Minister of the Interior Yu Cheng-hsien (
In a ceremony held in a private school in Taichung County, Yu hailed the four, who come from the US and Germany, as "real Taiwanese" considering their long stays in Taiwan and their selfless devotion for many decades.
The four are James Vincent Buttind, 85, James Thomas Manning, 82, Mary Rose Hoffmann, 89, and Lilly Singer, 65.
Buttind arrived in Taiwan in 1953 and has been doing social and religious work in and around remote villages in Taichung County and Nantou County ever since..
Manning arrived in 1951 and, as part of his missionary activities, has established a free health clinic for in central Taiwan.
Hoffmann arrived in 1954. She was praised for her work in getting aid from various churches to the victims of the 921 earthquake.
Singer, who arrived in 1964, was recognized for her contributions to underprivileged children nationwide. At yesterday's ceremony, Singer urged the government to offer more help to blind and mentally challenged people.
Yu praised the four missionaries as the "messengers of God," as they usually chose the most remote areas to serve people who need the help most. "They are the best friends of Taiwan," he said.
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