LCMS Short-Term Mission volunteers pose with participants of the English Bible Camp at Holy Word Church in Hsinchu City, Taiwan, in July 2024. (Holy Word Church)
Myles Williams is an elder at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Albany, Ore. He and other LCMS Short-Term Mission volunteers led the 2024 English Bible Camp in Taiwan from July 10-20. It was his first short-term mission trip, and he is now pondering long-term missionary service.
By Myles Williams, LCMS International volunteer
The 2024 English Bible Camp (EBC) in Taiwan, held in July, was not only my first mission trip; it was my first time to leave the United States. Some people tell me that I chose a big trip for my first time out of the country — after all, Oregon is a long way from Taiwan — but I know God sent me exactly where He wanted me to go.
I decided to fly out a few days earlier than was required for the program so I would have some time to overcome jet lag, acclimate to the very humid climate, and adjust to the food. I also wanted some time to sight-see before joining other LCMS Short-Term Mission team members.
A double rainbow is seen over Hsinchu City, Taiwan, after an afternoon storm in July 2024. (Myles Williams)
Residents walk through Hsinchu City, Taiwan, in July 2024. (Myles Williams)
First taste of Taiwan
When I landed at Taoyuan International Airport, I was in culture shock. I couldn’t understand what anyone was saying, and few people looked like me. Even though I had just gotten off a 12-hour flight from Seattle and was understandably exhausted, I decided to be adventurous and make the 60-minute trip to my Airbnb using the public bus instead of an app to call a taxi.
Despite the employee at the ticket counter not speaking English, I successfully purchased the ticket. I arrived at the Taipei Main Station without getting lost.
From the station, I managed to find my way to the MRT Red Line and took a relatively short trip to the last stop in Tamsui.
From the Tamsui station, I had to walk (with a suitcase and carry-on) 20 minutes uphill to an obscure alley where I would finally find the entrance to my Airbnb. Did I mention that I did all of this in the dark? It was also raining, and, combined with the high humidity, it felt like 115 degrees.
Nevertheless, I found the Airbnb. I was so relieved that I couldn’t help but stop and thank God for His guiding hand.
My first few days in Tamsui were exciting but not easy. I somehow didn’t have any jet lag at all (thank you, Lord), but I quickly realized Taiwan does not have a significant Christian presence. Separated not only from my family and friends but also from the church, I felt very lonely.
Tommy, second from right, helps interpret Mandarin during lunchtime conversation with LCMS Short-Term Mission volunteers at the English Bible Camp in Taiwan in 2024. (Holy Word Church)
Meeting Mindy
After a few days, I was ready to meet our host, Mindy Thews, who is a missionary serving through The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. One of the other volunteers, Samantha, was flying into Taoyuan that afternoon, so Mindy and I decided to meet for lunch while we waited for Samantha to clear Customs.
I made the trip back to Taoyuan, and, after a bit of navigational difficulty, I found Mindy.
I was ecstatic to see another English-speaking American, especially another member of the church. All the hopelessness and sadness I had felt since landing in Taiwan disappeared. I then understood that the people of Taiwan needed the church there to grow more than anything else. I realized how important it is for Taiwan to hear the Gospel.
After lunch, we met Samantha and traveled to our final location in Hsinchu.
LCMS Short-Team Mission volunteers hold pop-up books with the Bible stories for the week during a July 2024 English Bible Camp in Taiwan. The Rev. Dr. Joseph Lu, pastor of Holy Word Church in Hsinchu City, Taiwan, is pictured at right. (Cynthia Han)
Down to business
When all the volunteers made it to Holy Word Church in Hsinchu City, Taiwan (where we would be conducting the English Bible Camp), it was time to finish preparing for the camp and hammering out all the details about organizing such a massive thing.
From that moment, it felt like we were in a constant whirlwind of planning, organizing, briefing and debriefing. We spent a lot of time meeting the various organizers of the EBC on the Taiwan side.
Cynthia Han – the wife of the Rev. Dr. Joseph Lu, pastor of Holy Word – was the mastermind behind the camp. I am so thankful to have met Cynthia. Her faith in our Lord shines through in everything she says and does.
We also met the other congregational volunteers and interpreters for the camp. I wish I could have taken the time to talk about each of them.
A few of the volunteers I particularly appreciated were Jene, a Vietnamese Lutheran who helps with the Vietnamese service at the church on Sunday afternoons, and Tommy, an interpreter who spoke almost perfect American English, even though he has never been to the United States.
Tommy and I were able to share about our lives and struggles. I hope my testimony helps him as he navigates his walk with the Lord and considers his place in the church.
Some of the older male participants in the English Bible Camp enjoy music time at Holy Word Church in Hsinchu City, Taiwan, in July 2024. (Myles Williams)
The camp, the kids, the struggle
The camp was a huge success. Although Tommy had to go home sick about halfway through the week, we managed to do the work we needed to do.
Getting the children comfortable enough to practice their English was difficult. Eventually, most of them warmed up to at least trying to step outside their comfort zones to communicate in English.
One thing that stood out was how impactful my presence was to the older boys. During the music, most of the songs would incorporate sign language or physical activity to reinforce the lyrics. The music leader would occasionally have boys and girls alternate actions while singing.
It was during one of these times that I made a discovery. The older boys needed me to participate. They looked to me for guidance during the music time. I firmly believe that my willingness to do the actions with them helped them feel more confident in stepping outside their comfort zones.
As I watched the boys in the group look to me for leadership, I saw how essential male volunteers are to the mission field. These boys are the future leaders of their families, church, community and country. They need the men of the church to show them what Christian leadership looks like.
We are all well aware that Satan attacks families by attacking husbands and fathers in their role as spiritual leader. Serving as a volunteer in Taiwan showed me another example of how crucial it is for men to lead in the church and the mission field, even if that is only doing sign language to sacred music with a group of boys.
By the end of the camp, I felt like all the children were my children. It was so difficult to say goodbye. Some of the children also seemed to struggle with that final goodbye. Several of them lingered as they realized their parents were preparing to take them home. It was a bittersweet evening.
Children play games during an English Bible Camp that was led by LCMS Short-Term Mission volunteers at Holy Word Church in Hsinchu City, Taiwan, in July 2024. (Myles Williams)
LCMS Short-Term Mission team member Myles Williams takes a selfie with English Bible Camp volunteers and participants at Holy Word Church in Hsinchu City, Taiwan, in July 2024. (Myles Williams)
Answering the call
The spiritual ground in Taiwan is ready to be planted with the seeds of the Gospel. If you think God is calling you to mission work, please consider exploring short-term mission opportunities. Visit the LCMS International Mission website to search for opportunities to serve.
If you cannot serve on the ground but would still like to help spread the Gospel in Taiwan, please prayerfully consider providing a financial gift to a missionary in Asia.
From left to right: LCMS Short-Term Mission volunteers Samantha, Myles, Cullin, Peter, Joleen and Tommy are pictured during the English Bible Camp in Taiwan in July 2024. (Samantha Hoyt)
Visit lcms.org/servenow to find your opportunity to serve the Lord and His people internationally through the LCMS.