THE ANNUAL PULI REPORT OF 1999 (by A.R. Haudenschild)

The main goal of 1999 was further deepen the relationship of SEND with 
the Puli Christian Church. Because of the earthquake this year will
always be remembered as a special year. It was also a year of change in
leadership and a year where SEND could help the church in its
evangelistic ministry more than ever before.
PULI HIGH SCHOOL: Before the Chinese New Year I had an invitation from
the Puli High school for an additional  semester to teach English. After
summer break this invitation was extended.  The goal was to establish
some relationships to students and the school and to start a high school
bible group. In November, when the school after the earthquake opened
its doors for the first time  again. I initiated a meeting with
Christian teachers. The question was how to gather the Christian
students and how to reach out to unbelievers in a appropriate way. When
leaving in December the teachers began to invite Christian students to
attend their churches activities.
DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING: July 20 was a big day for five students who had
managed to finish the 11 weeks discipleship course by  Ralph Neighbor
jr. "SURVIVAL KIT 1".  At the same time I introduced the same course for
teenagers and for children in elementary school age. After the
earthquake I introduced  the book "Experiencing God", which is designed
for  more advanced Christians on their way with Jesus.
CELL GROUP TRAINING: From January to July together with a coworker I
prepared the monthly training course about the philosophy and the
advantages of the cell group ideas for the Puli Christian Church.  Today
almost all  participants of that course belong to the church's new
elected deaconship. Further training from the church's side will follow.

HOME GROUP COUNSELING: After the Chinese new year I switched from the
Wednesday home group of nurses to the dentist's home group in town. One
reason for the change was the remaining in consistency of the group
participants. At the dentist clinics place I taught Daniel 1-12,
Hesekiel 1-48, I. & II. Thessaloniens. The time after the earthquake
challenged us despite the temporary loss of  six regularly participating
members to begin meeting again. Since we agreed to meet in our home the
"Canaan-Homegroup" was founded. Geographically our location made it easy
to invite people of our neighborhood. Time was too short though to let
that materialize so fast. This group continues to prosper and has gained
three new friends beside the four of the six "lost members" during the
earthquake who in the meantime have come back to Puli and joined us
again.
LECTURING & PULPIT MINISTRY: At the occasion of our church retreat in
Lushan, last August I was invited to present  a paper about the
relationship of the local with the mission from a biblical point of
view.  While reflecting we had a very blessed time together. It was
noted that unless the church is at the point where it can send out a
missionary most of the issues will be forgotten soon. I enjoyed one
occasion to preach (in May), when I had to fill in for somebody at short
notice.
EVANGELISTIC MINISTRIES: Until the earthquake (September 21) I did most
of the evangelistic ministry on WEdnesday while preaching and singing at
the Christian hospital together with  Christians from other churches.
After the earthquake we didn't know where the people are, the hospital
had moved outside and the communication very difficult.
EARTHQUAKE  AND SEND INTERNATIONAL IN PULI: When the 921 earthquake
struck Puli SEND reacted as fast as possible to bring in help and relief
goods to the church. Moreover prayer-emails, letters, photographs,
articles and to update friends and the Swiss and German ambassadors
helped to mobilize financial assistance from other countries. Thanks to
Gods grace SEND was able in mutual agreement to assist and to equip the
church for an effective earthquake after helping program. The founds
originated from donors in the U.S., Germany,U.K., Philippines. Czech
Republic, Austria and Switzerland. Out of the "Puli Relief Found"  SEND
paid the new roof of the church building and is committed to pay the
remaining repairing expenses of the building. While having "World
Vision", the "Chinese Christian Relief Association" and large amounts of
relief good in its building the church became a harbor for whose who
were seeking for help.In the community almost every kindergarten after
the earthquake could not continue his program. Rita soon used her
connections to help starting a Montessori Kindergarten in one of the
still nicest parks of Puli with a beautiful environment for young
children to grow up. Thus, many families just because of their
children's educational needs were not forced to leave Puli .

The earthquake forced many church members to temporarily leave Puli. The
church has not recovered from this setback yet. In an attempt to build
up church life again two weeks after the earthquake we in a hall halve
filled with relief goods began to meet for  a Sunday service again. The
church could not help in the community, because of  its own needs. Most
of the coworkers  left Puli for many weeks. Finally the repairing work
and the much tiring daily life between the rubbles of Puli without
enough provision for water and electricity claimed its toll: Our health
as a family was deteriorating, therefore it seemed wise advice to leave
the country for a while. We felt we had done what we could do for now.
We left the country by Dec. 15.
The 921 earthquake more than anything else helped to reach the goal of
1999: To further deepen the relationship to the Puli Christian Church
and to open up the members view for the world, with many Christians
thinking and praying for them.

Respectfully submitted
Alain Haudenschild (SEND Missionary in Puli)