傳道旅行與臺灣生活

Missionary Works and Family Life

馬偕從1871年底抵達台灣至1901年他去世為止,三十年期間,除了二次短期返國述職之外,幾乎都在台灣。他翻山越不怕艱難險阻嶺在臺灣北部地區四處傳教,傳道旅行的足跡遍及大城小鎮,尤其深入山區和東北平原原住民部落。根據記錄,他至少從淡水步行前往宜蘭19次,來回苗栗51次等。旅行期間,經常有學生和門徒輪流幫忙挑扛著馬偕的竹編旅行箱,陪伴同行。

1878年,他與臺灣本地婦女張聰明女士結婚,並且生了一男二女:偕叡廉、偕瑪連、偕以利。馬偕在臺灣服務直到病逝於淡水,最後安葬於淡水。(馬偕墓園)

 

Mackay devoted his life in Taiwan since 1871. He visited his hometown in Canada only twice before he died and was buried in Taiwan in 1901. Mackay was a very enthusiastic missionary; he made numerous evangelical and medical trips around the northern part of the island for 30 years. In 1878, he married Tui Chang-mia, a local woman, and they had one son (George William Mackay) and two daughters.