Allen and Chanda Schleusener 

Allen and Chanda were called to work in Taichung, Taiwan as
part of an Evangelism outreach to the people of Taichung and the
surrounding area.  Chanda is a teacher; she graduated from Martin Luther
College of New Ulm, Minnesota  in 1996.  Chanda taught for two years at
Luther Preparatory School in Watertown, WI.  She also taught for one year
in the public school system in Sioux Falls, SD while her husband was in his
vicar year (field experience for pastor training) there.  Allen is a
student working toward a degree in pastoral studies.

Chanda and Allen have the desire and mission to share the hope that they
have as Christians to the people of Taiwan.  The avenue that they use is
found mainly through interaction with the Taiwanese in their day to day
life and in an English class - Teaching English as a Foreign Language.  The
class fulfills a desire for some who want to learn the English language but
they are also informed about God's message of love to the world which is
revealed in His Son Jesus Christ.

First Reactions to Taiwan:
It is often said that "they all look alike" when viewing the people of
another culture.  That line of thought breaks down when you meet people and
begin to grow attached to them.  After only one week of teaching English
and  the truths of the Bible to our fifty plus students, we can no longer
say, "they all look alike."  They are people whom God has placed at our
doorstep in order that we might share His message of love.  They are
beautiful people with fears and dreams.  Some have lives torn apart by the
recent earthquake.  They have interesting names like Jaru who comes to one
of our night classes and is also a student in a local vo-tech college.
They have desires to learn and to grow and to succeed.  They don't seem
like strangers anymore but more like friends.

We found that our first week in Taiwan was one of immense sensory input.
The smells were different - some good and some not so good.  We couldn't
read anything or understand anything that people were saying but for some
reason this was fascinating to us and it gives us a desire to learn more
about their language and culture.  The sights have been amazing and
beautiful - something that you truly have to see to believe.  It is our
prayer that we continue to see Taiwan as a beautiful and interesting place
with fascinating people that God loves.  Please pray for our work and pray
for these people.

Allen and Chanda

WELS LAYWWORKERS IN TAIWAN

<laywork@ms25.hinet.net>

From the US dial: 002-886-4-293-5021