Chaochou is a small town located in South Taiwan on a plain. This plain is bordered on the west side by the South China Sea, and on the east side by the mountains. These tree-covered mountains are very pretty as clouds hang over their high peaks most of the time. Within the borders of these mountains is a tribe of Aborigines called the Taiwan and they are quite primitive with customs and language all their own. Recently some missionaries have attempted to put their language into writing.
Mark’s Gospel and Acts have been translated (for them), beside a few songs, - a few have them in their homes and are able to read them. They all work hard on the sides of these steep slopes seeking to inch out a living. Diet consists mainly of sweet potatoes and Yu-tu, also of a sweet potato root, no meat, eggs, or milk. At times they get wild game, but it is difficult to get them without rifles – only bow and arrow; some use traps to get the wild animals – the hogs that molest their fields in cooler weather. You often see men wearing skins of deer made into dress. Women like gay colours, long coverings and long wrappings, standard equipment. Young men often wear beads of bear tusks, horns, etc. These all tend to add flavour to the atmosphere of the hills; also make vivid their history of head hunting and the game that was played with the head in a basket. Heads were tossed into the air – with each trying to catch it in their basket, now it is played with a ball.
After coming to Chaochou, was out visiting one day and saw a servant girl working in a Taiwanese home. She said that she believed in Jesus and asked me why do not some go to her people and villages, and teach them the Gospel. She said “No one ever goes there”. She told me the village but it did not mean much to me, but often wondered about it and (if) the way would open up. This girl's family are now attending the meetings and seem interested. On a Sunday evening, November 11th, was out for a walk. Was walking down the street towards a Lutheran Church where a meeting was going on when a mountain man, about 25 years old came up and asked me if I was a Lutheran Preacher. He said he had come to see if someone would come to his village and teach them the "Way of God”. We talked for two hours and he did not go to the Lutheran preacher. He said he would go back and talk it over with the village and return on Wednesday morning. He returned and they wanted us to come. We then started our application to get three months' permit from the police to enter the aboriginal area. The following Thursday morning (Thanks-giving day) it came through; and in the evening we came up looking for Tai-e village, the last village up the river bed.
It surely seemed a long way. After checking in at the police stations, it took a couple of hours to get there. After leaving the checking station you are in the aboriginal area and an entirely different country, out across narrow trails, dry river beds that are raging torrents during typhoon, seasons, along little trails hanging on the sides of mountains, and up though beautiful canyons. Tai-e is a village on the side of a mountain. Homes are all together in long rows, everything is made of stone, even the roofs are slabs of slate all so neat and everything in order. These slabs of slate are brought up from the river bed and are quite large, perhaps 4 or 5 feet. We arrived about 5 pm. and the village was beginning to bustle with evening activity as its occupants were returning from the mountain. Women with loads of wood upon their backs, all trotting into the village.
There was a call on the mountain and some children by our side said it was hunters, and they were returning from the mountain and they had some game. Before long a scarcely clad man came with a deer. We had planned to return by dark - as it was fast getting so, but they said that the believers in the nearby village saw us come and would be over to the village for a meeting that night. We hadn't planned on this but stayed and Wolf came out. Soon darkness settled down and a little oil wisk was lit and that gave us light that we could distinguish walls, corners, dark faces, and opening into still dark quarters.
Different ones would slip in to see the “foreigners” a few words exchanged and then gone again as quickly as they slipped in. About 7 p.m. we went to another home and there was a big bowl of these sweet potato like vegetables, called Yu-tu, set before us. It surely was hard to dispose of some of it. Since 8pm the folks began to arrive and the meeting started - quite a few there. A few of their native songs were sung and I was to speak though an interpretation. Afterwards there was quite a discussion, and I came to find out that we were accepted and they were glad we could come. If I had known it was to be my trial sermon I would have been more scared than I was.
Then, there were questions. Why so many denominations? baptism? collections? what days should a Christian remember? etc. The meeting lasted till 10pm. and surely it was a joy to answer their questions with Jesus as an example. A couple of quilts were brought and the night was spent in "Tasus” home where the meeting was held. The bed bugs and mites weren't a help to induce sleep; daylight was welcome and with it the village activity of preparing to leave for the mountain to work in their fields. Breakfast came, as supper and several gathered with more questions and so glad we had planned a Sunday night meeting with them.
November 25th - Sunday p.m - Off to the meeting again; no checking in at the police stations this time. On the trail we met a mountain man, a preacher for the Nazarenes and the only one in South Taiwan. He said he had just been to our village and "Our Home” and taken his Bible and a bunch of pictures to give them a meeting; but they told him we were coming and they would have their meeting then. This was his first meeting.
We had a good meeting with 25 or so in - questions afterwards, and a long after meeting. It was the Baptist who were there 6 years ago. One elderly woman said “we’ve been believers for 6 years and still we don’t understand and our leaders don’t understand either." We surely felt weak and shaky here but a comfort to know that even though we are in the dark so much of time yet the Spirit of God understands these hearts and is able to reveal God's Truth and Way to those who are honest in heart. They told us that they had been praying that someone would come to help them. Several young folk among them who seem to have a real interest, and value what they can understand of the Bible.
One day on the trail we met a young man from still another village who wants us to come and have meetings there. He is responsible for administration work in this village, called E-Lin. They have provided a place for us to stay and it really touched our hearts to see them bring in some cooking utensils and some wood, and some vegetables, etc for us that night (Monday); was such a beautiful night; moon was full - lighting the village nestled here on the mountain side. All is quiet except for some young men out wooing their mountain maidens. Here the young woman are not permitted to leave their homes, or even walk with young men at night so the custom is for the young men to go to various homes that have young ladies, seeking entrance into the home for an evening. We were taken to a building here that is used for preaching and perhaps 25 or so gathered in. There was attendance and attention given, also questions, one often asked is about Christmas, and they appreciated knowing that it is just a pagan festivity with a pagan background, the Bible having no foundation for it.
That night while getting ready for sleep we heard a knock at the door and here was a young maiden who had been to the meeting, with a few melons to give us. She said “We mountain people are very poor and don't have very much," but she wanted us to have these. Ones’ heart is moved towards these poor forgotten people. We could not find ourselves here if it were not for the sacrifice of His people in other lands, and we do long to be faithful in bringing to them what has been brought to us by those who have been willing to lay down their lives for his Kingdom. The need is surely great for labourers.
I wish you could see the children going home from school, strung out along the trail as we go up for Wednesday evening meeting. When they see us coming they will line up, take off their hats, the boys say, “Peace” as we go by. May be some of them will know the true peace as a result of yielding to the will of God since the Gospel has found an entrance into their mountain home.
December 27th Monday - Came to the village this morning, plan a meeting here tonight, all is so quiet. Almost all have gone to the mountain side to their fields. Can hear the thug-thug of the pounding of the grain as the woman lift heavy stones and let them drive into hollowed out logs. Lovely weather and one enjoys it.
Friday we plan to go to Gaichung and Saturday the folks from Tai-pei will be down and we will be together including Don Garland. He is on his way to the Philippines for the conventions. Sunday we plan to have our special meetings in Taichung. We surely look forward to these times of fellowship again with our brethren.
Winter is here with its tomatoes, oranges and lots of watermelons at 21- per pound. The soya bean, crop will soon be harvested, as the sugar cane is now..
Many thanks for your letters, do write again and try to remember us before Our Father with your prayers.
Yours in His Mercy,
Dellas.
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Dellas Linaman
Gospel in Chaochou, Taiwan - Part 2
January-April, 1963
Box 2, Chaochou, Taiwan.
January 2nd. Up early this morning and off on the train headed back to our field in South Taiwan. Did have good days in Aipei where we had our special meetings last Sunday in Lee's home, but it will also feel good to get back to where the sun shines. About 40 gathered with us for 3 meetings; and we do feel the spirit of God with us. Useless to gather before God without His Spirit present. All of the workers saw us off – probably won't see them again for three months, when we gather for our first convention April 5th to 7th. One can’t help think of the Aborigines where we have been having meetings and how all progressed in our absence. These poor souls struggle for life. One hopes they will find life in Christ, which makes the struggle so worthwhile.
January 10th. Today, again it is up the river bed to the last village for a meeting tonight. This is just one of those "uttermost parts" waiting for the Gospel. One is conscious of many more, but we are so few. One is thankful for the eye of the Lord that goes to and fro through the whole world; it has been so evident here or we could never find ourselves in this 'forgotten' place. Tienpao, the 21 year old boy of the home where we have the meeting told us tonight as he stood by a high slab of saloto stone that holds up part of the house. that it has been his desire to be a child of God for several years. His heart was so saddened when he'd think of all the different denominations, at times even inclined to doubt if there was a God. He had decided only to read the Bible and go by it, not being influenced by what man or denomination would say or do. The Catholics came to the village with the American surplus of flour, oil, etc. giving it to only those who would embrace the Catholic teaching. He said, My stomach was hungry, life was so bitter and hard and we were tempted but we knew it was wrong and decided if they worked harder on the mountain side - they'd get by and do not starve. Then told how he prayed to God, not many times just three or four, that He would send His messengers to show His true way; and we came.
January 13th Little Sunday morning meeting with the Loos this morning, just Wolfgang and I and the Loos. They insisted on us having dinner with them each time, which we do. Nice to see the change in that home since God has given place in both of their lives. In the p.m. about 3.30 we leave for the mountain getting to Iai-i, the last village up the river. About 15.30 just as darkness begins to settle down in the valley, the folk are beginning to trot into the village with their heavy loads, which they had gathered from of the mountains. Loads of sweet potatoes, taro roots or firewood. The little 16 year old girl of the home here comes in with a basket full of sweet potatoes on her head that I can hardly lift. She had brought it from one of the fields high on the side of the mountain about two hours away. Only the women carry things on their heads, the men’s burdens are carried on their shoulders. Tonight Pin Young came in and took over the meeting, singing their mountain songs and interpreting for us. The young folk say that he does not interpret all we say and no wonder because he is the one, the big Baptist missionary from California hired when he was here in December and surely doesn't like us to talk about the hireling ministry. He does not get much a month, just $1.50 US. But it is just as wrong as if he got 3,000 dollars. That morning Pin Young in the meeting asked for a show of hands of those in favour of building a church, no hands went up. Tienpao took the Baptist sign down again that was hanging on the side of' their Mapo it was down to stay. One surely wonders what is going to develop there but how we pray it will be a little church there in the uttermost parts witnessing to the love and mercy of a never changing God in a never changing way.
January 17th, Big day in Lai-i. Noticed an extra amount of people on the trail. This was the first day that the Catholic priest had been in the village and a real joyous occasion. His agents had been here giving out the American surplus to their believers for some time. Today the Catholics take idols into the home. First of all the priest would light a string of fire crackers in front of the home (this was to chase all the spirits away, that is the way the Buddists do it). Then he would open a bottle of nice wine, sprinkling a small portion of it around, then the idols were placed in the home on the shelf that had been prepared. Lots of wine was consumed; even the village policeman was drunk. The priest first visited him. This priest says that you are not a man if you don’t drink wine. It was quite enlightening to these folk to discover in the Bible that those who are drunken cannot inherit the Kingdom of God.
January 20th. meeting with lots here in Chaochou - dinner - wee nap, a cup of tea and back to the hills. There, four of the Aborigine boys stopped by to go back with us on their bikes. Nice little gesture on their part, and they often do it. We found Tienpao very much upset. The Baptist preacher and leaders from Kule village came up this morning and they elected officers, deacons, elders, etc from the church. The meeting lasted till late in the afternoon. They asked for donations for a couple of newly weds. They got forty Taiwan dollars. These church leaders brought wine and were drinking it in the newly weds home then Tienpao happened to come in on them. They also spoke against us and are afraid that we will discredit their church; but Tienpao stands up for us and sincerely feels that our coming has been God's answer to his prayers. How our hearts go out to this young honest lad and hope God will give him strength to stand even alone against such. He loves the Bible and values its truth for backing.
January 25th. Chinese New Year. It equals American 4th July, Thanks giving, New year. Birthdays, all are rolled into one. Fire crackers start off early, every one is dressed up - dressed in new clothes. Children have got their red envelopes with money and every one is happy. Our neighbours in all their finery and beauty were gathered in front of the house when there comes the little Wenjung and his wild looking old dad, from the meetings to see us. His hair is awfully long, ragged cloths and bare feet. They had to come to see us and gave us some taro root. They wouldn't look very good to most in comparison, but their heart was surely beautiful and encouraging. Little Wenjung, a boy of 15-16, has never missed a meeting. His folk don’t come but they encourage him to come. It was this little boy who a few weeks ago slipped us some taro root one night before a meeting. One couldn't help but feel that God saw it. It is quite cold these nights, down to 50 degrees, the coldest was 48 the other day. Surely hard on the folk in the mountains who have so few clothes and very little bedding. Then a lot of their beds are just stone. Tienpao has come in to sleep with us on the two inch planks - he just says the planks are softer than the stone and warmer too.
January 28th Visited another village today, up to another branch of the river called China Husing. It was a good 2 hours walk from Kulo village. Such beautiful country - beautiful scenery, everything so vast and high. The village is located high on the side of the mountain. The preacher from Kulo took us up and we stayed in his folk's home. Quite a home in its wild mountain beauty. The walls are high slabs of slate stone as well as the floor and roof.
By our sleeping place was a high pillar holding up the roof and on it was carved a life-sized man and woman who looked at you so eerie in the weak flickering oil light. They seem to be citizens of other work and perhaps knew more about carvings on the roof lodge that run the length of the building whereon was carved snakes, deer, and men holding a head of another. This village was the enemy of Lai-i. One of Shulin’s relatives holds the record in the village for heads - he has 110. They kept records by carving. After taking ten heads, one was carved on a slab of wood. Their relative got engaged. It was really quite an occasion between the parents. There was a big mirror hanging in the house commemorating the day engagement. Nice this way, you get to know him before you have to live with him; before being blinded by love! We had tonight in the church building made of straw; quite a few came in after the gong was sounded. All sang from me-Tory - one or two had Bibles, but all listened so well. Do hope the Lord will be able open up this place and they be ready and willing to step in.
January 31st. After every meeting here in Lai-i there is an after meeting. We miss out so much in this. We'd love to know what these dear souls are thinking. In so many things and in so many ways we are just left in the dark but it has been good as one is forced to depend more upon the spirit of God who knows none of these barriers . Often in praying for guidance and wisdom regarding these times in the Aboriginal area the thought that was so real was "patience and you will see My Hand working". So often perhaps, wisdom is manifested by being patient. Tonight after the meeting most had left and Pungsung, the preacher, was talking to Tienpao; before long he gets up and leaves. We came to find out that Tienpao had told him that he wasn't a Baptist anymore - Tienpao turns to us and sort of bewildered, said "But what Church do I belong to? I guess to the Lord and you". Wonder what will develop in the next Sunday morning meeting. Would like to be there.
February 3rd. With Loo's again this Sunday morning. Where two or three are together in His Name, He’ll meet with them, is a good promise. We heard that the meeting in Lai-i this morning was a loud and long one, still at Tienpao house but he was in the bedroom. He said such a meeting would cause the Spirit of God to fly a long way off. Pungsung preached and announced a meeting for that night in the west village to hinder those folk from coming. You can imagine what a surprise it was at our meeting time to see him storm in with a lot of young folk telling them to sit up near fringe and ask why the older folk came because they couldn't sing anyway; this was a singing meeting. Tienpao gives a distressed look as he [Pungsung] tells the folk to put our hymn books down they'd sing their own songs. We didn’t understand what was going on, but handed him our book announced No. 1 and he submitted; and the meeting went on and he did not interpret, which pleased us and Tienpao did well.
February 4th. As we came out this a.m. Tienpao came with us to trade about 10 or 15 worth of wood for vegetables. They don't have much money if any. If you bring out too much wood the police will catch them, but permissable to bring a little to trade for something to eat. Tienpaol's dad has not been out to Chaochou for 7 years. Perhaps he will come out this fall when Tienpao has to go to the army. He surely is a nice man - works hard for his family. Tienpao wanted to meet Loo's and it was so touching to hear him tell them that he'd always wanted to be a child of God. But all these years they'd been misled and mistreated by the false, until just two months ago when two of God's servants came to us to bring us the truth. One is humbled under such sounds of a testimony from one of His that was lost but now is found, was blind but now can see. It is a great search and it's good when one keeps searching. Organized religion with a salaried ministry can never bring to honest seeking souls what love and sacrifice will. He told us how he fears not being saved and wondered if a young life like his shouldn’t go fourth into the Lords Harvest Field, thus lessening the chances of missing an entrance into Heaven.
February 7th. Went over to the uncle of Tienpao this evening before the meeting. It has encouraged us to see the way he listened in the meetings. Often on the morning we see him sitting in the window with a board or two removed to let in the light, reading a Japanese Bible we gave him. This evening all was so dark but he was with his family sitting around an open fire built on the floor of the kitchen. On the fire was a large pot with lots of tiny little sweet potatoes in it covered with leaves to hold the steam, cooking. No rain this year so the potatoes are so tiny and few. His life has been difficult, with the mother leaving him and the children. Then nature was a bit hard as they worked last year clearing the jungle for a new field but nothing from it - no rain. The fire reflecting off their partially nude bodies offered an unusual picture to the western eye. One son about 12 years, a bright-eyed little fellow, sat on a stool by the fire and would interpret for me and his dad. It seemed a joy to speak a little about the riches in Christ where there is abundance and eternal life. Once in a while the father would take a burning stick from the fire and by its light see if supper was cooking, then would sit down in the darkness. The potatoes done and time to leave. But no! They wanted me to eat with them. The biggest potatoes are not big, no bigger than a banty egg, were taken out for me and with ginger grated into hot water for soup we had supper. Maybe such shouldn’t be mentioned as it can't be respected or valued as it should by those who have more. Touched my heart to see those dear souls gathered around that blackened pot, and in this dim light that little boy could be seen with bowed head and hands folded, thanking his God. Causes one to ask themselves, "Where is my thankfulness and the life that proves it."
February 10th. Surely wanted to know what the big topic of conversation was after the meeting tonight in the mountains. Finally had to ask. "Oh, we're just comparing the difference between the way it used to be and the way it is now since you came to us".
Good news from Taipei telling of three in their late teens and early twenties making their choice to walk in The Way of God. This was in Charles' and Descantes' meetings. Mentioned that there were a pair of twins in the same work of preaching the Gospel in Oregon. They wanted to know if the twins were all right. Because before, whenever twins were born, it was taken for bad luck and they were both left uncared for until one died; and then the mother would take the lone survivor and raise it. But the government hinders them from doing that now. How customs vary.
February 26th. Wolf not feeling good, so to the meetings alone today for the first time in the west tribe village meeting, in house No 50. The Mr. here is a 100% mountain man - he has the reputation of being the best wild boar hunter of all. He also catches little monkeys to sell. Wish he'd listen to the Gospel like his wife does. Their name is Pang. The two preachers, Tai and Pungsung, were both in the meeting yesterday, and today both of them have been after Tienpao. They weren’t willing to reason from the scriptures so he told them to take the Baptist sign out of his house; and that neither they nor their meetings were welcome until they were willing to follow the example of Jesus. It caused quite a stir.
March 1st - Friday. Left Lai-i this morning with Tienpao sitting there with his Bible and hymn book. Tried to assure him that God is with him and we will remember them in prayer on Sunday morning as they seek to have their first meeting together. It seems to be a serious matter to him and we wish we could be with him, just standing by if nothing else. But perhaps it is best for some things to shape up without us there. It is God's building and it is God who sets the members in the body as it pleases Him. Tempo's understanding amazes us. Has a great lack of education and even misunderstanding the Chinese that we use to communicate with him; but surely there is nothing that replaces sincerity and willingness in getting an understanding and making progress in the Way of God. Echih handed us a little bundle of taro root today. One's heart is touched and humbled by such as you know that they need it themselves - food is scarce for these poor people.
March 3rd - Sunday. Can imagine where our thoughts were this morning especially around 8 when the fold were together for their first Sunday meeting in Lai-i. We were at Loo's for the meeting. We found out that 3 Baptist preachers came to Tempo's home to have church as before, in spite of what he had said to them Monday and Tuesday. Again this 21 year old lad tells them that if they are not willing to follow the Bible to leave. And also if there are any there who have a Baptist ear, to go. They left and so did some of the folk that had gathered, leaving just those who had been attending the mission to have their Sunday meeting together. The Baptist sign was hung on a neighbor's house - a home where there is no Bible or any one that cares. (Incidentally since Pungsung was hired by the American Baptists in December, till now, he hasn't gotten himself a Bible). Today they brought up some used clothes to strengthen the Baptist faith in some of their wavering members.
March 8th - Friday. A long meeting this morning before leaving the mountains and to go back to Chaochou. Several came in with their Bibles and wanted to know more about the order of the Sunday morning meetings. In 1st Cor.14 "Woman are to keep silent". It corrected some of them who sometimes visit and ask one another questions in the meeting. The Aunt was asking about 1st Cor. 11.15 regarding hair - she asked if her hair was long enough. It is not a question of how long but whether it is cut or not. Good to see these dear souls not contentious. Nothing can replace sincerity and willingness for making progress in the heavenly way .
March 17th. Came up to Kulu last night, half way, so as to come on up to Lai-I for the 8 am meeting. Will be our first with them and their third meeting. Planned to start at 8.00 but the folk from the West Tribe didn’t get over till 8.15. Pretty good seeing that none of them have a watch of any kind. Was good to hear them praying one by one, short and prompt. I could not understand - not one word. Just Tienpao and the Aunt gave their testimonies. Others had places to speak from but lacked courage. Had a long discussion after the meeting. All appeals to them; it is wonderful how truth appeals to an honest heart and willing even though they had never seen, or heard, or read of it before. It takes "like good seed falling into the ground." Who should ask me to dinner but little Wenjung. He says, "If you’ll eat sweet potatoes I'll like you to come to my home." His parents were out in the hills, just me and his little brother had dinner together with a six month old pig begging at our feet for a sweet potato skin. He says, "I've only repented about half, there is still a lot of changes to be made in my life." He is the little laddie that slipped us a sack of taro root before the meeting one evening. He is 100% Aborigine and we love him. After the meeting tonight Mrs Yen and others were talking about some changes to be made in their lives. One was giving up native customs; like before they eat they'd take an old dried piece of pig hide and according to the number eating, go through the form of pinching off a portion to feed the spirits of each. Would this be their way of giving Grace?
March 21st - Thursday. Tienpao stopped by our bach in Kulu yesterday and ate his first piece of bread. Didn't even know what it was, but thought it was good though. Little Shulin stopped by today, telling how his mother, brother and sister-in-law are all against him because he comes to the meetings. They talk against us and him. He says, "sometimes they make me cry". Who strives against self and comrades will find the most powerful foe. All honour to him if he conquers. A cheer to the boy who says no, "There’s many a battle fought daily the work knows nothing about. There's many a brave little soldier who's strength puts legions to rout."
March 27th - Friday. Wolf returned to Chaochou today from Hong Kong. Was surely enthused over their time there. He felt that the convention could be described by being full of grace and truth. All seemed to receive help and encouragement.
April 2nd. Met the train in Kaos-hung for Clarence Anderson and Truman Denio. We are surely thankful for these visitors and visits. Supper at Loo's afterwards. Clarence gave us a very helpful meeting round the table. He'd surely love to go back to Taichung. Wolf will be coming to Taichung on Thursday along with Tienpao and Mrs Loo.
April 5th - Friday. The first day of the first convention in Taiwan and a good day it was for all of us. Had the meetings in Tsai’s home in the third floor. Some of the men's sleeping was on the fourth floor. The women stayed in the sister's bach. Was good to see the effort that some of the friends put forth to get down for 3 days. We heard today that if there is willingness in our hearts then there will be power to do the Will of God. If we are thankful people then, we will be useful people.
April 7th - Sunday. Time has gone so fast - perhaps 45 or 50 of us gathered together. Great to see the effect these meetings have had on the friends. Tienpao says, "maybe in two more years we can have a convention in the mountains". Testimonies so good - one is encouraged. Tonight we had workers meeting in the sister's bach. These times are so good for us. One is glad when their eyes are lifted to the needs of a perishing world and realizes more deeply the hope that there is in the Gospel for them. I do want to keep faithful to the end, realizing that we are rewarded for our labours, and not for the fruits. The one who labours in the vineyard gets his penny even though little or no fruit is gathered in for the Master. One’s labour in the Lord is not in vain. Wonder what the future holds for us. You will continue to remember us in your prayers won't you? Also the needs of a perishing world.
Yours in His Service, Dellas
Gospel in Chaochou, Taiwan - Part 2
January-April, 1963
Box 2, Chaochou, Taiwan.
January 2nd. Up early this morning and off on the train headed back to our field in South Taiwan. Did have good days in Aipei where we had our special meetings last Sunday in Lee's home, but it will also feel good to get back to where the sun shines. About 40 gathered with us for 3 meetings; and we do feel the spirit of God with us. Useless to gather before God without His Spirit present. All of the workers saw us off – probably won't see them again for three months, when we gather for our first convention April 5th to 7th. One can’t help think of the Aborigines where we have been having meetings and how all progressed in our absence. These poor souls struggle for life. One hopes they will find life in Christ, which makes the struggle so worthwhile.
January 10th. Today, again it is up the river bed to the last village for a meeting tonight. This is just one of those "uttermost parts" waiting for the Gospel. One is conscious of many more, but we are so few. One is thankful for the eye of the Lord that goes to and fro through the whole world; it has been so evident here or we could never find ourselves in this 'forgotten' place. Tienpao, the 21 year old boy of the home where we have the meeting told us tonight as he stood by a high slab of saloto stone that holds up part of the house. that it has been his desire to be a child of God for several years. His heart was so saddened when he'd think of all the different denominations, at times even inclined to doubt if there was a God. He had decided only to read the Bible and go by it, not being influenced by what man or denomination would say or do. The Catholics came to the village with the American surplus of flour, oil, etc. giving it to only those who would embrace the Catholic teaching. He said, My stomach was hungry, life was so bitter and hard and we were tempted but we knew it was wrong and decided if they worked harder on the mountain side - they'd get by and do not starve. Then told how he prayed to God, not many times just three or four, that He would send His messengers to show His true way; and we came.
January 13th Little Sunday morning meeting with the Loos this morning, just Wolfgang and I and the Loos. They insisted on us having dinner with them each time, which we do. Nice to see the change in that home since God has given place in both of their lives. In the p.m. about 3.30 we leave for the mountain getting to Iai-i, the last village up the river. About 15.30 just as darkness begins to settle down in the valley, the folk are beginning to trot into the village with their heavy loads, which they had gathered from of the mountains. Loads of sweet potatoes, taro roots or firewood. The little 16 year old girl of the home here comes in with a basket full of sweet potatoes on her head that I can hardly lift. She had brought it from one of the fields high on the side of the mountain about two hours away. Only the women carry things on their heads, the men’s burdens are carried on their shoulders. Tonight Pin Young came in and took over the meeting, singing their mountain songs and interpreting for us. The young folk say that he does not interpret all we say and no wonder because he is the one, the big Baptist missionary from California hired when he was here in December and surely doesn't like us to talk about the hireling ministry. He does not get much a month, just $1.50 US. But it is just as wrong as if he got 3,000 dollars. That morning Pin Young in the meeting asked for a show of hands of those in favour of building a church, no hands went up. Tienpao took the Baptist sign down again that was hanging on the side of' their Mapo it was down to stay. One surely wonders what is going to develop there but how we pray it will be a little church there in the uttermost parts witnessing to the love and mercy of a never changing God in a never changing way.
January 17th, Big day in Lai-i. Noticed an extra amount of people on the trail. This was the first day that the Catholic priest had been in the village and a real joyous occasion. His agents had been here giving out the American surplus to their believers for some time. Today the Catholics take idols into the home. First of all the priest would light a string of fire crackers in front of the home (this was to chase all the spirits away, that is the way the Buddists do it). Then he would open a bottle of nice wine, sprinkling a small portion of it around, then the idols were placed in the home on the shelf that had been prepared. Lots of wine was consumed; even the village policeman was drunk. The priest first visited him. This priest says that you are not a man if you don’t drink wine. It was quite enlightening to these folk to discover in the Bible that those who are drunken cannot inherit the Kingdom of God.
January 20th. meeting with lots here in Chaochou - dinner - wee nap, a cup of tea and back to the hills. There, four of the Aborigine boys stopped by to go back with us on their bikes. Nice little gesture on their part, and they often do it. We found Tienpao very much upset. The Baptist preacher and leaders from Kule village came up this morning and they elected officers, deacons, elders, etc from the church. The meeting lasted till late in the afternoon. They asked for donations for a couple of newly weds. They got forty Taiwan dollars. These church leaders brought wine and were drinking it in the newly weds home then Tienpao happened to come in on them. They also spoke against us and are afraid that we will discredit their church; but Tienpao stands up for us and sincerely feels that our coming has been God's answer to his prayers. How our hearts go out to this young honest lad and hope God will give him strength to stand even alone against such. He loves the Bible and values its truth for backing.
January 25th. Chinese New Year. It equals American 4th July, Thanks giving, New year. Birthdays, all are rolled into one. Fire crackers start off early, every one is dressed up - dressed in new clothes. Children have got their red envelopes with money and every one is happy. Our neighbours in all their finery and beauty were gathered in front of the house when there comes the little Wenjung and his wild looking old dad, from the meetings to see us. His hair is awfully long, ragged cloths and bare feet. They had to come to see us and gave us some taro root. They wouldn't look very good to most in comparison, but their heart was surely beautiful and encouraging. Little Wenjung, a boy of 15-16, has never missed a meeting. His folk don’t come but they encourage him to come. It was this little boy who a few weeks ago slipped us some taro root one night before a meeting. One couldn't help but feel that God saw it. It is quite cold these nights, down to 50 degrees, the coldest was 48 the other day. Surely hard on the folk in the mountains who have so few clothes and very little bedding. Then a lot of their beds are just stone. Tienpao has come in to sleep with us on the two inch planks - he just says the planks are softer than the stone and warmer too.
January 28th Visited another village today, up to another branch of the river called China Husing. It was a good 2 hours walk from Kulo village. Such beautiful country - beautiful scenery, everything so vast and high. The village is located high on the side of the mountain. The preacher from Kulo took us up and we stayed in his folk's home. Quite a home in its wild mountain beauty. The walls are high slabs of slate stone as well as the floor and roof.
By our sleeping place was a high pillar holding up the roof and on it was carved a life-sized man and woman who looked at you so eerie in the weak flickering oil light. They seem to be citizens of other work and perhaps knew more about carvings on the roof lodge that run the length of the building whereon was carved snakes, deer, and men holding a head of another. This village was the enemy of Lai-i. One of Shulin’s relatives holds the record in the village for heads - he has 110. They kept records by carving. After taking ten heads, one was carved on a slab of wood. Their relative got engaged. It was really quite an occasion between the parents. There was a big mirror hanging in the house commemorating the day engagement. Nice this way, you get to know him before you have to live with him; before being blinded by love! We had tonight in the church building made of straw; quite a few came in after the gong was sounded. All sang from me-Tory - one or two had Bibles, but all listened so well. Do hope the Lord will be able open up this place and they be ready and willing to step in.
January 31st. After every meeting here in Lai-i there is an after meeting. We miss out so much in this. We'd love to know what these dear souls are thinking. In so many things and in so many ways we are just left in the dark but it has been good as one is forced to depend more upon the spirit of God who knows none of these barriers . Often in praying for guidance and wisdom regarding these times in the Aboriginal area the thought that was so real was "patience and you will see My Hand working". So often perhaps, wisdom is manifested by being patient. Tonight after the meeting most had left and Pungsung, the preacher, was talking to Tienpao; before long he gets up and leaves. We came to find out that Tienpao had told him that he wasn't a Baptist anymore - Tienpao turns to us and sort of bewildered, said "But what Church do I belong to? I guess to the Lord and you". Wonder what will develop in the next Sunday morning meeting. Would like to be there.
February 3rd. With Loo's again this Sunday morning. Where two or three are together in His Name, He’ll meet with them, is a good promise. We heard that the meeting in Lai-i this morning was a loud and long one, still at Tienpao house but he was in the bedroom. He said such a meeting would cause the Spirit of God to fly a long way off. Pungsung preached and announced a meeting for that night in the west village to hinder those folk from coming. You can imagine what a surprise it was at our meeting time to see him storm in with a lot of young folk telling them to sit up near fringe and ask why the older folk came because they couldn't sing anyway; this was a singing meeting. Tienpao gives a distressed look as he [Pungsung] tells the folk to put our hymn books down they'd sing their own songs. We didn’t understand what was going on, but handed him our book announced No. 1 and he submitted; and the meeting went on and he did not interpret, which pleased us and Tienpao did well.
February 4th. As we came out this a.m. Tienpao came with us to trade about 10 or 15 worth of wood for vegetables. They don't have much money if any. If you bring out too much wood the police will catch them, but permissable to bring a little to trade for something to eat. Tienpaol's dad has not been out to Chaochou for 7 years. Perhaps he will come out this fall when Tienpao has to go to the army. He surely is a nice man - works hard for his family. Tienpao wanted to meet Loo's and it was so touching to hear him tell them that he'd always wanted to be a child of God. But all these years they'd been misled and mistreated by the false, until just two months ago when two of God's servants came to us to bring us the truth. One is humbled under such sounds of a testimony from one of His that was lost but now is found, was blind but now can see. It is a great search and it's good when one keeps searching. Organized religion with a salaried ministry can never bring to honest seeking souls what love and sacrifice will. He told us how he fears not being saved and wondered if a young life like his shouldn’t go fourth into the Lords Harvest Field, thus lessening the chances of missing an entrance into Heaven.
February 7th. Went over to the uncle of Tienpao this evening before the meeting. It has encouraged us to see the way he listened in the meetings. Often on the morning we see him sitting in the window with a board or two removed to let in the light, reading a Japanese Bible we gave him. This evening all was so dark but he was with his family sitting around an open fire built on the floor of the kitchen. On the fire was a large pot with lots of tiny little sweet potatoes in it covered with leaves to hold the steam, cooking. No rain this year so the potatoes are so tiny and few. His life has been difficult, with the mother leaving him and the children. Then nature was a bit hard as they worked last year clearing the jungle for a new field but nothing from it - no rain. The fire reflecting off their partially nude bodies offered an unusual picture to the western eye. One son about 12 years, a bright-eyed little fellow, sat on a stool by the fire and would interpret for me and his dad. It seemed a joy to speak a little about the riches in Christ where there is abundance and eternal life. Once in a while the father would take a burning stick from the fire and by its light see if supper was cooking, then would sit down in the darkness. The potatoes done and time to leave. But no! They wanted me to eat with them. The biggest potatoes are not big, no bigger than a banty egg, were taken out for me and with ginger grated into hot water for soup we had supper. Maybe such shouldn’t be mentioned as it can't be respected or valued as it should by those who have more. Touched my heart to see those dear souls gathered around that blackened pot, and in this dim light that little boy could be seen with bowed head and hands folded, thanking his God. Causes one to ask themselves, "Where is my thankfulness and the life that proves it."
February 10th. Surely wanted to know what the big topic of conversation was after the meeting tonight in the mountains. Finally had to ask. "Oh, we're just comparing the difference between the way it used to be and the way it is now since you came to us".
Good news from Taipei telling of three in their late teens and early twenties making their choice to walk in The Way of God. This was in Charles' and Descantes' meetings. Mentioned that there were a pair of twins in the same work of preaching the Gospel in Oregon. They wanted to know if the twins were all right. Because before, whenever twins were born, it was taken for bad luck and they were both left uncared for until one died; and then the mother would take the lone survivor and raise it. But the government hinders them from doing that now. How customs vary.
February 26th. Wolf not feeling good, so to the meetings alone today for the first time in the west tribe village meeting, in house No 50. The Mr. here is a 100% mountain man - he has the reputation of being the best wild boar hunter of all. He also catches little monkeys to sell. Wish he'd listen to the Gospel like his wife does. Their name is Pang. The two preachers, Tai and Pungsung, were both in the meeting yesterday, and today both of them have been after Tienpao. They weren’t willing to reason from the scriptures so he told them to take the Baptist sign out of his house; and that neither they nor their meetings were welcome until they were willing to follow the example of Jesus. It caused quite a stir.
March 1st - Friday. Left Lai-i this morning with Tienpao sitting there with his Bible and hymn book. Tried to assure him that God is with him and we will remember them in prayer on Sunday morning as they seek to have their first meeting together. It seems to be a serious matter to him and we wish we could be with him, just standing by if nothing else. But perhaps it is best for some things to shape up without us there. It is God's building and it is God who sets the members in the body as it pleases Him. Tempo's understanding amazes us. Has a great lack of education and even misunderstanding the Chinese that we use to communicate with him; but surely there is nothing that replaces sincerity and willingness in getting an understanding and making progress in the Way of God. Echih handed us a little bundle of taro root today. One's heart is touched and humbled by such as you know that they need it themselves - food is scarce for these poor people.
March 3rd - Sunday. Can imagine where our thoughts were this morning especially around 8 when the fold were together for their first Sunday meeting in Lai-i. We were at Loo's for the meeting. We found out that 3 Baptist preachers came to Tempo's home to have church as before, in spite of what he had said to them Monday and Tuesday. Again this 21 year old lad tells them that if they are not willing to follow the Bible to leave. And also if there are any there who have a Baptist ear, to go. They left and so did some of the folk that had gathered, leaving just those who had been attending the mission to have their Sunday meeting together. The Baptist sign was hung on a neighbor's house - a home where there is no Bible or any one that cares. (Incidentally since Pungsung was hired by the American Baptists in December, till now, he hasn't gotten himself a Bible). Today they brought up some used clothes to strengthen the Baptist faith in some of their wavering members.
March 8th - Friday. A long meeting this morning before leaving the mountains and to go back to Chaochou. Several came in with their Bibles and wanted to know more about the order of the Sunday morning meetings. In 1st Cor.14 "Woman are to keep silent". It corrected some of them who sometimes visit and ask one another questions in the meeting. The Aunt was asking about 1st Cor. 11.15 regarding hair - she asked if her hair was long enough. It is not a question of how long but whether it is cut or not. Good to see these dear souls not contentious. Nothing can replace sincerity and willingness for making progress in the heavenly way .
March 17th. Came up to Kulu last night, half way, so as to come on up to Lai-I for the 8 am meeting. Will be our first with them and their third meeting. Planned to start at 8.00 but the folk from the West Tribe didn’t get over till 8.15. Pretty good seeing that none of them have a watch of any kind. Was good to hear them praying one by one, short and prompt. I could not understand - not one word. Just Tienpao and the Aunt gave their testimonies. Others had places to speak from but lacked courage. Had a long discussion after the meeting. All appeals to them; it is wonderful how truth appeals to an honest heart and willing even though they had never seen, or heard, or read of it before. It takes "like good seed falling into the ground." Who should ask me to dinner but little Wenjung. He says, "If you’ll eat sweet potatoes I'll like you to come to my home." His parents were out in the hills, just me and his little brother had dinner together with a six month old pig begging at our feet for a sweet potato skin. He says, "I've only repented about half, there is still a lot of changes to be made in my life." He is the little laddie that slipped us a sack of taro root before the meeting one evening. He is 100% Aborigine and we love him. After the meeting tonight Mrs Yen and others were talking about some changes to be made in their lives. One was giving up native customs; like before they eat they'd take an old dried piece of pig hide and according to the number eating, go through the form of pinching off a portion to feed the spirits of each. Would this be their way of giving Grace?
March 21st - Thursday. Tienpao stopped by our bach in Kulu yesterday and ate his first piece of bread. Didn't even know what it was, but thought it was good though. Little Shulin stopped by today, telling how his mother, brother and sister-in-law are all against him because he comes to the meetings. They talk against us and him. He says, "sometimes they make me cry". Who strives against self and comrades will find the most powerful foe. All honour to him if he conquers. A cheer to the boy who says no, "There’s many a battle fought daily the work knows nothing about. There's many a brave little soldier who's strength puts legions to rout."
March 27th - Friday. Wolf returned to Chaochou today from Hong Kong. Was surely enthused over their time there. He felt that the convention could be described by being full of grace and truth. All seemed to receive help and encouragement.
April 2nd. Met the train in Kaos-hung for Clarence Anderson and Truman Denio. We are surely thankful for these visitors and visits. Supper at Loo's afterwards. Clarence gave us a very helpful meeting round the table. He'd surely love to go back to Taichung. Wolf will be coming to Taichung on Thursday along with Tienpao and Mrs Loo.
April 5th - Friday. The first day of the first convention in Taiwan and a good day it was for all of us. Had the meetings in Tsai’s home in the third floor. Some of the men's sleeping was on the fourth floor. The women stayed in the sister's bach. Was good to see the effort that some of the friends put forth to get down for 3 days. We heard today that if there is willingness in our hearts then there will be power to do the Will of God. If we are thankful people then, we will be useful people.
April 7th - Sunday. Time has gone so fast - perhaps 45 or 50 of us gathered together. Great to see the effect these meetings have had on the friends. Tienpao says, "maybe in two more years we can have a convention in the mountains". Testimonies so good - one is encouraged. Tonight we had workers meeting in the sister's bach. These times are so good for us. One is glad when their eyes are lifted to the needs of a perishing world and realizes more deeply the hope that there is in the Gospel for them. I do want to keep faithful to the end, realizing that we are rewarded for our labours, and not for the fruits. The one who labours in the vineyard gets his penny even though little or no fruit is gathered in for the Master. One’s labour in the Lord is not in vain. Wonder what the future holds for us. You will continue to remember us in your prayers won't you? Also the needs of a perishing world.
Yours in His Service, Dellas
Letter from DELLAS LINAMAN (nearly 50 years ago!)
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