KEEP THE LIGHT ON......

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” — John 8:12

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An interview with Betty Leung

Betty Leung went to church one day in 2012 thinking it would be a regular service. She did not expect the next 10 years of her life would take a different direction because of one bulletin announcement. Talking Book Library, still operating under Christian Blind Mission Canada at that time, shared an announcement to recruit volunteer narrators from Chinese churches. Betty, piqued by TBL’s name, decided to call and inquire about the role. As it turned out, TBL was at an interesting junction. They wanted to launch a Chinese ministry in addition to the well-developed English ministry. Unfortunately, cbm Canada had decided to stop TBL’s operations at that time. Despite cbm Canada’s decision, several TBL members wanted to continue to provide audio Christian material to those with visual impairment, print challenges or oral learning preferences. Thus, TBL was formally established and operated independently from cbm Canada. Betty, having just retired and was keen on learning new things, soon began volunteering as a Chinese narrator. She would visit the office every Saturday to learn how to use the Chinese recording software. The following year she assumed a part-time role at the office, helping to coordinate the volunteer narrators who were eager to return to volunteer. At a ministry relaunch luncheon, Betty was thankful to meet all the passionate volunteers who taught her much, including how to use another software to record English narration. From all the material she had narrated, Betty particularly enjoyed the stories from the monthly publications of Chinese Christian Mission, one of TBL’s partners. She was especially touched by the stories of believers who emigrated from China to US and their testaments of trusting God in a new country. These stories were listed on CCM’s website, reaching beyond the visually impaired audience. Over the years, she witnessed the ministry blossom from its original location at cbm Canada. In addition to English ministry, TBL had expanded to Cantonese and Mandarin ministries in 2015. Having rebuilt the volunteer base to previous levels in 2016, TBL setup a new satellite recording booth at 105 Gibson Centre in south Markham to facilitate a busier narration schedule. In the same year, a team of walkers fundraised for TBL in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. When TBL relocated to Light On The Hill Community Church in 2018, she brought books to 105 Gibson Centre for the narrators. Betty worked as the coordinator until 2018 when she needed to dedicate time to take care of an ailing family member. Then everything halted with the onset of the pandemic. As ministry resumes now, Betty reflects on the past ten years and its impact on people’s lives. The audio material reassured the visually impaired to have hope during difficult times. Where else could they access such material when their eyesight was limited or if they were print-challenged? The material also encouraged others to seek the Christian faith and offered practical tips for questions that are relevant to many. Of all memories, Betty was most inspired by the Board members’ courage to answer God’s calling to carry the responsibilities for TBL’s operations with limited resources. She witnessed how God’s grace and provision of volunteers and funds have sustained TBL during the ten difficult years. Even though family is now Betty’s priority, TBL is still dear to her heart and she prays for TBL to grow and be able to reach more people. She prays that God will provide volunteers, books and the financial support needed to sustain the ministry. Will you join her in prayers for TBL’s growth and for God to use this ministry to reach those who need hope and the Good News?