Book Title: Walking on a Rugged Road: Anecdotes from the Construction of Mackay Memorial Hospital Taitung Branch

Book Description:

A Taiwanese Heritage ── Chronicling a Journey of Faith, Hope, and Love.

Spanning five years of construction driven by the dedication and determination of Elder Huang Ching-tai, Mackay Memorial Hospital Taitung Branch opened to grand celebrations in August 1987. To this day, it continues to serve as a regional teaching hospital, carrying the torch forward to manifest faith, hope, and love to the utmost while safeguarding the health of the people of Taitung. It stands as a magnificent historical legacy of Taiwan.

In 1956, Elder Huang Ching-tai of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan was led to Christ by Pastor Wu Tian-ming, a faith that ultimately transformed his life and core values. On April 29, 1982, during the first board meeting of the Mackay Memorial Social Service Foundation, Elder Huang was left dumbfounded by the board's resolution to spend over 2 billion NTD on expanding the Tamsui branch. In a sudden twist, he proposed: why not allocate 3 hundred million NTD to build a branch in Taitung instead?

The proposal sent shockwaves through the room! Elder Huang’s idea was not only met with a cold reception, but he also encountered immense resistance. Nevertheless, he held fast to the Mackay spirit of "going where no one else is willing to go, and doing what no one else is willing to do," tirelessly pushing his conviction forward without losing heart. Today, Mackay Memorial Hospital Taitung Branch has become a pillar of physical, mental, and spiritual support for the people of Taitung!

In 1880, Dr. George Leslie Mackay established the Mackay Clinic in Tamsui; in 1987, Mackay Hospital established its branch in Taitung. The Taitung Mackay Hospital is not only a paradigm of carrying faith forward into the future, but it also allows love to hold endless possibilities!

About the Author:

Huang Ching-tai

Born in Taitung in 1936.

Education:

Graduated from the Provincial Taipei Institute of Technology; studied abroad in Switzerland and Germany.

Experience:

Mathematics and Physics Teacher at Provincial Taitung Girls' Senior High School (1957–1960); Mathematics and Physics Teacher, Director, and Principal at Taitung County Private St. Joseph Technical High School (1960–1987); Technical Committee Member of the National Skills Competition of the R.O.C., Chief Judge of Carpentry, and International Judge for WorldSkills Competitions (1976–2009); General Manager and Technical Consultant for corporate groups; Board Director for the 29th and 30th terms (1983–1989) as well as the 50th term (2003–2006) of Mackay Memorial Hospital under the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan Mackay Memorial Social Service Foundation; Board Director for the 1st term of Mackay Medical College (2003–2006).