作者： 前執行主任 李子群牧師
Passing the Torch of Hearts for Gospel Broadcasting
Former Executive Director Rev. Eduardo Lo
凡參觀過奧林匹克運動會的人士，不管是在哪一年、哪一個國家參觀，一定不會錯過奧林匹克最獨特「聖火相傳」的隆重儀式。「火」是古希臘神聖的標誌，在古代的希臘運動會上就有聖火相傳的古老傳統，標誌著藉著友誼的運動比賽使人類休戰永持和平的神聖使命。這神聖的傳統到現在已有相當悠久的歷史，可惜，世界卻經歷了兩次的世界大戰，而且國攻打國、民攻打民的醜陋，從來都沒有休止過！徒有神聖的標誌和傳統，卻沒有落實的承諾和踐行，意義何在？
今年欣逢美國遠東廣播公司中文福音事工部三十週年慶，年度主題「心火相傳」，乍看之下，好似與奧林匹克的「聖火相傳」遙相呼應，實際上卻有天壤之別，因為遠東廣播多年來都有名副其實的「心火相傳」實績，而不光是一個口號或標誌而已。
最近幾年來，末肢與從國內來的神學生有較多的接觸，當他們知道我以前在遠東廣播服事過，都會向我見證他們家裡三代都是本電台的忠心聽眾，使我感動不已。這些見證都是「心火相傳」的實例！
記得我當時在遠東廣播服事的期間，有一次收到一筆奉獻，信封裡還夾著一封簡短的信，一看筆跡就知道是兒童所寫的。信裡說她過生日的時候，家人都紛紛給她送生日禮物（紅包），讓她可以自己買最喜歡的東西。但她想來想去，自己所心愛的東西樣樣都有了，一無所缺，就想到遠東廣播需要資金傳福音，於是把收到的生日紅包全數寄來給我們。多麼感動人！但細想一下，如此稚童怎麼會知道遠東廣播的需要？肯定是家長「心火相傳」的果效呀！
遠東廣播1948年靠信心在菲律賓開播，當時他們用僅存的三百美元奇蹟性地買來了價值六千美元的三百尺高四十噸重的鋼鐵天線塔，但卻一直沒有經濟能力把它架起來，因為光找承包公司來築造天線塔底部的水泥支架就需兩千美元。熱心的蔡許月華長老聽到消息就到處奔波籌款，幫遠東廣播湊齊了兩千元來興建第一座遠程廣播天線塔。許長老也在當年開闢了「播音之日」節目，並親自主播該本土節目。事隔多年，許長老全家移民美國，她老人家也去世了，但她的女兒還不忘母親的遺志，繼續奉獻支持遠東廣播的事工。這也是遠東廣播「心火相傳」的鐵證。
在末肢的摯友中，也有好幾位與我同輩的熱心支持者，他們的後代已經成家立業，但都遵照上一代的吩咐和模樣，每年忠心奉獻給遠東廣播。在此美國遠東廣播公司中文福音事工部三十週年慶之際，祈祝這「心火相傳」的美好傳統，能歷世歷代流傳在遠東廣播人的血液裡！
Those who love to watch the Olympic Games are always fascinated by the ceremony of the lighting of the Olympic flame and the subsequent torch relay. Fire has divine connotations in Greek mythology. The tradition dates back to ancient Greek games, symbolizing hope for eternal peace, including a cessation of fighting between warring factions during the games. The tradition is thousands of years old, but unfortunately has not spared the world from the two world wars in the last century and many more ongoing conflicts between nations or ethnic groups. While it remains a sacred symbol and tradition, the Olympic flame has lost its true meaning.
This year we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the US FEBC-Chinese Ministries with the theme of “Passion, Partnership and Legacy” or “Passing the Torch of Hearts” in Chinese, which reminds us of the Olympic flame and the torch relay. In fact, at FEBC-Chinese Ministries, it is more than a symbol or slogan; it is a true legacy carried on from one generation to another.
In recent years your servant has encountered many seminary students from China. Upon hearing of my service at FEBC, they would often share how their families had followed our broadcasts for three generations. I was very moved.
During my service at FEBC I once received an offering envelop with a letter written in a child’s handwriting. The girl said she had received several “red envelopes” as birthday gifts to purchase whatever she wanted. She determined she did not need anything, but that FEBC was in need of funding for the Gospel. She then sent us all she has received. I was so touched. After some thought I realized the child must have learned from her parents’ words and actions, and, influenced by their passion, she, too, had developed a burning heart for the Lord.
In 1948 FEBC started broadcasting from the Philippines. With only $300 in hand, our faithful founders miraculously purchased the three-hundred-foot high steel antenna tower that weighed forty tons and worth $6,000. However, they lacked the funds to hire a contractor to erect the tower because the concrete foundation alone would cost $2,000. It was our beloved Elder Phoebe Chua who traveled everywhere to raise the funds to erect this first long range broadcast tower. She also personally anchored the “Day of Broadcasting” program. Elder Chua and her family have since immigrated to America and she has passed away. But the commitment of supporting FEBC was faithfully carried on by her daughter, another testimony to “Passing the Torch of Hearts” at FEBC.
Several close friends of my generation have been supporters of FEBC Ministries. Today, following their example, their adult children continue to support FEBC faithfully. It is my sincere prayer as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of US FEBC-Chinese Ministries that the legacy of “Passing the Torch of Hearts” be alive forever in the blood of our FEBC coworkers and partners!
李子群牧師與同工們
Rev. Eduardo Lo and coworkers