A lamp needs electricity to shine. But the light in our hearts comes from love and the power of faith. Some people, when they've lost their way, emerge from a difficult time by the guiding light of faith and set off on a new path.

According to government statistics, 3195 people committed suicide in Taiwan in 2003, making this the ninth leading cause of death. Among 15-24 year olds, the number of suicides was 223.

Rev. Jacob Yu-shuen Chien, pastor of the Hudson Taylor Memorial Church (HTMC) at Chinese Culture University (CCU) and a counselor with the Hwa-kang Christian Fellowship (HKCF), makes a special appeal to address this situation. "Don't underestimate the troubles of young people trying to find their way," he says. "We must strive to redeem these damaged young lives."

Chien says most people think of youth as a time full of joy, but overlook the hidden burdens that society places on the young, such as pressure to excel academically, relationship troubles, the frustrations of finding a career, and the alienation and conflicts that arise in a family. These pressures build over time, often turning into silent killers. They gnaw at young people's spirit, and present particular risks for students studying far from home. Thus offering timely assistance and reassurance is an urgent necessity.

HTMC was set up by CCU's founder, Dr. Chang Chi-yun. The HKCF is an HTMC fellowship group that counsels CCU students. The HTMC has a congregation of more than 100, of whom some 80 are students, mostly from central or southern Taiwan. When they experience frustrations in their lives they instinctively turn to Chien to pour out their feelings. He is on call 24 hours a day, doling out care and assistance whenever needed.

For example, when Chuang Yu-ju, a second-year history postgrad from Kaohsiung, was a junior in college, her family suddenly ran into financial difficulties. She tried to raise money by working part-time, but the company she signed up with turned out to be a bogus operation. She not only did not get paid, but also was tricked into using her credit card and ended up thousnds of dollars in debt. In this time of desperation, she turned to Rev. Chien. The pastor helped her assess her situation, and guided her in prayer. In the end, she bravely forged ahead, left the company, and shook off the horrid memories of that time.

Chou Chun-fu, a 1998 CCU journalism graduate who now works in publishing, volunteers at the HTMC in his spare time. He says Chien was a pivotal figure in his life, and helped him break out of his shell and become an outgoing, enthusiastic person.

According to Chou, the pastor helped heal two great wounds in his heart. While growing up, he always felt ill at ease because his parents favored his sibling. Chien's nurturing and prayers let him know he had God's compassion, and he gradually made his peace with the world. The second wound result from a longtime girlfriend's breaking up with him. Through prayer with Chien and his discussions with the couple, Chou let go of the pain in his heart and bravely accepted the reality of the situation.

Huang Tzu-hui, a 2000 CCU child welfare graduate who now works for World Vision Taiwan, has been an HKCF member of since her freshman year. "My home life left me in a mess," she says. "I was insecure and lacked confidence, so I was very nervous when I met other people. Rev. Chien helped me know God and was like a father to me"

Huang says that after she graduated there was a long period when she couldn't find work and suffered insomnia. Her life was in the doldrums, and she even consulted a psychiatrist. But through it all, Rev. Chien and his wife patiently stayed by her side until she got back on her feet. "Their unconditional love made me understand that when helping others, you must wait patiently and let a wound slowly heal itself," she says. "And you must never give up hope."

Chien's decision to spread the word of God can be traced back to periods of illness in his childhood. He was born in 1968 in Shanhua Township, Tainan County. In middle school he began to attend the local Holy Church, where Rev. Wang Tung-ho filled him with inspiration and guided his religious development. In his 30s, Wang had given up a bright future in the city and moved to the countryside to minister to the ordinary folk of the township. In high school, Chien developed problems with his urinary system. He went into hospital more than a dozen times, and every time he had an operation, Rev. Wang hurried over the moment he got the news, to look after him and pray for his recovery. "Rev. Wang spared no efforts for his congregation," Chien says. "His example inspired me to become a minister, and I hope I can reach as many people as he has."

In 1990, Chien graduated in philosophy from CCU and immediately became a counselor at the HKCF, while also serving as assistant minister of the HTMC. In 1993 he was married to church member Ruth Ruey-min Hwang. Through the grace of God, this couple works as one to spread His word.

Chien has also been pursuing his theological studies, and is now studying for a doctorate. In January 1997 he became a pastor. Since then he has been determined, like the grain that falls on fertile ground, to bring fourth countless fruit. He hopes to plant himself on Mt. Yangming where he can minister to local residents as well as the teachers and students of CCU, and wishes some day to establish his own fully functioning church. Presently, the HTMC meets in a CCU classroom, and depends on the assistance of other organizations. Chien hopes that within three years the congregation can become self-supporting, and after five years have enough money to build a church.

Chien is also a trustee of the Christian Pastoral Training Association. "To help foster new pastors for the nation of God, bring them into God's grace and let them experience His love first hand is my greatest pleasure," he says. He is sure that with God's blessing all wishes can be fulfilled.