Cyrus Lam

Rev. Dr. Cyrus Lam, one of Gospel Operation International’s founding members, passed away in his sleep on December 3, 2020 after a long battle with lung cancer. Dr. Lam oversaw a period of global expansion as GOI’s International Director, and served as Senior Mission Mentor after his tenure as International Director. He was a tireless and important advocate for the participation of the global Chinese church in the work of the Great Commission, authoring many books and articles, speaking at conferences, and mentoring leaders in the ethnic Chinese mission movement.

An online memorial service is planned for Dr. Lam. Details will be announced shortly.

Dr. Lam will be dearly missed by many at GOI. Isaac Chan, USA Area Director, remembers Dr. Lam as someone who was introverted by nature, but outgoing in mission work, and whose words were timely and wise. “His philosophy of missions shaped today's GOI. Cyrus was diagnosed with lung cancer in January 2018, but he still did not forget the call of God on him. He was still flying to mission fields, helping our missionaries in Africa, equipping local mission leaders in creative access areas, and teaching missiology in Southeast Asia. In the last two years of his life, he also made great efforts to promote mission education to the churches. Cyrus’ faithfulness to his calling is a model for all of us,” said Chan.

International Director Lawrence Fung also remembered Dr. Lam’s dedication to the missional call. “Late stage cancer could not stop [Lam] from leading short term missions teams to Africa and doing mobilization work throughout China. His last wish was to set up a special foundation to support younger generations from Chinese churches worldwide to do cross-cultural mission work,” said Fung.

Hwee Kiong, Deputy Director, fondly recalled Dr. Lam’s pastoral heart as a mission mentor. “I appreciate his shepherd and servant leadership qualities,” said Kiong. “I will never forget his frequent and immersed interactions with both the trainees and the trainers in GOI annual [missionary orientations]. The gems I gleaned the most from Rev. Lam are from his books. They are often written in simple terms, down-to-earth, practical, do-able, pass-on-able, can easily be recalled.”

Keith Lee, Canada Area Director, remembers Dr. Lam’s personal impact on his life. “We’ve known each other since 1995, the year Gospel Operation International was established. He was my wonderful model and a personal mentor. He wrote two prefaces for my books and encouraged me to continue writing. Many benefited from [Dr. Lam’s influence]. He will always be an inspiration to me.”

In a statement given on behalf of the family, Cyrus Lam’s son Johan said, “I want to thank you all for your support, prayers, love and care over the past three years while my Dad battled cancer. I know that he appreciated and was encouraged by messages and prayers. We are glad that his suffering has come to an end and he is now in the Lord's presence, reaping the rewards of a lifetime of ministry.”

In fond memory of Dr. Cyrus Lam, Gospel Operation International and the Lam family have set up the Cyrus and Pearl Lam Mission Fund to raise resources for furthering the work of global missions.

If you would like to make an online donation to the fund, please go to https://goimission.org/cyrus-pearl-lam-mission-fund/. On behalf of the family and everyone at Gospel Operation International, we extend our gratitude.

Dr. Lam will be dearly missed.