Hey y’all-

It’s 7:25 a.m. in Taipei and I’m writing this while having a cup of coffee, laundry is in the dryer, crap is scattered all over the apartment, and I’m trying to decide what to pack, what to trash, and what to give away….it’s my last day in Taiwan. Five months ago, I came here as part of a team of missionaries who were to use bluegrass music as a platform for evangelism in the Taipei area, specifically Banciao. We did that. So, let’s reflect, shall we?

We landed with no Chinese, no specific plan, and no idea how our music or message would be received by the Taiwanese people. The IMB assigned us to work with career missionaries who have been in Taiwan for 15-30 years, depending on which of the three missionaries one is talking about. This was a good and bad thing….the career missionaries, that is.

One missionary has been here a long time. This missionary is alone in a lot of ways and used to it. Leading a group of five seminary students was not a good idea. It failed miserably. We parted company and moved on……

The other two missionaries (a married couple) were easy to work with, caring, and willing to allow us to try and use our gifts and talents to reach the people of Taiwan. They were not so interested in giving “directives” as they were in trying to find open doors to the hardened hearts of the Taiwanese people. This relationship was not perfect (none is except one’s relationship with Christ, but you would expect me to say that, wouldn’t you?), but it was still good. Thank you to them and their willingness to take us on unexpectedly as supervisors.

Our knowledge of Chinese grew by leaps and bounds through the use of a private tutor by the name of Sam. She (Samantha) is a native Taiwanese young woman who was willing to try and teach five foreigners at one time. Bold. It worked as well as it could and we quickly were able to feel more comfortable in our new surroundings. Paul, the banjo player in the band, and I really enjoyed learning to count in Mandarin. Then, we could walk down the street, look at bus numbers, and practice. That was a big day for us…huge. Oh, I also ordered coffee (and other food at a few places) and did well enough to carry on the entire exchange in Mandarin. It was bad Chinese, but it was Chinese.

The plan never really seemed to come together. We came as part of a program that was intended for mentoring and education. However, we were seen as more of a ministry resource to be used. So, we did a lot of pioneer evangelistic work on a school campus in Banciao. That school is Chihlee Institute of Technology. A great place with great kids….I love that school. The mentoring, education, working side-by-side with career personnel never came together. So be it. We made a ton of friends, faithfully shared the Gospel with them, learned to love them, learned from them, taught them about America, and had a great time. Again, I love that school and those kids.

How was bluegrass received? Pretty well, I think. The people don’t have a concept of bluegrass, but they were receptive to live music. They seemed to enjoy our playing and the energy of bluegrass. They loved to hear Sarah sing. She has red hair and fair skin and that enthralls many Taiwanese. They had never heard of or seen a banjo. Paul helped them with that. Cameron played a violin in a different way…and called it a fiddle. Matt’s blue eyes and mandolin seemed to be equally attractive to the young girls. Me? I’m old and ugly, but they thought my upright bass was huge…

This is it for me and Taiwan. Will I ever come back? I was asked that question a lot by our friends here in the last few days. My answer was, “I don’t know.” But, I sure would like to. Maybe to serve as a full-time missionary. Maybe on short-term trips. Maybe to just vacation and visit some friends. I surely hope this isn’t the last I see of my Taiwanese friends and family.

It’s been fun, Taiwan. Zai jian…..

Uncle Jeff

Hey y’all-

Wanna see what it looks like for a Southern Baptist missionary to try to dance at a Christmas party? It’s fun. Click here.

Uncle Jeff

Hey y’all-

Last night, we hosted a Christmas Party at our apartment. Yes, the party was on the 26th, but many of the students we are trying to reach have class late on Friday. So, we moved it to Saturday. (I think Jesus would be cool with that. Matter of fact, I know it.) So, the party…

We were a tad concerned about the potential turnout. Why? A few reasons: the distance from the school (40+ minutes on the MRT/subway) and no telling how long on a motorscooter, the timing (day after Christmas), the day (Saturday night), etc., etc…..

It is always good to see God work when your faith starts to waver. We were wavering a tad and God worked. He worked to the tune of about 70 students and over 80 total people at our party. It was a blast. Here are some pics…

Students listen as we share the Christmas story...and the Gospel.

Students packed in every corner for the Story of Jesus' Birth...

Me and Joyce

Brian and Rain

The dudes from Change Life Church...they love Jesus...for real.

Eva, Eunice, Stacy, and Example...some of the first friends we made on ChihLee Campus.

What an awesome night. We had a chance to hang with great friends, eat good food, laugh, joke, take pictures, sing songs, and tell them the Greatest Truth Ever Known.

Jesus is real. Jesus is God. Jesus died for their sins. Jesus rose again. And, He wants them to believe in Him and be saved. Pray that they believe!

Thoughts?

Merry Christmas from Taipei, Taiwan.

Uncle Jeff

Hey y’all-
I love the book Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper. It is an awesome read and a chance to really dig deeper and think through some big thoughts for your life. And your service to God. In fact, I blogged about it quite a bit a year or so ago…

I found a sample of the book in Chinese and wanted to post a link for my friends in Taiwan. Read it and see what Piper has to say…

Thoughts?

Uncle Jeff

Hey y’all-

Last night, I went to a Christmas program at the Change Life Church in Banciao, Taiwan. We had a fine time. It was a unlike any Christmas program I’ve ever been to in the U.S. Here are some thoughts:

1. The program was called a “party.” I think I like this.

2. They treated the program like a party. I liked that even better.

3. There were about 600-700 people there. It was packed! And, on a Saturday night.

4. I didn’t understand the testimonies but the drama was done well enough that I got the gist without knowing much Mandarin. (Take note church people. I got it without words….)

5. The dance teams were good. Enjoyed it more than I thought I would.

6. It was loud, energetic, exciting, and fun…..Christmasy.

7. Glad I went and we got to re-connect with some old friends from this church. We played an event there when we first came to Taiwan and they were happy to re-connect before we leave for America.

8. They gave an invitation and people responded. Imagine that…a Gospel presentation and invitation at a Christmas program.

Merry Christmas,

Uncle Jeff

Hey y’all-

Merry Christmas from Taiwan. Yesterday, I posted my Christmas list. Why? Well, to see if people would buy me stuff. Or, to show the super-expensive stuff I can tend to want. Or, just for fun. (Or, all three….) Anyway, the reality is Christmas is not about gifts to me. It is not about getting stuff from others. It’s not about buying, buying, buying….Christmas is much more than that.

Here’s Christmas to Uncle Jeff (in a nutshell): God gives the greatest gift of all time to man. His name is Jesus and His desire is salvation for sinners.

Salvation: It cannot be purchased. It cannot be bargained for. It cannot be stolen. It cannot be earned. It is a gift. A free, simple gift that God offers to man. John 3:16 tells it all.

God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son (that’s Jesus) so that whoever believes in Him (again, Jesus) would never die but have eternal life. (This is my rough interpretation of John 3:16, but I think it is accurate.)

The Bible goes on to say if you believe in Jesus, if you trust Him as Lord and Savior, if you worship Him alone, you will be saved (Acts 4:12; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 John 3:11-24).

What an awesome, awesome gift. Will you believe? God offers you the greatest gift of all. Will you accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?

Thoughts?

Uncle Jeff

Hey y’all-

Thought I might post my Christmas list online (since no one asked for it in person)….so here it is. Numbered and complete with links for easy buying.

1. A new Jeep Wrangler.

This is one nice ride...

2. A Santa Cruz Guitar – Tony Rice Professional Model.

Tony Rice Model Guitar

3. The Message (Eugene Peterson’s “remix” of the Bible.)

4. An iPhone.

5. Lyle Lovett’s new record “Natural Forces.”

6. Cracker Barrel Sunday Fried Chicken platter.

7. Insulated Workboots.

8. Socks and underwear…..

Buy as you see fit. (Shipping address provided upon request.)

Merry Christmas,

Uncle Jeff

Nice hat, dude....

Hey y’all-

This week an envelope arrived from some kids at Bedford Baptist Church in Bedford, Kentucky. It was jam-packed full of holiday cheer with about 15 handmade Christmas cards that apparently were constructed all at the same time. (Same paper, same general theme, but all still very cool.) So, I thought I might share a few of them with you….

Many of them are hard to read, understand, decipher, or get much more than a name. Here are the ones I can decode:

From Wyatt:

Dear Jeff

I hope you come back to church

Merry Christmas Jeff

From Wyatt

From Drew:

Dear Jeff

We miss you alot and have a Merry Christmas

love Drew Merry Christmas

From Nixb (? Not sure on this name.)

Merry Christmas to Jeff

We miss u at church

We hope u are safe Merry Christmas from Nixb (This one has a drawing of a Christmas tree with a large heart that reads “God is on our side” and a star on top with the explanatory comment “stare” and an arrow pointing to it.)

From Lauren:

Merry Christ Christmas from Lau Lauren

Dear Jeff I hope you have learned alot. Were hoping to see you in Jan.

From Not sure:

I hopu youhavagap timu (Can’t read the name, but there is some good artwork on this one.)

From Dakota:

Dear Jeff, Merry Christmas!!

We miss you at church!! We want you back at church with us!! Sorry, I can’t send a real!! (has an arrow pointing to a drawing of a Christmas tree) I realy miss you!! I want you to come back soon! And well, not sick!

Love; your friend, Dakota

From Destini:

Merry Christmas Jeff!!

From: Destini To: Jeff

Dear Jeff, I hope you have a Merry Christmas we really miss you at church. You are one awsome missionarie! I hope you come back soon! Your friend, Destini

From Aaron:

Merry Christmas Jeff I have missed you in Taiwan. Im glad we can see you from the computer through SKYPE but I want to see you face to face. I hope that your doing your best in Taiwan. Were all looking forward to meeting you. Watch out for the devil! He wants to win you over God! From: Aaron H.

From Little Jessey:

Merry Christmas To: Jeff

I love (heart) you from: Little Jessey

Dear Jeff, Merry Christmas Hope you tell everyone you can about Jesus. September 26th 2009. I got a new dog I named her Baby She’s really nice and loveable and playful. We really miss you Love, Jessey.

Well, this brightened my day just by typing this up. Hope y’all enjoy.

Merry Christmas,

Uncle Jeff

Hey y’all-

We’re throwing a Christmas Party for our college friends here in Taipei. It will be on December 26th and I thought I might give some folks in the U.S. a chance to participate. Here’s what I’m thinking….we need some Christmas candy. I thought maybe peppermints, candy canes, or any other Christmas-type candy might be fun. I’m hoping to get stuff that can’t be found here. I haven’t been to many shops over here, but some candy from the States would be good.

So, are you in? It’s expensive to ship and needs to be done quick. Not asking for a lot of candy, but a little from several people. Thanks…..

Here’s our address:

Jeff Gayhart

106 Roosevelt Road

Section 3

Lane 283

Alley 4, #11, 11F

Taipei, Taiwan

Merry Christmas!

Uncle Jeff

Hey y’all-

This morning I listened to a Matt Chandler sermon for worship. While in Taiwan, I’ve been attending some churches and having worship with my buddy Paul as well. This morning, it was coffee and a podcast at Starbucks.

Matt Chandler

Today, Matt preached from 1 John on the reality that confession of sin and repentance from sin is a “continuing ethic” of the Christian life.

Currently, Matt is recovering from major surgery to remove a brain tumor, so this is a message from September 2009. Nonetheless, it is a good word. Do you need to hear about repentance? Do you need to know about confessing sin? This is a penetrating question, “Are you a liar?”

Check out the message. Or, here is a link to the church website and look for “A Continuing Ethic from 9.20.09.”

Also, keep Matt Chandler and his family in your prayers. I think the surgery went well, but there is recovery to deal with. Keep praying.

Thoughts?

Uncle Jeff