Two summer camps provided unique opportunities for Taiwanese children to engage with short-term (ST) missionaries serving in local communities. In early July, Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) missionaries welcomed three volunteers to serve in an outreach English Bible Camp (EBC) at Holy Word Lutheran Church in Hsinchu, Taiwan.  

The EBC was a collaborative effort between members of the local Lutheran church partner (China Evangelical Lutheran Church – CELC) and LCMS missionaries who live and serve in Taiwan. Ms. Mindy Thews, Lutheran Education Coordinator, was assisted by Ms. Becky Bartelt who serves as Sacred Music Educator and Ms. Hannah Hester, Business Administrator. Together with a core group of CELC members and the ST volunteers, the 5-day camp introduced the 15 participants to biblical concepts related to the camp theme “Fear Not! God Does the Impossible in Jesus.”  

Through this curriculum, the students, who ranged in ages from 9 to 12, learned songs, vocabulary, and Bible verses in English. The missionaries and volunteers engaged the children through active learning, games, review, and skits. Though most of the children live nearby, the experience introduced them to the church for the first time and created connections for future interactions.  

In early August, Rev. Timothy Frank of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs, Iowa arrived to lead a catechism camp targeted to the youth of the CELC. Nine children from ages 9-12 participated and were given instruction in the 10 Commandments while learning songs and vocabulary in English. Translators helped ensure that the content was understood. The program provided a unique opportunity for the youth to engage in a camp targeted at deepening their Christian faith and Lutheran identity. 

We give thanks for the work of these missionaries, volunteers, and local Christians to share God’s Word with many in those communities.