Answering God’s Long-Distance Call

What could have inspired Moody Theological Seminary (MTS) graduates Steve and Shirley Tan to leave their successful teaching careers in Chicago and uproot their family to serve in a country ambivalent to the gospel half a world away?

An undeniable calling from God—and the faith to answer it.

‘Satan . . . has a stronghold in Taiwan’

The Tans, both Chinese, work as youth pastors at Bilingual Community Church (BCC) in Pingtung City, located in southern Taiwan, a small island off China’s southeastern coast. BCC opened in September 2022 and was planted by a sister congregation in Kaohsiung City, a metropolis of nearly three million people 60 miles away. Its staff consists of one pastor, a membership of 20 adults, and the Tans, who minister to a group of about 15 kids ranging in ages from 9 to 18.

The couple graduated with degrees in Biblical Spiritual Formation and Discipleship in 2019 and use their MTS training to make a positive spiritual impact on the youth of BCC.

“Every day we’re learning what it’s like to live the gospel and be an example to these kids,” Steve says. “We’re trying to be the best witness we can.”

But since joining the church in February 2023, the Tans’ ministry has been met with some challenges. Taiwan is a predominantly Buddhist and Taoist culture. Only five percent of the population identifies as Christian—a governmental figure that also includes Catholics, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others.

“Satan definitely has a stronghold in Taiwan,” Steve says. There are idols of Buddha and temples all over the place. And it’s not just the older folks who are engaged in Buddhist and pagan things. It’s the younger generations, public figures, and celebrities as well.”

At first, this dramatic change in location and purpose was a shock to the Tan children, Stefany (age 7) and Stefan (4).

“Before moving to Taiwan, we explained to our kids about all the temples and idols,” Shirley says. “It took a while for them to get used to that. We’re glad that now, even though our kids often tell us how much they miss Chicago, they understand how important our roles are here—to be the light in Taiwan.”

There are also socioeconomic considerations. Many of the kids the Tans encounter at BCC and in the surrounding rural neighborhoods have an unstable home life. Most come to BCC alone without one or both of their parents, who are often forced to move to the city for work, leaving their children to the care of friends or grandparents. 

“In Taiwan and other Asian countries, everyone’s goal is to live in the city,” Steve says. “Those that can’t afford that and live in the country can suffer from low self-esteem.”

Answering God’s call

Steve and Shirley met at their home church in Chicago and were married in 2011. With undergraduate degrees in education, they both gave up stable teaching positions to pursue seminary training and ultimately serve overseas.

“We got married knowing that we would eventually serve in ministry,” Steve says. “In 2012, I went to the Urbana Student Missions Conference in St. Louis. God used that moment to galvanize my call to the mission field.”

But it was three years earlier, in 2009, while Steve was exploring Taiwan, that God had first nudged him toward becoming a missionary to the island.

“I met a missionary in Taiwan who, after showing me the incredible need, said to me, ‘I pray that you will come and serve with me here,’” Steve says. “That really planted the seeds in my heart to return there in full-time ministry.”

Now, 14 years later, the Tans feel they are at the center of God’s purpose for their lives.

Being the best witness they can

Kids in Taiwan display an openness to the gospel, but that’s not why they come to BCC. “They’re here mainly because they are craving stability in their lives and are drawn to the mentoring relationships,” Steve says. “We pray every day for the Holy Spirit to penetrate their hearts.”

Whatever reasons the kids attend BCC, the Tans plan to make the most of every opportunity to connect and build strong bonds with them. That could mean more meaningful interactions in church or engaging with them during two-week camps the Tans conduct each summer teaching English. Or perhaps taking them to local sporting events or even something as simple as treating them to a fast-food meal.

“Going to McDonald’s is a big event. We’ve taken several kids—it makes them so happy,” Steve says. “We’re trying to meet some of the kids’ basic physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.”

As the Tans continue to strengthen their friendships with the kids in their group, they’re always looking for opportunities to meet other youth and invite them to BCC. “Shirley and I are now going to local schools to pass out flyers,” Steve says. “It’s hard work, but we’ll do that until God shows us another way.”

‘Moody was mind-blowing’

Steve and Shirley firmly believe that without the invaluable training they received from Moody Theological Seminary they would have been ill-prepared to face the rigors of full-time ministry in Taiwan.

“Our time at Moody was mind-blowing,” Steve says. “From the very first class, the professors taught that knowing God and loving others are the most important things in life. We learned about the power of prayer, building strong relationships, and how to mentor others with Jesus at the center.”

When asked about the Moody teaching that’s been most valuable while serving in Taiwan, the Tans respond: “We’ve been so affected by Dr. (Bill) Thrasher’s teachings on prayer,” Steve says. “We’re always praying, ‘What more can we do?’ and ‘Why did You send us here?’ Every time that happens, God shows us, in one way or another, that He loves these kids, and we need to keep telling them about Jesus.”