Amidst COVID – How Do They Find, Where Do They Teach?

A classroom in a church building. A table at the nearby 7-11. A few seconds at a stop light. Riding a bike down the sidewalk. Standing in line at a grocery store.  Video chatting from a phone.  Waiting at a street corner. Meeting up at a friend’s home.

Finding. Teaching. Testifying. Baptizing. Friendshipping.

It’s all happening. Amidst the COVID-19 restrictions worldwide, missionaries in the Taipei Taiwan mission are sharing the message of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ in every way imaginable.

 

Although Taiwan is nearly COVID free, the missionaries are still careful to mostly focus on people they already know or have connections with. Going door to door is not encouraged, out of "an abundance of caution". Face masks are encouraged, and even required in some spaces (Church meetings, public transportation, stores). Still, even with the cautions in place, people are still reaching out to learn more and to be taught about Jesus Christ.

One missionary said a woman began asking her about the Church while they were standing in line at a market. By the time they were through the line, they had exchanged contact information and were making plans to meet again.

Missionaries strike up quick conversations at stop lights, street corners, and elevator rides.

It is common for the missionaries to often do their scripture study at a local 7-11 store. And they meet the most interesting people. Even those wanting to bring them treats – “just because they are missionaries.” 

          

7-11 stores: It’s worth a mention here. There are over 5,000 7-11 stores in Taiwan! These convenience shops are more like little neighborhood cafés. With free WIFI, air conditioning, clean restrooms, and several tables and chairs set up for customers, what is there not to like?  

 At 7-11, you can buy breakfast snacks, sip fruit drinks, get a microwave meal warmed up and delivered to your table, and dine with friends.  You can also pay utility bills or parking fees, make photo copies, print photos, conduct business, do homework and study with classmates. And you can have a missionary lesson from your local missionaries!

And if you're not teaching at a 7-11, you might be teaching at the local restaurant around the corner.

                                          

The majority of the missionaries here are from Taiwan. The balance is made up of foreign missionaries. The mix is a good blend. And once the foreign missionaries who have returned to Taiwan are out of their strict 2 week quarantine, they are more than ready to "hit the road" and begin teaching. 

We are mindful of those missionaries who, in some places around the world, are required to stay in their apartments or have minimal physical interaction with people because of COVID-19. We are grateful for their sacrifice, patience and service. We pray for relief from the COVID restrictions. We recognize that not every country is as open and free to teach as is Taiwan. We love you all.

Thank you, everyone, for your service!