用五倍券使愛加倍 – KRC 資源為基督協會

Best Deal?

"Have you claimed your quintuple stimulus voucher?"

"What's the best way to claim the biggest benefits?"

"Where should I spend to earn the most?"

Friends in Taiwan must have often heard these topics recently, with various updates constantly providing so-called best deals. LINE groups and online platforms have shared “stimulus package cheat sheets,” causing many colleagues and friends to spend their days browsing articles and scouring the internet to scoop up the most advantageous information, eagerly sharing the latest perks for fear of missing out. Moreover, the question remains: Should you use paper coupons, link to a credit card, e-tickets, or mobile payments... which option earns the most?

In fact, ever since the government began discussing how to revive the economy amid the pandemic, various opinions and plans have continuously emerged. Initially, there was a plan to distribute cash, which later settled on the "Fivefold Voucher" system. Subsequent decisions determined which purchases are eligible or ineligible, as well as the steps for applying, registering, receiving, and using the vouchers. Isn't it just a matter of using them? Is it really that complicated?

I have observed that many people spend a great deal of energy and time compiling and comparing various plans, fearing they might make the wrong decision and suffer a big loss. Some have even applied to link their vouchers digitally, only to discover better offers later, prompting them to reconsider their digital voucher binding, requesting a reversal period, cancellation of the application, and re-binding. Before even enjoying the benefits, this process alone can drain one’s spirit. So, what exactly is the "blessing"? What is the "benefit"?

The original intention of the fivefold stimulus vouchers was to boost the economy amid the pandemic and promote mutual well-being among the people, as many businesses and citizens faced economic challenges. However, in the way the vouchers are used—whether by careful budgeting, seeking small bargains, or by being overly meticulous and anxious—human nature is also revealed!

How does God want me to use it?

Unconsciously, our attitude toward money and the way we use it reflect our values and shape how others perceive us. That's why terms like generous or stingy come into play. Our view of money also reflects our theology—how we see God's provision, sovereignty, and the needs of His kingdom. Reflect on this: in the process of discussing how to use the Fivefold Voucher, how do we let others see this God through us?

Are the Fivefold Vouchers gifts dropped from heaven? Indeed they are! In Haggai 2:8, the Lord of hosts declares, “Silver is mine, and gold is mine.” Since everything belongs to God and wealth comes from Him, these Fivefold Vouchers are also gifts from God. When receiving them, is our heart filled with gratitude? If we say we are stewards of all resources God has given, shouldn’t we seek God’s wisdom before using the vouchers? Before asking, “How do I get the best deal?” can we first ask, “How can I use this in a way that pleases God and brings the greatest benefit to His kingdom?”

Whether used to enjoy good food yourself, plan a trip, or enroll in expensive but meaningful and valuable courses you previously hesitated to attend; whether used to honor your parents, build family relationships, or replace household appliances and furniture; whether used now or saved for later… there is no strictly right or wrong way to use it. But you can first ask yourself: How would God want me to use this? What other uses can glorify God and edify others?

Can a crisis also be turned into a blessing?

Since the beginning of the 2020 pandemic, many Christians have been affected. Some businesses continued to expand, with incomes multiplying several times over; however, more people experienced setbacks in their work situations, with reduced income or even job loss. Church offerings sharply declined as a result, causing financial imbalances. These financial challenges also impacted support for vulnerable families, and more care and practical assistance became necessary within the church community.

There are over 2,350 verses in the Bible that teach how to use money. According to biblical truth, the church should be prosperous and abundant, with sufficient resources to continually give out. However, the pandemic has revealed a phenomenon: apart from tithing, the church lacks teaching on money management, and Christians have not fully used their finances according to God’s will, resulting in generally tight economic situations.

Various reasons have caused financial strain for churches and believers. So how can we still be the light and salt of our generation during the crisis of the pandemic, becoming help and blessings to our neighborhoods?

God’s resources also include gifted people. While countless Fivefold Voucher promotions flood the market, unfortunately, scams have also infiltrated. It is encouraged that the church organize brothers and sisters with professional knowledge and a heart to help others to form “Fivefold Voucher Task Forces” or “Love Fivefold Care Teams.” These groups can assist seniors and those of lower socioeconomic status by safeguarding their interests, answering questions, accompanying them to collect vouchers, and helping with shopping.

Love can be multiplied.

A crisis can indeed be transformed into an opportunity—a great chance to widely spread the gospel and glorify God.

When the author learned about the stimulus fivefold vouchers, they immediately asked volunteers in the group of the Taiwan Rural Disadvantaged Local Care and Development Mutual Aid Association, "If we receive the paper version of the fivefold vouchers, would it be more convenient to donate them?"

Unexpectedly, we quickly received enthusiastic responses: "Yes, we can!" We then began discussing and taking inventory: who were the people, places, organizations, and families in need; whether to distribute the paper fivefold vouchers directly to them, purchase supplies on their behalf, invite economically disadvantaged families who rarely dine out to meals, or provide one-on-one companionship for friends in need of spiritual support, offering various kinds of help. Due to the pandemic, many rural areas, tribes, and organizations have seen their donation income severely decline. Families that were already resource-poor are now facing even more difficult circumstances. Together with coworkers and volunteers caring for rural and disadvantaged communities, we needed to carefully review and supervise the allocation of resources to ensure the fivefold vouchers become a channel and outlet of love, allowing God's love to flow abundantly.

Let us think about how to use the fivefold vouchers to multiply love.

Let's start by reflecting from a personal perspective. If the fivefold voucher is truly a gift from God, then it’s no longer just about seeking the best deals or personal gain. Instead, consider whether you really need this money or if you can share it with others. Come before God and ask: How can I use the fivefold voucher for His purposes? Look around for family members, neighbors, colleagues, friends, your church, or even trusted charitable organizations who may need it more than you do. Let the voucher become a way to practice "loving your neighbor"; giving it away doesn’t mean losing, but sharing God’s love.

Next, from the perspective of the whole church. Encourage pastors to boldly invite brothers and sisters to dedicate their fivefold vouchers as offerings. Whether used to assist needy members within the congregation or to open the church’s doors to reach out into the community—caring for remote areas, disadvantaged families, and the elderly—the fivefold vouchers can become a door opener for the gospel. While conveying spiritual truths, they also provide tangible support.

Reflecting from the perspective of gospel organizations: Assess the needs and gaps, and use various social media platforms to encourage people to respond to different needs. Invite donations of paper fivefold vouchers, purchase necessary supplies, and actively participate in various services. This allows those who are moved and burdened to engage more deeply, even becoming volunteers or sponsors. The fivefold vouchers can become a gateway for service—from a one-time offering to long-term commitment.

The Lord Jesus once said, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." How we use the fivefold vouchers also reflects what is in our hearts. It is hoped that through using the vouchers according to God’s will, we begin to learn to be faithful, good, and wise stewards of God; so that what is revitalized by the fivefold vouchers is not only Taiwan’s economy but also God’s kingdom.

Scripture References:

"I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:35)
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Luke 12:34)
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Author Bio:

Pan Hwa-Ting is the Chairperson of the Taiwan Rural and Underprivileged Care and Development Mutual Cooperation Association, General Manager of Gabriel International Wealth Management Consulting Co., Ltd., founder of the Gabriel Biblical Financial Management Team, and CEO of Antai Insurance Brokerage Co., Ltd. She holds certifications as an International Financial Planner and Psychological Counselor, and serves as a teacher at the Joshua Management Institute of the Chinese Boaz Association. Passionate about life, she is dedicated to domestic and international gospel ministries, rural and underprivileged service and poverty alleviation projects, and participates in entrepreneurial efforts to fulfill Kingdom enterprises and the Great Commission, using her life to impact others.