From the mission field: Typhoon recovery in Taiwan

Damage is seen on the campus of Concordia Middle School in Chiayi County, Taiwan, on July 7 following Typhoon Danas, which made landfall on July 6. (Charles Clements)

By Brianna Dehn

On July 6, Typhoon Danas made landfall in Chiayi County, Taiwan, an area in which The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) is actively engaged in international mission work.

A July 11 post on LCMS International Mission’s Facebook page stated, “Thanks be to God, all our LCMS missionaries are safe and accounted for. The Luther Building (LCMS Asia Regional headquarters) has sustained mostly cosmetic damage. The strong winds did damage the doors to a few missionary housing units. Concordia Middle School also sustained damage. Restoration efforts are underway and ongoing.”

Typically, in Taiwan, storms approach from the east, where the country is exposed to more open ocean, but Danas hit on the west side, approaching from the stretch of ocean between Taiwan and China. Assessments of the storm’s impact across the area are still underway, but in addition to structural and agricultural damage, there have been several deaths reported, as well as hundreds of injuries.

While no one at Concordia was injured, damage to the school campus was extensive. A new roof, installed during the 2024–2025 school year, was blown off. A number of trees, some over 100 years old, were knocked down or damaged. Additional damage was reported to Concordia’s windows, grounds, parking lot and flagpole.

Cleanup has already begun, with the goal of having the campus functional by the end of July, when summer school starts for the students. LCMS Disaster Response is currently working with LCMS International Mission to develop a response plan.

The Rev. Dr. Cory Rajek, executive director of International Mission, said, “In the wake of this terrible storm, our hearts grieve deeply for the children, families and teachers whose lives have been shaken. Yet even now, amid wind and rain, we cling to the sure and certain promise of Christ — that He is with us and will not forsake His people. The cross still stands, though the earth trembles. We pray for comfort for the afflicted, strength for those who serve, and the peace that surpasses all understanding. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Noel Schaff, an LCMS missionary who teaches at Concordia Middle School, hopes this situation will ultimately lead to good.

“Pray that the Christians in Taiwan are able to use this as an opportunity to witness and to help others,” Schaff said.

Brianna Dehn is a staff writer for LCMS Communications.

Posted Aug. 8, 2025