A recent election in Taiwan could mean greater opportunities to share the Christian faith in mainland China.

Two issues dominated the Taiwanese presidential campaign -- the country's economic downturn and relations with China.

Taiwan's incumbent president Ma Ying-Jeou, now the winner of a second term in office, is promising to improve ties between the two nations.

"The Bible says, 'The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.' Whether or not the party or candidates we supported were elected, I am glad to see that the democracy has matured in Taiwan. This is God's work," said Andrew Kou, pastor of Home of Christ Church in Taiwan.

"So some are happy. Some are disappointed. But this is the process of democracy," added Rev. Te-Chien Chang of the Presbyterian Church of Taiwan. "We willingly accept the outcome. As Christians, we should continue to pray for Taiwan."

How will President Ma Ying-Jeou's re-election affect cross-strait mission work? Local pastor Mao Sung Chang predicts it will be more active.

"In the past only Taiwan ministers visited mainland China, but obviously from now on, ministers and churches from China will be visiting Taiwan," Sung Chang, who leads Top Church, explained. "Cross-strait churches will have closer relationships than before."

"The door to gospel will be wide open," the pastor added.

With Taiwan's president remaining in office, the nation's Christians are praying for their country's leadership and new opportunities to advance the gospel.

--Published Jan. 19, 2012.