Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, is an island of 24 million people off the coast of China. Two-thirds of the island are marked by rugged mountains, with most of the population living along the coasts. Food is incredibly important in Taiwanese culture and a common greeting is to ask, “Have you eaten?” The capital city Taipei, with a population of 2.6 million, is a modern metropolis and boasts one of the tallest buildings in the world.

When the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) lost mainland China to the Communist Party of China in the Chinese Civil War, its government relocated to Taiwan. Taiwan became a refuge. Today, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) controls mainland China and the Republic of China (ROC) controls Taiwan. Both ignore each other’s sovereignty. The possibility of Taiwan becoming a truly separate state has heightened mainland China’s pressure on the islanders. The tension colors much of political life in Taiwan. Despite this, there has been significant economic growth. Taipei is the political, economic, and financial center of Taiwan with a thriving entertainment scene. Issues like exploitation of foreign workers and youth unemployment present significant challenges.

In Taiwan the vast majority of the population follows a blend of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and traditional folk religions. Visitors to the island from mainland China often note the spiritual darkness present. People pay offerings to ghosts and seek advice from the spirit world. In the face of nominalism, Christianity’s growth in Taiwan has been slow. Only 6% of the population claims to follow Christ. Taiwan has the only remaining Han Chinese population without a major spiritual breakthrough. There is a great need for more Bible teachers and adequate giving levels within the Church to support them. With man, it may seem impossible. But with God, all things are possible!