How a doctor and a beautician obeyed God’s call to run Asian Beacon, Malaysia’s longest-running Christian magazine

Via the Salt&Light Malaysia desk

Michelle Chun, Faithour.com // July 4, 2023, 2:29 pm

lthough well into their eighties today, the Chongs continue to remain faithful to the God who gave them this unique calling and guided them every step of the way. All photos courtesy of the Chongs.

Dr Chong Kwong Tek and Goldie sat quietly after their visit to a large church in Kuala Lumpur, patiently waiting for the crowd to exit the sanctuary. Suddenly, an excited woman approached them.

“Dr Chong, Sister Goldie! I saw you from afar and just had to come say hello!” she exclaimed. Dr Chong and Goldie, both in their eighties, warmly extended their hands as the stranger explained that she was from a church in Melaka where Dr Chong had once preached.

In 1973, Dr Chong and Goldie took up the challenge of running Asian Beacon despite having no publishing experience.

Affectionately known as Dr Chong and Goldie, this couple’s unwavering love for Jesus Christ is evident. Their story is one of how a medical doctor and beautician went beyond their professional careers to take up the challenge of running the Malaysia-based Christian magazine, Asian Beacon, in 1973, despite having little to no editorial or publishing experience.

Next year, Asian Beacon will celebrate its 55th anniversary, a testament to God’s faithfulness throughout their journey. Although Dr Chong and Goldie are now based in Perth, Australia, and are no longer involved in day-to-day operations, they continue to serve as advisors and faithfully participate in weekly online prayer meetings with the team.

Over the decades, Asian Beacon has served as a beacon of encouragement, biblical truth and hope for Malaysian Christians, particularly students and young adults who may have felt isolated or discouraged in their faith.

Today, Asian Beacon has a readership of over 45,000 across its print and digital platforms, and has been a trusted companion for many Malaysian Christians during their formative years.

“We give all glory to God,” Dr Chong humbly said, summarising the couple’s deep gratitude and recognition of God’s role in their remarkable journey.

A typewriter, glue and scissors

The Asian Beacon story began in 1969, when the late Ben Sawastsky, a Canadian missionary with the Evangelical Free Church (EFC), initiated the magazine.

Sawastsky envisioned reaching students by distributing the magazine through newsstands, prompting him to apply for a publishing licence. The magazine gained popularity among students, and Sawastsky started making plans to transfer the entire ministry to Malaysian Christians.

In 1973, Dr Chong and Goldie took over the helm of Asian Beacon. Next year, the magazine will celebrate its 55^th anniversary as Malaysia’s longest-running Christian magazine.

“When the opportunity was presented to us in Melaka, we decided to take up the challenge of continuing the publication. However, when our designated editor backed out at the last minute, we had to take on the project ourselves!” Dr Chong recounted.

The upper floor of Dr Chong’s medical practice in Melaka was transformed into modest headquarters for Asian Beacon. With that, the couple ventured into the world of publishing.

When Dr Chong and Goldie accepted the task of running Asian Beacon, they set up a small office above Dr Chong’s medical clinic in Melaka.

“We started with nothing except a typewriter, some glue and scissors. Tek was the brains and I was the ‘worker’ who carried out his at-times fantastical ideas,” Goldie said with a laugh.

Clearly, the Lord’s hand was upon the project, as young individuals soon lined up outside its doors, eager to volunteer their time and talents in service to God.

Prepared for ministry

Although Dr Chong and Goldie initially appeared to be unlikely candidates for the task at hand, they gradually realised that God had been preparing them beforehand for this ministry.

The Chongs with their three daughters and five grandchildren.

From a young age, Dr Chong had developed a love for reading, and during his time at university, he personally encountered Jesus Christ. His passion for books and literature led him to become the editor of the university’s Christian Students Fellowship newsletter.

On the other hand, Goldie had received her education at a prestigious English girls’ school in Hong Kong before pursuing an English major at an American university.

However, due to the non-recognition of her degree in Malaysia at that time, she ended up joining Dr Chong’s sister, who worked in the beauty industry as a nurse.

What seemed like an accidental career choice turned out to be divine preparation for the season that lay ahead, as the young couple would soon discover.

“How do I treat pimples?”

Back then, piecing a magazine together without the aid of the technology available today involved a laborious series of tasks.

“I recruited volunteers and emphasised to them the privilege of contributing. Goldie wrote articles, recruited writers, edited, typed, formatted the pages for printing, negotiated with printers, wrapped up copies, and carried them to the post office,” Dr Chong explained.

However, as things gradually fell into place, it became evident that Asian Beacon had been created for a vision much grander than anyone could have anticipated.

“When readers discovered that Goldie was a beautician, we started receiving questions about skincare and asking advice on love.”

When the Malaysian government launched a project to deploy graduate teachers to schools in small towns, many Christians eagerly participated, recognising the opportunity to bring the Gospel to these communities.

“We began working with these teachers through the Christian Teachers Fellowship, and the magazine became a valuable tool for them, not only for outreach but also for encouragement. As Scripture Union clubs formed and churches grew, Asian Beacon became a constant presence in these spaces,” said Goldie.

Initially, the content mainly focused on Christian living, but as time went on, requests started pouring in.

“When readers discovered that Goldie was a beautician, we started receiving questions about skincare, treating pimples and, of course, students seeking advice on love and relationships,” Dr Chong recounted.

Thus, the Dear Goldie column was introduced, and questions started pouring in for Goldie to address. It quickly became a beloved feature in the magazine, alongside articles contributed by Malaysian youth workers on living faithfully for Jesus Christ.

“It brings us great joy to meet Christian leaders today who share how they were encouraged by Asian Beacon issues passed on to them by their teachers and classmates,” added Dr Chong.

The harvest is plentiful

Having witnessed the evolution of the Christian media industry over the past five decades, the Chongs firmly believe in the importance of embracing new technologies and transitioning into the digital space.

“Asian Beacon has to pair new technology with traditional printing.”

“If we want to continue to inspire, teach, encourage and spread the Good News across generations, Asian Beacon has to pair new technology with traditional printing,” Dr Chong shared.

Throughout the years, God has faithfully provided the necessary resources to keep the publication running.

Dr Chong and Goldie have been greatly encouraged to see more Malaysian Christians venturing into writing and publishing books, podcasts, courses and blogs.

Now, there is a need for more writers and editors who, like the sons of Issachar, possess discernment and can effectively utilise mass media for His glory, he pointed out.

A match made in heaven

In addition to their involvement with Asian Beacon, the duo have dedicated themselves to various ministries and show no signs of slowing down.

As partners in life and ministry, Dr Chong and Goldie have enjoyed a wonderful, Christ-centred rhythm in their marriage. In 2014, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

In Perth, the octogenarians are actively involved in inner healing and training workshops for counsellors, discipleship of individuals and managing three senior groups – “not to retire but to refire” – by strengthening body, soul and spirit.

“Realistically, we are growing old! Our unsteady gait is evidence of that,” Dr Chong candidly admitted. “Physically, we may be weaker, but mentally we are still sharp.”

Living, working and serving side by side has brought them closer as a couple, establishing a comfortable rhythm of life. When ministering together, they carry a unique anointing.

“If I hadn’t married Tek, my life would probably not be as rich and exciting. I used to be an introvert, shy, and timid with low self-esteem. But with his encouragement, I dove into running a magazine, speaking in front of crowds, teaching God’s Word and more,” Goldie said.

Faithful till the end

Dr Chong and Goldie embarked on the Asian Beacon project with simple, childlike faith, and that same faith continues to drive them forward to this day.

The Asian Beacon operations team today (from left): Danny Cheah, Mary Chan (chairman), Elaine YM Lee and Cheng Suet Lai. Dr Chong and Goldie continue to serve as advisors.

“I simply keep doing what God wants me to do. When it comes from Him, it’s always enjoyable. When I feel tired or stuck, I take a hot shower, indulge in Malaysian-style fried rice, or savour some frozen Musang King,” Dr Chong said with good humour.

“And, of course, I retreat to spend quiet moments with the Master, who rejuvenates me through His Word.”

For Goldie, life has been a journey of encouragement and empowerment to exceed her own expectations.

“We will continue to do what we believe the Lord has assigned us to do until He says, ‘Stop. Enough. Come home.'”

“If I were to have a tombstone – though I won’t, as I’ve donated my body for university research – I would want these words engraved: She did what she thought she couldn’t (a play on Jesus’ words to Mary of Bethany). I believe I have accomplished things I never thought I could because of my husband’s encouragement and Jesus’ enablement,” she said.

Looking back, the Chongs acknowledge that, from an earthly perspective, taking on Asian Beacon as a young couple navigating life was “foolhardy” in many ways.

However, they cannot deny the countless blessings they have received through Asian Beacon, the team and the stories they have encountered. They have witnessed God’s guidance, management and preservation of the project over more than 50 years.

Dedicated workers who carried the baton included Goh Poh Gaik, who served as senior editor for a decade, and Rev Loh Soon Choy, an editor and advisor to Asian Beacon until his passing.

They also fondly remember the numerous like-minded Christian brothers and sisters who faithfully served with great commitment and self-sacrifice. Although it is impossible to name them all, their contributions were invaluable, whether in editorial roles or as dedicated volunteers performing the tedious tasks for the ministry, they said with appreciation.

“God has been with us every step of the way,” said Dr Chong. “So we will continue to do what we believe the Lord has assigned us to do until He says, ‘Stop. Enough. Come home.'”