The death of Rev.  Dr  Charles Chao on 16^th December 2010 marks the end of an era for the Reformation Translation Fellowship. Together with Rev Sam Boyle they set up this ministry in South China back in 1949. The tribute below from Rev John J. Murray of Edinburgh was printed in the order of service at his funeral and is typical of the esteem in which he was held. When I became involved in the recovery of the Reformed faith in the 1950’s I discovered from The Banner of Truth magazine that there was an organisation called the Reformation Translation Fellowship, translating and publishing Reformed titles in Chinese. There was a British branch giving support and I was invited to become honorary Secretary of the UK Board in 1962. This brought me into contact with the Rev. Charles Chao, who was

When I became involved in the recovery of the Reformed faith in the 1950’s I discovered from The Banner of Truth magazine that there was an organisation called the Reformation Translation Fellowship, translating and publishing Reformed titles in Chinese. There was a British branch giving support and I was invited to become honorary Secretary of the UK Board in 1962. This brought me into contact with the Rev. Charles Chao, who was the co-founder, with the Rev. Samuel Boyle, of this project, which began in China in 1949. On several occasions, he visited the UK, stayed in our home and spoke at meetings to promote the work throughout the country. In 1984 I had the privilege of accompanying Dr and Mrs Chao on a visit to Mainland China and then visiting the RTF headquarters in Taiwan. This gave me the opportunity to get to know more of Dr Chao and hear of the wonderful things that God had done for him and his family in Manchuria. It was rare to find someone from his background so committed to the full-orbed Reformed faith. The influence of his teacher, Dr J. G. Vos, was evident in his thinking. Dr Chao, filled with enthusiasm for the Calvinistic truth, pressed on against many obstacles to put the Reformed classics into the hands of Chinese Christians, especially ministers and students. I pay tribute to a man on whom God laid his hand to be a pioneer in the spread of Reformed literature in China. The influence of his work is being experienced in the Chinese Church of today. Many young people are now enthused for Calvinism and the doctrines of grace. Eternity alone will reveal what lasting benefits resulted from this venture of faith. We give thanks upon every remembrance of the Rev. Dr Charles Chao. To God alone be the glory. Deepest sympathy to Mrs Pearl Chao and all the family.

Rev John J. Murray

The former secretary of the British Board of the Reformation Translation Fellowship