Atkin David Brenda 2008 Taiwan

>#
Expansion
Taste of Taiwan
January 2008
David &Brenda Atkin^Church Planting in Taiwan^
Vol. XI, No. 1
2007 Reasons to Pratee the Lord!
Looking back at 2007 AD, we can find just as many reasons as years to thank
the Lord. The following are just a few highlights, shared so that together you
may rejoice and praise the Lord with us. On March 4, 2007, the Come
Christian Church began by unanimous Taiwanese decision. Eleven precious
souls gave their lives to Jesus Christ in 2007, with many more having heard
the Gospel for the first time. In June, our DVD, Passport to Taiwan was fea
PRAY WITH US
Thanksgiving for 2007

blessings
8 Cells In '08
Valentine Banquet
Emily's spring semester

Sports & English Camp
Taiwan Missionary Conf.
Kim's language classes
Lance's pre-field prep
Spring outreach classes
New believers
Join our Time for Taiwan
Email Prayer Update

For important prayer needs!
tured on Taiwan national news and in the Taichung newspaper. During the
summer furlough in the US, the Atkin family visited with many of our partner
churches -- it was a great time of fellowship and sharing with those who have
been so faithful to this ministry! While the Atkin's were In the US, the second
Sports &English Camp took place - several youth made decisions for Christ.
In August, Emily began her freshman year at the University of Illinois, with
many answers to prayer taking place, including adjusting well to college life.
Also, in August, after much prayer and preparation, Kim Hageman joined the
Taichung Team Expansion church plant team to focus on children's ministry,
fulfilling a great need in Taichung. And, in August, we also had a very success
ful VBS, more than 40 children attended. In September, Come Christian
Church began a Cell Leader Training series, and our Taiwanese intern, Chuck
Huang, is leading. Two of the four Year of Equipping classes have been taught,
and are ready to be taught on an ongoing basis by others. Both women's and
men's weekday cell groups began. In 2007, David became the field coordina
tor for Team Expansions Japan teams - and made a 10-day trip there In
October. In November, David also returned to the US for the NMC and Team
WEBSITE
www.atkin.teamexpansion.org
Field Address:
Leader Summit - a greattraining and fellowship experience. In December, our

Christmas outreach had more than 60 people in attendance, many were first-
time visitors. Lance Hampton, a graduate of Lincoln Christian College and

friend of our Kim Hageman, has applied with Team Expansion to be our intern
Dave & Brenda Atkin

67 Wen HsInS. 1st Rd.
beginning in March, 2008. And, lastly only because we're out of space, after
10 years, the Lord continues to provide all that we need to live and serve here
Nan Tun District
in Taiwan! We thank God for His faithfulness and yours! The Atkin Family
Taichung City, 40876

Taiwan, R.O.C.
011-886-42-381-8447
datkin@teamexpansion.org
Forwarding Agent:
(from. Left to rL0lit)
'B>rer/C(Ci,
Jeff & Karen Graham
c/o Team Expansion

PO Box 143
Savoy, IL 61874-0143
(217)352-3529
JGraham@teamexpansion.org
TdbLthCi, K-LmtoerLy,
(urUed)
A Busy December:
(from left to right)
David's Monday night English class, the

Chang family, Kim & Jane's son, the Tues.
morning Ladies' Bible Fellowship, Noah's
8th birthday, and Tab & Em argue about
who scored more points in the MCA alumni
vs. varsity basketball game.
Team Expansion; David & Brenda Atkin

Nov. 16-Dec. 31,2007
Opening Balance
Received (Individuals)
Received (Churches)
Expenses
Ending Balance
$18,291.93
$1,660.00
$12,004.00
$9,800.69
smssuz
VRF - Van Replacement Fund

Opening VRF Balance
$9,050.00
Ending VRF Balance
$9,050.00
2007 Total Received
2007 Total Expenses
$101,979.48
$88,600.47
Thank you for your support!
The Anaels Reioice!
Eleven souls decided to accept Christ as Lord and Savior in 20071 Several more
individuals decided to place membership at the Gome Christian Church. Many
more heard the Gospel for the very first time! Mama Chen is 76 years old, had
been a Taoist all her life, but that didn't stop her from being baptized into Christ on
Dec. 17. She is also cancer-free, which is an answer to prayer! Damlen and
Oliver Chen, who are twins, in the 6th grade, and who's grandma is Mama Chen;
gave their lives to Jesus too. Tabitha Alexander, an 8th grader, daughter to Tim
&Care, gave her life to Christ. Gi Dung-Yow (Tony), also made his confession of
faith and was immersed on Dec. 23. Praise the Lord for them! Pray for more!
David & Brenda Atkin
Church Pla ing in Taiwan

f
The Crimson Flow streamed from the vein in my arm, down the tube
and into the plastic bag. "Pastor Chang?" (or
as I'm known
in Taiwan) asked the lady on the other end of the phone. "I am calling
from the Blood Donation Center. I'm sorry to bother you during Chinese
New Year, but can you please come and give blood today? It is an
emergency, as we have no A- blood. As you know, A- is very rare." The
nervous tone in her voice conveyed the desperate situation they were
facing.
Now, as the nurse sat beside me on the blood-mobile bus, we
together watched the throng of holiday shoppers coming and going from
PRAY WITH US
the Mitsikoshi Department Store.
Valentine Banquet
8 Cells in '08
As if she was reading my mind, the nurse quietly said, "Even when we
are very low on blood, most of Taiwan's people are not willing to donate
- either they are too busy, too afraid or don't care." I didn't respond,
except to nod my head in agreement. What I had been thinking, as we
watched the people walking by seemingly oblivious to the presence of
the big white bus, was what the blood symbolizes -- LOVE. It was Jesus
who taught us, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his
Kim's Language Classes

Lance Hampton - Intern
a Young Adult English Cell
a IMF '08 Conference
a Sports & English Camp '08
aJKDE VBS-7/28-8/1
a Emerald Hills Project
life for his friend." Not long after, Jesus shed his blood for us. Blood
saves! Yet, most in Taiwan, just as they passed by the blood mobile,
pass by the cross, oblivious to it's healing power. Most, but not all!
Praise the Lord! For, "There is power, power, wonder working power in
Email Prayer Update

the precious blood of the Lamb."
WEBSITE
www.atkln.teamexpansion.org
An Evening You'll Never Forget!
asi
Field Address:
ipave & Brenda Atkin

:67 Wen Hsin S. 1st Rd.
j.Nan Tun District

jTaichung City, 40876
.-I
[Taiwan, R.O.C.
Lpll-886-42-381-8447
Forwarding Agent:
ieff & Karen Graham
c/o Team Expansion
PC Box 143
-I
)
2^ 24 0
6:00 - 9:00 pm
Savory, IL 61874-0143
(217)352-3529
Special Guest:
Mayor Jason Hu
;JGraham@teamexpansion.org ^
The Open Your Heart Valentine Banquet ticket is shown above We're
praying and planning for a full house - 96 people! Our Heavenly Father is
the Creator & Sustainer of love - displayed through Jesus! Pray for us!
We've always boasted that our partners in this ministry, YOU, are the best of
any anywhere! Well, now your missionary has opened his mouth, and prays
you'll come through big! Otherwise, well....let's not go there!
TMF Conference '08 is July 7-12, on the
campus of MCA, here in Taichung. TMF Is a
yearly gathering of missionaries from all over
Taiwan; for the purpose of spiritual enrichment
and encouragement. I, David, am the chair
man for the conference this summer. One of
our supporting churches, Monticello, is send

ing a team to help. We'd like to give every
missionary family who attends a "We Care"
Package of goodies: notes, hand-made stuff,
candies, devo books, CD's, etc.
Will your
church help by collecting and sending a box of

goodies for the care packages - mailing by
May 15 on a slow boat? Please!!! Thank you
for your help!!!
Sports & English Camp '08 is the week

following TMF, on July 13-19. This will be the
third annual S & E Camp, with David again
acting as camp dean. It's not too late to sign
on to be a part of our faculty!!! If you enjoy
camp, enjoy teaching youth (in English), have
a passion for music, drama or sports we
can use YOU! Due to increased airfare costs,
a 12 day trip to Taiwan will cost about $2000.

Our VBS is July 28 - Aug. 1. Kimberly is
planning for 100 children! Could you help us
with craft supplies? Let us know If you have a
great craft Idea! Thanks for being such great
partners in this ministry!!!
Team Expansion: David & Brenda Atkin

VRF - Van Replacement Fund
January, 2008
Opening Balance
Received (individuals)
$18,551.97
670.00
Received (Churches)
5,277.00
Expenses
6,558.71
Opening VRF Balance

Ending VRF Balance
9,050.00
$9,350.00
Detailed financial report mailed to ail supporters.
Ending Balance
Allgifts to this ministry are tax deductible!

SI 7.941.15
TherBig Picture^
Team Expansion /
"My wife, son and I recently watched 'Pirates of the
Caribbean: At World's End' together for a family night.
Doug Lucas,
Team Expansion President
www.teamexpanslon.org
spread the word worldwide about a humble man who
contained the Words and the Spirit of God in his fleshly
Confession: I was lost for much of the movie (it was a
body, ... a man who turned redeemer and hero, ... a
sequel to a movie or two that I hadn't caught). But as

the plot continued, the movie climaxed with a major
showdown between pirates and their enemies. (I don't
want to give away too much of the plot. :-) ) I enjoyed
hearing Elizabeth Swan passionately give a 'call to
man who was so much more, in fact, than a man. No

"wonder* we travel to the four winds of the earth! No
*wonder' we risk life and limb. And to you, who make
possible this work, we say, thank you for providing the

wind for our sails! May God bless you as we hoist the
arms' near the end of the movie, asking her colleagues
colours of our savior... the red of his shed blood and
to "Hoist the colours!" In her case, it was the "skull &
the white of his saving grace. God bless your new

year!!! - Doug Lucas
crossbones" flag. As I was stirred by her emotional call,

I reflected on how much greater is our own call... to
-vr^
cr
Taste of Taiwan
March 2008
Vol. XI, No. 3
Team Expansion
David &Brenda Atkin Church Planting in Taiwan ^
ended his message by saying, "Joanne, I
A Night to Remember
Sunday evening, Feb. 24, the Come love you!" (Which, is something Chinese
Christian Church here in Taichung,
hosted its first annual Valentine Banquet
at the 4-star Landis Hotel. The theme
was Open Your Heart.
Couples paid
$50 USD to attend, and child care was
provided for free at our ministry center.

Nearly 50 people attended, with most
being first-time visitors to a churchPRAY WITH US
Praise for Vai. Banquet
Praise for Vanessa's
baptism
Praise for Intern Lance
Easter "Friend Day"
New Cell Groups
TMF Conference
Summer Mission Teams
Em's study abroad
Email Prayer Update

WEBSITE
www.atkln.teamexpanslon.org
sponsored activity.
Nan Tun District

Taiwan, R.O.C.
011-886-42-381-8447
Forwarding Aaent:
Jeff & Karen Graham
c/o Team Expansion

PO Box 143
Savoy, IL 61874-0143
(217)352-3529
Then, Care Alexander led the Marriage

Game (similar to the Dating Game). The
game provided many memorable mo
ments, especially when the men were
asked, "How often do you tell your wife
you love her?" For some, the last time
was before they got married! Lastly,
Chuck Huang gave a brief message
We had invited our Mayor Jason Hu to about how God is the source of love. Our
attend, with his wife; but due to a death in marriage grows in love as we Open Our
the family, they cancelled at the last min
Hearts to Him!
ute. Would this effect the outcome? As it
As the evening concluded, each couple

was given a copy of The 5 Love Lan
The evening began with pictures of each guages. One husband left the banquet
couple (which gives us opportunity to fol joyful, but very embarrassed, vowing to
low up with each couple again to give tell his wife he loves her every day! The
turned out ~ not at all! Thank you, Lord!
them their portrait), followed by prayer following week, the wife and children were
Already, people are asking
and a delicious buffet dinner. After dinner, in church.
we gave prizes to the couples who had about next year's banquet! And, some of
been married the longest, or the shortest, the couples have agreed to attend a
etc. Our MC, Chuck Huang, then intro
weekly cell group.
duced James Chang, to share his testi
mony. It was his first time to speak in Best of all, our little church did it all, with
public! James shared how since he and very little assistance from the missionar
his wife, Joanne, have come to the Lord, ies! It was a true all-church, team effort -their marriage has grown stronger. He to God be the glory!
Field Address:
Dave & Brenda Atkin

67 Wen Hsin S. 1st Rd.
men seldom say.)
ft
Little Did We Know that it was a two for one deal

when we brought KImberly Hageman on to our church
plant team here in Taichung! We're thrilled to have Kim,
whose focus is children's ministry, here! We're even more
excited to welcome Lance Hampton, who as of March 1,
became our intern and Kim's fiance - all in the same day!
Lance, for the next five months will be our intern, focusing
on single's ministry. Lord willing, after Lance and Kim tie the knot, on Aug. 30, in Beardstown, IL; they will make
plans to return and serve together in a full-time capacity. During his internship, Lance is living with Mason & Ancy
Chen. So, welcome Lance! And, congratulations Kimberly & Lance! We look forward to serving the Lord here in
Taiwan with you!
Vanessa
TMF and
S & E Camp
on Feb. 14th.
are both just around
Vanessa has been the
for two seasons. She and her husband,
&
Alex, have just returned to Nike corpo

rate headquarters in Beaverton, OR.
E Camp; are during

back-to-back weeks,
July 7-19.
MCA varsity girls' asst. basketball coach
the corner! The TMF

conference and S
Gaerlan-Wang,
friend of Brenda's, gave her life to Christ
We are pleased to have a group
Though Vanessa was
baptized
as
coming from First Christian, in Monticello, to
an infant, the choice to accept Jesus as
help out at TMF.
her personal Lord and Savior was hers

to make. So, with the entire team's par
ticipation, Vanessa was immersed into
As we mentioned last month, we're asking all

our churches to collect small Items to Include in
WE CARE packages for all the missionaries

who attend TMF. The goodies will be brought
over to Taiwan by summer teams. Can you
help? E-mail us if you're willing!
Jesus Christ!
We are now in the process of getting

Vanessa plugged into a Christian Church in Beaverton -- hopefully
one with a hand-bell choir!
S & E Camp now has its own web-site! Thanks

Scott & Chad! We're excited that Taiwan teens
can now register on-line! It's:
www.sportsandenglish.com.
"He Is Risen!"
Sunday, March 23
Come Christian Church

I1'
BE S ^ ^
Sonrise Breakfast, Resurrection Service
& Easter Egg Hunt
Brenda Atkin
VRP - Van Replacement Fund
^2QQ&
^ll '
J opening Balance
$17,941.15
1 Received (Individuals)
820.00
1 Received (Churches)
5,865.45
1 Expenses
1 Ending Balance
4,476.85
S;19.871.86
Here, There & Everywhere

(formerly Teens & Tot)
EMILY - This has been a busy semester with 18 hrs., a part-
time job, preparing for study abroad next year and being on
a worship team for an Inter-Varsity Christian fellowship
group. I am enjoying my first year of college -- God has
been good to me! Thank you for your prayers!
Opening VRF Balance

Ending VRF Balance
9,350.00
$9,650.00
We'll be replacing the van soon! Thank you all!

Detailed financial report mailed to all supporters.
AH gifts to this ministry are tax deductibie!
TABITHA - After being on the go non-stop since school
started, with v'bail & b'ball, I'm finally able to relax after
school and spend more time on my homework -- or, not!
NOAH - Track & Field Day is this Friday (3/14)! I have been
practicing the 100m sprint, the ball throw and the high jump!
I can't wait! Last week I went with my Taiwan friends and
my dad to a place where you could ride horses and shoot
paint balls -- but not at the same time!
V#
a
Team Expansion
Taste of Taiwan
'bavid & Brenda Atkin East Asia
April 2008
Vol. Xi, No. 4
RESURRECTION SUNDAY
Just like you, we celebrated the
resurrection of our Lord and Savior
on Sunday morning, March 23.

Unlike you, for most Taiwanese in
attendance, it was their first time to
hear the Resurrection Story! While
most of our neigh
PRAY WITH US
bors celebrated the
8 Cells in'08!
Praise for Easter Service
Lance's new cell group
We're excited to announce

the birth of three new
election of a presi
dent; we ate break
fast together, wor
shipped the Risen
weekday cell groups.
Lord
Kim & Lance's wedding

plans
Mission teams from US
TMF Conference

Emily's Egypt & Jordan
plans
Join our "Time for Taiwan"
Email Prayer Update

WEBSITE
Three New Cells
first meets on Friday eve-
nings in Tim

Nan Tun District

Taiwan, R.O.C.
011-888-42-381-8447
Forwarding Agent;
Jeff & Karen Graham
c/o Team Expansion

PO Box 143
Savoy, IL 61874-0143
(217)352-3529
JGraham@teamexpanslon.org
and
found
Easter eggs!
& Care's
apartment, and is being led by Chuck Huang (pic- Because of the electured above). It is what we call a "family cell." The tion, our attendance
second will begin on Saturday, April 19, and be led by was not what we'd
Lance Hampton, our intern. It is designed for young hoped for.
Howadults - from high school age thru those just begin- ever, we did have
ning a career. This is a huge segment of our society. 10 new first-time
The third cell, which we pray will one day become a visitors to the Come
kind of satellite church, will meet in the home of Christian
Church.
Ching & Jane Chen, in Wu-Chi / Sha-lu area, west The Easter egg hunt
City. David will
was In the apart

ment building com
lead this cell on
plex next door, and
Thursday eve
nings. You may
tive attention!
of
Field Address:
The
Taichung
remember thatl
Ching & Janel

were
int'l
stu
dents that Mack I

& Elaine hosted
in Newman. It was from that host family
program that we came to know them.

Please pray for these new cell groups!
attracted much posi
TMF '08 Conference
Sports & Engiish Camp '08
The Taiwan Missionary Fellowship (TMF) confer

ence is July 7-12. David is the conference chair
man. We're excited to have Dr. David Roadcup
and Dr. Darrell Booh coming to speak for the con
This will be our third annual Team Expansion/

Formosa Christian Mission S & E Camp, held on
the campus of Morrison Academy, in Taichung; July
13-19. David will again be the dean. We're praying
ference.
for 100 teens from all over Taiwan to attend. We're
We're also excited to have two mission
teams coming; one from the Dallas, TX area and also praying for some helping hands from the US!
the other from First Christian Church, Monticelio,
We're thrilled to have some faculty returning for a
iL TMF. is similar to the NMC, bringing between
second time!
200-300 missionaries from all over Taiwan and Asia
to Taichung for encouragement and instruction.

Kim Hageman will be in charge of the children's
program, and Lance Hampton will be in charge of
the teen program. Brenda, naturally, is heading up
refreshments and hospitality. Also, please don't
forget that we've asked YOUR CHURCH to help us
Why back-to-back weeks? The MCA campus will
collect small items for "WE CARE PACKAGES." So,
www.sportsandenqlish.com
this TMF is truly a team effort!
be in the midst of a major building project. Having

the two gatherings within a two week span will allow
for construction to be uninterrupted later in the
summer. Check out or S & E Camp web-site:
Here. There & Everywhere

Emily - Well, I've decided on Jordan for my semester of study
abroad. But, before I get to Jordan, I'm going to Egypt to help at
the camp I worked at in MS. Just a couple weeks ago, I had the
opportunity to go to Chicago and do some inner-city work over
spring break. It was a real eye-opening experience for me! I'm

looking forward to being back in Taiwan this summer!
Ching & Jane (Shelley & Sierra)

w/ Mack & Elaine (7/07)
Ching and Jane recently purchased a
new home, moving out of Ching's
parent's home. The move was to en
able Ching and Jane to get away
from the family idols and host a cell
group in their home. They desire for
the daughters to grow up knowing
Jesus as their Lord & Savior!
Tabltha I'm finished with sports for

this year, so I'm beginning to think
about next year and thinking about
what courses I'm going to take. I'm
also looking forward to the Jr/Sr
banquet coming up next month. It
has been a good year so far!
Noah - one of the things I like to do
with my dad is play golf. Our lady
caddy (standard on all Taiwan
courses), lets me ride on the electric
golf bag cart. That way, I can keep
up with dad and his buddies.
Van Replacement Fund (VRF)
March, 2008
Opening Balance
9.871.86
Opening VRF Balance
4,050.00
Ending VRF Balance
Received (Churches)
Expenses
Ending Balance
10,343.00
8,786.47
9,650.00
$9,950.00 1
The expenses and receipts Include a $3000 TMF

expense which was reimbursed!
Ail gifts to this ministry are tax deductible!
Team ExpansiWh
East Asia
The following is excerpts of our atypical god." What made Molech "the detestable god of the
Mother's Day message. For you, in Ammonites?" It was because mamas sacrificed their
babies in the fire to Molech! (see Ps 106:34-39; Jer
English. Happy Mother's Day!
7:30-31; 32:35) Molech required infant sacrifice!
Mama. Don't Give vour

Bahv to Molech!
PRAY WITH US
8 Cells In '08
Emily will return to Taiwan

end of May, then Jordan
Summer mission teans
TMF Conference
CCC'sVBS
Lance & Kim's wedding
Praise for a new van!
plans
Email Prayer Update

WEBSITE
Field Address:
Dave & Brenda Atkin

Nan Tun District

Taiwan, R.O.C.
011-886-42-381-8447
datkln@teamexpanslon.org
Forwarding Agent:
Jeff & Karen Graham
c/o Team Expansion

PO Box 143
Savoy, IL 61874-0143
(217)352-3529
God gave mothers the wonderful and awesome re

sponsibility of carrying and caring for new life.
Mothers and babies have a special bond that can only
be truly understood by God Himself, the Creator of all
What better way to declare your allegiance to an idol

god than by sacrificing your own flesh and blood,
your heritage; in a gruesome, torturous way, by fire!
"Thankfully," you might say, "there is no such god as
Molech here!" Mama, Molech goes by a different
name in Taiwan, or in the US!
What is his name?

You tell me! The baby that you carried for nine
months, gave birth to, nursed and nurtured, cried for
and worried over; grew up! We all want the best for
mankind. Psalms 139:13-15 describes that special
our baby, and want our children to BE THE BEST!
relationship between Creator God, mama and baby:
We're told, the only way to be the best is to sacrifice
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me to
our baby to the education idol, to make our baby a
gether in my mother's womb. I praise you because I
slave of the Taiwan education system - Confucius and
am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are
cram schools. So, our baby studies morning, noon
wonderful, 1 know that full well. My frame was not
and night; seven days a week - cramming for the next
hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.
exam that will prove our baby is #1! There is now no
When 1 was woven together...your eyes saw my un
more time for Creator God, no time for worship, for
formed body. All the days ordained for me were writ
Christian fellowship, for prayer, reading God's Word ten in your book before one of
and slowly, as the baby bethem came to be."
comes a teenager ~ Molech
Mama, Molech goes by a chokes away the faith and hope
Mama, could there be two paths,
in God our baby once had!
two books, for your baby? One
different name In
Why can we call this education
book, the Book of Life, records
what will be for the mama and
I Taiwan, or In the US!
idol "Molech?" Because it robs
baby who live by faith in God,
our babies of their life in Jesus,
What Is his name?
like Hannah who dedicated her
son, Samuel, to the Lord.

other book, sadly, chronicles
rificed by mama to Molech.
Yes, they do. Revelations
(Revelation 20:11-12)!
The
the life of the baby sac
Do these books exist?
tells us about them
just as Molech took babies. I

have seen this happen in
Taiwan over and over again - and in ten years, I have
yet to see a single child come back to the Lord. Yes,
Molech is an appropriate name for this education idol
- because it robs the Creator God of His children.
Our Creator God loves your baby! Indeed, it was He

who "knit" your baby together in your womb. When
your baby had the hiccups, sucked on its thumb or
But, what can we do? We can't fight the system? We

cannot stand against Molech? No, really? Did
moved about in the womb - our God knew it too!
Abednego? They were slaves in a foreign land, com

manded to worship a foreign idol, but they refused!
instead, they put their FAITH in the Creator God who
loves them! How did God reward their faith? By
feeding them to the lions or burning them to death in
the fiery furnace? No, by DELIVERING them from
every danger and ELEVATING them above all others,
God proved again His faithfulness to those who trust
in Him! (see Daniel 1:6-20) In fact, the foreign king
realized that "In every matter of wisdom and under
standing...he found them ten times better" than any
one in his entire kingdom (Daniel 1:20).
Jesus, our Savior, was furious with his disciples when

they tried to keep the little children from seeing Him.
He scolded his disciples by saying, "Let the little chil
dren come to me, and do not hinder them, for the
kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matt

19:14) How much does the Creator God love your
baby? He sent His Only Son, Jesus, to save both you
and your baby. So, mama, don't give your baby as a
sacrifice to Molech!
Who is Molech? Molech was the idol god of the

Ammonites, one of the people groups living nearby
the land of Canaan. The land of Canaan was given to
God's people as their inheritance, as first promised to
Abraham. Moses brought God's people to the Prom
ised Land from Egypt. Many times the Israelites were
warned NOT to worship the idols of the people in and

around Canaan.
Of these idols the Israelites were
warned not to worship was Molech - "the detestable
Daniel?
Or, what about Shadrach, Meshach and
How is this possible? Daniel and his friends did not

give themselves to Molech, or bow down to any other
idol; yet, they were 10 times smarter than anyone else.
The answer, "God GAVE (them) knowledge and
understanding of all kinds" (Daniel 1:17). Remember
King Solomon? Who gave him his wisdom? "God
gave Solomon wisdom
(continued on page 2)
(Mama cont.) and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding

as measureless as the sand on the seashore" (1 Kings 4:29). Would
God do the same with your baby if you put Him first?
Malachi describes what happened to God's people when they "married
the daughter of a foreign god" (Ma! 2:11): weeping, wailing, broken
faith, divorce, unacceptable sacrifices, robbing God, etc. Do these
things sound good to you? Is this what you want for your children?
That's right, the Bible asks, "Will a man rob God? Yet, you rob me."
(Mai 3:8) How? When we make other things - idols - more important
than our relationship with God, we rob God, because He is our Creator.
However, because God loves us and our babies, he says, "Return to
me, and I will return to you" (Mai 3:7). By faith, give your life to Je
sus completely, and then bring your tithe to the Lord. What is your
tithe? Not just money, bring your baby too, to worship the Lord of
Lords, the King of Kings.
Mamas, you have a choice, there are two paths! You can live your life
by the standard method, sacrificing your baby on the education altar, to
the idol Molech; cramming for endless exams on the Lord's Day so
your baby can be #1 - robbing God of His time with your baby. Do
you remember why Jesus was furious with his disciples? Because they
tried to keep the children AWAY from Him! Taiwan's education sys
tem might seek to do the same thing! Will your baby ever return to the
Lord, once the exams are over? Or, will they go out and find a good
job, make lots of money, marry an unbeliever and sacrifice their chil
dren (your grandchildren) in the flames to Molech, just as you did.
By the way, mama, you are not alone in this decision. Sadly, America
has Its Molech too! Among the myriad Molechs is Lord's Day sports
programs for children: soccer, baseball, hockey, gymnastics, golf, etc.
Many children are sacrificed in America too by the prospect of being
the next Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan or Wang Jian-Ming.
Mama, this is your choice! So, will you decide to live by FAITH with
your baby? Will you make you and your baby's relationship with the
Lord your #1 priority? Will you worship and love God with your life,
your time, your talent, your money, and your baby's education. Will
you say, "We won't bow down to Taiwan's education idol, Molech!
Will you protect your baby by saying "NO!" to anything or anyone that
would take your baby away from the Creator God and His church? Will
you say, "Our baby, we dedicate to the Lord!"
Will God honor your FAITH? Will the Lord do for your baby what He
did for Daniel and his friends? "Test me in this and see," says the Lord
Almighty! That's right, God wants you to test Him! God says, "Test
me in this and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and
pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it"
(Mai 3:10). Mama, if you are willing, you will certainly see, we serve
a faithful God who wants to bless both you and your baby! Because,
"From the lips of children and infants (God) has ordained praise!" (Ps
8:2) So, "Praise Him, Praise Him, All ye little children. God is love!
Yes, God is love!"
{By DLA 5/6/08)
VRF -- Van Replacement Fund

We found a VAN! Thank you!

April, 2008 - Generai Fund
VRFund (Received by May 1)
Opening Balance
1,067.00
Received (Churches)
7,964.43
Exp. (Inc. $3,705 for van)
7,269.71
Ending Balance
S26.860.02
Van / tax / title (Expense)
$9,950.00
$13,654.87
Detailed financial report mailed to

ail supporters. All gifts to this
ministry are tax deductible!
June 20-22 we look fonward
Here. There & Everywhere
to welcoming back Micah

Foreman and a teen group
from College Heights,
Joplin, MO. We're taking
Emily - I'm done! My freshman year

is history! I'm thankful for all the Lord
did for me during this year! Amazing!
Lord willing, after an IV retreat in Ml,
our
church,
and
Micah's
1 return to Taiwan and work this
group, on our annual week summer before going to Amman,

end camping retreat. Hope Jordan for study abroad.
Monticelio's Mission Team - We're we don't run into any cobras
Tabitha - It feels like all I've done is
pleased to have one of our partner like we did the last time!
study and take test lately. Looking
churches, First Christian, Monticeiio,
IL; sending a group this summer to

help with our TMF, July 7-12. We also
appreciate the contributions to the "We
Care" packages we're putting together
by several other churches. It's not too
late to help with that project. Let us
know and we'll tell you how. E-mail:
datkin@teamexpansion.ora
forward to summer break -- and then
being a senior! Oh, and I'm cooking

dinner for Mother's Day!
Noah - My soccer team has an allisland tournament on Sat., May 17th.
I play left side mid-fielder because I'm
left-footed, just like my dad, though
my dad can't really play soccer.
cr
Taste of Taiwan
Team Expansion
East Asia
July, 2008
Vol. XI, No. 7
All-Church Campout at Sun Moon Lake

On June 20 & 21, forty-five adults and children (including the 13 College
Heights folks), experienced a great weekend of fellowship together.
PRAY WITH US
Mission teams safety

Roadcups & Bock
TMF Conference '08
S & E Camp '08

Coma's VBS
Lance & Kim's Wedding

Discovery Documentary
Mack & Elaine's Trip
Em's Study Abroad
Email Prayer Update

WEBSITE
Field Address:
Dave & Brenda Atkin

Nan Tun District

Taiwan, R.O.C.
011-886-42-381-8447
datkin@teamexpanslon.org
Forwarding Agent:
Jeff & Karen Graham
c/o Team Expansion

PO Box 143
Savoy, IL 61874-0143
(217)352-3529
What's Happening in July?

TMF'08 Conference
July 7-12
July 13-19
Come Christian Church VBS^ July 21-25
When a Missions Team Comes to Taiwan
What do they do? Here are just a few activities: a work

project at our orphanage, a project with our church in
Taichung, a visit to the temple and cultural village and a
visit to the Fung-Jia Night Market!

June, 2008 - General Fund
Opening Balance
S26.357.27
1,035.00
Received (Churches)
9,411.00
Expenses
5,898.84
Ending Balance
$29,086.78

All gifts to this ministry are tax deductible!
Discovery Channel Documentary

It was 2 1/2 years ago that Dr. Chang operated on David's
spine to correct a severe scoliosis curvature. Though not
yet a Christian, Dr. Chang believes God hastened David's
complete recovery. In July and August a Discovery Channel
film crew will produce a documentary about remarkable re
coveries from scoliosis correction, which will air through-out
the Asia Pacific Rim, featuring Dr. Chang and David.
Please pray that David will have the opportunity to really

share what God has done. May this healing bring glory to
David & Dr. Chang
God in places where the Gospel is seldom heard! PTL!
Lance & Kim
Lance, our intern for the past four months, and

Kim, our teammate since August, 2007; will tie
the knot in Beardstown, IL, on Saturday, Aug. 30.
They will return to the US together on July 27,

one month prior to the wedding.
After their wedding, Lance and Kim have a busy
schedule -- planning to return to Taiwan in Janu
ary to continue language school.
Between
August and January they hope to: raise some
additional support, go to MTI in Colorado for
some training, pack and ship some personal be
longings, spend time with their supporting
churches and attend some additional workshops.
So, if you see Lance & Kim (pictured on the front
of this newsletter) give the newlyweds a hug for
us and see what you can do to speed them back
on their way to Taiwan! Thank you!
Here. There & Evervwhere
Emily - This summer I'm taking an economics class

online, lifeguarding with Tab, teaching a one-on-one
English class, and drinking LOTS of green tea (no
where on earth makes it quite like our tea stands). I'm
enjoying being back in Taiwan because I know it may
be awhile before I'm able to return.
In less than two
months I'll be leaving for Jordan, and thanks to the

State Dept., I now have a scholarship which will really
help. =)
Tabitha - I'm spending my summer lifeguarding at the

MCA pool. Most of my friends are gone this summer can't wait for my friends to get back!
Noah - The camping trip was really fun and I caught
the biggest fish! After TMF and S & E Camp, Grandma
& Grandpa will come! Then we all get to go on
vacation together!
Team Expansioiji
Taste of Taiwan
August 2008
David & Brenda Atkln
East Asia
Vol. XI, No. 8
TMF Conference - Julv 7-12
What a blessing it was to have 274

people in attendance at TMF! Our
speakers, Dr. David Roadcup and
Dr. Darrell Bock, did an amazing job
with our theme - Under Construc
tion. Chad Edwards, leading the

Team Expansion praise band,
brought us all to God's throne in wor
ship. The mission teams, from Dallas
and Monticello, were unbelievable!
PRAY WITH US
Lance & Kim Wedding
PTL Great Summer
School Starting
CCC Fall Programs
Discovery Channel
Email Prayer Update

For Important prayer needs!
WEBSITE
www.atkin.teamexpanslon.org
Field Address:
Dave & Brenda Atkin

67 Wen HsinS. 1st Rd.
Nan Tun District

Taiwan, R.O.C.
011-886-42-381-8447
datkln@teamexpansion.org
Forwarding Agent:
Jeff & Karen Graham
c/o Team Expansion

PO Box 143
Savoy, IL 61874-0143
(217)352-3529
What a group!
Our teammates,
Kimberly and Lance, did an out
standing job leading the entire chil
dren's and youth programs.The "We
Care" packages - filled with goodies
from our partner churches, were a
real blessing to all! Brenda was right
by my side in coordinating this minis
try to the missionary community of
CONSTRUCTION
.,tO '.I
'
Taiwan ~ and I couldn't have done it

without her!
As the 2008 TMF Con
ference chairman, I thank God for all
those who made my job so easy!

Lastly, thank YOU, for your prayers,
which under-girded all we did!
It doesn't seem possible that the Atkin family has served in Taiwan 1(
years, having moved to Kaohsiung for full-time service on July 2, 1998
We served five years with the Kaohsiung team, helping to get the
Kaohsiung Good News Christian Church going strong. And, then, for thg
past five years, we have been serving in Taichung, Taiwan's third largest
city in the center of the island. With God's help and your faithful partnerf
ship with us, the Come Christian Church is moving forward. As we loot
back over the past decade, we can't help but thank God for the blessing;
he has poured out on both this family and our labors. The Kingdom i^
growing here in Taiwan. Yet, there is still much to do! This year, mor0
than 3,800 tons of ghost money will be burned to the ancestral spirits!
Thank you for your partnership with us in spreading the Good News!
Sports & English Camp '08 -- what can we say!?! Awesome! Exceeding our ex
pectations! The Spirit was ever present with us, and many who had never heard of Jesus
made decisions to accept Christ. Seven students, out of 13 who made confessions of
faith, were immersed on the final morning. Though Typhoon Kalmaegi tried to wash us
away (dumping 3 feet of rain in 24 hours), it could not dampen the positive attitude of our
faculty / campers as we sang "Hey, You are my sunshine. On a cloudy day -- It's gonna be
Okay!" As the dean, I was so proud of the way our faculty (made up of Taiwanese bro/sis,
missionaries and a short-term team from the US) all worked together In sharing the love
of Jesus!
Praise the Lord!
To view or download a really cool 3-minute camp video:
www.sportsandenqMsh.com
June, 2008 - General Fund
Opening Balance
-A
S29.086.78
'*1
11? ^ T-
105.00
Received (Churches)
3,376.00
Expenses
8,482.40
Vacation Bible School - July 21-25

Over 40 children attended our VBS, vjh\ch was held for
Ending Balance
the first time at the local park's community center. We

had many first-time attenders. At Friday evenings clos
ing program, more than 80 people attended. A few of
the families have already come to our Sunday morning
service. We hope to see more this fail!

Thank you for your partnership!
$24,085.38
This 'n That... Tabltha begins her senior year of HS on Monday, Aug. 18. She will begin her 3rd
year as a starter in volleyball. Emily will be going to Amman, Jordan, for a semester of study abroad
on Aug. 22. Our teammates, Kimberly Hageman and Lance Hampton, will be getting married in
Beardstown, IL, on Aug. 30. Discovery Channe/finished filming on Aug. 14, and hopes to release
the documentary on recovery from scoliosis surgery by the end of September. We don't know if or
when it may be available in the US. Come Christian Church fall programs kick-off on your Labor
Day. We will begin a new father-son cell group! Mack & Elaine will return to the US on Sept. 9th.
A V#
Cf
Team Expansion
Taste of Taiwan
September, 2008
/ffavid & Brenda Atkin
East Asia
Vol. XI, No. 9
ANNOUNCEMENT! URGENT! NOTICE!

Lord willing, next year, we'll do something we've never done in the 10 years
we've been in Taiwan - take a six-month furlough (also known as "Home As
signment"), from June thru December! One of our goals is to visit each of our
partner churches to celebrate what God is doing here in Taiwan, through your
partnership! (That would be more than 20 churches!)
PRAY WITH US
Those needing to make

decisions to accept Jesus
Faii Programs
Bro. Huang Ordination
Lance & Kim Hampton
Emily in Jordan
Pianning for home
So, how and when can we be available to you? Can we spend a week with
you during your VBS? Can we come to your Faith Promise Missions Rally?
Do you have a ladies' meeting or mens' meeting? How can we be a blessing
to your congregation - a Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wed. night? A golf
outing, a motorcycle trip (my personal favorite), a craft bazaar, a Softball game,
a wiener roast - we're up for about anything!
Now is the time to e-mail us with your requests! Don't delay!
datkln@team8xpansion.org
The Importance of Vacation?!?
assignment - both for US

and Taiwan
Japan PC Trip in Fall
- s
n ii !
Emaii Prayer Update

WEBSITE
Fall Schedule
The above flyer is the frontside of the Come Christian
Fieid Address:
Dave & Brenda Atkln

Nan Tun District

Taiwan, R.O.C.
011-886-42-381-8447
datkln@teamexpansion.org
Forwarding Agent:
Jeff & Karen Graham
c/o Team Expansion

PC Box 143
Savoy, iL 61874-0143
(217)352-3529
JGraham@teamexpanslon.org
Church fall schedule.
In ad
dition to some of the normal
classes,
we've
added
I have no right to expound on the importance of vaca

tions, or regular family time. To be honest, we've done
very little of both. Solomon told us there was a 'lime for
everything, and a season for every activity under
heaven" (EccI 3:1). If that's true (and God's Word is),
then we're suppose to make time to relax, be refreshed
and reconnect with our family. I believe God made sun
sets to help us to slow down, consider the Awesome
God we serve and thank Him for the day of blessings.
Instead, often it is a reminder that supper isn't ready yet,
and we're late for the next meeting. I was once told,
"Don't tell your supporters about taking a vacation they may not approve!" And, I must confess, for many
years I've felt guilty about taking time off to spend with
family. But as I watch my children grow up, I mourn the
time I've not spent with them. So, if you're at all like me
~ please STOP!
Sunday evening fellowship,

a father/son group, and teen
Please make time for family vacations and sunsets!
fellowship.
And, to encourage you, I've included a few pictures of
Sept. 14th we'll set-apart our recent family

Bro. Huang Ching-Fa as an vacation! I'm also
including some
evangelist.
Two service projects will
highlight our fall: visiting the
hospital cancer ward and
adopting the orphans at the
Home of Gods Love.
vacation planning
tips we've learned
along the way to
help you
get
started!
I hope
you approve!
Dave's Vacation Planning Tips

1) Save for your vacation a little each month, and don't go in debt!
2) Look for mission guest houses or hostels in the area you want to visit. 3) If possible, go in the off
season. 4) Use frequent flyer miles to reserve airline tickets - well in advance. 5) Can you travel by local
transportation (an all-night bus instead of flying)? 6) Be brave, and eat the local foods rather than in the
hotel restaurants, and PB&J goes a long way! 7) Plan at least one activity that each member of your
family will enjoy (and budget for it). 8) Cell phones for emergency only. 9) Relax and don't be on a
schedule - take slow walks in the evening. 10) Don't forget the Lord's Day and your tithe!
Wedded Bliss - Lance & Kimberlv Hampton
Our teammates,
Lance &
berly,
united
riage
Kim-

August, 2008 - General Fund
were
in
mar
on
Aug.
Opening Balance
S24.085.38
30, 2008; at the
1,370.00
First
Christian
Church
in
Received (Churches)
9,331.00
Expenses
6,699.00
Beardstown, IL.
This
home
is
Kim's
church
and one of our
partners in this ministry.
Ending Balance
S29.971.37
We rejoice with the newly-
weds and their families, and look forward to having
them back in Taiwan in January. Please pray for

Lance and Kimberly as they prepare to return!

jjergj Th^ere &_Everywhere EMILY - (from http://emHyatkin.bloqspot.com) "I had two Arabic classes
this morning. One is Modern Standard Arabic (used in formal ways), and one is colloquial (used in normal everyday
life). I will also be taking a Contemporary Arab Women Writers course. I have a meeting tomorrow with a man in
charge of the Center for Arab Security Studies. Hopefully by the end of the week I will know whether or not I will
be interning with them for the semester. =) TABITHA - my senior year has started well. I'm in both of my mom's
classes: economics and food management. I'm also her TA - I guess I'll have to be good! :-0 NOAH -
Team Expansion
David & Brenda Atkin East Asia
December 2008
Vol. XI, No. 12
Immanuel
Immanuel, meaning "God with us," is the heart of the Christian faith, and
what separates Christianity from all others. That God would choose to be
come flesh, live among us, die in our place and today live in our hearts is
the mystery we preach and the reason for the joy we share. The love that
permeates this message is beyond our comprehension, as is the sacrifice
that removed the stains of my sin forever! This is the "Good News of great
joy" ~ for ail people!
PRAY WITH US
Christmas programs
2009 & beyond vision
Lance & Kimberly
Emily returning to US
Brenda's new MCA task
Discovery Documentary
James Chang in LA
2009 furlough plans
It is a privilege to be partnered with you, and have the opportunity to share

this message with those who have yet to hear. What a difference the
Gospel makes in the lives of those who previously had no hope! What a
new life the Immanuel brings!
cc
8 ill '08!"
This was our theme and goal for 2008 ~ to have 8 cell
groups meeting regularly by the end of 2008. Did we make it? YES! Mon. 2 groups, Tues. - 2 groups. Wed. - 1 group, Fri. - 1 group, and Sat. - 2
groups! We praise God for hearing our prayers and opening the doors for
us! What's next - "20/20 Vision!"
Join our weekly e-mail prayer

update
2008 in Review
"Time for Taiwan"
Average worship atten

dance climbed steadily in
2008 from 25 to 40 souls
WEBSITE
Dave & Brenda Atkin
attending worship each

Lord's Day. Our 8 weekly
cell groups have more
than 60 people attending
each week.

Nan Tun District
The
Come
Christian
Church
also
ordained

Taiwan, R.O.C.
Evangelist Chuck Huang,

and pays his PT salary.
011-886-42-381-8447
There were 12 decisions
in '08: 8 by baptism and 4

by transfer.
Forwardina Aqent:
Jeff & Karen Graham
c/o Team Expansion

PO Box 143
Savoy. IL 61874-0143
(217)352-3529
deett
mtA tAia-
Our team grew, as Lance

and Kim joined us!
David was chairman of
the '08 TMF conference
and dean of the S & E
camp. Both events were

a great blessing! PTL!
& &<Mte
iovcf
Team Expansion: David & BrendaAtkin

November, 2008 - General Fund
Opening Balance
Received (Churches)
Expenses
Thanksgivinqr in Lotuna
Though several of our FCM/TE families were In

the US on home assignment, we still had a
wonderful time of fellowship at the Home of
God s Love orphanage.
Ending Balance
S27.648.64
1,145.00
10,724.96
3,566.32
S34.582.43
Petailed financial report mailed to all supporters.

i\\ gifts to this ministry are tax deductible!
Christmas Plans
Rather than planning one big event, our church has elected to plan several smaller Christmas out
reach and fellowship events. Each cell group is having their own outreach and Christmas program
- with the goal of every one bringing at least one. The Tues. morning Ladles cell is hosting a Sat.
morning brunch. On Sat. Dec. 20, we'll go Christmas caroling throughout the neighborhood. On
Sunday, Dec. 21, we'll be having an all-church fellowship dinner (in Chinese, "Love meal"). On
Christmas Eve, Brenda will host our annual open house and we'll invite all our neighbors for a time
of fellowship. Though Christmas is not a holiday Taiwan celebrates, we hope to make it a special
time for those who are hearing the Christmas story for the first time. Won't you join us in prayer
for these!
Fnrlottcyh 2009
As 2009 fast approaches, we've begun to really firm-up plans for our home service, from June December, 2009. Lord willing, we're scheduled for several VBS's, we plan to attend the NACC and
NMC, we'll also spend a week teaching at Cincinnati Christian University and we'll be attending
Team Expansion s Team Leader Summit. One of our partner churches has even already sched
uled us for their fall community outreach event! What about your church? Are we on your calen
dar?
We hope to visit ever partner church, so please e-mail us:
datkin(^eamexpansion.org . Thank you for your partnership with us! Happy Holidays to
you and yours!
'--'David & Brenda Atkin

Atkin David Brenda 2008 Taiwan

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David &Brenda Atkin^Church Planting in Taiwan^

Vol. XI, No. 1

2007 Reasons to Pratee the Lord!

Thanksgiving for 2007

Emily's spring semester

Join our Time for Taiwan

Email Prayer Update

Leader Summit - a greattraining and fellowship experience. In December, our

time visitors. Lance Hampton, a graduate of Lincoln Christian College and

Dave & Brenda Atkin

Nan Tun District

Taichung City, 40876

(from. Left to rL0lit)

Jeff & Karen Graham

c/o Team Expansion

(from left to right)

David's Monday night English class, the

Team Expansion; David & Brenda Atkin

VRF - Van Replacement Fund

Ending VRF Balance

2007 Total Received

2007 Total Expenses

Thank you for your support!

The Anaels Reioice!

David & Brenda Atkin

Church Pla ing in Taiwan

Now, as the nurse sat beside me on the blood-mobile bus, we

the Mitsikoshi Department Store.

Kim's Language Classes

a Sports & English Camp '08

Join our Time for Taiwan

Email Prayer Update

the precious blood of the Lamb."

An Evening You'll Never Forget!

ipave & Brenda Atkin

j.Nan Tun District

our supporting churches, Monticello, is send

church help by collecting and sending a box of

Sports & English Camp '08 is the week

a 12 day trip to Taiwan will cost about $2000.

Team Expansion: David & Brenda Atkin

Opening VRF Balance

Detailed financial report mailed to ail supporters.

Allgifts to this ministry are tax deductible!

Confession: I was lost for much of the movie (it was a

body, ... a man who turned redeemer and hero, ... a

sequel to a movie or two that I hadn't caught). But as

man who was so much more, in fact, than a man. No

possible this work, we say, thank you for providing the

arms' near the end of the movie, asking her colleagues

colours of our savior... the red of his shed blood and

to "Hoist the colours!" In her case, it was the "skull &

the white of his saving grace. God bless your new

crossbones" flag. As I was stirred by her emotional call,

was Open Your Heart.

$50 USD to attend, and child care was

provided for free at our ministry center.

Praise for Vai. Banquet

Praise for Vanessa's

Praise for Intern Lance

Easter "Friend Day"

New Cell Groups

Summer Mission Teams