An exhibit has opened in Taipei, Taiwan on Tuesday, showcasing the mission work of Canadian missionary George Leslie Mackay.
According to a report by Want China Times, the exhibit entitled as "Dr Mackay: An Extraordinary Canadian in Taiwan", was hosted by the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei (CTOT) at the Mackay room, and will run from December 15 until January 16.
Dr. Mackay was among the first missionaries to arrive to Taiwan in the late 1800s, and he introduced several vegetables to the Asian country, some of which include carrots, cauliflower and tomatoes.
"We want to take this opportunity to remind people about Dr Mackay," said Kathleen Mackay (not related), Canadas representative to Taiwan in a conference earlier this week.
Mackay arrived in Taiwan in 1872, and continued his mission work in the country for 29 years. He ventured to the eastern portion of the country, where he evangelized the indigenous tribes of Taiwan. Aside from evangelism, Dr. Mackay also made contributions to improve education and medicine in the region.
In the report, Dr. Mackay was able to plant 60 churches in the country, and baptize more than 3,000 converts into the Christian faith.
During his ministry, the Canadian missionary married a Taiwanese native, Zhang Cong-ming in 1878 and helped with the cultivation of local talent, as well as establishment of education institutions.
Some of the schools established by Dr. Mackay and his family include the Aletheia University, Tamkang High School and the Taiwan Theological College and Seminary.