The Most Famous Missionary in Taiwan

The Most Famous Missionary in Taiwan…

In July of 2022, Christianity Today carried the story of the 150th anniversary of Canadian missionary George Leslie Mackay’s arrival in Taiwan which was celebrated in 2022. Perhaps the country’s most beloved 19th-century Westerner, churches have reenacted his arrival, and several books are being published about the missionary. The Taiwan government even has a bio of him on their website. So, what made this foreigner worthy of this level of affection more than 100 years after his death?

In 1872, the Canadian missionary arrived in northern Taiwan (then called Formosa). Over the next 29 years, Mackay planted more than 60 churches and baptized more than 3,000 people. He started a college and a graduate school of theology. Mackay Memorial Hospital, named in his honor, is now a large downtown hospital in Taipei.

He also provided medical treatment. He and his students would sing a hymn to patients, extract their teeth, and then preach the gospel to them. Over the years, Mackay became known for having pulled thousands of teeth.

He insisted on identifying with Taiwan and the Taiwanese. Mackay spent more than half of the 57 years of his life on the island. Upon his arrival in Taiwan, he immediately began learning the language from the local boys herding water buffalo. Unlike most Western missionaries, he married a local woman, and they had three children. Embracing Taiwan as his adopted homeland, he touched the hearts of many Taiwanese and contributed to the conversion of many to Christianity. Before he passed, Mackay captured his love for the country by writing a still widely beloved poem: “How dear is Formosa to my heart! On that island the best of my years have been spent. A lifetime of joy is centered here … My heart’s ties to Taiwan cannot be severed! To that island I devote my life.”

A devoted life is a powerful thing for God! George Mackay was a servant of God and for God and perhaps only in eternity will the full extent of his service be revealed. He is a fitting reminder that all of us are to be servants for the Kingdom of God.

When it comes to servants, deacons are models for the congregation of God. They were birthed in the book of Acts for the very role of serving the Church. In fact, the term deacon, in the New Testament literally means servant. Today we will elect twelve men to serve a three-year term on our deacon body. All fifteen have either previously or recently been screened and interviewed and I can tell you that they are qualified to fill this vital role in our congregation.

Prayer Walkers… I mention this again this week as a reminder that we are fighting a spiritual war, and prayer is one of our greatest resources. I invite you to become one of what I pray is an army of believers who arrive here each Sunday a few minutes early to walk our halls, our campus, and our worship center praying for the presence and protection of God. Praying for the covering of His blood and praying for a move of the Holy Spirit in our gathering. No sign-up needed… let’s just do it!

Vermont Team… Let’s also being praying for a team of 20 who left yesterday to serve in Vermont at our partnership college. They will also be participating in a Revival meeting at First Baptist Church of Williamstown… God is already doing some amazing things there, let’s pray that He will expand the work. And Remember, God is always trying to take us someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,


Pastor Ray

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