divided up the parts. The churhc is decorated on the outside and inside. I have come to realize that our neighbors enjoy this, our church decorated for Christmas. They love looking at the lights and the decorations. Please pray for our Christmas program and church activities.
MORNING LIGTH HOME:
We have 3 infants in the process of being adopted by Christian families. There are many issues surrrounding the adoption ministry. Recently, we have been flamed because we only allow Christian families to adopt. Well, as Christians, we have a responsibility and allowing a child to go into a Buddhist family is something that we cannot do.Also, recently in Taiwan, an organization doing similar work as ours was threatened by the black market baby trade. We haven't had any issues, but we ask that you pray for safety for us. God has been moving us in some ways to increase our ministry with unwed mothers and we believe that Satan is mad and gonna cause issues. Please we ask that you pray for us daily, pray for endurance and a hedge of protection around us and our family.
THE PAN CLAN:
Our children are all growing, and it is very evident that they are. Anna is 5months old now and growing and full of energy. She is full of smiles for everyone she meets. She is a great baby and adores her brothers (who also love to play with her).Joshua has learned how to measure and mix formula and feed babies and change diapers (we have a newborn ready for adoption living at our house). Josiah is learning how to cook and help more, Noah is learning to help as well. Noah has been dealing with skin issues. First the doctor says he is allergic to his sweat (?) and now it is his skin is too try. Either way, he has bad scratching. Pray for him as it is difficult for a 4yr old to deal with. Homeschooling is very laid back:-)...but the boys are doing well. Joshua now has an email and has been writing to friends in the USA. If your child would like to write him, let me know.
Well, this is long enough. I pray that as the Christmas season approaches,the regular business does not take away from your enjoying the reason for the season.
Til the Trumpet Sounds,
Luke and Deana and kids.
SPECIAL CHINA REPORT
We are thankful that we can report on some amazing things that God has done in China ministry. Luke was able to go to China Sept.12 thru the 25th. Due to modern technlology we were able to keep in contact more without fear of anything. Luke went to City A at the beginning of the trip. There they had a training center for local villagers. There the average age of the students was 20yrs old. They left their home and church to spend 6months full time studying the Word. Then they would go back and teacher others or go off to other villages for more training. The teachers are 3 local pastors. This was in a village where the bathrooms had no doors, clothes were washed at center tank where well water was lifted up. The students take turns cooking. What is left over from breakfast is eaten at lunch, left overs from lunch is for dinner. They grow all their own food, and eat simply. That's how they live in order to study the Bible. Every morning they get up at 5:30am to run. They are training their bodies and spirits.
The pastors, so they can help the students and make ends meet, use all resources for the studetns. The wives of the 3 pastors make hand crafts to sell in order make ends meet. Luke was able to help them purchase a new water tank. The previous one had a leak in it for at least 5 years. Luke also taught a class at this training center. He is praying he can go back. They were sad to have him leave and wished he could've stayed longer and teach more.
He then went on to City B. But the normal 8 hour bus ride from City A to City B turned into 12 hours due to being at the police station for a few hours. Those who didn't have seats on the bus (there were as many on the floor as there were in seats) were taken to the station. There were a few more other police stops on the way. While in City B, Luke did suddenly have his luggage pulled to the side by police and checked. They didn't, however, check his othere bags, they had religious material in it. He wasn't able to preach at the house church in City B due to the police already telling the house leader to lay low.
He then went to City C for a meeting for house church leaders. There they spent a few days working with , encouraging and helping church leaders. One particular man really touched Luke. A young man, with just an elementary education, is on fire to reach his village for the Lord. But due to his lack of education, he feels he doesn't have the ability and that others would look down on him.He cried as he talked to Luke of his desire to tell others of God but his feelings of inadequacy. Luke encouraged him to keep going strong, to not see himself as lack of ability, but how God can use Him, to keep on fire and that God will be with him as he tells others about the Good News of Jesus Christ.
There are other places that are asking Luke to come teach. One place wants him to teach Systematic Theology at their underground seminary. Other places want him to teach basic doctrinal issues. But he can't do that without finances. Below are some needs for the China ministry:
1. $1,500US for a trip.......he would like to go in November. So far God has provided the money for trips and we know He will continue to do so. Please designate your gift as Pan China Trip Fund.
2. $1,000/month to help sponsor 13 students and 3 teachers at the mentioned training center in City A. It is approximately $63US/month per student or teacher.
If you can help, please do let us know. This is a great ministry that really needs financial assistance.
Thank you so much for what you will be doing for the believers in China. We hope to update you of the finances coming in and Luke able to go on his trip in November.
The Pans
ANNOUNCING:
Anna Joy Pan was born July 3, 2008
3372g (7.5lbs) 48.5cm(19.5in)
Anna is doing well and already being spoiled by her brothers and daddy.
Anna Joy Pan at one week
August 2, 2008
We apologize for not writing sooner. This summer has been a busy one and has literally flown by!! As you can see up above, we are praising the Lord for bringing Anna Joy Pan into our family. We thought we had already sent the announcement out, but realized recently that we hadn't. Please accept our apologies.
Hopefully this update will be short (if that is possible!!): the second week of July we had youth camp. Thankfully it was here in our county so Luke could come home at night and be with Deana since she had a c/section. There were 100 in attendance and God moved greatly among the young people there.
Towards the end of July we had a 41 member mission team stop by for a few days. It was their first time here and they spent time getting to know us and the ministry needs here. They were able to help us in passing out tracts and flyers for VBS.
This past week, we had unexpected visitors, 3 young ladies, from Wisconsin. Their original trip was changed and asked if they could come visit here. Though we had a typhoon and it rained alot here, they did help us in passing out flyers for VBS, gave us a "date night" and really ministered in other ways to us. We enjoyed their visit and I know the boys will miss them greatly.
We still have visitors that will be coming between now and the end of August. Summer months are the busiest for missionaries.
We also have VBS coming up. PLEASE keep it in your prayers. The dates are August 11-13th. We have passed out over 700 flyers about VBS, please pray that we will have many respond (though not 700!! no place to put them).
Luke is planning a trip to China again. The believers in a few cities have been asking him to come and cover some issues for them. Though the internet is great, it is best to physically be there is really the best. He is planning on going the end of Septebmer. We know that there is a time constraint with finances and all. He is in need of $1200US to go to China. We know that if it is God's will for him to go at this time, God will provide the money. Please do pray about what you can do. Being it is after the Olympics, many may be opened up more to the Gospel. So, please pray for this need.
We'll end here. Hopefully we can get back on schedule with writing more often and updating more often about our needs and what God is doing here in Taiwan. Please keep us in your prayers!
Till the Trumpet Sounds,
Luke and Deana Pan and family
June 5, 2008
Well, it is June already, can you believe it? We waited til now to write our update as Luke just got back from China. This month will be an interesting month as we are impatiently waiting the arrival of baby.
Let's see, where to update:
CHINA:
Luke and another pastor from Hong Kong spent a week in China. Luke got there first and was able to have some classes on baptism, baptize two believers and preach on Sunday to 20 believers. The church he preached at on Sunday is the church he preaches to via the internet on Sunday afternoons (technology is great isn't it!!). Monday started the training/teaching sessions. There were 24 in attendance and 2 of them were local pastors. The sessions were on things quite normal to most Americans, but new ideas to the Chinese. Things like:Sunday school songs, games, how to handle children, making posters, etc. Then there were the youth ministry and finally camp ministry classes. Luke mentioned that the people seemed to write down everything word for word they were so eager to get it all in.
Luke was also able to take some believers and help a church purchase Bibles, hymn books and devotionals. The price of these have gone up considerably in the past 6months. And now, everyone must go to the bookstore at the local Three Self Movement Church (aka..gov't run church).
It was hard for Luke and the pastor leave. The people were so hungry for a pastor to lead them. The people said they would be praying that they can come back soon. They considered it a special blessing just to hear a pastor speak once. Some people had to travel over 10 hours one way by train to get there. One group's train was delayed 4 hours because they got stuck due to the major aftershock in China. Thankfully, all made it safely.
Luke would like to make plans to visit a province that has many believers there. Due to increase of cost for everything, the trip would now be$1500US. Staying at hotels in China are interesting, you have to put down a security deposit. So if you spend $80US for a hotel, you have to put $160US down FIRST, then when you check out, you get $80US back....crazy! Please pray as he would like to go sometime in September.
FAMILY:
Well, sometime this month we'll be holding Anna Joy in our arms. June will be a month of 3 birthday's: Luke's is the 6th, Josiah the 18th and Anna's....sometime. We are all doing fine. We are finishing up IOWA tests for the boys, Joshua and Josiah. We have next semester's books coming with someone, well part of the books. God has been good to work things out for getting books over here as shipping is outrageous nowadays. In September, we will have a 4th grader, a 1st grader and preschooler....and a newborn. WOW! please do pray for us as we raise our children in the LORD!
MORNING LIGHT HOME:
Well, God is working in this ministry, more than we ever thought. We had a baby born on June 1st and the adopting family, missionaries in Taiwan, will bring her home from the hospital. We are working on three other cases right now. We won't be starting anything new til sometime in September. That is when we hope to begin unwed mother's counseling. Please do pray for us. You can visit that blog at:www.panfamtaiwan.blogspot.com to see more of our ministry there.
Well, this is long enough. Please continue to pray for us. We will let you know when Anna Joy Pan gets here:-)
Till the Trumpet Sounds,
Luke, Deana and kids
May 10,2008
My it has been awhile. I apologize for not keeping up. Things have been quite busy here and it seems like AFTER I turn off the computer, I remember I needed to write. Below are some updates of our various ministries. Please do be aware of a need though: we are looking for a single lady, preferrably college graduate and above, for main jobs: teaching our boys 2hours a day for homeschool subjects; main caretaker for infants in process of being adopted (though living in a 3rd floor flat here at our house, so she won't be all alone taking care of a few babies); English ministry at church. She will need to have her own support as we honestly can't afford to hire someone. If you or anyone are interested, please email at: deanapan@yahoo.com for more details.
Ok, our updates:
1. TAITUNG BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH:
with exams and end of the year events, youth group has been hard to keep going, but it's going; they are preparing handmade cards (thanks to stamps from our home church ladies!!) and songs for Mother's Day. We are expecting around 10 mother's tomorrow. Our tile floor is hopefully going to be laid the end of May. The person who does it cheaper for churches has free time then. We will be repainting and some other projects to help the church feel "new." Please pray for this as we are a small church and really need everyone here to work together.
Plans are in the works for a new ministry in September. After school homework help for underprivileged children. With costs in EVERYTHING going up here, many kids cannot afford to get the help they need in homework. So our church is working on a plan for homework help time 2 or 3 times a week. This is a great time where we can also show Gospel videos, Bible story time and other ways of teaching these young kids about Christ.
We do have a need though. Many times we don't like writing our needs because it seems like we are always needing something. Here are two main needs:
a. replacing the leaking ceiling........$700US
b. new air conditioning units.........$1000US+
These are the most immediate needs for the church. If you can help or at least pray for it, please do.
2. CHINA:
Luke is going to be going to China the last week of May. We cannot disclose where he is going, but we can say he will be teaching and training nationals there for ministry. Please keep him in your prayers. It is not exactly safe, but a job that must be done, and done best by a non-caucasian pastor.
3. MORNING LIGHT HOME:
we know that many people think missions is only about church planting, but missions is really about reaching those around us with the Good News of Jesus Christ; you can read "blogging my thoughts"(found in the menu bar on the side) about our ministry; God has really been working and literally bringing cases to us; three cases have been from contact on the internet and the rest we were called about.This is not an easy job, but one that requires alot of emotional and spiritual strength. It has also come to our attention the need for unwed mother ministry. Due to lack of support, we cannot get a home going, but will have to work from the church office, and do contacts and training. Please do keep us in prayer. We need coworkers here, Chinese speaking ones. It is really a need.
Another need: approximately $1000US for installing air conditiong on our 3rd floor as we prepare to turn it into a flat for future use. We hope to make it into a small living area that someone can help take care of infants during the adoption process, eliminating the need for foster parents. The adoption process takes 3-9months.
4. FAMILY:
Well, we are all impatiently waiting the arrival of Anna Joy. We have been blessed so much with clothes for this little princess. I (Deana) have realized that Anna isn't even born yet and has her daddy wrapped around her little finger!!LOL!! It will definetly be different having a girl around the house. The boys are being "prepped" on somethings, mainly things to STOP doing now that a sister is on her way. She still seems breech position, but we are praying that God will work out HIS will, whether c/section (would be my 2nd one) or natural. Either way, we are praying the Creator protects this new life due to enter our family in just 6 weeks.
Thank you for taking the time to read all of this book. Please do keep us in your prayers. Thank you again for all you have done for us.
Till the Trumpet Sounds,
Luke, Deana, Joshua, Josiah, Noah and soon to be Anna Joy Pan
March 24, 2008
Well, things have been going good since last time we wrote. We are writing now to update a few things:
1. Luke has just about narrowed down his May trip to China. There are plans for him holding training sessions all day long. In China, 6 hours is not enough, they usually ask for more. That doesn't happen in many other places.
2.Luke has taught his second class via the internet. It is just amazing what technology can do and where it can get you. He teaches 3 classes a week, an hour an a half each time. There are 45 students in the class. Somehow, some men with some unusual ideas about speaking in tongues, healing services and the such are there. Actually, that is something to be thankful for as that gives Luke a great chance to share Biblical principles about these issues. It also allows those other students to know how to answer the questions when someone would ask them. Right now, Luke said that a cold or some kind of virus seems to be going around the class room there, so please keep the students in prayer. They are taking a risk doing this.
3. We hope to begin some redoing of the church floor by mid-April. We have some offerings for that. There will be a need for the ceiling but we are waiting to get an estimate on that. Repainting and tearing up some walls, it will be a tough job, but long overdue. Pray for wisdom and good deals:-).
4.Recently, things have happending in Taiwan, politically. This is probably the main reason the US dollar has lost some value. There is a 10% difference in our monthly support, and not in a good way. Our support was low enough as it was, but now with this, it is a struggle. Please do pray that some churches will take us on for support. There are still a number of churches we have never heard from either way, support or not. Please pray that they are burdened for Taiwan and China.
We are all doing fine. The boys are impatiently waiting their little sister's arrival. Homeschooling is going well and for that we are thankful. God has been showing us the possibility of more minsitry needs here. We would like to have help. If you know of a colleg graduate who would be interested in teaching, please do let us know. We are hoping to get some mission teams here as well. Please do keep us in your prayers.
Serving Till the Trumpet Sounds,
Luke and Deana Pan
March 12, 2008
It has been a month since we've last written. It is difficult at times as we need to write a snail mail letter and we like to write an update here. We don't like to sound to repetitive.
Let's see........updates:
CHINA TRIP:
We are thankful for the money that was given so far for this upcoming trip. Luke has a trip scheduled in May, so the money being asked for is for this trip. Currently, $350US is needed for this May trip.But we pray that money for other trips can come in as well. When he has the finances to go, he will.
TAITUNG BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH:
Our most recent Friends Day we had another visitor. Unfortunately, he hasn't come back, though we have seen him. A church member has brought the man's child to church. The man is actually from a village about an hour away. He is aborigine gov't worker. Unfortunately, he has lots of things he has to do. Taiwan doesn't really care if you go to church or not, just get your job done. We are now gearing up for March 23. Could you pray with us that we have 3 visitors for Easter Sunday? That would be a great Sunday to have visitors! The church is also still in need of fixing up somethings. Our son mentioned that during service last week.......the ceiling leaked on him....glad it was him and no one else!! We are still in need of $200US for the floor project and $700US for the ceiling. IF you send special gift for these, please do make a note. If no note is sent with it, it goes into regular funds.
MORNING LIGHT HOME:
God has been so good, really words cannot describe how much HE has done through this ministry. We are in the process of registering an office for children/teen services as well as adoption services. I have been to visit an unwed mother's home run by Christians and visited Garden of Hope. Garden of Hope was once started by Chrisitans, but as many things in Taiwan, has lost it's goal of reaching the needy with the Gospel. But PRAISE GOD they are allowing us to work with them. We have been getting out news to unwed mother's with a prolife message. Can you believe...400,000 abortions are done a year in Taiwan? I have had mothers try to sell me their babies! God has seen fit to use MLH to place 6 children in Christian families, and possibly more. That is AWESOME!!! this ministry definetly needs your prayers.
THE PAN CLAN:
The boys are eagerly expecting Anna Joy. We are now 6months pregnant and tired! We haven't had to purchase a single thing yet as we have gotten hammy downs from cousins, grandparents sending stuff and friends in America sending stuff. Boy, is she going to be spoiled.....but look cute:-) We are thankful to have a little princess on the way. We'll keep you updated.
Oh, an article I wrote is being published in a Christian newspaper. I will try to post it, but it is about one of our graduates and her husband and what blessings God has given them, and us. God uses many things to encourage us along the way.
Please do keep us and our many ministries in your prayers. Taiwan is a needy place.
Till the Trumpet Sounds,
Luke and Deana Pan
February 13, 2008
Happy Chinese New Year!! The first day of Chinese New Year was on Febraury 7th. We were at Luke's family's house on the other side of the island. Only staye a few days as "city" life there just doesn't seem to suit us! Our town is now getting ready for a festival that is very demonic in meaning, Blasting Han Dan. Please pray for us as our town is a tourist spot for this festival. It is the worship of the God of Fortune. Please do pray for us at this time.
Previously, we had mentioned some of our needs. We do have one that is very important. Luke is scheduled to be in China in May to begin teaching at the Bible institute there. As of now, we have $100US in the China Travel fund. By May, in order for him to go and not affect our finances, he needs at least $900US more. The trip will cost roughly $1000US for travel and lodging. Please do keep this at the forefront of your prayer list. This is very important part of our ministry. They are beginning the Bible Institute in April and planning on teachers going every month. He is on a rotating schedule. Because we are still not at budget, we cannot plan too use much of our monthly money. We still pray that many will be burdened for this ministry and give so that he can go and teach believers in China. Our other needs (building mainly) are not as immediate as the China Trip fund.
Friend Day at church for January was awesome! We had two first time Sunday visitors and they both got saved!!It was an encouragement to our people. The next Sunday we had an adult visitor and he really enjoyed the church service. His 3yr old son (3 days younger than our Noah) told his dad he wanted to come back next week and play with all the kids and sing songs:-) That was great!!! Please do pray as we minister to our community one by one.
We are all doing fine. The boys are getting excited that a baby sister is on the way. We were given some infant girl clothes as all our clothes are VERY BOYISH looking. They are ooohhhing and awwing over the cute girl clothes. Anna Joy is kicking and moving alot. We are half way there!!
Please look at to the left at "blogging my thoughts" for updates on our adoption and children/teen ministry. God is working out things there as well.
We are looking for a teacher. A college graduate, preferrably single (though a couple would do fine). The job entails: primary teacher for homeschooling 1st grader and 4th grader. The evenings would be free to have English classes at the church for children or adults. We cannot pay though, the peron(s) would need to get support from churches in the USA. If you are interested or know of someone interested, please contact us. This is a great opportunity for a new graduate to do one year ministry/mission work. We do ask that the person commits to at least one year.
Many times as we sit back and see what God has done, it is just amazing. As things work out, many times it just gives goosebumps at how HE answers prayers. So amazing.
We thank you for notes we have gotten and encouragement along the way. We were able to pick up at least 3 new churches that we know of so far. We are praying for more. Please keep our work and needs in your prayers. Drop us an email if you have time.
January 23, 2008
I figured it's about time for an update. We all arrived, our ten baggages and all, safely. I won't say with out complications because we did spend almost 24hours in the San Fransisco Airport thanks to weather making us missing a connecting flight. We arrived December 31st tired, but thankful to be back home.
Alot has been going on here since we got back. Many plans for the new year. Right now we are planning some activities after Chinese New Year, which is February 7th.
Let's see, news updates:
FAMILY:
It's about time we should tell you all our recent news. We are expecting blessing #4. Now, some churches we went to Luke asked them (in a jokingly manner) to pray for a girl for the next child. Well, we found out last week that we are expecting a daughter. Luke was too nervous to go with me to the doctor, but that's ok. He was excited to say the least. The boys aren't quite too sure about all this little sister business. Anyway, Anna Joy Pan is due June 25th (though knowing my previous ones, it will be later, but we may be suprised). Other than that we are all doing fine. Though Luke and Noah's allergies are raging.
CHURCH:
Our people were happy to have us back. They said they felt like orphans!! They didn't think it would be that hard to do the pastor's stuff. We start this month, though officially in February, "Friend Day". It will be the last Sunday of each month and that Sunday will be especially for emphasizing the salvation message. We will follow with potluck.
On Wednesday nights, Luke is starting a study on Romans. Going through it verse by verse, chapter by chapter. They even have homework. Please do pray for our youth group. One of our teens has been witnessing it a girl at school. The girl is sort of part of the Mormon church, but is really confused. She is asking lots of questions. Please pray for Kelly as she witnesses and us as we show this 13 year old the truth.
MORNING LIGHT CHILDREN'S HOME:
God has been working out something with our children and teen work. Now with our #4 on the way, once she arrives, we can no longer be foster parents according to a rule made this past year. Also, our current foster daughter, Kelly, would like to stay on for high school, if she does, we couldn't be foster parents either. We look at it as God opening a new door for this ministry.
We also have a number of good Bible based Christian families looking to adopt from Taiwan. We are doing our best to help them. Unfortunately, some things have come up and we are looking to have to register or get a building or something. We know that God has something planned or else HE wouldn't have brought all this too us. Please pray for this too. We have many waiting families, but lots of red tape to go through, not to mention finances needed.
CHINA:
Luke is still in the red for his China trip fund. We are praying for some supporters for this directly. He is in need of approximately $1000US for this.
Luke and another pastor are working up plans for internet based Bible teaching. This will take time and still some financing. It would be best to get a computer, in good working condition, specifically for this purpose.
Well, this is really long. We had a great time in the states and fellowship with you all. We pray that the churches we went to will find fit to partner with us as we serve in Taiwan and China.
Till the Trumpet Sounds,
Luke and Deana Pan
December 4, 2007
Well, here we are counting down the last few weeks of furlough. My, what a busy time we have had. We apologize for not writing sooner, but we have limited internet access and then have had some computer problems not allowing us to get on this site to update our newsletter.
We have two churches left, out of 24. God has been so good to us health wise and safety. Living love gift to love gift has been difficult, but God in HIS ways has provided over and above what we expected. As of date, we have 3 churches that have committed to supporting us/partnering with us in the ministry in Taiwan and in China. PRAISE THE LORD!!! Please do pray we can get at least 7 more churches (we have visited 17 new ones!) to help with and partner with our ministry.We are currently at about 45% of our budget. To be honest, we average about $1300US a month. It is difficult with rising costs in Taiwan as well. Some things are more expensive than that USA. God has been taking care of our needs.....hey, we are still alive right?:p But please do pray for our needs.
We want to thank those who have given offerings to us while here on furlough. These gifts kept the van filled with gas and took care of our needs here in the USA with extra wondering how things would work out. God will bless you for your sacrificial giving.
We have been keeping in contact with Taitung Bible Baptist Church while here on furlough. Things are going well and they are anxious for us to get back. We praise the Lord for faithful members there who are keeping it going.
Keep praying for us. There are more plans in the works for the ministries in Taiwan and in China. Luke does need to raise some support for his trips to China, so please keep that in your prayers.
As we close, we hope to write one more time before the end of the year 2007. If not, we pray that this Christmas season you will remember Jesus and the precious gift HE gave us. May God bless you all this Christmas season and in the year to come.
Merry Christmas from our family to yours.
The Pans
September 2, 2007
We now have only 6 more days till we are in the USA! Can you believe it? God has been so good to us. Let me tell you.....the money we needed for airflight tickets, we got that PLUS the money for domestic flights that we had forgotten to add in. YES!! God is so good isn't HE?! We weren't expecting it all to come in, but God works when you are least expectingit. This month's support was up a little more, meaning we can pay some bills before we leave. God truly has continued to take care of our every need.
Luke also was given the fund to make one more
trip to China. He was able to go to 3 different places. He taught Sunday school, was asked to participate in the ordination service of a WONDERFUL HOUSE CHURCH LEADER and preach at a house church (which AFTER the fact, he told me they had to keep watch for the police as that church has been put under watch). He was able to hear testimonies of a number of house church leaders who have been arrested and persecuted for Christ's sake. He came back excited and on fire. There are plans for us to go as a family. The Bible college there needs/wants some teachers. Being both of us are fluent in Chinese, we can be used. Now it's being able to raise the money for China trips. We can't take this money out of our monthly support, but need supporters specifically for China trips.
Taitung Bible Baptist Church will be going through a growth period. Luke will be gone for almost 4months, and another missionary will help out in his abscence. Wednesday night prayer service/Bible study has been handed over to a young man at our church, Jeremiah. Luke sees this as an opportunity for Jeremiah's growth. He knows his Bible well, but given this repsonsibility, we pray will really help him grow. The members have already scheduled out serving within the church while we are gone. This is really a big step for them. Most churches here in Taiwan have the idea that the pastor does it ALL and they just come and listen. Please pray for our members as they go through this time of growth and that Satan will stay back and away.
Well, maybe next time you hear from us we'll be in the USA. I hope to put up a schedule of where we will be on furlough. Please do pray for us as we have some special projects we are raising money for, as well as getting the news out of need for a young lady to come and help with home schooling our boys as well as having an English ministry to young people at our church. Please keep this in your prayers.
Luke and Deana
August 7, 2007
Well, I honestly have been putting off writing this cause honestly, I am just sure you all don't want to read a book:-p I have lots to say, but that is normal for me right? LOL
CAMP HONG KONG--July 26-30th:
that was an adventure! our whole family went, including our foster girls. Kelly had never been on an airplane before, so she was nervous. She did well though. My boys just thought it was great..... I guess it was practice for our LOOOONNNGGGG trip in a month.
Camp went well. I didn't get to do much other than visit and watch the boys. Though I did share a group devotional on the last morning. Our boys were stars! Towards the afternoon of the second day, they were sitting around the auditorium with campers. The campers even fed my kids meals....hey, I could see them so all was fine. They were actually better behaved during service time with others than with me..... go figure.
Luke did all the songs and games for services. He comes alive on the platform. It's hard for other to believe he is really shy. But when he is doing what he likes best, he does is well.
The theme for camp was "Choices" and so the speakers spoke on choices in life. We had roughly 155 campers ages 16-60yr old, though there was a 12yr old from Beijing. Yes, they were all from Mainland China. See, it is freer still in Hong Kong and not so many regulations, so camps there are possible. By the end of camp, 37 campers accepted Christ, 17 dedicated themselves to full time service and 73 made public their desire to be a light for the Gospel in their hometown. That last service was very touching, I don't think there was a dry eye in the house. All the pastor's, missionaries and their wives as well as the house church leaders and group leaders were asked to come forward. Then those who were dedicating themselves to full time Christian service one by one came and shook hands and such with the leaders. THEN those who were willing to be a light came. Not a dry eye.... of course I was standing next to a lady leader who was crying alot and so I cried alot too. God was really moving at that camp. This has been the prayer for many for years. One leader told me she has been praying for 8 years about work just like this. This older lady (I would say in her 50's) has been followed by police and had her phone tapped, so she disconnected the phone. She has great testimonies of how God has worked in her area.
We wanted to thank those who were praying for camp as well as the few who gave some funds for the travel expenses. Your prayers and help made you part of the camp and it's success. Thank you.
CHINA TRIP: the day camp was over, Lou Freeman and I traveled up north into China. It was my first trip EVER there, but one of many for her. She was familiar with the ladies up there. Luke has been there before and shown all the family pictures they tell me:-) I was able to bring two different lessons to about 15 ladies each time (I will try to get pictures soon) The ladies there fixed us lunch and dinner, Korean style as we were somewhat close to the border. Many of the ladies were from Korean descent and spoke it fluently. I honestly can't say who was more encouraged, me or them. We had a time of testimony sharing. It was amazing the way God has watched over these ladies. One with a brain aneurysm and no surgery to help it! she was the one who cooked for us.....another lady with gout for 8 years, so bad she couldn't do anything....another leader who before she was saved had been through medical problems and really lucky to be alive!! WOW!! the testimonies they had were awesome. Singing was great, they still sang some traditional Chinese music tunes which I love!!
One little interesting story: we had to take a taxi to exchange money, so the lady leader took us via taxi. The taxi driver was kinda stern looking and didn't seem very friendly at all! Well, he had the radio on (I assume it was and not a cassette). Mrs. Freeman leaned over and whispered to me that she had heard that song before, it was a Christian song. Mind you, we were talking out of the corner of our mouth, whispering and in English. I told her I hadn't heard it before. Then the comment was made that the last thing you expected to hear in communist China was a Christian song. With that the taxi driver reached up and quickly switched off the music and then kinda glared at us in the rearview mirror. Of course we were shocked and quiet the rest of the trip!! the next taxi driver was nice, a bit younger and friendly enough that the leader was witnessing to him. We just sat in the back and prayed.
I have other stories, but that will be for a different time.
After our trip up north we went down south where it was HOT!! that night I shared a testimony at another ladies meeting along with Mrs. Freeman. After that, it was opened up for questions. I was suprised at the first question: since you have 3 boys, can you tell us how you discipline them? how do you teach them?...I am definetly NOT an expert, but just shared with them some down to earth practicle things. The ladies with children only have one child (China's policy).....so it was something for them to think about having 3 boys (boys are treasured there) AND two foster girls and NO HOUSE HELP--(sure hasn't been cause I haven't thought of having help!). Anyway, it was a good time for all.
I will leave it here. This is really really long.....sorry........so much to say! I may post more at a later date
Deana
On August 1st, it was the 11th anniverary of my missionary work. I have been in Taiwan for 11 years now. What an awesome way to spend it, ministering to ladies in China.
July 25, 2007
Well, we are preparing to leave tomorrow at 2pm our time here for Hong Kong. As of last report, there were 200 campers listed. All ages 15-25, though mostly in the early 20's. All are from China, many different areas. A few leaders from China are taking a big risk bringing these young people in. In China now, if someone is a teacher and found out to be a Christian, they will loose their job. Please be in prayer for the situation in China. Recent news has come to us of a Typhoon no.5, as what the gov't there calls it. In the past few months, they have also sent away over 100 foreigners who were doing missionary work in one way or another. Right now, pryaer is the most important.
After the camp in HK, another missionary lady and I are going into Mainland. I cannot tell the where and when, but ask for prayer from July 30th til Aug. 3rd. I will give a report when I get back. (this is Deana writing by the way).
As we do things for the Lord, the Devil is anything but happy. Recently, with the boys sick and in the hospital, one for 8 days and one for 5 days, stress has been high at our house. In relation to the boys, Josiah went to the ER with a fever of 105.6F, and was quickly admitted with the diagnosis of pneumonia. He has allergy induced asthma, so that came about as well. He was there for 8 days. Noah spent his 3rd birthday in the ER with a fever of 104.9F, and was soon admitted with the diagnosis of bronchitis. Thankfully they are both doing well, though Josiah still goes back for check ups. We really feel that with all the sickness and added stress in the family, Satan is really trying to discourage us and attempting to keep us from focusing on the work of the Lord. Only good things can happen at the camp at China work. We ask that you please pray hard for protection spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally. We need your prayers.
With our children's home ministry, two adoption cases are in the works. One of the children should be going home to the USA in August and another praying can be by Christmas. Please keep our children/teen work in your prayers. It will have to be on hold while we are on furlough, but we still have lots of support we need to get for land and building especially.
That's it for now. Please do keep us in your prayers.
LDJJN
June 30, 2007
Well, another month is over. This month was a great one with the visit from our pastor and his wife and neice. It was a great time of encouragement and blessing to us.
Previously, we had been asking for financial help for youth camp. Though the interest is there, unfortunately the finances just aren't. We currently are unable to take our teens to youth camp. Next year it is supposed to be here in our county. That is something for them to look foward to. You need to understand that many in our area, if not most, receive a smaller income than most other counties. We are low on the income scale here. Previous years, many supporters have helped our teens with expenses. Unfortunately this year, the extra help just wasn't there.
As you can see, we are still in need for our furlough fund. On Monday, I will know if there was any other gifts given towards the airplane tickets. We have been saving the best we can. Tickets just aren't cheap! We are thankful for the 15 new churches that are interested in the ministry in Taiwan and China. We pray that they will be able to support us. We are looking foward to furlough and the boys are counting down the days.
We ask that you be in prayer with us over another matter. While Pastor and Mrs. Witmer were here, they brought up something we had been thinking about. They assured us that it wasn't crazy. We are praying for a young single lady, college graduate, who is able to gain her own support (we can't afford to pay her) as a missionary. Her "jobs" will be mainly teaching a few courses for our boys for homeschooling and some children's ministries at church. IF you know anyone who would like to commit to one year here, please let us know. In order to get a missionary visa though, they do need to have a bachelor's degree (for teaching preferrably in elementary education,but not required). Please contact us if you know of anyone.
Well, this is getting long. Please do continue to pray for us here. We have many things coming up: Hong Kong camp, China Trip, adoption cases, Vacation Bible School and a trip down south to a church. We ask for prayers of safety and wisdom.
The PANS in Taiwan and China
June 17, 2007
Today Pastor Witmer preached and Luke translated, it was very nice. We have had a great visit. Tonight we went to the night market. We all passed out tracts. Some people flat out refused them, someone said they were atheist. Some seemed ok with it. We met some of P's classmates (previous ones), they are part of "City of Living Water Church"....you get the point. Talked some, but know they have a "unique" church. They were proud to tell us about the amount of kids they have in youth group.....they come on the weekends to practice drums, praise and worship and dance.Well, we aren't like that, but we know God will bring people to church.
Anyway, we had 22 adults and 8 children at church today. We were actually missing 2 people!! We had a great LORD'S day today.....did you?
We are happy to report that we are now $1850US away from our goal of $6000US needed for plane tickets for furlough. Time is getting closer, but we know that God will provide what HE wants us to have. We are thankful for the few gifts that have come in. Please do pray for that. A busy summer is coming up for us, so please, do keep our safety, physically,mentally and spiritually in your prayers. We really need some extra prayers for the next few months especially.
Well, off to bed. We are supposed to be setting up Skype for Pastor Witmer to talk to the congregation back in the USA tomorrow....if you have Skype, let us know!!
Blessings!
L/D
June 12,2007
Our sending church's pastor, Reverend Tobe Witmer, his wife Amy and their neice Alyssa are visiting. You can read about his adventures here:
if that doesn't work, just do www.lbcde.org and look at pastor's trip to Taiwan. Check out the pictures of squid on a stick!!
June 2, 2007:
Well, we are awaiting the arrival of our pastor from our home church( http://www.lbcde.org) . Pastor Witmer, his wife and neice will soon be here. We feel it will be quite the learning experience.We have never hosted our pastor before, not many others really. We think it is neat though that he would come. Be honest! how many pastors one, travel out of the country to visit missionaries and two, travel to Asia! Most pastors travel to closer countries really where it is a little more convenient. But we are happy. We pray that he will go back with a deeper understanding of foreign missions. His neice is burdened for missions. We will have her pal around with our teens and do a few Bible studies and such. It is great that a young person wants to spend part of their summer doing this. Well, continue to pray for summer camp and the financial needs. We have a few teens from our children's home who wish to go, but financially it's hard for them. If someone wants to give specifically for them, please let us know. There are currently 6 teens/young adults who wish to go. The cost is $185/person, but if someone can pay for half that would be good. Please contact us (panshrmu@mlchome.org) about this. Summer months are always hard on churches world wide. Vacations and activities make it no exception. Taiwan, though they claim to be a developed country and claim to have freedom of religion, the culture still doesn't quite allow it be so. Activities and special "required" classes are usually held only on the weekends. We have two ladies who are needing to take gov't classes for infant caretakers (nannies). This is now required by the gov't. BUT the classes are ONLY on all day Saturday and Sunday for 3 months!!! As much as we would like to say you should be in church, taking these classes will allow her to be certified (which is now required here or you can be fined) and puts food on the table. We are visiting during the week to encourage her and share things with her. We may soon be putting messages on MP3 and then burning to cd so she can listen at home. For news on our children's home, a much needed area, please go to: /Documents/MLRays507.doc this will show you the needs and such of our children's home. We have been burdened for this for years now and now are really starting to see God's hand moving. While church planting and discipleship are and will continue to be our first ministry, the children's home is a big ministry. We have made so many more contacts via this ministry. God is using this ministry in many areas. Now, as we look for supporters for the children's home and land/building, we realize that God is also moving to have us add on another area of ministry, to unwed mothers. In just this past month, our coworker has brought 3 cases to us. We are now waiting for them to contact us. We don't want to push it as they are sensitive issues right now. God is working. We pray HE is working on your hearts to help with this area. We are still planning a trip to China before furlough. The first week of August, it will be the ladies turn to go in and hold Bible studies at two different locations. I am hoping to continue working on preparing more lessons (well, translating), but we are busy. We know we will have lots of fresh new things to share with you all during furlough. Please do keep the following in prayer:
1) our furlough fund is needing: $2,349US (this past month we received a total of $500US donations towards our furlough fund)
2) China trip funds: we have $100US there now and like to keep it up close to $750US, occassionally trips are paid for but that is not always the case
3)MLCH funds and supporters: if you read through our site concerning the children's home (MLCH) you will find the needs
These are the most pending needs. Please do continue to keep us in your prayers.
Luke and Deana Pan
May 12, 2007:
Well, the weather has been unseasonably cool, but the promise of it getting warm again is there. We haven't had to turn our a/c on yet, and it's May 12th already. That is truly a miracle. Though in the last few weeks we've had 3 Berg winds and a few mild sandstorms. Summer will be here before we know it. Summer always is our busy busy busy time. We are anxiously awaiting the visit from the pastor of our home/sending church. Pastor Tobe Witmer, his wife and their neice will be here in June for 12 days I believe. It will be fun for all. We are trying to think of some activities to have them involved in while here. Then in July we have 2 camps and another trip.
We are having "furlough on the brain" recently. We have 14 new churches to share the burden of the Taiwan people with and visiting current sponsoring churches. This trip is much needed as we are not yet at 60% of budget. We recently received a letter from a supporting church telling of financial difficulties and dropping all missionaries temporarily. That is a loss to us that we need to make up. People here in Taiwan think we are going to be resting and relaxing in the USA!!! HAHAHAHA!! the first Sunday we are home we are at our own church, then only one other Sunday after that I think. It will be an experience for the boys too. Taitung Bible Baptist Church: Church has been steady. We are aware of some members who are sharing the Gospel with others. One man at church, Lu, he spent two hours talking with an atheist friend......sitting at our church talking! Please pray that DJ will come to church. Luke and others at church know this man from basketball, so this is a burden for them, the soul of this young man.
We are already preparing for camp for July. We are asking now for sponsors for the teens for camp. We have to travel 6 hours via train to get to camp, then an hour by bus.Talk about over the river through the woods!! So the fees all together is about $250 each. If we can get at least $100Us sponsored, it will help out tremendously and maybe even allow us to get a few more to go.If you can help out, please send a gift to our mission board (www.ipmworld.org) with the note "camp gift."
CHINA TEAM news: Luke is back home after his 10 day trip to China. Trust me, abscence makes the heart grow fonder:-) My boys really took it hard as they are attached to their daddy (for which I am glad). One Saturday during the trip, many people were coming for baptism. One lady traveled 10hours by bus for this. Unfortunately, many didn't understand about baptism or salvation for that matter. Luke, being the main Mandarin speaker on the team, spent most of Saturday talking with people. One girl he said told him this..."Is it ok if I say I believe with my mouth, but only believe halfway in my heart?" Luke told her definetly NOT. He spent time answering her questions and showing her the Bible. In the end, he said you could tell by the look in her face that she finally understood and was ready to believ. In all 4 people accepted the Lord as their personal Savior and 9 people received the believers baptism. We've gotten to talk to one man via skype already!
Safety is still an issue for those in China. Another brother in Christ sent a lady to watch out for the China Team. She took a 12 hour train, just to come and sit next to them. Why might you ask? she is the sister of a government official, if the police come, she just makes a call and all is better. The China team still has to be very careful with certains words and things.
One thing the China Team is trying to figure out is how to get Bibles and hymn books into China. You can't just take a box of books into China without being noticed. You can't go to the local bookstore and buy alot of Bibles and pass out. Right now, the team needs to find a way to get the books THERE.
In August, I (Deana) will go with another missionary lady to a more open area of China to teach ladies. This is a first for us. We are excited, yet nervous. Please do pray for this new ministry. God is opening up doors.
Please do prayerfully consider helping Luke and I for the China Team.The money for this trip has been used. We need to have it built up again. We ask that you do pray diligently about the CHINA TEAM funds. If you can help, send a gift to our mission board with a note "Pan China Team". (www.ipmworld.org) Pan Family News: We are now counting down til our furlough, 3 months til our furlough!! oh my! the boys are excited (mainly about Christmas in the USA), but Luke and I are apprehensive.
We will be contacting the churches to which we will be visiting while on furlough. We can't wait to see many of you and share what God has done and is doing here. We ask that you continue to pray for us as we go through the next few months. Preparing for furlough isn't easy when you still have lots of things going one, and that we do. We are aware of a few people who are sending gifts for our furlough fund. I do not know how much is being sent. We will need $3000US for tickets. If you can help out, please do.
Again, thank you all for you help in our ministry. Please do continue to lift us up in prayer. We know that Satan doesn't like it when we do God's work, and sometimes seem to work overtime on trying to make us stumble. Pray for us as we raise our boys on the field here in Taiwan as well.
Till the Trumpet Sounds,
Luke, Deana, Joshua, Josiah and Noah Pan
missionaries to Taiwan/China