At first sight of the TsingHua International Student Activity Center where our bible studies would be held, we were struck by how big the room really was. It had a nice stage area equipped with speakers, projector and screen. In a separate partition, there was a café area with 3-4 square tables, nice bar-style seating at the outskirts of the room looking out full-length windows, and nicely furnished with couch sets. We thought the room was simply too big for our purposes – and could only dream of the future where we can utilize the stage for praise and pack such a big room. However, this was by far the best-lit and cleanest room on both campuses and also allowed food, so there was really no other choice. We thought we should just section off part of the room to create a cozy atmosphere and not intimidate the students.
How quickly did all of that change after Pastor Ed and Kelly’s visit! From their wisdom and guidance birthed Friday Night PLUS or Zhou Wu Zhi “Jia”. PLUS in Chinese is “jia” which is also the word for “family.” This branding of our bible study captures the vision inspired by Pastor Ed and Kelly: we hope to make our bible studies the most happening thing on Friday, something a bit more (plus) than your normal Friday night, and a place where people can experience community (family).
As I walked into our very first Friday Night Plus two weeks ago, I already sensed a complete change in atmosphere. I felt like I was entering something big. I was officially welcomed by Caroline’s friendly face and a registration table filled with Koinonia-Hsinchu brochures and Friday Night Plus flyers. There were also additional resources available with Chinese titles of Mere Christianity, Problem of Pain, Case for Christ, etc. People were seated in circles throughout the room caught up in conversation within cozy family-like groups and enjoying homemade, delicious Italian pasta, garlic bread, and salad. Then the night continued with rocking praise by our Hsinchu praise band and finally our bible study led by Eugene with his interactive Powerpoint presentation. It brought back a taste of home – all the effort and care that is poured out into each bible study, all the preparation, just doing everything it takes to make it attractive and appealing and something you would want to come back to. It was definitely a step toward making this the most happening thing on campus so that people would be drawn. 15 students came that night, and for the first time, there were more students than our Taiwan team.
Week two, we only expected a handful of people to come. People had said they wouldn’t be able to make it, and yet, God was faithful in just bringing so many people. The room that we thought we couldn’t fill anytime soon was actually packed. We had just enough food –luckily Allen and Cynthia brought the extra buns – the Philly cheesesteaks were scrumptious and quite a hit. People kept trickling in throughout dinner that I was losing track of the faces and then we found ourselves out of chairs! A total of 25 students came. The awesome thing was that they came from all different venues – the BBS postings that Kan has now mastered, Phil’s English class, the NTHU English corner that Phil/Greg lead on Wednesday, and even some contacts whom our SMT members met. The majority of them stayed for our post bible study activity. The night ended on a sweet note. The remaining students – some first-timers, some regulars –right alongside us, helping us re-arrange the room, clean up, and load the van. It was a touching and beautiful picture. One student captured it best – saying that he thought a lot more people would want to come to this and exclaimed how he definitely would invite his friends. We were all astounded and amazed throughout the night and attributed it to all your prayers at home. Thank you for all your prayers and support!