In Memory of Rev. Dr. Joseph Tong: A Pioneer in Theological Education for the Chinese Church

Renowned theologian and educator Rev. Dr. Joseph Tong passed away on March 24, 2026 (local time), in Los Angeles, at the age of 85.

Tong was born in 1942 on Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, Fujian. When he was 17 months old, his father passed away. Later, he moved with his devout mother to Indonesia.

He was frail from a young age. However, he once experienced God's healing when his long-suffering neck illness miraculously subsided. After that, in a discipleship training program, he was deeply moved by the Bible and underwent repentance and spiritual rebirth.

At the age of 16, he committed his life to God, and one year later, he enrolled in the Southeast Asia Bible Seminary in Indonesia.