December 9, 2005

Dear Friends,

We first drove to the village elementary school so my aboriginal guide could vote. Saturday was election day in Taiwan for county magistrates and city mayors. Elections in Taiwan are quite lively, with small trucks driving around the villages and cities with loudspeakers asking the citizens to support their candidate.

After voting, my guide’s wife drove us to the trailhead where we began our hike to a high mountain village. They had invited me to preach the next day, and I wanted to hike this time. The missionaries who came to share the good news with the aboriginal people would hike the steep mountain trails with aboriginal guides to reach remote villages. I usually drive, take the train or bus, or take a plane.

They had predicted rain, but the weather was perfect. We passed by huge pine trees that have been growing for centuries. As I looked up at them, I was thankful that they had escaped the logging by outsiders. We saw a number of different birds, including the Taiwan pheasant with its blue body and white tail. As we hiked, my tribal friend shared his faith story and how he is growing in his love for serving God.

We hiked for seven hours and finally reached a road near the village where one of the church members picked us up. When we arrived at our hosts’ home, they had prepared a hot bath in a small wooden bathtub. Although, I was a little big for the tub, the hot water felt wonderful.

That night the tribal family had prepared a special meal for us with pigs’ feet in a hot bean soup. The aboriginals make one feel very much at home, so it is always a privilege to stay with them. After dinner we drank tea and ate fruit and shared stories. The father of this family is a church elder. He told me that although he had only finished elementary school, he reads the Bible every day, and that is where he receives his wisdom. As I watched him interact with his children, grandchildren, and fellow villagers, I saw that wisdom in action.

The next morning I arose before 5:00 to join the church dawn prayer meeting. It was cold, and there was no heat in the church, but a good number had gathered to welcome the Sabbath. After the dawn prayer meeting, we had a bowl of flying squirrel soup for breakfast. The path that we had taken the day before is a favorite place for villagers to go at night and hunt for flying squirrels. After breakfast, I went with the church elder to feed his seven mountain pigs.

After worship, we joined the pastor and his wife, who is an evangelist, and the church elders for lunch. This time we ate flying squirrel meat, fish, cabbage, and other delicacies. Then we drank tea and ate sunflower seeds.

It was a wonderful time of fellowship with these tribal Christians. One of the elders loves to watch the NBA, and he talked about his favorite players. We drove one of the church member’s cars back to Taipei. That evening he left to take the same trail that we had hiked to hunt flying squirrels. He would arrive in Taipei on Monday morning, and then drive his car back to this village.

I am grateful for your support of and interest in the work in Taiwan. Wishing you the presence of Emmanuel in the new year.

Sincerely,

John McCall

The 2005 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 256