REPORTER:  

A one-of-a-kind tree lights up the night on Christmas eve at this catholic church in Hualien.  

Made out of shovels and tools, this tree is more than a creative art project for the people of Guangfu township.  

For the past three months, Guangfu has been slowly recovering from a deadly flood that killed 19 people and inundated most of the town with mud. Tens of thousands came here from all over the country to help dig them out.  

Lawas Afo, the mastermind behind the tree, says it’s a symbol of the community’s gratitude and resilience.

Lawas Afo (CREATOR & RESIDENT):  

With Christmas around the corner  

I’m grateful for God giving us the chance  

to live on in this world  

and for the volunteers  

working with shovels and excavators.  

If it weren’t for them  

we don’t know how long it would’ve taken us  

to finally finish the cleanup work.  

What’s past is past.  

We are optimistic people.  

There’s no need to be so sad.

REPORTER:  

With songs and prayers, locals are looking for peace and stability as the town continues to recover.  

They’re led by Father Claude Tisserand from France, who’s been preaching in Taiwan for over half a century. He says he’s one of the lucky ones whose houses are mostly fixed up.  

For Tisserand, the tree is a reminder of the hard work of volunteers, motivating people to get back on their feet.

Claude Tisserand (PRIEST):  

There’s no other Christmas tree like it.  

This is the most meaningful one.  

It represents goodwill and selfless giving.

REPORTER:  

People here say this year’s Christmas mass is focused on healing and learning to live in peace, despite the barrier lake still a threat in the mountains above.

Lin Hsiu-mei (CHURCH STAFF & RESIDENT):  

In our nativity scene, we’ve also made a connection  

between the barrier lake and the community.  

As of today, we celebrate the birth of Jesus  

and make a fresh start  

rebuilding the unity of the community  

and the bond that brings the church together.

REPORTER:  

Despite recent hardships, locals here are channeling their strength to move beyond the ruins and rebuild in the new year.