Ben and Catherine Kuo

Serving the Lord in East Asia

Christians are a small religious minority in East Asia because of Communist rule, which dictates freedom of religion yet requires members of the church to attend one of the government-supported “three-self” churches. In recent years, there have been changes in East Asia, opening doors to minister more freely and with fewer restrictions, in both seminaries and churches. The church has been experiencing tremendous growth, but no one knows how long this window of opportunity will remain in East Asia before materialism quenches the new hunger in East Asia for God’s Word, as has happened in Taiwan.

Ben and Catherine Kuo’s purpose for living in East Asia is to befriend the locals and to introduce them to the Good News about Jesus Christ.

This summer they spent several weeks training in Taiwan before departing for a city in the East Asian mainland where they have been involved in Mandarin classes for one month. Ben is in the advanced-level class and Catherine is in the advanced-novice-level class. They are diligently acquiring language skills, knowing that it is a vital tool for their ministry.

Even though their time in East Asia has just started, God has already begun opening doors for them to build relationships that are already showing promise for spiritual discussions.

Ben and Catherine are thankful that their 2½ year-old daughter, Brianna, and 9 month-old son, Christopher. Both have been a tremendous blessing to the family.

Previous Prayer Request (As of 1/31/01)

The Kuos will be ending their language study this coming summer (2001). Please pray for wisdom to decide where to relocate and what job to take. They are considering a short 2-month trip back to the States this summer to visit family and supporter. Please pray for the uncertainty in traveling with two young children. Please also pray that the Kuos will learn to depend more on our Lord.

Recent Letter and Prayer Request (As of 4/23/01)

“Hi there!

How are you?  There are many things to be thankful for.  One is that the spring is here!  Finally the flowers are blooming after a long winter.  What a great time to celebrate the wonderful creation.  The other is that the weather is so nice, the kids can finally go outside to play!  We hope that you are also enjoying this time of year. 

During this time, we would like to ask you to remember our pending decisions.  One is whether we should move to another city or stay where we are at.  This is not an easy one, because it effects the company we are working with and other co-workers.  So we are discovering the executive will.  Could you help us with that?  Next week, Ben will be traveling to the other city for a survey of the city.  It would be good to talk with the friends there to find out the situation and to see if we are a good fit there. 

The other decision is closely related.  If we are to move, we would move this summer.  That means most likely we would not return to the US this summer.  The reason being that a move across the country coupled with an international trip would be too much for the kids.  So we also need wisdom to know when is a good time to take a trip back home. 

Thank you for listening.  We wish you love.

Ben, Catherine, Brianna, and Christopher”

Ben and Catherine Kuo are the most recent addition to the growing list of Canaan-supported missionaries. Canaan has been supporting the Kuo ministry since Summer 1999.