TAIWAN – TRUKU PRESBYTRY AND TAIPEI The following is a sharing from Bob Day who visited our partner church in Taiwan earlier this year. Please use this article in worship, on your church website or in your magazine.
The second half of our stay in Taiwan began at Ching-Chuan-Kang airport for a short domestic flight round to the eastern side of the island where we landed at Hualien Airport. You have to fly round the island as the mountains are too high to fly over! We were to be guests of the Truku Presbytery whose pastors visited the North Western Synod last year and who were members of a special male voice choir; their ministry being to a predominantly indigenous peoples. Here the visit was a mixture of visiting churches and of trips to enjoy areas of outstanding natural beauty.
It began in the late evening with a minibus trip up the mountain overlooking Hualien City to a restaurant for a delicious meal paid for by one of the local councillors who was a church member. Looking over the city and being reminded of the temptations of Jesus I asked him about his work and the difficulties of office before finally discovering that his patch was behind the restaurant in a more rural area! I stayed for the night with others in a flat owned by one of the pastors. This was on an estate quite a long way from town built particularly for indigenous people to enable them to access housing. I learned that several pastors were buying flats there but their churches and manses were in other areas; they were hoping to start a new church for the estate. The view from the 5th floor was stunning as we looked over paddy fields, forests and the mountains in the early morning light. My run round the local roads was stimulating but even at 7 am it was already starting to get quite hot.
Following breakfast all together at one of the pastor’s houses; he owned several which he was renovating as a way of showing his congregation that indigenous people could start up a business, we shared briefly in Bible Study and prayer. This was part of the PCT’s strategy to get everyone in the church studying scripture and praying together for local concerns.
Setting out in minibuses we arrived at the beach with the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean before us; America probably the next stop travelling east! Then to a local town set amid the sand dunes and nature reserve. Pastor Levi was proud that the Truku Presbytery Office was built on land owned by his family and yet hoping for a new office and church near by. On entering his office we were requested to take off our shoes; later on entering the church we could keep them on! This became an interesting reflection point later in the minibus.
As we travelled we discovered that these pastors had a real love of their land and sought to preserve what God had given to them. We stopped beside a church to look at a cave where Chi-Oang Iwal (1872-1946) preached the gospel everyday during the Japanese occupation in 1945. She was described as the Mother of the Mountain Church, being the first pastor among the Truku people, holding meetings and encouraging new believers despite fear of being arrested; for her and her supporters that imperative of fulfilling Jesus commission was paramount. The Taroko National Park Visitor Centre was very informative and the drive beside its deep rivers, though dark tunnels such as Nine Curve Cave and high precipitous gorges was amazing; we followed part of the road blasted by the Chinese Army through the mountains to the other side of the island. Imagine my surprise to see a picture of the Changchun Long Life Temple in a newspaper the week after I returned to England.
Hayu our driver, pastor and choir leader and his wife Fely took us to their church at Heng-Kang. Sadly there had been an unresolved split in the local church and they along with other members had set up a community based church with computer based learning and after school clubs, Bible study and singing. We were entertained to an impromptu male voice concert by the whole choir and then to songs with drums and guitar accompaniment.
In the evening we gathered at the Moderator’s house to drink tea and to socialise. Following this Malcolm and myself were challenged to 9 ball pool at the local snooker hall by the Mod and his predecessor. The competition was intense with an exciting come back; the result is too complicated to explain, even more so – the Taiwanese rules!
Next day there was a trip to Yu-Shan Theological Seminary, where many of the indigenous people study for ministry (Shou-hui, University Chaplain spent some time here). The setting overlooking Liyu Carp lake with a mountainous back ground was memorable. Students told us of their early morning walks round the lake and time spent in prayer and reflection. This was certainly a place where I could study! Linda and I enjoyed our swan shaped pedalo, serenely navigating the waters, while others toured the lake in a speed boat; this paid for by the past Mod of 9 ball pool fame who then sped off on his scooter wearing goggles!
Our route took us across narrow mountain roads with glorious scenery to Rainbow Bridge at Changhong just south of the Tropic of Cancer. We visited a local primary school where although the children were shy they could be encouraged to practice their English and to sing their tribal songs and dance. We learnt how their lessons, art and craft activity had an ecological theme and were very much rooted in exploring the land and the driftwood of the nearby Pacific Ocean. Lunch was interesting. It was almost finished when another dish arrived – a heap of roasted flying fish - wings intact; quite tasty but a little overcooked! There followed another visit to hot springs for bathing and then an evening concert at Ye-Hu-Nang church with tribal dancing and singing as well as Linda’s rendition of Classi, Classi, Yesu – sarhamore; thank you Jesus from my heart, learnt in traditional Truku language while travelling in the minibus. It brought the house down! I taught the children ‘Praise him on the trumpet, the psaltry and harp’ and rewarded the choir members with Fair Trade chocolate. This was very popular with the children in various villages as well with as the CRCW’s whose craving for delicious English style chocolate was never satisfied
On the last day, following breakfast at a local café, and Bible study and prayer outside on the street, we took the train all along the beautiful coastline to Taipei and a visit to the General Offices of the Presbyterian Church. Here we took time to reflect with the General Secretary Revd Andrew and other staff members on all that we had been privileged to experience and on the churches programme of faith and community development. Jeng-Ho, previous Chaplain at St.Peter’s, took the notes of the meeting but we didn’t really have time to talk as he had to leave straight away to lead student Bible study in his church.
The real challenge to me is of a church with God at the centre and a confidence to proclaim the faith in word and action. One of the foundational texts of their renewal programme is Psalm 89 v 14. ‘Your kingdom is founded on righteousness and justice; love and faithfulness are shown in all you do.’ Maybe the URC could Catch their Vision?
Revd Bob Day, Roby URC, Manchester
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