The China ministry community has lost a dear friend and colleague with the passing of Martha Chan on June 29th. As founder and president of Educational Resources & Referrals-China, Martha served as a mentor to hundreds of Christians from the United States and elsewhere who taught in universities in China. Martha also founded the China Academic Consortium, which connects North American Christian scholars with educational institutions and individuals in China.
Martha spent her last full day doing what she loved, interacting with students online as they wrapped up this year’s Chinese Worldview Seminar, an enrichment program offered by CAC. I was the final lecturer, and as Martha and I compared notes on China’s political culture we chatted about when we could meet up again in Berkeley, Martha’s longtime home. But less than 24 hours later, Martha was hospitalized after suffering a stroke. She passed away that night.
An Unwavering Passion
ChinaSource Vice President Joann Pittman recalls her first meeting with Martha shortly after the founding of ERRC.
My first interaction I had with Martha was in the summer of 1985, when I received a phone call from her. She was recruiting for her new organization, ERRC, and was calling to see if I would like to join. Since I was already committed with another organization, I declined. Her passion for taking the gospel to the people of China was evident in that call, and over the years, when our paths crossed at conferences and various meetings, it was clear that the passion never wavered.
Martha’s open-handed approach fostered partnerships across organizational boundaries. These included collaborations with the Berkeley Theological Union, of which CAC is a member; the U.S. China Catholic Association, Regent College, and ChinaSource.
Joann writes,
I had the privilege of working with Martha on two projects. The first was a joint lecture series with the U.S. China Catholic Association. We collaborated on planning and hosting lectures to help people know more about God’s work in China. The second was facilitating an online book club, reading books about Chinese history, culture, and the spread of the gospel. The passion I had seen decades ago was still there, but expanded to equipping his people to serve in China. Since it is my calling and passion as well, we were like two peas in a pod! I praise God for Martha and for her steadfast unwavering commitment to the work God called her to.
A Welcoming Presence
Like her Scriptural namesake, Martha was a welcoming presence, untiring in her service for the Lord and full of faith. ChinaSource President Kerry Schottelkorb recalls,
When I first began with ChinaSource in January of 2019, I was looking forward to meeting Martha because I had heard so much about her. I will never forget how she warmly welcomed and included me immediately into the ministry community. I learned so much from Martha whenever we were together or participating in gatherings, conferences, and discussion groups.
During the COVID years ChinaSource hosted a virtual quarterly gathering of leaders from a variety of China ministries, who met together to share updates, encourage one another, and pray together. Martha was a regular, attending to the pain, questions, lament, and concerns of those in the group. She spoke courage into our hearts and provided wisdom and context to our discussions.
Kerry recalls,
While many of us were stunned and disoriented by the changing ministry environment, and the shaking taking place in so many who found themselves unable to stay or return to China, Martha was steadfast in her resolve to brave whatever came next, because of her faith and resolve in Christ. Martha’s influence and example helped keep us focused on our Rock, and her willingness to help with the most practical of details was a peaceful blessing.
A Legacy of Friendship
Andrea Lee, ChinaSource’s Content Manager, reflects on Martha’s friendship and care for those with whom she served.
I remember attending several scholarly conferences where I met scholars from China, only to discover that they all knew Martha Chan! Her dedication and influence were truly inspiring.
Later, we had the opportunity to collaborate on a few articles, and I was always struck by her warmth, humility, and passion. She was generous in encouraging newcomers like me and never hesitated to reach out with sincere questions and a genuine desire to serve. She lifted others, not for recognition, but for the sake of God’s kingdom.
I had always hoped to meet her in person, and somehow thought there would be plenty of chances. As a fellow immigrant woman from Taiwan walking the path of faith and writing, I had so many questions I longed to ask her—about her journey, her experiences in Chinese Christian ministry, and the stories behind it all.
We give thanks for Martha’s legacy. Though we are saddened by her sudden departure, we rejoice that her faith has become sight, and she is now resting in the presence of her Savior.
