It was 1973. When Asian Beacon found itself without an editor, an unconventional duo stepped up to fill the void – Dr. Chong Kwong Tek, a physician, and his wife, Goldie, a beautician.
Though they had little experience in publishing, they felt a strong calling to support Asian Beacon, a magazine founded by Canadian missionary Ben Sawatsky in 1969.
The space above Dr. Chong’s medical practice in Melaka became the magazine’s makeshift office, where Goldie dedicated countless hours to typing stories, formatting pages for printing, recruiting writers, and mailing out copies.
“We had little experience, but our goal was to capture the reader’s attention from the very first sentence. We specifically targeted youths in small towns across Malaysia,” Dr. Chong shares.
From pimple advice to biblical guidance
As readers learned that Goldie was a beautician, they began sending in questions about skincare, pimples, and even relationships.
This led to the introduction of the “Dear Goldie” column, allowing Goldie and Dr. Chong to provide biblical guidance and practical advice.
For the next 51 years, the Chongs continued to support the magazine, first in the editorial department and later as advisors to the executive committee.
Asian Beacon has played a vital role in encouraging countless believers across Malaysia, showcasis the incredible ways God has worked thorough the ministry.
“Back in the day, many graduate teachers were sent to small towns to English language schools. Many Christian teachers would order copies of the magazine to distribute, and today we still hear feedback from believers who grew up reading Asian Beacon and were helped by it,” Goldie reflects.
In fact, she adds that the founder of a prominent construction company in Malaysia shared how a client who saw his advertisement in Asian Beacon felt a sense of trust and awarded him a project.
Through Asian Beacon, Dr. Chong and Goldie cultivated meaningful relationships with many young Christians and mentored several of them.
“Quite a few have gone on to become committed ministry leaders, including pastors, teachers in both secular institutions and seminaries, marketplace leaders, family and marriage counselors, and more,” Goldie says.
Running the race with perseverance and hope
Now in their eighties, Dr. Chong and Goldie have not slowed down in their ministry work.
Based in Perth, Australia, the couple provides counseling and discipleship training. They also disciple individuals and manage three senior groups.
Despite their many commitments, Asian Beacon has always remained close to their hearts.
The Chongs served as advisors to Asian Beacon until earlier this year when they sensed God calling the magazine into a new season.
Under the leadership of the previous chairperson, Mary Chan, the magazine began a process to identify a new team to refresh its strategy and direction.
“We are glad and excited by the new team. Our hope is that they would be the ‘sons of Issachar’ in this generation, knowing the signs… to be astute and perceptive in understanding what God is doing and what we as Christians need to do to align ourselves to Him,” Dr. Chong shared.
Reflecting on their 51-year journey with Asian Beacon, the Chongs remember with fondness and gratitude the many individuals who contributed along the way.
“Editors, writers, chairpersons, committee members, volunteers, and advertisers—there are too many to name,” they noted.
As Asian Beacon forges ahead, their prayer is that the magazine will continue to be a beacon of truth and hope for believers of every generation.
