Who hasn’t heard the voice of Sis. Tessie Tan-Veloso on the daily Chinese program over 702 DZAS “Agapay ng Sambayanan”? After almost five decades of being on the program and personally touching the lives of the Filipino Chinese brethren, Bi Lan-chi or simply Ate Tessie has truly been a blessing to all of us.
But the well-loved Bi Lan-chi has moved on. On July 28, at around 8:00 in the morning, she went home to be with the Lord.
Ate Tessie, as all of us fondly called her, has been with this radio ministry for a very long time. In fact, she has worked much longer than a lot of us here at FEBC Philippines.
As a young teenager back in 1961, Ate Tessie obediently heeded the Lord’s call for mission work. This burden grew in her heart, when, as a young kindergarten student years before, she would come to visit the FEBC office in Valenzuela City.
As soon as FEBC Philippines was established in 1948, a group of Chinese Christians immediately began this ministry. They realized that the older Chinese folks, and even the younger ones, had to hear about God and His love. And what better way to listen to the Gospel broadcast than in Amoy, their very own heart language.
Our first broadcaster was Mrs. Chua Kian Tiang, or Mrs. Phoebe Chua, another fine Christian woman. When Bi Lan-chi took over the program, back in the early 1960s, the Lord continued to prosper the ministry, giving many listeners the opportunity to know Him and begin a vibrant faith walk with Him. As she came to know them personally, she became their counselor and radio pastor. Relationships soon developed, through which she was able to introduce the bigger and greater scope of the work of FEBC Philippines, not just here in the country but in Southeast Asia as well. Until now, many of these Chinese Christians have remained faithful partners of this radio ministry.
Ate Tessie tirelessly visited those who were sick, at home or in the hospital. She compassionately took time to be with listeners who were grieving. Almost each week, she was speaker at a conference, a church service, or a fellowship. She made herself available whenever and wherever she was needed. Even when she herself was battling different major health issues.
Rev. Proceso Marcelo, her long-time colleague and one of our faithful workers here at FEBC, remembers her as a hard-working and faithful co-worker. According to him, her death is indeed a great loss for FEBC. Quoting from Revelation 14:3, he said, “I have witnessed her faithfulness and tirelessness in serving the Lord day and night. She joined us in visiting many homes, offices and churches. Countless people have also come to know and support FEBC because of her. Only the Lord knows how much she has contributed for this radio ministry.”
How well said from another godly man and faithful worker! Indeed, death is an ugly thing. And this year, we at FEBC have been jolted by the death of DXAS Zamboanga Station Manager Rev. Jorge Que and now, Sister Tessie Tan-Veloso. And yet, the fact is – the death of His saints is not a loss but a reward. Not just a promotion from all the pain and hurt and suffering in this world. But far more important than all this is the truth that forever will she be in the presence of our great God. And that should be enough.
Please join us in praying that God will indeed raise another Tessie Tan-Veloso to continue her legacy. May her life also serve as an encouragement for all of us to remain steadfast and firm in God and in His service.
