Hostage Taipei: A True Story of Forgiveness and Hope

This true story was produced as a docu-drama by National Geographic Channel and broadcast in their Locked-Up Abroad Series. A South African diplomat family were taken hostage by a ruthless and notorious killer in Taiwan. In the chaos of media frenzy and gun battles with police the Alexanders' lives were endangered, their faith and love put to the test, and miracles occurred. The Alexander family witnessed for Christ before TV cameras, news media, and throngs of people in a non-Christian nation eager to hear how anyone could show forgiveness toward a killer who had mercilessly harmed them and terrorized the entire island. This event, which occurred in 1997, had huge media coverage and still connects with readers concerned about terrorism in our world today. In 1997, the family of South African diplomat McGill Alexander were taken hostage by Taiwan's most-wanted and feared criminal, Chen Chin-hsing. The family were held at gunpoint, used as human shields in gun battle with the police, and seriously wounded in the crossfire. Demanding justice for his imprisoned wife, Chen threatened to commit suicide once his mission was accomplished. Besieged by media and police, confusion ensued; but several heroes rose above the danger. Ann Alexander visited Chen Chin-hsing in prison, and before his execution, he converted to faith in Christ. The Alexander's showed the world a stunning example of forgiveness in the midst of violence and revenge.