While Canada and Taiwan are geographically distant, they are quite close in other ways. Missionaries from The Presbyterian Church in Canada have been present in Taiwan—what the Portuguese called Formosa, or “Beautiful Isle”—since 1871, when the Rev. Dr. George Leslie Mackay arrived from Ontario.

Dr. MacKay is still the most highly respected and best known missionary in the northern part of Taiwan. He was known as the fearless “black (bearded) barbarian,” and every Canadian Presbyterian should learn about his work and witness. He set a standard that Taiwanese Presbyterians point to today as they encourage the spirit of mission he embodied: witness, education, worship, health-care, social responsibility and a love for his mission home.

In April of 2009, encouraged by members of Vancouver Taiwanese Presbyterian Church, my wife Betty and I spent three weeks touring Taiwan and learning about the work of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, both past and present. We were impressed then, and still are!

After I preached at a morning service at Tainan Theological College and Seminary (TTCS), the president asked if I would be willing to return to Taiwan and teach the international students. I willingly accepted, and taught for two semesters.

TTCS is situated in the central part of Tainan City, occupying two square blocks in a park-like setting. There are three distinct divisions: Social Work, Music and Theology. It is a very active campus and most of the students are involved in many aspects of campus life. Most of the international students at TTCS are enrolled in the Masters of Theology program. Students come from many places—Kenya, Indonesia and especially the island nations of the South Pacific including Tuvalu, Samoa and Kiribati.

In 2009/2010 I had the pleasure and challenge of teaching the international students courses related to the New Testament and culture. I also was happy to teach a course to the Taiwanese students on the interpretation of John’s Gospel. Taiwanese students come from several different backgrounds including Han, Hakka and other aboriginal tribes. Their backgrounds make for interesting discussion about experience and culture and contribute to a wonderful varied worship service, especially in singing.

Betty and I returned to Taiwan in September, 2013 where I serve as a Visiting Scholar at TTCS, teaching New Testament studies at the Doctoral level.

The first semester ended officially on January 16, 2014. Courses included “The Parables,” “Jesus and the Prophets: An Examination of the New Testament Texts” and “The Hebrew Bible.” Next semester I’ll teach the international students with an emphasis on the culture of the Middle East while the Taiwanese students will focus on the Synoptic Gospels, again with an emphasis on understanding the culture of the Middle East.

There are currently five international students, and we are expecting more in the second semester. The Taiwanese class has fourteen students.

Betty is a cheerful presence on campus and she helps some of the students with their English. Besides teaching, I direct an M Th thesis, it on a couple of committees, and occasionally lead morning worship. I have also agreed to write for a Taiwanese and English church and society journal.

We are thankful for our air-conditioned house in a place where it is typically very hot most of the year. We attend a nearby church which has strong preaching and inspiring music that many of our PCC congregations would wish to emulate. The congregation also has English translation available.

In Tainan, the dominant languages are Taiwanese and Mandarin— referred to as “Chinese.” While learning some Mandarin I am inadvertently learning some Taiwanese as well. I only know a few Chinese characters (pictographs) but enjoy the challenge. The Taiwanese people are very helpful so we do not hesitate to take a bus or train or more often, walk for shopping or simple exploration of our neighbourhood.

We are glad to be here as Canadians, members of the PCC and friends of the PCT, indeed of Taiwan and the Taiwanese.

Ted and Betty Siverns,
January 16, 2014