This article was originally published in the Chinese Baptist WMU magazine in Taiwan.

Co-laborers with God — Dr. Milton A. Lites and Mrs. Nannette Webb Lites — Paths

When we serve God with a single heart, the guidance He gives sometimes leads us to labor side by side, and at other times to serve in different places. At the start of our journey, we do not know where the road will lead, how it will unfold, or what we will encounter along the way. Yet as long as we walk the path God has set before us, we can be sure of His blessing.

In August 1970, Dr. Milton A. Lites and his wife, Mrs. Nannette Webb Lites, came to Taiwan as music missionaries. While music was Dr. Lites’s calling and professional field, he had also received extensive training in preaching, teaching, and counseling.

During their years in Taiwan, music was undoubtedly central to their ministry. Dr. Lites founded a gospel choir called “Echo Valley.” As its conductor, he led the choir on concert tours across the island and saw many listeners moved to place their faith in Christ. The choir not only trained its members musically, but also equipped them to share the gospel, discern people’s responses, and provide follow-up after concerts. To this day, former members remain active in church ministry—some became pastors, and two even went overseas as missionaries. Many who met Dr. Lites at different stages of life later returned and, in time, chose to believe in Jesus.

In addition to composing for Reverberations, Dr. Lites conducted performances of Handel’s Messiah with the YMCA oratorio group and orchestra. He also helped promote the introduction of the new Chinese hymnal in churches throughout Taiwan. He taught music at Taiwan Baptist Theological Seminary and directed the seminary choir, rejoicing to see students and choir members serve with zeal in their churches—whether in Taiwan or abroad.

Beyond music, it was also a great blessing to serve alongside pastors and believers across Taiwan. In that setting, Dr. Lites preached the gospel and was warmly welcomed by pastors and church leaders. As they worked together to proclaim Christ to generations devoted to idols, he found deep encouragement. And whenever he saw students and choir members living out the spirit of 2 Timothy 2:2—“And the things you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also”—he was strengthened all the more.

Chinese people have long respected and praised foreigners who are willing to learn their language, culture, and traditions—and to put that learning into practice in daily life. This left a lasting impression on Dr. Lites. Adapting to an unfamiliar environment and gradually coming to know local people, history, and culture takes time, but the rewards are great. Dr. Lites found Taiwan’s culture and music exceptionally beautiful, and its history deeply fascinating.

He treasured the friendships he built with pastors and church leaders. He took part in several Protestant church-planting efforts, serving in unity with local pastors, and witnessed new congregations grow from tender shoots into thriving churches—eventually becoming members of the Baptist Convention of China (Taiwan).

When asked how to pray for Taiwan, he replied: “Across the United States, we continue to hear reports of revival in churches. With all my heart, I long to see the Holy Spirit poured out on pastors and churches throughout Taiwan. For any believer—local or foreign—to expect Chinese people to hear the gospel and immediately believe in Christ can be difficult. In many cases, Taiwanese people need to encounter the gospel more than once before coming to faith. Only the mighty work of the Holy Spirit can open their eyes and hearts to receive the gospel.” (Dr. Milton A. Lites)

He also spoke of the current situation in which many young people from Taiwan leave their hometowns for years at a time—whether to study abroad, work, or for family reasons. Let us join him in praying for this trend to be reversed, and ask the Lord to lead more believers back to Taiwan to take part in the sharing the gospel in their own land.

Paths

During his years of service in Taiwan, Dr. Lites wrote a song titled “Paths.” It is a hymn of prayer—Dr. Lites’s prayer and his choice—asking the Lord to reveal the right way.
We give thanks to the Lord for leading Dr. and Mrs. Lites to Taiwan. The song “Paths,” composed by Dr. Lites is shown below. May his resolve encourage believers in Taiwan not to shrink back in fear, but to rely on the Lord and choose the Lord’s way.

Editor’s Note: In Taiwan, many people respectfully addressed Dr. Lites as “Teacher.” The name “Teacher Lai” sounded especially warm, reflecting both affection and his ministry in Taiwan.
(We thank the Chinese Baptist Convention for providing this article and granting permission for publication.)

THE STORY OF "PATHS"

I wrote the words and music to “Paths” while I was still ministering in Taiwan. At that time before the fast trains came to Taiwan, it was wise to take a plane flight from the South to the North of Taiwan. On one of my flights as the plane ascended to its flying altitude I noticed the many streets and roads that I could see clearly from my window seat. This view was not possible from the ground level, but from a high altitude, I could see the path of each street and road, where it began and where it ended. I began to think that this may be how God sees our lives. We follow many different paths during our lifetime, and some are better than others. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could see the path ahead as God sees it? We could avoid many painful experiences, and we would find ourselves walking in the paths that God has marked out for us. So I wrote the song as one praying and asking God to show him the right path to choose.

Paths

There are two paths ahead for me,

One leads to the world,

One Lord to Thee,

I must decide, quickly decide

Which path to walk, I can delay

I’ll trust in Thee I'll pray to Thee

Hold to Thy hand,

Help me to see, and understand,

I’ll trust in Thee, only in Thee,

And choose your way.

Following my Lord, I cannot fail,

O’er mountain steep or stormy vail,

His tender voice will lead my on,

I’m not afraid, I’m not alone

I'll pray to Thee and seek your aid

Help me to trust, not be afraid,

I’ll trust in Thee, Only in Thee,

And choose Your way