Pastor Jamie Tseng │Secretary-General of Chinese Burning Bush Prayer & Mission Association │ BBPN Beit Simcha │ July 12, 2025
From the very beginning of The Chosen People Ministries Taiwan, the Burning Bush Prayer Network has partnered in advancing Jewish outreach across the island. Our team currently includes four Praying Priests, each welcoming Israeli backpackers in different cities throughout Taiwan.
At the BBPN 10th Anniversary gathering this February, I was deeply moved by Pastor George’s sharing: due to limited manpower last Christmas season, nearly 60 Israeli backpackers had to be turned away in Taipei alone. That moment stirred a resolve in me—once my cancer treatment eased and strength returned, #I would gather coworkers to respond to this calling.
Just six days before the scheduled reception, I accidentally fell at home. My right foot swelled severely, rendering me unable to walk and forcing the cancellation of all outings. Yet #I couldn’t bear to give up the opportunity to welcome these Israeli backpackers. Despite the injury, I chose to proceed as planned.
Sweet 26-year-old H reached out to me directly. She and her 33-year-old travel companion E had met in Fiji and were both excited about Taiwan—and curious about the #Beit Simcha (House of Joy). The night before, they had met another Israeli pair, S and S, at a Shabbat dinner. And so, our very first reception turned out to be for four vibrant young Israelis!
Given my injury, I invited them to a nearby Japanese hotpot restaurant. To our surprise, it was their first time experiencing this style of dining!
After selecting ingredients, I briefly introduced the prayer network behind BBPN Beit Simcha and the community that loves Israel. I shared that this meal was sponsored by someone who gave out of love—#because we are truly grateful to the Jewish people, #for giving us Yeshua the Messiah and the Bread of Life—the Bible. Their faces lit up with surprise and gratitude. H asked, “How many Israelis have you hosted?” We smiled and said, “You’re the first group—it’s very special to us.” Their smiles bloomed instantly.
During the meal, H and E asked if we had been Christians since childhood. Irene and I naturally shared our faith journeys, and I even sang my original Hebrew song, The Aaronic Blessing, for them.
H had served in Israel’s Iron Dome unit; E had worked in intelligence. After their military service, they worked briefly before embarking on this journey. We spoke about the Taiwan Strait situation and how Taiwanese Christians have experienced God’s protection through prayer.
The other pair, S and S, sat at the next table. Though interaction was minimal, the atmosphere was warm and easy. S (female), age 23, had been a snowboard instructor before her discharge last year. S (male), a paratrooper, had just completed his service in April. Due to his commitment to kosher dietary laws, he chose to become a vegetarian while abroad. He expressed his love for Taiwanese cuisine and asked if we had read the Talmud. He admitted he couldn’t understand it but was curious about our Bible.
As lunch drew to a close, we prepared red envelopes containing Scripture blessing cards, praying #that Hashem would speak directly to their hearts. The verses they received—John 3:16, Isaiah 26:3, 1 Corinthians 13:4–8, and John 8:12—were deeply personal. We all sensed God’s divine orchestration. Though it was their first time encountering New Testament verses, they were open and receptive, without awkwardness or resistance. Before parting, Irene gifted them tea her family had brought back from Melbourne. Our farewell was heartfelt and reluctant.
Though we only spent 100 minutes together, we bridged differences in language, culture, and life stage—creating a gentle, profound encounter.
#May this meeting along their journey, #become a quiet gospel seed that takes root in their hearts, and one day, blossom and bear fruit in the light of God. 🌱✨
Postscript 💛
A few tender details—please continue to pray for these four young Israelis:
H, who asked the most questions about faith, drew John 3:16. Surely no coincidence—God was speaking directly to her. May the Lord continue His work in her life!
Energetic E was so moved by one of my stories (I honestly forget which!) that he leaned in and hugged my shoulder several times. Such a gentle soul! He received Isaiah 26:3.
I especially loved S (male)’s cheerful and sincere smile. Of the four, he was the most observant of kosher laws, choosing vegetarianism abroad out of conviction. He confessed he couldn’t understand the Talmud, but drew John 8:12. May the light of Yeshua continue to shine upon him, and one day, may he open the New Testament and exclaim, “It’s so clear!” 😄
As for S (female), she received the verse from 1 Corinthians: “Love never fails.” Though we didn’t interact much, she kept expressing gratitude and praising Taiwanese food. I could tell—she’s a little sunshine of thankfulness.
The entire gathering was relaxed and natural. Their hearts were open, and our conversation flowed like friendship. I’m deeply grateful for everyone’s prayers—and for God’s presence throughout!
