On May 12, Taiwan’s 2023 National Prayer Breakfast (NPB) was held at the Sheraton Grand Taipei Hotel. It was the first NPB in three years due to the pandemic. This year’s theme was “Faith, Hope, Love, Peace, and Praise to Bless Taiwan”.
President Tsai Ing-wen, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Joseph Wu, former Minister of the Interior Hsu Kuo-yung, Keelung City Mayor George Hsieh, Penghu County Magistrate Chen Kuang-fu, and ambassadors and representatives from the diplomatic corps attended the 400-person event.
In her speech, President Tsai thanked the churches for being a stabilizing force in Taiwan. She thanked Overseas Radio & Television, Inc. Founder Dr. Doris Brougham for praying for her every day and sending her messages of encouragement in difficult times. The President emphasized that as Taiwan faces many challenges ahead, we must continue to have unity, as there is great power in unity, and face the future with faith.
Rev. Samuel Jou of E-Light Presbyterian Church shared the message “Building a Taiwan of Faith and Hope” in Taiwanese. Prayer is the most important gift Christians have, and when Christians pray for the country and its leaders, God gives wisdom, skills, compassion, and health to our leaders.
Rev. James Taylor IV, President of China Evangelical Seminary, shared the message “A single-minded Heart of Reverence” in Mandarin, and encouraged the audience to fear God, pursue holiness, and dedicate themselves to God. He used the example of Dr. Doris Brougham’s dedication to God above all else, including turning down a suitor’s marriage proposal so she could continue to serve God in Taiwan.
Five representatives from different sectors prayed for Taiwan’s different needs. Ambassador Oscar Adolfo Padilla Lam of the Republic of Guatemala represented the diplomatic corps and prayed for God to bless Taiwan, Professor Wang Chung-ho of Academia Sinica prayed for the Environment & Climate, Acer Chairman and CEO Jason Chen prayed for Industry & Economy, Rev. Mark Shia prayed for Generations, and Most Rev. Thomas Chung prayed for Peace & Harmony.
Stream of Praise and Heavenly Melody led the audience in praise and worship.
The event ended with a prayer of blessing from Bread of Life’s Global Apostolic Network’s Chairman Rev. Nathaniel Chow.
