The Power of 7: A Family United for the Gospel in Taipei

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God called us from corporate America to minister among the lost.

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During our first two terms as missionaries in the Arab World, we shared the gospel with Muslims through Marketplace Discipleship. Now we’re headed to Asia as Career Missionaries with Assemblies of God World Missions.

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What have we done up till now?

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Six years ago, I left my comfy six figure banking job.

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In August 2018, Mandie and I landed in Morocco with 3 kiddos as new missionaries. We now have five: Dirk, Blake, Brock, Adeline & Beck. Ages 14 down to 4.

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Our first term was in northern Morocco to learn language. In our second term, we were the Business Champions for a church planting team in the south.

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Moroccans would ask, “Why are you here?”

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If we answered, “to share the gospel of Jesus Christ”, authorities would invite us to leave the country. Worse, bad things could happen to our local friends.
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We built real businesses so our team could have good and truthful answers for government officials and passersby. We made profits, paid taxes and hired locals (believers whenever possible).

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But…

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We didn’t want a business just to have good answers. We believe every business activity makes way for the gospel.

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Building a real business is tiring. So, it’s possible to feel too tired for ministry.

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We plant the church through business. The same efforts can accomplish ministry plans and business goals.

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We call it Marketplace Discipleship.

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We’ll save the specifics for another letter. Back to the story…

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In Morocco, we built:

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An export business

An Argan Oil beauty brand

An Airbnb property initiative

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During our last 18 months, we systemized the Airbnb project, empowering other long-term missionaries and locals to manage the business.

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The Airbnb operation is now a nationwide strategy, making way for dozens of new missionaries to get long-term visas for long-term ministry in Morocco.

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After strategizing with leadership in January 2024, we made plans to return to Minnesota in June for a year of itineration. This time allows us to connect with family, supporters and to raise awareness about the spiritual need in Taiwan.

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What’s next?

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We sensed God leading us to a new mission field.
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In the spring of 2024, we fasted and prayed with regional colleagues. We connected with missionaries around the world, asking for prayer and seeking God’s guidance.

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Our friends, Bob & Kelly said, “We wouldn’t ask if you weren’t considering other places…but since you are…would you pray about working with us in Taiwan?”

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We agreed to pray.
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We sensed God’s peace in a move to Taiwan. With blessing and support from area and regional directors, we began making plans for the change.

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We ministered with Bob & Kelly Bailey in northern Morocco during our first term. They’re now leading the international church in Taipei, Taiwan, called Agape International Chirstian Assembly (ICA). In addition to their pastoral role, the Bailey’s were asked to start The Cup Coffee House in Taipei.

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It’s a beautiful café that will also serve as a vibrant community outreach center. God is guiding us to come alongside The Cup with our experience in Marketplace Discipleship.

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Our visit to Taiwan in August 2024

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The Lord made a way for a vision trip to help us understand the ministry.

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Taiwan is a deeply lost place. Taipei city boasts more shrines per capita than any place in the world.

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There is a place called Fulong on the northeast side of the island. We met with folks doing ministry among unreached peoples there. Summer camps, upcoming coffee ministry and one-to-one discipleship.

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They’re doing important ministry. We’ll be working to support them.

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We toured Morrison Academy (Dirk) and the Acton school (Blake, Brock, Adeline, Beck). Bob & Kelly led us to our future home to take pics for the kiddos. Our apartment will be on the top floor and The Cup Coffee House is on the bottom floor of the same building!

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We toured the schools our kiddos will attend and took pictures of our future home. Our apartment is on the top floor and The Cup Coffee House is on the bottom floor in the same building!

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We met Coco, the manager of The Cup. Bob & Kelly found Coco through her husband Daniel, who is widely known in the coffee scene in Taiwan. They’re dedicated to reaching their community for Christ through the café.

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Our mission is twofold

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Family & Community Outreach - We will naturally connect with families through the kids’ schools and everyday life, creating opportunities for discipleship. Mandie and I will plan, host and lead short-term mission trips for visiting church groups. These groups will join us in engaging our community and the unreached surrounding our city.

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Marketplace Discipleship & Business Consulting - The cafe will be a vessel for gospel movement in Taiwan. We will cultivate Marketplace Discipleship through the business. The Cup is already operating well and we will support Coco’s leadership by refining operations, boosting marketing efforts and organizing community events.

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Why us?

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We’re passionate about reaching Taiwanese for Jesus.

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Looking back, we see God has prepared us for this…different ministry roles, restaurant management, marketing, business banking, merchandising, design, coffee certifications, and using businesses in Morocco to reach the lost for Christ.

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Please consider this…

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Your role in Marketplace Discipleship in the “LOST” city of Taipei

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We need your help.

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Our term in Taiwan is 4 years…but could be a lifetime.

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Our biggest need is long term financial partnership from you.
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We ask you to invest in reaching Taiwan. If that’s NOT you. That’s OK. We understand.

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Here’s our invitation to you

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Would you partner with us financially to support our ministry in Taiwan?

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Our vision is not a one-time event. God has prepared our marriage and family for long-term service.

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Our financial needs are different from our time in Morocco. This new field will require a stronger budget due to increased cost of living. Our goal is to raise an additional $5,700 in monthly ongoing support by July 2025.

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Below is the breakdown of what we need to reach our goal:

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1 partner at $1000 per month

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2 partners at $500 per month

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6 partners at $250 per month

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12 partners at $100 per month

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16 partners at $50 per month

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To give toward these needs, visit:

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​​http://s1.ag.org/buesgensfamily​​

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Your financial support will be managed with integrity through Assemblies of God World Missions, ensuring accountability at all levels. 1099’s will be issued from AGWM in January of the following year for potential tax deductions.

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You are investing in lasting work.

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Imagine a café bustling with life - a place where conversations lead to transformations, where the aroma of coffee is intertwined with the fragrance of Christ’s love, and where the marketplace becomes a mission field.

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Join us on the journey. Help bring people of Taiwan…to Jesus.

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With gratitude and anticipation,

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The Buesgens Family

AGWM, Asia Pacific, Taiwan