Dear Madeline,
I admire and appreciate your kindness to my mother with your regular telephone calls to inquire how she was doing after the passing of my father.
Your strength, courage and resilience raising three young children as a single mother are remarkable. You took an unconventional path, guided by your faith and leave a legacy of giving and services. From the many messages of remembrance, you touched so many lives in a meaningful and special way.
Betty Eng

On your birthday we are reminded of your constant encouragement and how much we miss you. 

Mom,

Happy birthday in heaven! Uncle Ray and Uncle Herman brought flowers to your grave today. I'll post photos.

I'm delighted to update your lineage with a great grandson, Jeff and Baihui's Stephen Lee Tan!

As time goes by, I appreciate you more and more for the example you set for me to live a godly, giving life. The Bible verses you quoted and the way you invested in others will continue to inspire me to be a better person. Your testimony is still being shared and read.

Love you and appreciate all you did for me! - Teri

Dear Madeline,
I recall your kindness to our mother after my father passed. You telephoned our mother often to chat and to ask about her well being. I was touched by your generous care and support.

Dear Madeline,

You would be delighted and proud how your children have created a computer platform that keeps us connected. You raised smart, accomplished, loving children who honor you and cherish your memory. The legacy of your generosity and goodness shines through them and upon all of us. You are forever and “virtually” in our hearts.

Betty Eng

Hi Sis,
Wanted to tell you how much we still miss you. Your light will
never dim, your spirit will never die.

Hi Mom,
It has been three years since you left us. We didn't get your remains united with Dad's until last December, but I think it's was worth the wait to have all your kids and grandkids together for your celebration of life. The pandemic made us postpone your service twice. The third time was a charm. I know you'd be pleased with the unity in our family and the additions to it by marriage and babies. God has been and is so good and faithful to us. Love you lots, Mom!

Mom. It is hard to believe that three years have gone by since you left us and you are missed. I am reminded (by others) that you left us on March 4. It is also "March Forth" and so we continue. The pandemic experience was severe and I am glad that you didn't have to go through that but for now things are settling, the family is growing and even new great children are on the horizon. God is good and I think you would be pleased with things today. We love you. 

Miss Madeline was one of the most loving persons I have ever met. She was widowed VERY young and left with three very small children to raise. Never once did I feel an ounce of self pity or bitterness. She knew who she was in Christ and secure in her mission from Him for her family and His kingdom. And beyond all of that, hilarious and fun. And TOUGH. What a saint. She was one of a kind, a treasure I am privileged to have known. What joy to know she’s free in Christ for eternity, reunited with her husband and loving son, Steve, another treasure.

I am a friend, and neighbor, of Madeline’s daughter, Teri. I learned of Madeline through Teri’s sharing with me, typically while we were out on a walk together.
Madeline sounded like such a wonderful Christian witness that I asked Teri if I could read her autobiography, which I did in about January, 2020. Her story was very inspiring. Most particularly, how well she focused on Jesus through significant on-going hardship of supporting and raising 3 children on her own in the shadow of the un-timely passing of her husband. Her faith persevered and grew and grew! What a great God we have! She went on to live such a wonderfully productive life centered on serving Jesus! Shortly after finishing her book, I was able to visit with her at her retirement home in Milpitas. She was very near the end and was unable to verbally communicate, but I do believe, as I shared with her, that she was able to understand how much she had blessed me through her story. What an inspiration she is! I treasure that memory! 
Thank you, Teri, for sharing your wonderful mother with me!
Chris Bogert

Dear Teri, Winston, Bernice and family,
  Vicki and I fell in love with Madelyn (and the Tan Clan) during a trip to the States & Canada in the mid 1980's. We returned from that trip to the jungle in el Caquetá, Colombia with high hopes that some day Madelyn would come and teach our teachers—giving them much-needed encouragement and tools for their trade.
What joy her visit was! For a whole week she instructed, encouraged and coached our teachers to be the best possible educators—spiritually first, and then academically. She worked with the students-both Spanish and English schools; she taught art and music and had FUN with each of the students (and even their parents!)

Madelyn also taught a number of services with the whole mission family (not only the teachers). It's the final service that I want you to see with me—

   The scene: Madelyn has just finished teaching a very instructive and engaging word about the family—and the importance of the relationships between parents and their kids (only she never called them kids). The teaching emphasized restoration of broken relationships as well as establishing good ones.
Then, to close out the service, Madelyn had prepared to hold a foot-washing service....
We set out two benches on either side of the pulpit, and bowls in front of them. (I can't remember her exact words, but the scene is firmly etched in my memory... it is permanently there, bordered by the warmth and sincerity that Madelyn ALWAYS brought to her times with us.)
She not only taught of the beauty of mending relationships through foot-washing, she also encouraged children to mend their relationships with their parents in the same way. (Who ever heard of kids washing the feet of anybody? Much less Mom and Dad?)
  "Perhaps you have been in a broken or injured relationship in your family, or with another member of the body. I want to invite you to come here as you feel led, and offer yourself to others to wash your feet and restore their relationship with you, and then together—you all with God..."
Then she stepped aside, making room for people to come to the front as they felt led.

  I knew that I needed to be up there available to have my feet washed, there were so many broken relationships with others on the mission station that I couldn't have mended in any other way. This was the MOMENT!

I leaned over to Vicki to tell her I was going up there, and as I did, she stood with me and together we walked forward to sit on the bench. When we looked up, there stood Jesse (14), Seth (12) and Amy (10) in front of us... 
  One by one they knelt to wash Vicki's and my feet. I remember putting my hands on their heads and blessing them as they did. How touching... how humbling... our own sons and daughter lovingly washing our feet....
  Then came our turn—and Vicki and I washed each of their feet... I was adding a lot of salty tears to the water, but I don't remember any dry eyes that afternoon. My soul was stirred, our hearts were joined with our kids in a way that they had never been before. We got up from that bench and all hugged each other, much closer to each other as a family than ever before.

  I can't give you the date of that meeting, perhaps Spring of 1986... but I know that June 26, 1986 that same mission station was attacked by a guerrilla band that stole many things, isolated me from my family, with the guerrilla captain entering our house while I was taken away at gunpoint. That captain spent nearly 45 minutes with Vicki asking questions, and snagging money and personal items from our bedroom—all the while our boys lay awake and listening in their bedroom. God reigned that night... even though they stole MANY things from all of the homes and the mission, they could not take the peace of God that hovered closely over us that night.

I believe Madelyn's teaching on God's Restoration of the Family prepared us for that difficult time that was the unplanned precursor to our planned return to the States. And I believe that even though Madelyn had no way of knowing exactly what was to occur some months after her visit, she was faithful to listen to the Holy Spirit and equip us (as a family and a church) to be prepared for ANY occurrence—good or bad.
She was faithful.
She fulfilled her calling.
And we were strengthened because of her obedience.

If anything can be drawn from this story, may it be that you are encouraged to fulfill ALL that you are Called To.
Don't leave any stone un-turned, any difficult conversation un-held... any heart un-touched.
Follow Madelyn's lead to be ALL IN in any endeavor you enter.

Thank you Madelyn Tan for being such a rich and bold example of faith to us all. Your memory brings us great joy!

We will ever love you, dear sister.

A lasting goodbye to my friend, Madeline.Thank you so much for sharing your brilliant life and pointing out to me the ways to minister with all of your heart, soul, strength and might! You gave me and so many others the time and blessing with great wisdom and so many kind words. The time we have had together is a highlight of my life, your joy, love and fellowship have had such a positive and encouraging impact on me. Your work and passion for others is so inspiring! Love, Patricia

I loved u dear mother very much. She was a shining example of what we all need to be in Christ Jesus! I miss her but we all know she is in a much better place and some day,maybe soon,we will all be together again. Blessing to all of children,your mother was a wonderful lady.I am glad she was part of my life.ptl! sis mott Tullis,Florence,al.

Dear Madeline,

The last time we met, you had attended the funeral of mother. It was a sad event and the warmth of your care and good wishes for me and our family was embracing and comforting.  As I read the many tributes for you, I am touched by how generous and kind you were to so many others. You are loved, admired, respected and inspire a legacy of giving.

Betty Eng

Mom,
 
On your third birthday in heaven, I thank God for giving me you for a mother. You constantly challenged me to seek first the kingdom God, so everything else would come into place. Your zeal for God was evident in everything you did. I appreciate you and all your godly values more and more as the years go by.
 
With the pandemic easing, we hope to celebrate your life and get your ashes laid to rest with Dad December 17, 2022. I know you're already with him and Steve in heaven. I hope at your Celebration of Life, others will be inspired to be closer to God because of the life you lived. I know in death or life, your desire is to glorify God.
 
Much love and appreciation,
Teri

Mom,
I'm thinking of you on your second anniversary in heaven. As much as you loved singing and praising God here, I'm sure you are doing it big in heaven with Steve and Dad playing whatever instruments they have there. I loved worship time with you. Even if you couldn't remember the words, and after your stroke, you'd still hold my hand and swing or tap out the rhythm, swaying with the beat and lifting your hands in praise to God. You lived a life of praise. In spite of your physical afflictions, you kept your joy in Jesus. You showed me how to grow old graciously and joyfully. I love you, Mom!
Love,
Teri, your Precious Pearl (AKA P.P.)

This is dannghia aka margaret Chau . Madeline is greatly missed by us and the memories with her are still very vivid in my heart . I have shared a few copies of her booklets to a friend of mine who lives in Texas where he is very involved at church . He told me that this beautiful story about Madeline life is so powerful and inspiring . And he will share the extra copies with others . We will continue to do what she had left behind by spreading love and have faith for the Lord . All in all , Thank you for letting me to be part of her 95 th anniversary celebration .

Auntie Madeline,
It's been one year since you left us to go home to your Father. I remember so vividly our youth group Bible studies in your basement in El Cerrito when we were in high school back in the 60's - the sweet times of worship singing with Steve and me on guitar, the intimate sharing, and studying God's Word. Your family's influence in Stephanie's and my spiritual foundation was priceless. I am so sorry I didn't get to see Steve in person before he passed away to share one more song with him.

Winston, Julie, Teri, Stephanie, and I shared some special moments together after we visited you last year! It was wonderful reunion after not seeing each other for almost 50 years! 

Thank you so much for sharing your life with us! You loved us so deeply as your spiritual children - you were our "spiritual mother" in a very real sense! Now you are re-united with Steve and Mr. Tan and we are looking forward to a joyous reunion sometime in the future!

The summer I turned 12, I visited Shiloh Farm. At the time my family was living at Peace Valley Ranch but I wanted to go to Shiloh so I could have time with my friend, Alice Warner. During my stay, I attended a Bible class taught by Madeline. The verse she wanted us to memorize was: "Whatsoever you do, do it heartily as unto the Lord and not unto men". For me that was easy because I already knew that verse, as a song. Impulsively, I piped up and told Madeline that I could sing it. She was very excited and asked me to sing it to her. I did. Later, much to my horror, that evening at the dining hall with all 150 people, she stood up and and talked about that verse. Then without warning, she called me out of the crowd to come to the podium and sing the verse. I was scared to death but I was more scared not to go. Every eye was glued on me. I didn't even know all these people. Nervously, I walked up to the podium and sang that short melody acapella.  I have never forgotten that verse or that moment! Ever since that time, whenever I hear that verse or read that verse, I remember Madeline.  And, I remember that whatever Madeline did, she did heartily. There are many times I do not do whatever I do, heartily as to the Lord. Especially the difficult things in life.
But the other day, as I was struggling with life and a situation, I was reminded of this verse... and of course exuberant Madeline talking about this verse---- and then making me sing it in front of a crowd. I was challenged anew to live my life, whatever I do, heartily, as unto the Lord. Thank you Madeline.

I found an old hard drive and had a bunch of pictures of the family from my grandma's 99th and 100th birthday parties just a few days ago. Then I got the notice that you left us to be with the LORD one year ago. I miss you a lot, but can't wait to see you again.

My grandmother, Madeline Tan passed away 3/4/20 after well lived 94 years. I was able to join the rest of my family in San Jose and help clean out her apartment and go through a lifetime of memories, and take a few minutes to come together and remember the impact she made on our lives. While we miss her and grieve for our own loss, we celebrate her passing into eternity and reunion with her husband and my dad in heaven.

Madeline was one of my heroes. I loved her so much. When I was at the lowest point in raising my kids, she looked me in the eye and said "Look at the fruit". No one had ever spoken to me like that before. I will always remember her fondly.

I love our dear sister and yes if there was ever a proverbs 31 lady our sister was her. I got to spend time with her when I lived at Bowens Mill and she came to help with our school. A very precious sister for sure. God Bless her family. I guess I know Winston the best but my thoughts and love to you all. sis mott Tullis,Florence,al.

Madeline was one of the finest Christian ladies I have ever known. Her love for Christ and zest to serve Him knew no bounds. During our half-a-century of friendship she was more like my "Big Sister" than just a friend. From her I learn to know Christ, His life, death and resurrection. When adversities knocked at my door, she never failed to give me full physical and spiritual support. Madeline was the epitome of a genuine Christian who walked the walk with Christ. I am very blessed to have known her. I will miss her deeply.

I have known Madeline for decades; She was a true beauty ; both in appearance and in personality; a better friend no one could have! She will be very much missed and never forgotten!!

Madelyn Tan was a very noble woman. She was always an encouragement to me.  She stood for righteousness and rejoicing in the Lord, and her children rose up and called her blessed------plus me, her brother, I rise up and call her blessed.
Yours in Christ,
John Hinson and CHOIR

Our prayers and condolences to all of you in the loss of an amazing and precious lady that we had the joy and privilege of knowing. I first met Sister Madeline at a 10-day teacher training seminar at Bowen's Mill in spring of 1980. My mother, Evelyn Mitchell, "dragged" me, a 16-year-old guy, to this seminar because she had nothing else to do with me for the 10 days (plus 5 more for convention following). Not what I wanted to be doing. Was not a teacher??!! One of the major, incredible highlights of this seminar was meeting this little Chinese lady, Madeline Tan, with the warmest heart and sweetest spirit, and I believe her son, Steve, was with her. They were two of the most amazing people I've ever met. Sister Madeline was so passionate about teaching, about the Lord, about children, my life was forever changed as a result of that conference. I'm grateful to my mom for taking me. I'm a CPA by trade, but have been teaching full-time for 20 years in community college! Seeds were sown 40 years ago that have borne so much fruit and joy. I am forever grateful to have met and known and loved Sister Madeline and precious Steve also. I only very recently learned that Steve had passed also. Wow is heaven brighter having these two souls there! Thanks to her amazing family for sharing her with all of us. I have met Winston and Julie a few times, also precious. What a great and amazing family. Time may have separated us physically, but hearts are forever intertwined with the love of God expressed through these awesome people. Love and blessings to all of you!

Aunty Madeline left a legacy of faith for the generations of family who follow her. Her relationship with our God and her desire to spread the Christian message to others were her priorities in life. She was strong yet gentle. And she was always loving towards those around her. In 2008, when my kidney was failing, she asked her doctor if she could donate one of her kidneys to me. The doctor said "no" because of her age. That's the kind of love she has for others in need. I will miss everything about her. Her mission on this earth is now over and she can rest in peace with Uncle Gilbert and Stephen.

We will miss you forever.

I met Madeline some 15 years ago while I was living in Milpitas, we had a fellowship of bible study at her place until I moved out to Stockton . But occasionally , I called her and she would ask me about my Faith , or sometimes  I called her and asked for help in understanding some verses . Nevertheless, after this medical need after her stroke , i had a chance to work as a caregiver for her here and there whenever I could . Although her physical and mental conditions had been affected but she always knew that The lord would never leave her or me . As much as she wanted to share with me about her Faith , she would use her body languages to communicate with me , that I must pray for all the cars lining up at the back side of her unit , and she also wanted me to pray for our country as she used her figure to point out so that I was able to see an American flag hidden behind the tall big tree . It was beautiful to witness that she loved the world and she was so loved as well , There are many memories of which we spent time together by doing what she loved to do just 6 months before she finally had joined her loved one in Heaven , She had been a blessing in my life all along till I day i will see her again . Blessings to those who have known her and continuing to live our life to His glory as Madeline had always taught us .

From May Ling Shen:

Dear Teri, Winston, Bernice and Family,

Madeline was an incredible woman of God and an inspiration as is the family she raised. The Tan family was instrumental in my salvation. Their faith was a testament to God's blessings and care over the years. You welcomed me into your home when I visited the Oakland church where I accepted salvation. Madeline has left a great legacy of service to Jesus and an example of faithfulness that her family can be forever inspired by.

Love,
May Ling

P.S. It was fun visiting you at Shiloh and going to convention in Texas with your family.

Sister Madeline visited Ireland and left with us the indelible memory of a praising, God-fearing, joyful saint. We thank God for her and the beautiful example she was. We send our love and sympathy to her family. From Andrew and Kathy and the family of God in Blessington

Sister Madeline was one of the finest women I knew. Always had a smile and a kind word. She will be missed by everyone that was blessed to know her. A had three fine children, which is a real testimony these days. My love to those of her family that I knew--Lord bless Fred

Aunt Madeline took my mom to a church meeting - must be 50 years ago. My mom came back a different person. She seemed to have more peace. Sometimes she would disappear and we would find that she locked herself into the bathroom so she could read her Bible. That was the beginning of the transformation of our family. We are so thankful that her life touched ours in such a profound way.

Madeline Tan crisscrossed the Nation and the world, taking a message of hope and love to a people with a heart for Kingdom culture. From the frozen tundra of Alaska to the jungles of South America; from the white cliffs of Dover to the lush green hills of Ireland and Scotland; from the canals of Amsterdam to the plains of Spain; from Atlanta to Asia; from Sequim, Washington to Searsport, Maine; from Canada to Colombia, and cities and towns in between, multitudes have been taught, trained, and transformed, thanks to the faithfulness of a little widow woman, Madeline Lee Tan, who had caught a vision which extended beyond her own house and impacted a generation of ministers (like me), parents, teachers and young people across the globe. We love you, Sister Madeline, and thank God for bringing you into our lives. We will miss you, but we know where you are, and we will meet again.

Tom R. Rowe, Jr.
March 2020

Flowers from our garden cultivated by our parents:

I first met Madeline Tan at North Valley Christian Church. I remember her at the women’sBible study always with such wise words and amazing insights to share. I remember going to her apartment for some type of gathering and she was such a gracious hostess serving us tea and cookies. I had a great admirationfor this great lady of God. She will be forever missed but her wonderful spirit will live on in her children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. What a beautiful and godly legacy she leaves.

My sister was a teacher by profession but, more importantly, she was a teacher by example. The life of my sister was a teachable life.  Few people walked the path of life my sister walked, few walked in her shoes. And fewer people walked through with such grace and good cheer. My sister is a testament to and an affirmation of courage, grace, and the indomitable human spirit. A tree is best measured when fallen and few stood taller than my sister. Her journey is over, whether she's in a better place, I don't know, but I know the pain of the human condition is behind her now. She paid her rent for existence on this planet and left the joint better than when she came on board. I love you, Sis. It's cruise control from here on. Some flowers don't just bloom once or twice, they bloom forever. Bloom on Sis!

Celebration of Life: Madeline Lee Tan
March 18, 2020
Madeline and our family were cousins, but I think I saw her as my first Asian American big older sister. Herman, Madeline’s brother, told me that our paternal Grandmother was the daughter of their Great-Grandmother. I was about six years of age and my brother, Ben, about five when we and our mother immigrated to the U.S. from Toishan, China to be reunited with our father. Madeline’s father, “Uncle Stephen”, and my father, “Uncle Jimmy”, were partners in the grocery store, “Big Town Market” in Sacramento.
Madeline was already married with children when we first met around 1955. She was happily married to Gilbert, an M.D., with a growing family, Stevie, Winsty and Teri. I remember Gilbert’s generous and warm smile who shared his enthusiastic laughter with everyone. As a young immigrant child, I saw Madeline as a “model” for how the American experience could be lived: educated, professional, married, children….
When Gilbert died unexpectedly, everything changed as Madeline became a widow and single mother. In her books The Bruised Reed and This is my Story, This is my Song (2010), Madeline movingly chronicles the narratives of her life with Gilbert and family. She is strong, resilient, and brave.
It is her faith and belief in God that guides and shapes her life and family. Her devotion and deep commitment to God is inspiring and life affirming. She writes: “When I am weak, I am strong because it is no longer that I live, but Christ that lives in me.”
When my father passed on, Madeline kindly telephoned my mother frequently to express her care and concern as well as reached out through email messages. Extending her own experience as a widow, Madeline wanted my mother to know that she will not be a broken bruised reed and to move forward with hope.
Madeline is in our hearts forever and leaves a legacy of her faith in her children, Teri and Winsty and her many grandchildren.
Betty & Leung
Sacramento, California