Remembering Bruce Townsend (1925–2026)

We thank God for the life of Bruce Townsend, who passed away peacefully, aged 101, and is now forever with the Lord. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family at this time of loss, even as they celebrate his life, and the hope of reuniting in heaven.

Bruce was part of the small founding team that launched FEBC Australia in 1965. After meeting Dr Robert Bowman of FEBC International, he stepped forward in faith to establish the work here, with a deep conviction that the gospel must be heard where Christ is not yet known.

From those early days, Bruce stood firmly with the vision of communicating the Good News among the nations through media. His faith was not passive. It was lived with much prayer, clarity, courage, a willingness to serve Christ and a relentless passion to make Him known.

One of his running lines was "Never give up, or shut up until you are taken up!"

Through that faith and obedience, FEBC Australia became part of a wider global work reaching people in their heart language, including in places where access to the gospel is limited or restricted.

We give thanks for Bruce’s life, his love for Christ and His gospel, and the part he played in this mission.

In the spirit of Bruce’s unmistakable style, he would have loved to share the gift of eternal life through Jesus. Here is an excerpt from his final Christmas greeting: 

“Jesus is the centre of God’s glory and His wisdom and His wonderful salvation. We are part of it and we are blessed and we have “good measure” from our loving heavenly Father. We know that Jesus is alive and that He’s alive for evermore. We look forward to seeing Him, our loving Lord and master and saviour, face to face...

Cheerio for now! And I’ll see you in eternity! Amen!”

Amen Bruce! We will continue the work of sharing the gospel through media, until all have heard.