Taiwan Church News 3299 Edition May 18 - 24, 2015 Editorial Editorial: Whose 150th Anniversary of Mission in Taiwan?When PCT makes her utmost efforts to celebrate and promote "The 150thAnniversary PCT Mission in Taiwan", it is naturally to attract curiosities and concerns from many other Christian denominations. This should be a good thing to share, especially when other denominations also delight to organize some thanksgiving service before the public. But the situation turns into a somehow embarrassed seizure, when the theme of these assemblies is entitled as "The 150th Anniversary of Mission in Taiwan". Why? The difference is that the wording of "PCT" is removed in these non-PCT assemblies. And the commemorative meaning, due to the absent wording of PCT, becomes radically different from the original historical context. We cannot help but lament why the historical education in Taiwan failed so alarmingly, as some solid histories should have been known as common sense! The so-called "The 150th Anniversary PCT Mission in Taiwan" is based on thehistorical timing, when Dr. James Laidlaw Maxwell arrived Taiwan and began his medical missionary in 1865. This is the origin of PCT mission, and it is historically accurate and legitimate for us to celebrate the 150th Anniversary PCT Mission in Taiwan today. But, on the other hand, if this history seen from a deeper historical perspective of Taiwan, could we conclude that Dr. Maxwell is the very beginning of mission in Taiwan of the Reformed Christianity? The answer is afraid not so! As a matter of fact, if we want to commemorate "the Christianity's verybeginning of mission in Taiwan", we should retrieve the period of Dutch colony in 17th century. In the times of Dutch Formosa, 1624 - 1662, missionaries of the reformed Christianity had reached Taiwan, started their evangelical missions, established schools and translated "The Gospel of Matthew" in the Siraya language. The Dutch missionaries were even caught or killed during the war with Koxinga's army. Following the defeat of the Dutch, the Christianity failed to take root in Taiwan. About this history of the Dutch colony, many historical evidence and data are collected in Holland and waited for digging further by the people of Taiwan. Regarding "The 150th Anniversary PCT Mission in Taiwan", we PCT members shouldalso reflect if we really treasure the precious historical revelation from the missionary spirit of Dr. James Laidlaw Maxwell? Especially, when such missionary origin has become an unprecedented valuable jewelry in Taiwan's evangelical history. Are we PCT members trapped in an awkward embarrassment like Esau that we do not value our birthright than a bowl of lentil stew? In 2004, when Kaohsiung City celebrated her 140 years' history as a harborcity, there were a series of activities commemorating the pioneers and founders who contributed to this great metropolis. Many local leaders as the middle generation and medical elites of new generation, boarded on the boat and followed the evangelical routes explored in Cihou area by Dr. James Laidlaw Maxwell, paying tribute to this respected PCT missionary. Contrasting this kind of honor and respect, could we PCT members afford to overlook our evangelical histories less than common citizens outside of church? In the coming thanksgiving celebrations of "The 150th Anniversary PCT Missionin Taiwan" held at each district or "The Church Day" first-time held in Tainan City, PCT members' prayers, support and participation are all desperately needed for sure. Except taking parts into kinds of ceremonies, if PCT members could put on the specially designed T-shirt, with logos of "150th Anniversary PCT Mission In Taiwan", then not only our native Taiwan industry would get supported but also we would deliver the best symbol for the churches' commemoration of our forebears in faith and our strong commitment to take up our mission and responsibility. |