Hannah Dodds

Missionary to Taiwan

Ministry Description

Only 5.5% of Taiwanese profess to be Protestant Christians. In the midst of this spiritually dark country, SYME (Studying Youth Ministries in English) seeks to bring truth and light to the Taiwanese people, especially the youth. At SYME, we have English & Bible classes, evangelism & community outreach, scripture memory, one-on-one counseling, and other ministry training. We also seek to continue to build our relationship with the student even after they leave SYME through our Rooted alumni ministry, which is my main ministry.

About Hannah

I was born in China and adopted by an American family when I was thirteen years old. Then started going to church and Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) with them every week. Although I did not understand what the service or the Bible classes were about because I didn’t know any English, I saw something different in my new family and the church. They had a kind of love, joy, and hope I have never seen before. About three months later, with the help of my Chinese American tutor, I understood the gospel, so I confessed my sins and asked Jesus to be my Savior.

With this new life (physically and spiritually) God gave me, I tried to live differently, but it soon turned into legalism. It wasn't until I went to Word Of Life Bible Institute that I developed a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. During that year, I was challenged to change the mentality from "I will go if God calls me" to “go unless God stops me.” For Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38 ESV).

Prior to this, I have also gone on many short-term mission trips in junior and high school. On my first mission trip to Brazil, as we visited families who lived in favelas (slums), it reminded me so much of my childhood in China. I remember thinking, “I am so blessed! One day, I want to use my resources and opportunities to help people like these and share the gospel, the true hope, with them.” Growing up, my family also hosted many missionaries and went to my church’s missions luncheon every month. Over time, I grew a heart for missions.

As I sought after opportunities to serve Him, God opened the door for me to serve with Word Of Life Taiwan, in a ministry called SYME (Studying Youth Ministries in English). I served with SYME for 6 years and am currently serving our SYME alumni. It is a huge privilege to be part of the life and heart changes that take place here. I love the daily opportunities to grow and develop valuable skills while disciplining and evangelizing students whom I truly care for.

Life Verse

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58