On Nov. 9, Caleb and Stephanie Schrock-Hurst gathered with friends, family and supporters at Weavers Mennonite Church, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, to share about their upcoming ministry with Mennonite Christian Hospital (MCH), in Hualien, Taiwan, through Mennonite Mission Network and Virginia Mennonite Missions (VMM). The event also served as a fundraiser for their service ministry.
The event began with food and informal conversation, as guests gathered around tables that were decorated with festive fall decorations and bite-sized pieces of Taiwanese pineapple cake. The tables were filled with people interested in Taiwan, people connected to the Schrock-Hursts and others with their own history of service, who were all fellowshipping together.
Before lining up for the baked potato bar and desserts that had been prepared by the Schrock-Hurst’s Ministry Support Team — a group of volunteers who support the international service workers — guests could test their knowledge of Taiwan with some trivia. Questions included the official language of Taiwan — Mandarin — the percentage of the population that identifies as Christian — 5% — and the colors of Taiwan’s flag — red, white and blue.
Following the meal, the Schrock-Hursts shared insights about Taiwan and their expectations for and excitement about this ministry.
The Schrock-Hursts shared that they are excited to connect to both MCH and the Christian Church in Taiwan. Founded in 1948, MCH is a large, independent Christian hospital that began as a mobile clinic, and then became a small, 30-bed facility. Today, it is comprised of 500 beds, 1,000 staff members, and a commitment to holistic care and to serving the underprivileged.
The Taiwanese Mennonite Church, established in 1954, consists of 22 congregations that relate to one another and other Christian denominations in Taiwan. The hospital and the Taiwanese church have had connections with Mission Network and its workers for a long time. However, no Mission Network workers have served in Taiwan in the 21st century. Recently, MCH reached out Mission Network with renewed interest in fostering the connection of Taiwanese and North American Christians, through two-way mission. Caleb Schrock-Hurst is a pastor, and Stephanie Schrock-Hurst is a nurse. Together, they have answered the call to serve with MCH in Taiwan with Mission Network and VMM.
The Nov. 9 dinner was a time for people to learn about the Schrock-Hursts’ upcoming work and its context, as well as a time to surround the Schrock-Hursts in prayer and financial support. The Schrock-Hursts are actively fundraising and have reached 30% of their $167,000 fundraising goal for their first 2-year term in Taiwan. Both immediate donations and intentions to give count toward this target, which must be fully met before they can begin their ministry in spring 2025.
For more information about the Shrock-Hursts, visit their webpage, watch their introductory video or contact Ministry Support Team coordinator Elizabeth Eby at ElizabethE@MMNworld.net.Sign up here to receive their prayer newsletter or indicate future gifts.
Sign up here to receive their prayer newsletter or indicate future gifts.
