For three days last week, I attended the fall clergy conference/retreat of the Episcopal diocese of Taiwan; held at Bunun, Taitung; an area that is on the eastern coast of the country and home to several of the aborigine tribes of Taiwan.
Unlike the western and northern sections of Taiwan which is urban and crowded, Taitung, along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, is well known for its natural scenery of both water and mountain, and for being the most beautiful area of the country. So for 2 nights, a group of urbanites were able to enjoy an
escape to the middle of nowhere, surrounded by mountains and quiet.Not unlike the experience of Native Americans, the aborigine people of Taiwan also experienced problems of unemployment, poverty, alcoholism, and a disappearing culture. Yet under 20 years of loving and dedicated care of Rev. Jerry Bai, the Bunun tribe now has the highest school attendance rate among all aborigine tribes, and also the best kindergarten.
Together with his wife Lee Lih Sueh, Rev. and Mrs. Bai have helped raised consciousness of the aborigine culture and instill pride in the people of Bunun of their art, culture and heritage. By developing tourism in the area to build self sufficiency and offer employment to people in the surrounding area, visitors to Bunun can now enjoy the village theater, restaurant, coffee shop, weaving shop, and its newest hotel like guest accommodation.
With the establishment of the Bunun Cultural and Educational Foundation, the environment will be protected, and the people of Bunun can now rely on themselves to take care of its own, especially the young and the elderly.
Even though the tribe does not offer start of the art facilities, the passion and commitment of Rev. and Mrs. Bai for the Bunun people is more powerful than the Google search engine. For me, their ministry is a testament that faith, hope, and love can overcome even social oppressions.
