In 1959, he became a missionary of the Far East Broadcasting Company to Okinawa, and along with two other brothers in the Lord, planted a Chinese Christian Church.  John was ordained as a minister of the gospel in 1970.

During his 41 years of service with FEBC, he had been a station engineer, a station manager and executive directors first in Hong Kong, in Singapore and finally with the Chinese Ministries in USA. In his last year with FEBC, he was a special assistant to the president of FEBC-USA.  He retired from FEBC in 2001. Even though he retired, his passion to help the believers in China continued.  He started a new organization, Joy Partners, to minister to them using music, seminars and the Internet.

John was a man of wisdom, faith and vision.  He followed God's leading in his heart. He was married to Florence for 45 years (their anniversary being on the day following his admittance to the hospital.)  They served the Lord together with one heart. He died in July 2002 from pneumonia due to complications in his chemotherapy treatment for lymphoma.

They have three grown children, Jimmy, Becky and Peter, a goddaughter Lynn as well as four grandchildren.

The Lin Family (1962)

Jim—Oldest Son

I remember my dad as someone who modeled his life after Jesus. Since I was the oldest, my dad wanted to make sure that I would be ready for the "real" world. As soon as I was old enough, he encouraged me to get a job delivering newspapers in our neighborhood. I remember how excited I was when I received my first paycheck and bought my first "chopper" bike which was all the rage at the time. I learned from my dad the value of hard work and always doing your best. He used to always say that "there's no such thing as a free lunch". I had a hard time believing that because he always provided for the family and it certainly was "free" for me. I hope to instill the same values in my two daughters that my dad has shown me. He has been a great grandpa for Danni and Brandi who are so happy to be able to sleep in a custom bunkbed built by him. He wanted to make sure that they felt at home whenever they came to visit. Play a great game of golf dad and hit a long drive for me. I love you.

Becky—Daughter

Daddy was full of smiles and love for everyone!  I was Daddy's little girl, and he always treated me like a princess. My dad took good care of me and helped me to become the person I am today. He guided me and shared his wisdom with me.  He gave me my life's verse: Proverbs 3:5,6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. My dad was an example of servanthood. His main goal in life was to serve God.  The Lord provided me with such a wonderful and loving dad.  He has also been the most loving and fun "Papa" to his grandchildren. Michael and Jaclyn will have fond memories of their Papa. I will treasure the moments we had together. I'll love you forever Daddy.                          

Peter—Youngest Son

I have been so blessed to have a father like my dad. He has always been there for me, even though sometimes we were separated by distance.  I have relied on his advice and mentoring throughout the years.  He has always guided me in my education, my career, and even my finances! I remember when I lost my job after 8 years, my dad and my mom

came right over to pray with me, and to reassure me that God was in control and would take care of me. He was definitely right!  I have been so lucky to grow up in a loving Christian home, with such loving parents. I am so proud of my dad and what he has accomplished during his life.  He has been an example to me in how he served God with over 40 years in the ministry.  I know that many people around the world have been touched by him, and know the Lord because of him.

I will miss him terribly but I'm also happy he is in heaven with our Lord and Savior, and will one day see him again.  I love you Daddy!

Frank—Son in Law

It has been a true blessing from the Lord to have John as my father-in-law.  The love of Christ was certainly evident in his life. He very much had a servant-like attitude.  He always put the needs of others ahead of his own needs. He had a great love of life and a great love of Christ. Since I've known him, he has always been generous to me beyond what I could ever ask for. He loved his family very much and did whatever he could to take care of them. My fondest memory of him is his great smile.  I really liked his smile and will always cherish it.  He introduced me to the game of golf, and I enjoyed playing golf with him. He most certainly raised a beautiful and caring daughter whom I love tremendously. He took care of his daughter to the end, and dad, I will take good care of your daughter to my very end.  Thank you for all that you have done for Becky and me.  I love you.

Lynn—Goddaughter

He always introduced me as "our daughter from Singapore". Rev Lin was a mentor, a friend and a father to me. When I first joined the Far East Broadcasting Company in Singapore 17 years ago, he taught me how to write, how to organize special events and meetings, how to study the Bible. He was an inspiring and patient teacher. Most of all, I've benefited and learned from his graciousness, his generosity of spirit and his humility.  I believe he leaves me and so many others an enduring legacy of what it means to be a decent human being. I will miss him dearly.
 

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