'Magnify the Lord's good name, let us exalt His name together' (Psalms 34:3) was a verse on John and Remy Tan's wedding souvenirs. It became the anthem of their lifelong mission journey. From their first meeting at FEBC Philippines' radio towers to building lasting friendships across continents, their story reveals how God's work flourishes when His people serve in partnership. Through technological transitions and cultural bridges, this faith-filled couple witnessed how sharing Christ's love through radio waves creates a chorus of voices magnifying His name together. Here's how a physics graduate and a local accountant found themselves part of God's greater broadcast plan:
Missionaries: John and Remy Tan
Dates of service: 2004–2012 (In addition, Remy was a staff member 1984–2004)
Locations: Philippines and Cambodia
Roles: IT management (John); Accountant (Remy)
How did your journey with FEBC begin?
Remy began as a local employee at FEBC Philippines in 1984. Her passion started in university when she came to know Jesus: John first volunteered with FEBC Philippines in September 1993, serving twice for about a month each time, then for a year. Their paths crossed during John's first short-term mission, leading to a marriage that united their shared passion for missions and love for Jesus.
What drew you both to mission radio work?
"I knew about Jesus intellectually. In my rebellious teens, I questioned and searched for the truth. When the Lord convinced me that Jesus is real and what the Bible says is true, I thought, 'What took me so long? If it took me so long, then how about all these other people? How will they give their life to Jesus?'" John shares. "I wanted to share my newfound faith with as many people as possible. At FEBC, I discovered how God could use my technology skills and cross-cultural background to serve His purposes."
For Remy, the journey began as a listener. "The passion ignited when I came to know the Lord in the university. Being a Christian, I thought that people needed to hear the gospel too. I wanted to be part of an organisation that's engaged in doing that, even though I did not know one. Then the Lord led me to listen to FEBC Philippines, and I saw the importance of the radio broadcast."
What roles did you serve in?
John led significant technological transitions, moving FEBC's broadcasting from analog to digital systems. His physics degree unexpectedly proved valuable in understanding transmission lines and signal broadcasting. Remy's accounting background served her well in bookkeeping roles, later expanding into international broadcast department work.
Were there significant friendships formed?
"In the Philippines, when I first arrived, both local staff and expat staff lived on the compound," John recalls. "We'd have regular prayer times together, and Marlene Cooper would make hot cross buns and ANZAC cookies for Australian occasions. David Bayliss and I were friends for quite some time, and we were able to open up the issues we were facing and support each other and, pray with each other as brothers in Christ. That was special." Over time, as families grew and needed to be closer to schools, many moved off the compound.
"The Australian contingent was very supportive of us, even before we got married," Remy adds. "Working with Australian missionaries like Larry Podmore and Chris Cooper helped me understand Australian culture before I even came here. Our children grew up knowing each other - it wasn't just professional relationships, it was deeply relational."
The team of missionaries still catch up, with their most recent gathering in 2021.
In what unexpected ways did God use your skills?
"God used abilities I never imagined would be relevant," John reflects. "My physics degree helped me grasp broadcasting technology. Even my ability to speak languages with a foreign accent became useful - sometimes stations specifically wanted programs with that authentic international flavour."
John was also helping to translate news into Indonesian, an ability he attributes to God's faithfulness. "I studied Bahasa Indonesia, but I failed it so badly. I was in the bottom 10%. Then, on a short-term missions trip in Java, Indonesia, I was fluent enough to interpret for the team. It's like when I needed the language, God gave it to me."
Can you share a memorable impact story?
One powerful story emerged after the tsunami hit Banda Aceh, Indonesia. "When disaster struck, FEBC's emergency broadcast system helped rebuild the city. While Banda Aceh remains predominantly of another faith, that service opened doors and changed perceptions about Christians in the community," John and Remy shared.
Remy recently learnt that persecuted believers from a village in Southeast Asia have been encouraged by the broadcasts transmitted from FEBC Philippines in their own language. She was overjoyed as the FEBC team then didn't know if people were listening.
How did God sustain you through challenges?
Remy holds dear 2 Corinthians 12:9: 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' "When things are not happening according to what we want or plan, it's hard, but the Lord promised that He will not leave us nor forsake us, and His grace is enough. And, knowing that He is sovereign, that nothing that's happened is hidden from Him," Remy explains.
For John, Psalm 19:1 resonates deeply: "The heavens declare the glory of God.” “God created the universe. God created the earth. I love to pray by the beach, watching the waves kept in control by our great God." The verse also reminds John of how God uses even radio waves to reach people.
What are your thoughts on FEBC's development?
John reflects: "Things change over time. The Internet has taken over in a great way, but it doesn't get through in some places, so there radio and shortwave radio are still needed.
The need to get the gospel to people remain, so the work continues, with the appreciation that how to get the gospel out is different in each culture. As culture changes and we change, there's still a lot to learn"
What's your message to those considering mission service?
"Partnership is key," Remy emphasises. "Some are called to go, others to pray, give, mobilise others or care for and encourage workers. We experienced all of these, that people cared for us, from prayer warriors to ladies who sent us Vegemite and Minties from Australia. These seemingly small acts of partnership helped sustain God's work across borders." Some supporters have kept in touch, staying as friends even after John and Remy finished working with FEBC.
In gratitude, John shares: "I have learned that, in this partnership, the word 'partner' means you are not just by yourself, that another person or other people are working with you. Doing gospel work in FEBC was not an individual task. It was a cooperation of us with different expertise coming together to serve. That, I think, was my biggest gratitude to FEBC."
The couple's shared verse, Psalm 34:3 - "Oh, magnify the Lord's good name, and let us exalt His name together" - continues to inspire their invitation for others to join in God's global mission work.