Taiwan celebrates a historic milestone
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After President H. Grant Heaton of the Southern Far East Mission visited Taiwan in March 1956, the Church began sending missionaries there. The first four arrived on June 4, 1956, opening the work in that island nation, according to the 2006 Church Almanac.
Since those first missionaries entered Taiwan, membership there has grown to more than 40,000 in nine stakes and three missions.
The 50th anniversary of the beginning of the preaching of the gospel in Taiwan will be commemorated by Church members worldwide this year. Events include the Taiwan Jubilee Celebration in Salt Lake City on March 30-31, and several events in Taiwan this spring and summer.
The two-day Salt Lake City celebration includes numerous activities and exhibits. Most events will be at the Salt Lake University 1st (Married Student) Stake Center, 470 S. Wasatch Blvd. (1950 E).
Organizer Wendy Chiang Shamo reported in an e-mail to the Church News, "Anyone who has done good things for Taiwan is welcome, including missionaries, Taiwanese members, their families and friends."
She noted that Taiwan Area Seventies Elder Yu Chen (Philip) Ho and Elder Tsung Ting (Jared) Yang will join this gathering, speaking and giving presentations related to Church progress in Taiwan. Also, President Heaton is scheduled to speak Thursday at 7 p.m.
Sister Shamo said a complete agenda for the Salt Lake City celebration can be found on the Internet at www.taiwan50.org.
She said, "For those who cannot be with us, including many loving leaders from the Church, we still would like to express our deep gratitude to you all for what you have done for Taiwan."
A list of events coming up in Taiwan can be found online at www.lds.org.tw. An English version is available by clicking in the upper right corner.
Planned are a commemoration on June 3 in Taipei of the dedication of Taiwan by Elder Mark E. Petersen of the Quorum of the Twelve in 1959, then from July 27 to Aug. 12, missionary reunions, a legacy bicycle relay, a service day, youth conference and cultural performances throughout the country.
