Rev. Charles H. Chao was honored with a doctor of divinity degree by Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pa., on May 26. Dr. Chao is well-known through his ministry with the Reformation Translation Fellowship (RTF), which he co-founded in 1949 with missionary Samuel E. Boyle following their departure from China because of the Communist takeover.

Dr. Chao was converted under the ministry of Wang Ming Tao and was introduced to the Reformed faith under the instruction of Dr. J. G. Vos at Yingkou Bible Institute. To continue to minister to Chinese-speaking people, Drs. Chao and Boyle, with the help of others, founded the RTF to translate theological works into the Chinese language. Since that time Chao has translated over 50 books, edited a quarterly magazine for readers of Chinese, and edited one of the first theological dictionaries in Chinese. In 1977, Geneva College also honored him with a doctor of divinity degree.

The motto of RTF is “The Word of God Is Not Bound,” taken from 2 Timothy 2:9. The founders understood that the Lord will use His Word to convert sinners and to build them up in Christ Jesus. Their emphasis in the translation work was on theological works that would prepare pastors to minister among their own people in China. Since that time, the books have been read by many in the mainland, in Taiwan and Hong Kong, and throughout the world.

Dr. Jeffrey Jue, assistant professor of church history at Westminster Theological Seminary (WTS), who had nominated Chao for this honor, noted that there are many Chinese students at WTS and elsewhere who have been greatly affected by Chao’s ministry.

Dr. John H. White, retired RPCNA pastor and retired president of Geneva College, represented the WTS Board of Trustees in presiding over the ceremony. He awarded Geneva professor Byron Curtis his Ph.D. Retired missionary and current RTF board member Gene Spear was also recognized at the ceremony among the members of the 1955 graduates. He received his Th.M. from Westminster 50 years ago.

At a dinner with family and a few friends following the ceremony, Dr. Chao summoned his strength to recount some of the marvelous providences of God in his life. In his autobiography he describes many such events (Out of the Tiger’s Mouth, published by Christian Focus and available from Crown & Covenant Publications). When he speaks to groups through his ministry, he is often heard to say “Praise God” as he deflects the honor others might want to give him.