Stories: Kaohsiung Mission Success
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| I sent this letter to President Baker in April of last year. I thought that everyone else might be interested in how things have changed since some of us "lau tou dz's" were serving in Kaohsiung.
George...I am in Taiwan now (Taipei) and returned late last night from visiting Chia Yi, where I finished out my mission. I wanted to tell you a little bit about what is happening in the Kaohsiung Mission. First of all, Chia Yi has really grown. I hardly recognized the city, but after 20 years I am not sure what I expected. The train station is still the same, and some of the prominent temples were unchanged. Still, it was not the town I knew. There are 18 missionaries in Chia Yi now. They have 2 wards, their own chapel, and are getting ready to divide and create a 3rd ward. The missionaries are outstanding there. They give me great hope that the blessings we all longed for on behalf of our Chinese brothers and sisters will truly come to pass. Chia Yi is having baptisms nearly every week. I attending one on Saturday night, where 2 new members (one from each ward) entered the waters. The mission goal for 2001 is 1260 baptisms. So far, they are right on track with over 500 to date. They had about 600 last year and about 250 the year before that. The members are really excited about the success, and it seems to be breeding even more success. To me, these numbers are staggering, yet they are also exciting. Most
investigators, from first contact to baptism, are taking about 3 weeks. Several recent converts, who were relatives of members, have been in even less time. They come to church, feel the spirit, and want to be a part of the gospel. Shin Ying will soon have a new chapel. It was just so exciting to see the
members and their diligence in living the gospel. One brother that I taught, who was baptized 10 months after I left, is now serving on the High Council. His daughter recently finished a mission on Temple Square. It has
taken a while to see these blessings come about, but I truly believe that miracles are being wrought among the people here in Taiwan. There is much to be grateful for, and the kingdom is truly growing here in ways we only dreamed about.
It was a very emotional weekend for me, because Chai Yi is so near and dear to my heart. I had to share this with someone who I knew would understand just what this would mean to an old missionary. I know that you are in regular contact with many of the other missionaries that were in Kaohsiung. Please feel free to share this information with anyone else that might be interested. I am sure that there are many.
We spent many years planting seeds. The harvest is now starting to be realized. It feels very good.
With my love and highest regards.
Kevin Spencer |
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