5 Questions With...Samuel Tsai

1. How did you first get involved with Friendship Presbyterian? My first time visiting the FPC English service was back in November of 2013. I was invited by my good friend Yolanda Chang. Although this sounds like I have been attending for six years, in reality, I was traveling in and out of the country during my earlier years at FPC. I had not really committed yet, and I even spent sixteen months living in Vietnam before moving back in January of 2019. Not until a few months ago have I felt that God called me to FPC as my church in Taipei, and I have now become a member. I truly feel our church's doctrine and teachings resonate with my own beliefs about Christianity.

2. What do you do Monday through Saturday?  I am a project manager in charge of sales and project development for Formosa Ha Tinh Steel in Vietnam, which is one of the primary limestone contractor/suppliers. Their parent company in Taiwan is Formosa Plastics Group, which accounts for 70% of investment. They are building the biggest steel plant in South East Asia.

I don't work on Saturday, only Monday through Friday (9am-6pm) and no overtime. 

3. What is something people might be surprised to know about you?  I still keep a 1996-97 Upper Deck Kobe Bryant rookie card. Yes, I am an avid sports fan and a die-hard supporter of the Lakers, Dodgers, Rams, and UCLA. I was raised in Torrance, CA, which is located in the South Bay region of Los Angeles. I have an Evangelical background. My mother church in Torrance is called EFC of South Bay, which stands for Evangelical Formosan Church (it belongs to a Taiwanese Evangelical denomination in America). Three of my mom’s older brothers are pastors. 

4. What do you find most challenging about being a Christian today?  As a Christian conservative, I am in line with traditional morality and gospel-centered values. This brings me up against distinct social pressures in the Taiwan of 2019, where liberal and progressive politics seem to be ascendant. I strive to reach out to my LGBT neighbors with the love of Christ, so Taiwan’s recent decision to become the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage is very distressing. It reminds me that Christ’s kingdom is “not of this world” (John 18:36).

5. What is one of your favorite books of the Bible?  The Book of Psalms and the Book of Proverbs. I enjoy the Psalms, because it is a collection of prayers, hymns, and praises of our Lord. Much credit to King David as a brilliant poet! Also, Proverbs has been known as one of the Books of Wisdom. I find it fascinating. I believe David’s son, King Solomon, wrote most of it. My favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5-6.