Former missionary partner of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Dr. Paul Alexander passed away peacefully on 17 June 2014 following a period of illness.

Prof. Alexander (born 3 January 1928) and his wife Lucille (Lucy) Alexander served the Lord in partnership with the PCT at Tunghai University for 38 years until they retired to their native USA.

The following news and words of testimony was received from his eldest daughter Anne, on behalf of the Alexander family. Please hold Lucy Alexander and the family in your prayers.

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Written by Anne Alexander

14 June 2014

About my Dad

Dr. Paul Alexander left the US for Taiwan with Lucy & 3 children (Anne, Stevie & Philip) in tow in November 1958. They felt called to serve fledgling Tunghai University, started in 1955. To graduate, the students needed a physiology class. Paul speedily finished his PhD dissertation with specialization in physiology & biology, & taught double-time in English in the fall semester after they arrived. Lucy coped with non-English-speaking teen-aged house help, unknown vegetables & fruit, and (in 1959) the arrival of Dottie, who had a cleft palate.

Over their 38 year ministry there, Besides teaching, Paul directed 5 research centers, served as dean of several colleges & as advisor to the President, in addition to Christian work with the chapel, students & surrounding churches.

In 1965 both Steve & Philip died in the space of 30 days, challenging Paul & Lucy's commitment & faith, & deeply rooting them in the university & Christian community as well as Taiwan soil. God's amazing comfort & grace empowered them to give testimony to His on-going faithfulness.

When they returned to the US in 1967 Lucy gave birth to Emily Grace, 15 years after Anne, her oldest. Gordon Philip Aylward (born in Taiwan in 1962 & adopted by Gladys Aylward) joined the Alexander family in 1970 as yet another testimony to God's provision.

When Marriage Enrichment proved helpful to them, Paul & Lucy became certified to lead, & started the Family Wellness Center at Tunghai, where many learned good communication skills. Five couples are continuing their good work, & many lives have been changed by their living testimony & 'profound availability' to serve God and others sacrificially & with good humor in any way they could.

Paul has lived in the conscious presence of God for many years, pursuing wisdom with a childlike heart, & learning from Frank Laubach & Brother Laurence how to practice the presence of God. Even though he often can't connect thought to words now, he still loves the hymns, to be prayed with, & in times of stress to pray 'Oh Lord, Oh Lord',

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17 June 2014

Dear Ones,

I wanted to thank you for your prayers for Daddy (Paul Alexander), and ask you to continue to pray for all who love and mourn his passing. The cocoon of his mortality has split so his glorious immortal butterfly soul may dance among the flowers of heaven.Daddy is singing with the angels now. His last 'Hallelujah' has been shouted here, his last 'Praise the Lord'. He's well-practiced for eternity, as his faith becomes sight. He left us at 12:15 this morning, 6/17/14.

I know Dad would send you his love and invite you fall in love with Jesus.Dad would attribute any good you've seen in him to Jesus working in him.Jesus in Dad made a weak man strong, a selfish man sacrificial, a foolish man wise, and a shy man adventuresome in relationships. Dad would lovingly ask you to invite Jesus into your life as Savior, sovereign, and constant loving companion.

We miss him, but are so grateful for his life, love and faithfulness.

May the Lord comfort all of us who mourn, so that we can comfort others.....

Peace to you,

Anne (for the Alexanders)

My sister Dottie wrote the following:

Just a note to let all of you know that Daddy passed on to his Eternal Home this morning! I am sure Jesus was there waiting and the angels proclaiming: "Well done, good and faithful servant." We will miss him, our Hallelujah Boy, as the care givers here at Greenwood Village lovingly called him. We know he is in a better place with a great welcoming committee of family and friends (Stevie, Phil, Granny, Grandpa, Gma and Gpa Brown , Aunt Effie, and many others. There is singing and rejoicing in heaven today!

He was in no discomfort and passed peacefully. Anne has been with Mom sinceFridayevening adding her loving support and prayers. Please feel free to pass this on to any family and friends.

Love, Dottie

Words of testimony others have written:

"Just want to let you know he is a giant in delivering God's love, and lived a life that witnessed the hope and strength coming from his inner most God-given power of the Holy Spirit. We will miss him deeply. He has finished his mission with an A , I'm sure there is a BIG reward waiting for him in heaven."

"A giant among men of God, my Uncle Paul Alexander, passed on to be with the Lord at 86 years. He, along with his wife Lucy and family, were missionaries to Taiwan, Republic of China for many many year,s impacting scores of Chinese people. He was a powerful example of a Christ-like life to me throughout the years, even in shaping our ministry. The Kingdom of God has recalled a gentle giant."

"Grandpa is now sitting around telling stories to Jesus and the loved ones that made it before him. He was one of the smartest men I know, and always had a smile for us, and another story about what happened when he "was a little girl", or the animals he studied in Taiwan. He was such an example of humility, and compassion, and joy. We will miss him very much. I love you, Grandpa..."

"My awesome Uncle Paul Alexander (86) went to Heaven this morning. He was a missionary in Taiwan for 40 years and advisor to the university president there. Such a profound influence on my life! My tears are mixed with joy & sadness and my prayers are with Aunt Lucy, their family, my mom & our very close, large, extended family. Heaven just got more exciting!"