This past year (1994) has seen a world in turmoil, at least this is one that is displayed on the news media. It has seen struggles within countries and between countries. We have seen the tragedy in Rwanda, the continued conflicts in Bosnia and Chechnya. On the other hand some of the positive pictures in this year's history book, are those from South Africa, Ireland, Haiti, and the attempted peace efforts between Israel and the PLO. It is a challenge to balance the negative images with the positive ones, yet we must or else we despair. This is the world in which the church is placed to minister in Christ's name. In the following report we have tried to show some of the positive things that are happening in Taiwan, as well as those things about which we have major concerns. It is our hope that you will be encouraged to pray for us, and join us in the mission of sharing the Good News of Christ with the world.
I. NATIONAL AND SOCIAL NEWS
ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT
Recognized around the world as one of the robust economies, Taiwan continues to rank high in Asia, and has given bigger countries strong competition. Its GNP for this past year was US$11,296, up 7.04 percent since last year. Taiwan's rankings on several indices show the following:
- Taiwan ranks as the world's third best country for investment, next to Japan and Switzerland (Business Environment Risk Intelligence S.A.). The BERI report evaluation is based on three major indicators, (1) operation risk index, (2) the political risk index, and (3) repatriation capabilities.
- Taiwan's NT$ dollar is the world's fifth strongest currency following Japanese yen, Swiss franc, Deutsche mark, and Singapore dollar.
- ranked 18th, most competitive economy, 4th in Asia (compiled by World Economic Forum and International Management Development Council)
- early in 1994 Taiwan was the fourth largest trading partner of the USA (January), with a two-way trade of $3.7 billion for the month - 13.3 percent over January 1993. Mainland trade with the USA for the same month was $3.29 million.
- Taiwan is 2nd in per capita steel consumption (manufacturing) ahead of Japan.
It was reported that while 1.2 billion people in China have produced $430 billion dollars worth of goods, the 21 million people in Taiwan have produced more than half of that amount. During the past 40 years, Taiwan has registered an 8.8% economic growth rate, and an unemployment of less than 2%. Reasons usually given for this high rate are related to direct investment by Japan, rigid control of inflow of speculative capital, agrarian reform, education revolution, active state participation in economy and high interest rates. In addition aggressive export policy, strong fiscal incentives and subsidies to enterprises have aided in this development. On the other hand, former Finance Minister, Wang Chien-Shien says that Taiwan's economic stability is being negatively affected by money politics, corruption and the DPP's drive to make Taiwan independent from mainland China. Public resistance to projects (example, Taiwan's fourth nuclear power plant) is seen by Economics Minister a major deterrent to growth. Much talk goes on about making Taiwan a regional financial center, but currently only 62 financial institutions operate foreign exchange transactions, compared to 400 in Hong Kong, and more than 200 in Singapore. The average foreign money transactions volume in Singapore reaches about US$80 billion a day, and US$50 billion in Hong Kong, but barely US$40 billion in Taiwan. Financial institutions are still restricted in many ways. Reportedly what is needed are additional liberalization, internationalization, and discipline of Taiwan's financial services industry.
Taiwan investors are focussing more on South East Asia. Ventures in Indonesia have jumped 31 times compared to 1993. During the first three quarters of 1994, 36 investments exceeded US$2.46 billion. Taiwan is the 3rd largest investor in Indonesia, after Japan and Hong Kong. It is a popular location for those who do not want to put all their "eggs in the China basket". Taiwan ranked the number one investor in Malaysia this past year, and is Malaysia's fourth largest trading partner. In Vietnam, Taiwan is the leading supplier of capital. In China, Taiwan's favorite investment target is Shanghai. Food processing and beverage industry dominated Taiwan's investment. An example of Shanghai investment is the recent approval of a US$6 million dollar project by Evergreen Group to build a container yard in Shanghai. Evergreen may invest another US$74 million to operate container terminals, trucking and other harbor facilities. Toy firms see Mexico as a gate to the USA. Alliances including with Mainland China are foreseen as Taiwan toy manufacturers are seeking to make inroads into the lucrative US market. China semi-finishes toys, and Mexico completes the final assembly before delivery to the USA, tariff free.
Foreign investments in Taiwan were higher in 1994, reversing a declining trend. Japan continues to be the top supplier of capital, with the USA investments a close second. The amounts invested are almost double of what they were in 1993. There are more cooperative ventures, Taiwan/Japan, coming in the future in spite of production costs more costly than on the Mainland. Insiders say that the high tech quality is superior in Taiwan, thus the improvement in investment is seen.
Exports to the USA during the first 10 months of this past year amounted to US$20 billion, with US$17.13 billion to Hong Kong and US$10.44 billion to Europe. Computers have become Taiwan's top industry. The information industry has the potential to become the islands leading business in the future. Taiwan is the world's second biggest supplier of PCs and monitors. Textile exports to China grew 115.7% last year. If this was maintained through 1994, it will have replaced Hong Kong as the largest source of textile imports to mainland China. Although move toward capital intensive (CI) vs. labor intensive (LI) is growing, labor intensive still makes up the highest % of the exports (LI 39% CI 29%), increasing to other Asian countries, but losing a competitive edge in Japan and USA and Europe markets.
Nearly 25 million automated teller machine cards have been issued by the end of 1994 and an estimated NT$3 trillion has been withdrawn from the machines. While speaking of bank cards, Visa cards were first introduced to Taiwan six years ago. It has been growing at an incredible speed. More than 1.75 million Visa cards were recently issued here. When Visa cards were first issued here, the annual growth was 100% the first three years. Now it still continues to grow rapidly at about 40 - 60%. Only about 50,000 stores now accept visa cards, but more stores are accepting the card as people prefer to carry the card rather than cash. While the popularity of credit cards has increased, the card holders not are completely pleased with the overall performance of most card companies in Taiwan. Survey showed customer satisfaction dropped from 71% to 56% this year, showing customer demand and expectations for higher quality service.
DEFENSE
The biggest threat to Taiwan's security has been the continual threat of China to invade the island. Several books and articles have been written this year about "T-Day" which speculated that China would attempt an invasion in August 1995. Japan's mass circulated Sankei Shimbun printed an exclusive report that mainland China has drafted a plan to take Taiwan by force before 1996. Recent USA reports, however, nix this idea as not likely in view of other realities. Reactions to these warnings are polarized along ideological lines. Those favoring reunion believe the danger is real and imminent. Those advocating independence dismiss the warnings as scare tactics designed to frighten separatists into submission. China submarines have been seen in Taiwan's territorial waters frequently, causing the military to be somewhat nervous. Mid-September, mainland China conducted a military maneuver deploying more than 200 warplanes, 40 submarines, and other vessels in a large amphibious drill on Dongshan Island along its south eastern coast facing Taiwan. This apparently targeted Taiwan as the hypothetical rival. The Defense Department is calling for a 10% increase in their budget for 1995/96, which if passed would amount to 24.5% of the national budget. Military chiefs want to purchase submarines, however, most countries refuse to sell, due to the displeasure they might incur from China. On the other hand, many countries would like to sell defensive weapons to Taiwan. Some of the purchases made recently (mostly from the USA and France) are fighter aircraft, air defense missile systems, tanks, tank landing ships, early warning and command control aircraft. Military personnel are harder to come by, as more people do not consider enlisting or making the military a career. Women have been accepted into the Armed Forces Academies for the first time, this year. One newspaper headline read, "Have planes, need pilots," emphasize the need for more pilots to fly the new locally build IDF's and the new hardware purchased from overseas.
CRIME
At the end of the year, police reported the crime rate actually had decreased. Part of this was due, they said, to the current crack down on drugs. Meanwhile minors (teenagers) involved in crime increased. Female criminals are more common now, with over 24,000 arrested in 1994. Gambling, drug abuse and narcotics trafficking were most common offences. Women's arrests increased 273% in the past decade.
Underground criminals continue to be the most serious group in Taiwan, influencing elections, intimidate legislators and judges, and influence 90% of the construction projects, violating free trade. Shooting and damage to properties are reported frequently. Judges are asking for more protection as recently some have been shot at and sprayed with hydrochloric acid. Known gangs in Taiwan number 1,236 with a membership of 10,582, it was reported.
One rather disturbing incident occurred in Pingtung where a County Commissioner was involved in a shooting and death of a rival triad gang member. The Commissioner was the owner of a gambling establishment which had lost a large sum of money to another gang 'brother' in a gambling event. When an attempt was made to retrieve the money lost, a fight ensued and a 'brother' was killed.
Piracy of books, software, CDs, etc., so prevalent in Taiwan has now come home to roost as other countries, notably China, have begun pirating Taiwan's software. Chinese language operating systems are often duplicated and distributed in China and Hong Kong. New piracy laws enacted recently reflect a yearning for respectability in a society tired of being an international outcast. It also reflects a financial concern as pirating has cost Taiwan businessmen considerable sums of potential income.
White collar crime is evident through bribery and vote buying during election campaigns. Other instances were brought to the public attention involving a land scandal where agricultural designated land was changed to recreational. Of 1,302 persons indicted for bribery, 957 were government employees and elected representatives. The actual cash involved amounted to over NT$2.25 billion between October 1993 and July 1994.
GOVERNMENT
The December election was the big event of the year, with CHEN Shui-Bian (DPP candidate) winning over the incumbent KMT Mayor Huang. The Provincial Governor position was filled by James Soong, former KMT General Secretary, and another KMT candidate was elected as mayor in Kaohsiung. This was the first popular election for the governor's position, so this was a crucial test of the growing democratic movement in Taiwan. While generally the election was nonviolent, some rather violent actions were noted.
The March elections of city and county officials were very competitive with charges of much corruption and vote buying. One third of the elected officials (total of 292) were indicted on election irregularities. Some of the payments came in the form of arranging local and overseas sightseeing trips in return for votes.
Continual conflict has gone on between the role of the National Assembly and the Legislative Yuan, each trying to take over each other's powers, sparking serious disputes. Assemblymen say that the lawmakers are incapable of doing their job. The news media carried lawmakers' brawls, fist fights, face slapping, to the point that parents have voiced feelings that this action is not suitable for children to watch on TV. All of this may undermine the people's confidence or faith in democracy. Some legislative yuan members are ashamed and embarrassed by the inefficiency of the parliament. There has been much talk about abolishing the National Assembly during the year; the rationale being that the Legislative Yuan should become the sole Congress. The National Assembly will have no reason to exist after direct elections are in place. Others are concerned about the Legislative Yuan, pointing to the conflict taking place on the floor, embarrassing violent acts. Someone said "we pay while the world laughs at us". The news carries the happenings of the body as some "after dinner joke". Seven years after lifting of martial law, Taiwan is still learning how to operate under a democratic system.
This was the year for greater exposure and effort in gaining recognition and promoting Taiwan as a member of the United Nations. More and more overseas support is coming for entry into the UN. James Lilley, former Ambassador to China and chief of the US Mission to Taiwan, said recently that a way must be found to persuade the PRC not to block Taiwan's entry. President Clinton's actions regarding improving Taiwan relations fell short of expectations. However, a slight improvement was seen in that senior trade, economic and technical officials can now visit Taiwan.
In the USA, the House of Representatives approved an amendment to the Taiwan Relations Act, which would allow visits by the ROC President and other high ranking officials for purposes of discussing a range of issues relevant to bilateral ties. However, it was expected that the President would veto anything that would amend the Act.
Illegal radio stations made a big hit this year, as more than 80 stations came on the air without government approval. Demonstrations and some near riots occurred in protest of the government's policy controlling the airwaves. To date, around 70 stations have been legalized, while a few unregistered ones are still defying government registration. A large Hakka group demonstrated, crying discrimination, since they applied for a frequency but so far have been denied.
CHINA
China continues to block Taiwan whenever it can. It stopped President Lee from attending the Asian Games in Japan. It blocked Taiwan's attempt to join the UN and forced Pres. Lee to bow out of attending the APEC meetings in Indonesia. China continues to warn the USA and Japan against treating Taiwan as a separate government. At the Asian Games in Japan, Vice Premier Hsu Li-Teh attended amidst strong protests by Bejing.
Visit by mainland official Tang Shu-Bei, caused some anger by local citizens, protestors at the airport were thwarted by rerouting Mr. Tang's exit. The talks included cross straits handling of hijackers and fishing disputes. There was also a push to allow Mainland Chinese businessmen (who work for Taiwanese) to be allowed to come to Taiwan for visits, and training.
Illegal mainland China workers on Taiwanese ships, off the coast of Ilan and Suao live in "boat hotels" and not allowed to come ashore. During typhoon storms, when boats were not allowed to come into the harbor, some lives were lost, causing further strained relations between Taiwan and China.
ROC officials estimate that between 15,000 and 21,000 Taiwan companies have invested in China with a total estimated US$20 billion. Recently reports are that Taiwan's "mainland fever" is cooling, yet the mainland remains the number one investment destination for Taiwan investors.
Scholars from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan are discussing the possibility of unifying the Chinese language. Simplifying characters has created a rupture between Taiwan and China, and between the young and the old. In Taiwan some foreign names are written five different ways. There should be some method of developing a common standard for spelling of foreign names and words.
SOCIAL
The new wealth that Taiwan residents have gathered is now spent on refurbishing their homes, buying of luxury automobiles, and travelling. Considerable amounts are spent on sending children to overseas universities and purchase of second homes abroad. While the middle class of Taiwan's society has grown, the few very wealthy control much of the industry and business. It is reported that the top 100 richest individuals and families on the island account for 23.62 percent of the gross national product (GNP) this past year.
Education news reports a higher college and university enrollment with 654,000 students enrolled in 125 colleges and universities island wide. Through the university exam system 45% of those who took the annual entrance tests passed and were admitted to the Fall Semester classes. This is up slightly from 1993 figures.
This year for the first time, the testing committee made special arrangements for physically handicapped test takers. There has been an attempt to drop the three principles from the joint entrance exam, and have the current compulsory military training reclassified as a non-credit elective. This remains to be dealt with in 1995.
Campus violence - recent acts of violence in elementary and high schools have increased, putting both students and teachers at risk. This is a serious problem in a country that has traditionally had great respect for teachers and education. Some measures to restore order and discipline in the schools are important. Some teachers fear to enforce discipline for fear of being physically attacked by students or students' parents. There is a growing concern for the lack of teaching and development of moral values. If this situation continues, Taiwan will not only be an "island of greed" as some call it, but also an island of crime.
Students and women supported a demonstration to expose sexual harassment in the university and the work place. This seems to be a growing problem in the country. One university coed accused a professor of rape, causing his dismissal from his job. Other cases came to light at that time, as women are becoming more courageous in speaking out against various kinds of abuse.
The sad news reported about the sex trade is that more than NT$100 billion is being spent annually on child prostitution. Someone said this is Taiwan's largest industry. This is an issue of humanity more than an issue of pornography. Instead of coming up with strong measures to curb the problem, the government often argues that the UNICEF figures are over estimated. The problem will continue as long as the government and the society think that child prostitutes are someone else daughters and sisters.
Food poisoning has become an increasing hazard for diners. Food safety needs more attention by the Health officials. A general scare occurred during the year involving the practice of putting pork on the market from diseased pigs, or those which died of various causes. For several weeks, the price of pork dropped and farmers lost considerable income.
The news media in Taiwan reflects a change in advertising. The TV now replaces newspapers as top advertising medium as seen in more revenues collected than all newspapers combined.
LABOUR
Under a newspaper headline, "what's hot and what's not?", a reporter explains which careers are most popular today. Top ranked careers were (1) life insurance, (2) information service, and (3) securities. Manufacturing was listed as most unappealing.
Domestic labor costs for manufacturing industry rose faster than those of other East Asian countries (over the past few years). Taiwan's hourly labor production cost of US$5.46 was the highest among the four Asian dragons, topping Singapore, South Korea, and Hong Kong. While higher than some of its neighbors, Taiwan's labor costs are about one 4th of labor in Japan.
Work force: 44.83% of the women work outside the home, college educated women get one 4th less than the men. Without college women earn only 57% of wages compared to men. The Council of Labor Affairs - abolished rule of Cooperatives that said that females must resign if they marry. This is the first time the government has taken a major step to curb gender biased policy among Taiwan's financiers. The result of a government labor inspection showed that 35.4% of the local companies failed to furnish labor insurance for workers required by law. Many also failed to let workers have weekly (weekends) or annual leaves.
One of the big issues of labor is the matter of foreign labor. Much of Taiwan's industry is calling for foreign labor, and yet very often they are not treated very well. Many foreign laborers run away, just before expiration dates of their contract. Over 5,000 have run away this year. Approx. 200,000 foreign workers are in Taiwan. Foreign maids often run away due to ill treatment, with practically no free time. The local newspapers carry pictures of runaways every day. Many foreign workers get only one-half of what locals get which reveal that the system is exploitive. They are already doing the "3-d" work (dangerous, dirty, and difficult) and should be paid equally for equal work. Foreign workers are often banned from marrying Taiwanese. Finally, some bosses fail to remit part of their pay to home country. Fishing companies can hire foreign laborers up to one-half of their total employees. It is estimated that 10,000 Mainlanders are employed each year by fishing companies, where they live on "floating hotels" which are not allowed to dock on Taiwan.
Document checks by police at places of worship frequented by foreign workers came under heavy criticism as irresponsible and constituting an infringement on religious freedom. Earlier this year this occurred at Taipei International Church, Agape International Center, St. Christopher's Catholic Church, Mother of God Catholic Church (all in Taipei), and in other cities in Taiwan. Documents were asked from all members of the congregation which had large numbers of Filipinos, and also Americans and local Taiwan residents.
ENVIRONMENT
Rapid industrialization, densely populated urban areas, drastic changes in life styles of local people have brought about serious environmental problems. Deteriorating environment is the other side of the "economic miracle", deteriorating environment. Poor air quality, due to dust from construction sites, excessive energy use, and industrial wastes all adds to the discomfort of people living in Taiwan. With limited water resources, it becomes serious when residents waste four million metric tons of water daily (mostly in urban areas).
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which met in Florida, denied journalists from Taiwan to cover its annual meeting. The excuse given by CITES (the UN wildlife conservation arm) is that Taiwan is not a UN member. This exposes the hypocrisy of the world body which professes to uphold press freedom. Perhaps more hypocritical is the fact that the UN deems Taiwan a "nonexistent entity" yet at the same time requiring Taiwan to live up to CITES wildlife conservation standards just like any other sovereign state. Speaking of wildlife, in October government officials seized 400 ivory tusks, the largest amount ever smuggled into Taiwan (penalty is two years, or fine of NT$20,000, minuscule in face of value smuggled). So far, the smuggling ring has not been found.
One of the nice things that happened to Taipei this year was the creation of the Ta An Park, although officially opened in March it was not completed until later in the year. The project involved moving over 2,600 legal and illegal residents who refused to move. This 26-hectare site includes a pond, open theater, children's recreation area, and lovely flower gardens. An underground parking lot is currently still under construction.
Housing on Orchid Island has been in the news as local residents complained to the government that the buildings were unfit to live in, dangerous to sleep in, all because the contractors had used sea sand in the construction. Roofs were falling in, and in general the buildings began deteriorating rapidly.
Gallup Organization took Taiwan Power Company to court when it distorted an opinion survey done by Gallup and failed to retract advertisements which it placed in the newspapers which said that their survey showed 12 million people supported a nuclear power plant project. Actual data showed 57.8 percent of the people over 20 years old support the plant (2,000 people responded to the survey).
Nuclear protests became anti-KMT and strongly pro-Taiwanese, as most speeches were done in the Taiwanese language. The USA got into the picture as foisting nuclear technology on Taiwan. An advertisement in local Chinese news gave a terrorist declaration against nuclear power plants in Taiwan and in the USA. Their statement read "We are prepared to take extreme measures by pointing the head of the spear directly to America, wherein we will do our utmost to conduct active operations in U.S. territory for the purpose of destroying all existing nuclear power plants to protect our tiny island of Taiwan. "
The government is going ahead with the 4th Nuclear Plant, regardless of the public opinion. It will be located in Kungliao village in Taipei County. Lin Yu-hsiung, prominent opposition figure in Taiwan held a six-day hunger strike to collect signatures from supporters of a referendum on the construction of the fourth nuclear plant. He collected over 100,000 signatures in six days.
Garbage is a continual problem for Taipei and other large metropolitan areas. Taipei alone produces about 3,400 tons of garbage daily. Several incinerators are being installed in Taipei (Mucha, Neihu, and Shih-Lin), which will also produce electricity for sale to Taiwan Power Company.
TOURISM
Fewer tourists travelled abroad this summer due to several overseas disasters earlier in the year. In July and August (which is usually the peak) numbers were 30% less then last year. Qiandao Lake tragedy and the China Air Lines crash in Nagoya added to a general fear of travelling in Asia. Meanwhile, the number of tourists traveling to USA, Canada, and Europe increased.
Due to visa free entry for some countries, visiting tourists reached a near all-time high. Approximately two million tourists visited the island, 30% of them coming under the visa free provision. This is 15% up from 1993. The average spent by tourists in Taiwan per day is US$198.09. In spite of this increase, Taiwan still has low occupancy rates in hotels, in fact the lowest in Asia. Meanwhile local air travel increased greatly, as new airlines, and added flights fill the skies. Currently about 18 million traveled by air this year. This number is expected to double to 36 million in three years.
DRUGS
It has been over a year since Premier Lien Chan declared "War on Drugs". Since then, 60,000 people have been arrested on drug charges. Hong Kong dealers faced with the pending turnover of the colony to the PRC are shifting their operations to Taiwan, using it as a transportation center. Several times this past year large amounts of heroin have been seized by the authorities. Some 1.7 tons of heroin is reportedly in storage in the Bureau of Investigation's special drug vault. Most drugs originate in Thailand or China. It is estimated that there are between 300,000-400,000 drug users in Taiwan. The US depicts Taiwan as a market and a transshipment port for South East Asian heroin and a safe haven for drug fugitives. The Justice Department criticized the report.
II. PCT CHURCH REPORT
CHURCH AND SOCIETY COMMITTEE
The several organizations or programmes of the PCT that deal with human suffering, injustice and loss of dignity, have continued to serve their various constituencies. The Disabled Concern Center has mobilized more resources for broadening their ministries, including for their building project. It has encouraged more people to learn signing, to be able to communicate with the hearing impaired persons. More churches and institutions are becoming more aware that their facilities must be made more user-friendly for those with some physical limitations. The Rainbow Project (RP) which serves young girls who have been trapped into prostitution, and those who are at high risk, has developed a new project called "Tribal Working Station". This concept of the station is a preventive measure to educate families and young girls of the dangers and methods used by brothel owners to entice young people into the profession. The Government has been encouraged by this new project, so much so that they have recently given RP a grant amounting to NT$3 million. The Taipei Women's Development Center continues to work with women with no income, or with no family financial support systems. The Fishermen's Service Center and the Labor Concerns Center have cooperated in supporting a labor law for fish-workers. Currently, there is little protection for fish-Workers from unscrupulous or corrupt boat owners while working on the high seas. The FSC recently has provided teams to speak to high schoolers, especially in the aborigine areas, warning them about future work prospects in the fishing industry and the matter of bad contracts.
Following the Qiandao Lake Incident, where 24 Taiwanese were killed in China, the C & S Committee took this opportunity to distribute fliers promoting that "Taiwan is Taiwan" and "China is China". Following this episode, a "Pastoral Care and Social Concern" meeting was held with approximately 40-50 PCT pastors attending. Pastors were encouraged to promote Taiwan Independence.
During the December elections, the Committee produced video tapes on the topic of "clean elections" (non vote buying) and distributed them for use in churches. Also, the video was shown on the so-called "4th TV Channel", since the regular TV channels were all government controlled. In preparation for the presidential elections, which will take place in 1996, the Committee drafted a description of the kind of president the people of Taiwan wants. Some of the attributes included the following: (1) able to lead the country into the international community, as an independent sovereign nation, (2) develop a mutual peace with China, one where equality and harmony reign. (3) Personal qualities included courage, humility, charitable, advocate of justice and human rights.
The C & S Committee conducted a fund raising campaign for assistance to Rwanda refugees. Over a six-months period, they raised a little over NT$3 million. At the same time, another fund for local disaster was initiated, to cover losses due to the six typhoons that hit Taiwan, and the extensive damage caused by flooding. Several overseas churches and friends abroad also donated monies for typhoon and flood relief as churches and homes were destroyed in these storms. At least 10 churches suffered damage or were totally destroyed. Some say this was the worst damage in forty years. One elder commented on the flooding in Kaohsiung and Tainan, saying that it was the worst he had seen in 60 years.
UNIVERSITY AND YOUTH
Two seminar programs that involved university student were (1) cultural exposure and (2) Human Resource Development leadership training conference. The cultural exposure programme provided the opportunity for Taiwanese students to live in an Aboriginal community, receiving introduction to a different culture, and learn about some of the problems minority groups face in the rural aboriginal areas. The HRD leadership training conference focused on studying the constitution of the ROC, social movement in Taiwan, and leadership training. About 50 university students participated in this event and helped write a report about the future of Taiwan and "what it means to be Taiwanese". Both of the summer programmes were sponsored by the Higher Education Committee.
Pre-college youth participated in a conference at Puli Youth Camp in September. The main theme of the gathering was on Han and Aborigine relations. 30 youth sought ways to increase cooperation and unity between different social and ethnic groups in Taiwan.
CHURCH WOMEN
In November the PCT's Women's Ministry Committee (WMC) hosted the 10th Assembly of the Asian Church Women's Conference in Hsinchu. Participants included 127 women from seventeen countries in Asia. Daily worship services were prepared and led by women from different countries. Topics related to "partnership" were discussed in the small groups, and in plenary sessions of the conference. Building partnership without strain, oppression, and inequality, was stressed in the sessions. Keynote addresses were given by Dr. Lucy T. H. Kao, and Rev. C. S. Yang, General Secretary. All these speakers and topics pointed out the need for us to become "one" in the body of Christ, and through this will offer a "beautiful testimony" to the world.
The WMC and a group of women from the Taiwan Theologically Trained Women's Association jointly held a seminar on "women doing theology". The message of the seminar was that women have made great strides in recent years, BUT, there is much more to be done. One of the avenues to promote the cause of women, it was suggested, is to do more publishing of articles of interest to church families. The WMC held a Women's Spirituality Workshop. This focussed on the integration of community service with service and involvement in the church. Much needs to be done with regards to changing the relationship of the local church with the community. Making the church an asset of the community was the focus of the workshop.
A group of PCT women from Taiwan attended the East Asia Women's Forum. Unfortunately, some unfriendly countries' representatives made it difficult for the Taiwan participants. "Political meddling" was much greater than expected.
HAKKA WORK
The Hakka people of Taiwan, as reported earlier, have the least numbers of Christians (percentage-wise). With an estimated three million Hakkas in Taiwan, they represent the least reached people with the Gospel in this country. Most of the churches are rural or semi-rural, with very few ministers willing to serve them. The Hakka Committee has given support to these small rural churches, but much more needs to be done. Help is available for training of workers, summer camps, Sunday school camps, and other youth activities. Mother tongue language training, translation of additional scriptures (currently only the New Testament is available), hymns, publishing of romanized primers and reading books are all activities which the Hakka Committee has been supporting. Through the Yr. 2000 Gospel Movement, the PCT Hakka Committee networks with other groups that are serving the Hakka communities. The women of the church are asking for an annual Hakka Women's Prayer and Fasting meeting. The urban Hakkas are asking for more emphasis on Hakka ministry in Taipei City. There is a move to consider the need and possibility of establishing a Hakka Presbytery which would better serve the struggling churches.
ACTIVE ABORIGINES
A new aboriginal Presbytery formed in the central Taiwan, called Central Bunun, with a membership of 18 churches fulfilled a twenty year dream of the district. These churches are scattered within three counties (Taichung, Nantou, and Changhua). While financially, these churches are not-well-off, they have high spirits and anticipate a fruitful future.
The Tayal aborigines in Taoyuan held a press conference and protested the local government's renting out their land to a recreational firm to build an amusement park. The land, about 125 acres, had been given to the Tayals and provided a meager income and livelihood for several small villages of Kao-yao. It appeared that a number of public officials and businessmen collaborated together to take advantage of the aborigines. Yes, this is an old story. The matter still has to be settled in court.
The Amis Overseas Mission Committee (AOMC) sent a young missionary to the Philippines. Ms. Chen, Mei-li, former staff member at Yushan Theological College, began studying the local language and will begin teaching at the Union Christian College in Northern Philippines. Ms. Chen is the second missionary sent out under the AOMC.
Aborigines in Neihu district of Taipei, held a demonstration protesting the plan of the city to build a garbage disposal site in their village. After a long stand-off, the chief administrator in charge of this operation, apologized for not consulting them, and would seek an alternate solution.
Two Aboriginal leaders were charged with illegal assembly and given seven months sentence. They have filed for an appeal of that decision. The organizers of the assembly (parade and demonstration) were charged with not ending the parade at a specific time, and dispersing at the wrong location. The delay was due to the refusal of the Executive Yuan to hear their case or accept their petition. The petition was related to relaxing of the restrictions on hunting and fishing, return of land, and the easing of restrictions of entry and exit of mountain areas.
Yamis on Orchid Island protested government build houses, which were build with sea sand. Using sea sand caused ceilings to fall apart within ten years, making the houses unlivable. When inspected by a civil engineer's group, it was found that all the houses build by the government there, were substandard and should be condemned as residences. In September the Yamis came to the Legislative Yuan to make their protest and appeal. They also asked the PCT, as a whole, to support their cause.
YAMI BIBLE TRANSLATED
The completed New Testament in the Yami language was published after eight years of tedious and intensive work of several linguists, both from Taiwan and overseas. This is the latest of the Taiwanese aboriginal Bibles to be published in the past few years. Though it will serve a very limited minority group, living on Orchid Island, it will be a useful tool for helping to preserve the local language and provide God's Word to those who wish to study it in their own language. This translation effort involved cooperation of three church bodies, the Catholic Church, Assembly of God Churches, and the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan. The principal translation team included Chang, Hai-yu and Wang Rong-Chi from Orchid Island, and from overseas Virginia Larson and Rosemary Thomson, both under SIL/PCT. Prior to these eight years of current translation work, some early individual effort was made at translating portions of the New Testament by Grace Wakeland who lived on Orchid, ministering to the Yami over a period of twenty years or so.
A DREAM COMES TRUE (Education Committee)
Monday, 9 January 1995 witnessed the opening and Dedication service of the PCT General Assembly Christian Education Centre. The property is conveniently situated in the building adjoining the PCT General Assembly Office. We thank God for the gift of these facilities to carry out His mission. While some members thought this venture was an impossible dream, the Education Secretary never concerned himself with the financial aspect believing and trusting that God would provide the resources to fulfill His will. So focusing his energies on the vision to develop an effective Christian Education Centre which would, among other things, provide resources for Sunday School curriculum, publications, teachers' training, research etc. he stepped out in faith and signed a contract on July 1994 committing the Education Committee to the purchase of an apartment at a cost of US$600,000. Contributions came in the form of freewill offerings from local church congregations and individual members and friends - within six months the total amount received has already reached the half way mark - Jehovah Jireh!
This coming July will see completion of the fourth year in the Sunday School curriculum cycle for children and the sixth year cycle for the summer vacation curriculum. Also from July we will begin a new curriculum for youth with emphasis on knowing the Old Testament and New Testament, church life, social life and personal faith development. Already six books focusing on Old and New Testament Bible studies for adults and one book on church life. Added to which books are available for the training of Deacons and Elders.
By now our Centre includes staff members who focus on the needs of Sunday school teachers providing a teacher's guide in the form of a quarterly magazine (free of charge). A newly installed "help line QNA" is already proving popular as teachers call up to discuss their needs and share their experiences. Through this system we are trying to establish a Sunday School teachers' organization and help them develop their teaching skills as well as sharing our mission vision. These provisions are available to all denominations and not limited to PCT.
The Lamb magazine, now into its third year, continues to serve as a tool introducing Christian education into the home. Already through this magazine we have built up a network of writers and artists, which includes over 50 persons, who offer their skills to help children learn about the Christian faith.
New publications include a series of children's books complied from The Lamb magazine articles. We hope that three books will be issued annually. This year an unexpected request came from the Government's Ministry of Interior! MI are impressed with articles published in The Lamb magazine to the extent that they asked us to assist in the publication of materials for distribution and use in elementary schools dealing with the issues of children's human rights. While the Christian Education Centre will be responsible for the content and publication the Government will provide the necessary funding.
A Christian Education Association was founded on 18 April 1994. This is an independent group started by several PCT Christian educators. This Association has a five-fold purpose:
1. Awake the Church to respect Christian Education
2. Pursuing academic study
3. Nurturing and organizing Christian Education Personnel
4. Elevating Christian Education professional skills
5. Enhance Christian Education Vision
We hope through the commitment and efforts of our Christian Education Centre and the Christian Education Association our vision will be realized and in time the fruits of the labours will honour the Lord. "Blessed are those who trust in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:7, 8 [NRSV]
EVANGELISM COMMITTEE
The Evangelism Committee in connection with the Yr. 2000 Gospel Movement has a goal of 300,000 believers, 1515 churches island-wide by the Year 2,000. Some of the focus of this work is to sponsor prayer and fasting meetings and retreats to foster personal growth and refreshment for ministry. Members are encouraged to show more concern for unbelievers through attending weddings and funerals which provide opportunities to tell the Good News and to visit with one another. Encouragement is given for lay-persons to be involved in what they call "friendship evangelism".
The Committee is also involved in selection and training of mission recruits, for placement and support in overseas mission. Through the selecting process and encouraging support of the missionary, the Committee builds a relationship with those missionaries wanting to go abroad to serve. A better method of financial support base needs to be developed which is more worry free. The Committee is concerned about supporting the spiritual needs of Taiwan emigrants to other countries and also providing witness in truly cross-cultural environments, such as sending missionaries to South-East Asia.
MISSION RALLY AND REGIONAL SHARING MEETINGS
The year opened with the PCT's first denomination-wide Mission Rally (January) and came to a close with a series of regional sharing meetings both of which took the pulse of the church on a number of major issues. These two major events have helped shape some of PCT's thinking about the future as we enter the 21st century.
The Mission Rally was attended by over 900 church leaders and other resource persons. The Regional Sharing Meetings were well attended, as the General Assembly Staff met with pastors and laymen in various places on the island to open lines of communication between the local church and the bureaucracy of the PCT.
The Occasional Bulletin reported that the Mission Rally discussions covered
"strategies for carrying out a Christian mission fit for the 21st century, how to address the many special groups of 'mission targets' such as disabled, rural population, the Hakka, and the elderly; how to integrate faith and social concerns, and how to advocate for a democratic media".
It was also reported that resource persons were asked to speak on current topics of concern such as environment, nuclear power, AIDS, church resource management, and rural medical mission. During the four day conference 34 specific topics were presented and discussed.
INTERNATIONAL FORUM
The PCT planned and held an International Forum in February, which brought together twenty-eight foreign guests and over 50 Taiwanese church and community leaders. The Forum discussed not only the role of the PCT in the ecumenical community but also the problem of the status of Taiwan in the international arena. The crucial element of these discussions centered around the issue what happens to ecumenical solidarity when a church adopts political positions. In the case of the PCT, which supports the independence of Taiwan, it contradicts the stance of the CCC which adheres to the PRC stance on the "One China" politic. The ecumenical partners attending the forum left with a better understanding of the dilemma posed by the politics of the Taiwan/China region. The concern of the PCT about the fading support of its ecumenical partners was evident as some partner churches expressed limitations to solidarity in the eagerness to develop good relations with the CCC. The future is uncertain as CCC advances the political claim of the PRC and openly attempts to interfere in the relationships between the PCT and its ecumenical partners.
NO PRISON TERM FOR C. S. YANG
In August, the Supreme Court in Taiwan ruled that the General Secretary, Rev. C. S. Yang, would not have to serve a prison sentence for publicly urging a boycott of the United Daily News (one of Taiwan's most prominent newspapers). The Supreme Court overturned a lower court decision that ruled that Rev. Yang and three others were guilty of slandering the newspapers by urging the boycott and accusing it of media bias, particularly over the issue of Taiwan's claim to mainland China. Rev. Yang told the Ecumenical News Service (reported in the Christian Century) "what we had advocated should not have been subjected to trial. By trying us, what the court actually tried was the right to free speech. The favorable ruling does not mean the end of our campaign to democratize the media."
PCT/CWM SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME BRINGS TWO TO TAIWAN
This year a new program of inviting international students to one of our seminaries was initiated at Tainan Theological Seminary. Travel support was provided by CWM, while tuition, accommodations and pocket money was provided by the seminary and the General Assembly. The two students, Rev. Peter N'Gandu (Zambia) and Miss Lee Mi-Hwa (Korea) have been enrolled in a special course and exposure program that has helped them in understanding the work of the church in Taiwan, as well as equip them for further ministries in their own country. A winter break schedule includes a visit to Korea and Hong Kong, to meet with leaders of other CWM member churches.
VISITORS
While the PCT receives many important visitors each year, we do want to mention two special guests during the year. Firstly, the General Secretary of the WCC, Dr. Konrad Raiser visited the General Assembly, other church organizations and the Church Press offices. He also met with President Lee Teng Hui and with the opposition party (DPP) chairman, Shih Ming Teh. It had been twenty years since his first visit to Taiwan. Secondly, the PC(USA) Moderator, Rev. Robert Bohl, made his first visit to Taiwan in September. Accompanied by his wife and Dr. Insik Kim, he visited the church offices, Tainan Theological Seminary and Tunghai University officials. This was a rather crucial visit in view of the feelings of the PCT at the PCUSA's 206th General Assembly resolution on Taiwan. Both Raiser's visit and Moderator Bohl's visit reflected the concern of the ecumenical community about the relationship between the PCT and the China Christian Council.
SISTER CHURCHES
A formal relationship between the First Church in Taipei and the Vienna Taiwanese Church (Austria) was signed in October. The Vienna Church is a young church and the first in Europe to use the Taiwanese language. They are still looking for a regular pastor.
Another local church making ties with overseas churches this year was the Taichung Bin Chok Lo Church who signed an agreement with the Kawagoye Church in Japan. The Kawagoye Church is made up largely of second generation Taiwanese who have gone to Japan to study or carry on business. The congregation now have their own sanctuary which has been supported largely by contributions from friends in Taiwan.
PCT and OMF International Ink Agreement
Even though the OMF International has worked closely with the PCT for many years, this was the first signed agreement which spelled out the relationship and the assignment of missionaries within the PCT. A draft was written in 1976, but until now OMF missionaries were not assigned through the Missionary Personnel Committee, but rather made direct contact with PCT's churches or institutions. The PCT has appreciated the work of the OMF missionaries over the years, and look forward to a continued helpful working relationship in the future.
The PCT Supports "Taiwan in the UN"
In April, 1994, a delegation led by General Secretary, Rev. Yang, visited church leaders and governmental officials in Canada and the USA to encourage them to support Taiwan in the United Nations. In doing so, they wanted to let the international community know that the PCT identifies with the future of Taiwan, and desire that our friends overseas support this important endeavour of recognition of Taiwan by the world as a sovereign country. (See Appendix for "Statement of Purpose").
CHURCH LEADERS VISIT EASTERN EUROPE
Moderator S. S. Chen, General Secretary C. S. Yang, and Elder Susan Chang made a church visit to three Eastern European countries (Poland, Hungary, and Czech Republic) in April and May of 1994. A return visit to Taiwan by the Bishop Hegedus and Rev. Tamas of Hungary is planned for February, 1995. This exchange is an attempt to broaden our understanding of the changing world and churches' response, as well as to build bridges to new friends within the body of Christ. |
