Tuesday, Morning, June 5, 2012 Ecumenical Guest and Presentation of the Hakka Bible – The Rev. Te-Chien (Andrew) Chang

The Rev. Te-Chien (Andrew) Chang was introduced by the Rev. Dr. Ron Wallace, Associate Secretary, International Ministries. Accompanying Rev. Chang were the Rev. Dr. Paul and Mrs. Mary Beth McLean. Dr. Wallace noted that Paul McLean and the Hakka Bible Translation Committee completed the translation of the Bible into the Hakka language and it was formally presented at the recent Presbyterian Church in Taiwan’s General Assembly. Dr. Vissers invited Paul McLean to address the court. Paul thanked the church for their support over the 26 years needed to produce the Hakka Bible and he read a passage from the Bible. He concluded by inviting the Assembly to join him in a favourite Hakka hymn.

Rev. Chang then addressed the Assembly. Rev. Chang is the General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan. He was ordained in 1977and began his ministry serving in a vibrant congregation in Tainan. After thirteen years in pastoral ministry, Rev. Chang took up the position of Program Secretary. He served in this capacity until 1998 and then was appointed as Associate General Secretary with the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan.

Upon completing his term as Associate General Secretary, Rev. Chang returned to pastoral ministry and served in a small outreach congregation in a Hakka community in 2001 called Erchon-Pu, Hsinchu. His pastoral ministry was short lived as he was elected General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan.

Rev. Chang brought greetings in Christ on behalf of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan. He shared the joy in the completion of the Hakka Bible which was presented at the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan’s General Assembly that occurred earlier this year. Rev. Chang presented a copy of the Hakka Bible to the Moderator, the Rev. Dr. John Vissers.

Rev. Chang offered thanks to the Rev. Dr. Paul McLean for his contributions over 26 years in the translation of the Bible into Hakka and to Louise Gamble and the Rev. Sidney Chang for their work in Taiwan. Rev. Chang honoured the Rev. Murray Garvin who passed away earlier this year while serving in Taiwan; he offered prayers and condolences to Rev. Garvin’s family.

Rev. Chang reminded General Assembly that a bird has two wings. One wing is for mission and one is for education. Both wings are necessary, said Rev. Chang.

He concluded his presentation by offering God’s blessings to General Assembly.

Hakka Bible Celebration at the 2012 General Assembly

On Tuesday, June 5, 2012, at the General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church in Canada, the Rev. Dr. Paul McLean is recognized for his work in developing the Hakka Bible translation. General Secretary of The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, Rev. Te-Chien Chang, thanks the PCC and Paul for their partnership over the past 28 years in this work.