Whoy（兒媳會璿）

As I pen my memory of Dad, I must beg his forgiveness, for to disclose the personal life of someone else is like walking the proverbial high wire without a net. Dad is no longer here to object, correct, or refine my reflections; I can only sincerely hope by showcasing Dad’s life, the reader has a fresh glimpse of him as an authentic man pursuing God in his most private setting.

Fakery is now an everyday artifice of our lives as witness the unkept promises of politicians, the cheating scandals of athletics, and the failures of church leaders. In the midst of so much chicanery, Dad’s genuineness was refreshing like a gentle breeze in mid-day’s heat. His public persona and his private self were one and the same. On many occasions, church leaders came to our home and discussed weighty matters with Dad. After hours of discussions, Dad usually retreated into his room, still in the throes of conflict, he knelt down in prayer. At the dinner table, I could see he was burdened. But Dad never polluted our sacred meal time with insidious gossips, character assassinations, or harsh criticisms; in fact, Dad never took the microphone to air judgment, condemnation, or indictment. His silence was not an endorsement for transgression, but a conviction of the man within for he was as much against sin as he was for grace. So often, Dad’s quietness reveals deep trust in God‘s power to transform people’s heart. It was Dad’s firm belief, Grace, not accusation, made for quicker and more repentances, not fewer.

One evening, during dinner, Peter and I spoke with Dad about a major ministry debacle that took place at that time. To my shame now, but back then we were remonstrating with Dad to admonish certain leaders for their unbiblical decision and direction, but Dad’s response was simple and I shall never forget it for all my life: “The faults lie with me.” We knew he was absolutely innocent of it; we knew he grieved for the leaders involved; we knew but were too spiritually condescending to possess Dad’s greater insight into how confession, repentance, and restoration operate under the power of Grace. That night, Dad showed me the convictability of his own heart! It was not on the public stage that he revealed the true mark of a man. It was in the private setting of his home at the dining table during a mundane evening, which extended into many such evenings for years and years, engaged in table talks as we were that I came to realize what an extraordinary man my father-inlaw was.

Dad not only pastored me with his spiritual convictions, but with his kindness too. Many were the days he played with his rambunctious grandchildren so that I may relax, rest, and read. A real saint he was for he willingly ate what I cooked and was liberal with his compliments to the more-than-amateur chef. Patiently distracting the children with games and books, Dad enabled me to finish chores. When the children were young, they had little understanding how busy Grandpa was. As soon as my back turned, they would storm into his room like a military brigade and demanded he play with them. Dad always surrendered peacefully and put them each in turn on his office chair swirling them around and around. After more parley, Dad would offer the little army his favorite snack, Turkish Delight, which was a big hit for them all. He was an affectionate grandfather who carried, hugged and sang to his grandkids. He held their hands as he walked with them and told them jokes as he played with them. The Bible verse, “Let the little children come unto me and do not forbid them; for such is the kingdom of Heaven,” was a reality Dad lived out. When children grew older, they became conscious of his global influence. To affection was added admiration. He may be Dr. Reverend Philip Teng to the world, but he was always “Yeh Yeh” to them.

Many are the Chinese leaders in Christian ministry, some deserving great accolades, but Dad was what the old poets called a “shining star.” A true rarity. For Dad was both a kingly gentleman and a humble servant. I can think of no befitting honor to give Dad than the one that is given by Samwise Gamgee to Faramir in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Trilogy: “You’ve shown your quality, sir. The very highest.” “Yes, Dad, YOU have shown your quality, the very highest.” I might add one more thing, what would be Dad’s response to all this eulogizing? I believe he would find Faramir’s reply well spoken, and not only well spoken but I can even imagine Dad using the archaic King’s English with a little Edinburgh accent:

“But nay: the praise of the praiseworthy is above all rewards. Yet there was naught in this to praise. I had no lure or desire to do other than I have done.”

Indeed, Dad had no other lure or desire except to do all things for the glory of his Lord and Savior. What a legacy for me, for you.

原載於《恩典懷清輝：滕近輝牧師紀念特刊》，頁37-38。