Mr. Keighley
Co-Founder of BCCC

Memorial Corner for Mr. Keighley

 

Mr Keighley is a very faithful servant of the Lord. He and his wife had been very loving and helpful to all of us when we were in Bradford attending the Bradford Chinese Christian Fellowship. Though he is of different race, his sacrificial love for the Chinese people has really touched my heart and inspired me to do the same to people of different races than me as well. His life really showed to me what Apostle Paul means when he says, “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 3: 26-29).

Erry Gunwan
Singapore

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Mr Keighley will always be a part of my memorable Christian life experience in Bradford. I am glad to have had the opportunity to come in contact with a man whom God had used to bless many others. To me, Mr Keighley often times through his quiet but ever approachable demure has portrayed humility, faithfulness and kindness. I am sad to receive news of his passing, but am comforted that the Lord remembers His faithful servant. God bless you for your faithfulness as well. Only by His Love, Grace and Mercy, Down at His feet is the most High place…

Will Ang
Singapore

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Mr Keighley is a meek and faithful servant of the Lord. His service to BCCF is a testimony of Christ’s love for the Chinese people. Till we meet again…

Shalom Robert Cheung
Hong Kong

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I would put Mr Keighley in the same category as all these godly missionaries who had given their lives to preach the gospel in China. He did not have to go to the Far East. He did it in Bradford. I praise the Lord for him.

Akew Yan Muk
Mauritius

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I was very touched by Mr Keighley’s loving kindness during my short stay in Bradford. I still remembered the stories that he shared with me during his time in the army in Austria and our brief conversation in German! We will all remember you Mr Keighley- for your love and faith to God, and for your love and care to the Chinese people. May God bless you and he is indeed always with you now and forever. Alison Chung – Hong Kong (stayed in BCCC for 4 months) Thank you so much for your hard work and May God bless you and BCCC!

Alison Chung
Germany

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Dad Keighley will be fondly remembered by many who have passed through Bradford CCF. He was a fatherly figure to many of us, and loved us all as his own children. We thank God for his life and dedication. He is now in a far better place. Molly and I will always remember the many Sunday afternoons that we were at their home, when Mum Keighley was still with us, having tea and butterfly buns. Our children remembers that Grandpa Keighley goes swimming without getting his hair wet! Dad K was very much a part of our family, just as we were a part of his. We will all miss him.

Jacob, Molly, Jonathan, Timothy, Sarah
Singapore

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Mr Keighley is a faithful man I ever met. He loves the people that God give to him and he loves the house that Lord provided. I still remember he taught us to decorate the fellowship house room on the top floor. He seems know everything and always so kind and caring. I was so blessed by him and BCCF. Thank you Mr Keighley for your loyalty of what God asks you to.

Eva Chan
Hong Kong

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My time with Mr and Mrs Keighley in Bradford was very short, but i still remembered their dedicated and friendly missionary service in Sunbridge. There are so many Christians but there aren’t many dedicated servants of God like Mr Keighley who devotes his family and whole life to act out what he believes. I admire these great Christians and Mr Keighley’s is definitely one of them.

Paul Li
Hong Kong

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As I was growing up, Mr Keighley was always the reassuring grandfatherly figure of our church. To me he always seemed so steadfast and unshakeable in his faith no matter what life threw at him. So faithful in his service, so gentle, kind and wise. We feel blessed to have known Mr Keighley and we give thanks for his life.

Pui Chi
Birmingham, UK

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This is my tribute to Mr. Keighley: Although this happened over 20 years ago, I still recalled the first time I landed in Bradford, a new and unknown place to me, but the warmth from Mr. Keighley and his families had helped me to overcome the fear. He had always been a very respectful fatherly figure to me and to all the brothers and sisters in Christ at BCCC. His life reflected Christ’s love to everyone around him. He will be truly missed but we have the assurance that we will all meet him again in heaven.

Alice Tse
Canada

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To Mr Keighley I am thankful for the men and woman, young and old that were positioned in Bradford, UK. They have been instrumental within the community of Bradford. They are like Jesus, wrap in skin. Because of their lives, many lives have been added into the kingdom of God. One of the examples is that of my life. The greatest gift that has been given to me is the joy of salvation. Mr Keighley has always been the anchor at the cell meetings. I am grateful for all that he has shared and imparted into my life. I am greatly indebted in that sense. I believe he has been faithful with the life that our Lord has given to him and he has completed his race well. Truly I rejoice. With that, it is my desire that the fire of evangelism will continue to burn within us, like Mr Keighley.

Kwai Fun
Singapore

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Mr. Keighley His life is a living testimony of what God teaches in His Word: How to live a simple and faithful life and be contented in everything. How to serve the LORD and Master in missions, fellowships and all the people around him How to give his life, his love and time to all the brethren around him. My life was greatly influenced by his example. I will miss a co-worker, a teacher by his life’s example, a spiritual leader, his fellowship, his love and his care and his example of a man who loves the LORD. The passing of a Great Man of God. Thank God for giving me the opportunity to know Mr. Keighley. Bradford: 1985 to 1988: CHEE Swee Fu, 13th January 2005

Jonathan Chee Swee Fu
Singapore

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My tribute: Mr Keighley was a wise and faithful servant, carrying out his duties dilligently and with love. To many of us, he was like a father / advisor figure. I have been very privilaged to have known him. His passing is a sad loss but there is also a great welcoming for him by our heavenly Father, and for this, we rejoice.

Say Gin
New Zealand

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My tribute to Mr Keighley : I thank God and praise Him for Mr Keighley. Mr Keighley has always been like a grandpa to me. He has always showered his love, care and concern not only on me but also to everyone that come across his path. I can really see God’s love in action through Mr Keighley. His good deeds will be remembered and engrave in the heart of the people in BCCC. In old English they always said “He has passed on a godly heritage”.

Vivian Lee
Malaysia

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Mr. Keighley has been like a lighthouse to Ivoine and I. The purpose of a light house is to warn and guide the ships in the sea. Mr Keighley is like a light house to both BCCF, Ivoine and I. I remembered when Ivoine and I was about to marry in Bradford 2002, we asked him to specially pray for us. We asked him because we knew that when he said yes, it is a big hearty YES. He loves to pray for people and also diligent in his prayers and you knew that he would bring your request to GOD without fail. A light house has to be strong to withstand all weather conditions and also 100% no failing rate. Mr. Keighley is like that. He comes to me as a strong Christian who never fails in his service to God and the Chinese Church. When we were there from 1990 to 1994, we would see him going to Sunbridge in the morning, then to BCCC in the afternoon and finally prayer meeting. Sometimes, he even stayed for Sunbridge evening service. An elderly man at his age, he got so much energy. It was surely the Lord that blesses him with such strength. Whenever we go for hiking and walk in the park, he will never show you the way, he LEADS you the way. He walked at a faster pace or same pace as us. Just like in life, he does not leave you alone. He shares with you and prays with you and comfort you. Finally, he showed me what peace means. In 1997-98, he came to stay with Ivoine and I for a week. Every night, he would reach home at 10 pm and we chat till 1 am. He had all the energy to share with you the BCCF members he met, places he went, the food he ate on that day and also share God’s words and prayed with us. Some nights, he would just sit at the guest room quietly meditating. When I saw him, I could see peace and gladness in him. Ivoine and myself would surely miss him. He is special to us and will always be. It hurts my heart when I last saw him in hospital 2 months ago but now I rejoice because he is there with the Father. Mr. Keighley, though is not with us anymore, nevertheless he left a deep impression and memory in our hearts that we will forever remember him and give Glory and Honour to God for the Lord has blessed and kept him, a quiet and humble servant of God. Let us all bless him and give thanks to GOD for him.

Jordan and Ivoine
Singapore

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It is very difficult to put into words how Mr Keighley have wonderfully influenced our lives. I echo what have already been said so eloquently by so many and give thanks to God for his life. His life was a testimony and example for all of us. Certainly for my wife, Jacey and I, we owed much to both Mr and Mrs Keighley. Their wise council and loving support blessed us greatly, and had a deep influence on Jacey and mine relationship and marriage to one another. Mr Keighley has a wonderful sense of humour, and we remember we had a great time of laughter over jokes he cracked, even right up to the last time we saw him in hospital. Although he can be quite ‘ English ‘ in his ways, yet he is very accommodating and has a easy going nature. We never heard him complain or gossip about anything or anyone, and above all truly a God honouring and fearing man. Today, it is indeed a celebration for us all knowing that he is at home in heaven. He has faithfully and patiently run the race set before him and crossed the finishing line. He now joins the great cloud of witnesses, who in turn spurs us on the race we still are running ( Hebrews 12:1 ) ‘For me to live is Christ, to die is gain’ ( Phil 1:21 ) Certainly Mr Keighley lived on earth going about faithfully the purposes of his Heavenly Father. Furthermore, he knew that his real home is in heaven, and looked forward towards it with great joy and anticipation. Apostle Paul speaks of “the whole family in heaven and earth” ( Ephesians 3:15 ). Heaven is our home, and all who go there are one family with God as their Father. “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known” (1 Corinthians 13:12). Today our knowledge is confined to the revelation that God has given us, and how we do praise Him for that marvelous revelation in His Word! But in that day– “face to face!” O blessed hope! Face to face with family and friends whom we have loved and long since lost awhile. But more wonderful still we shall see Him as He is, “face to face.” Face to face! O blissful moment! Face to face–to see and know; Face to face with my Redeemer Jesus Christ Who loves me so. Mr Keighley will be well missed. He has run his race and crossed the finishing line with great honours. He is home.

David & Jacey
Bradford, UK

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Mr Keighley was a good Christian. He was very faithful to the Lord serving Him fervently in BCCF (now BCCC) for decades. In my six years in Bradford, he was always there with us, Chinese students, at every Fellowship meeting, and at our prayer meetings and other functions regardless of whether it was sunny, windy, raining or snowing or all four sometimes. He was a father figure to us all, someone we could look up to. He was also a devoted husband to Mrs Keighley. I remembered how caring he was towards Mrs Keighley when she was unwell and how truly upset Mr Keighley was when Mrs Keighley passed away. It was clear to us all that he missed her very dearly. He was also a very humble person, never imposed himself upon anyone although he could have done so with his wisdom and many years of experience. After we left Bradford, every year in early December, we would receive his Christmas cards and greetings. From memory, Mr Keighley’s Christmas cards always arrived earlier than anyone else’s. It acted as a reminder that Christmas is coming soon. We will always have fond memories of Mr Keighley, a good Christian, a faithful servant of the Lord.

Kathy & Stuart Eu
London, UK

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I am sad to hear the departing of Mr Keighley, he is like a father, I still remember clearly the way he spoke, so soft, so gentle. Some of his teachings I still practice today, like be selective in the kind of movie we watch. But as you said, he is now in a better place now for Christmas and we will see each other again in eternity one day.

Kit Hon (Connie)
Hong Kong

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I still vividly remember that I met Mr Keighley during my last visit in Bradford. Although I do not know much about Mr Keighley, his life clearly shows us that he is a faithful servant to our LORD. I believe that his love and good works on earth will always be remembered forever even in heaven.

Billy Leung
Hong Kong

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My tribute to Mr Keighley (P. Wang January 12, 2005) (Singapore) (The founder of BCCF with Mr Keighley in 1971) I want, first of all, to thank my God and the Lord Jesus Christ for raising such a man as Mr Fred Keighley. Mr Keighley was a faithful servant of the Lord, he gave of his best to the Lord, serving in Sunbridge Road Mission, WEC, as well as the Bradford Chinese Christian Church. Both Mr Keighley and his wife Mrs Clarice Keighley loved the Chinese people, and they both did what they could to encourage us all, they gave of their best to us, they opened their hearts and their home to us. Mr Keighley was a father figure to all of us, well loved and respected. How I met Mr Keighley? When I first arrived at the University of Bradford in 1969 to do my Masters in chemical engineering, there were only three Chinese students in the whole university, including myself. I worshipped at the Leeds Chinese Christian Fellowship (now Church). But in 1970 (the year I started work on my PhD), there was a sudden influx of Chinese students, mainly from SE Asia & HK. The number of Chinese students suddenly jumped from 3 to about 35, and this number kept on increasing in the subsequent years. I felt strongly the urging of God to start a Christian fellowship locally so that there would be a permanent witness in the campus and in the city of Bradford. I consulted my mature English Christian friends, Mr & Mrs Albert Burrows, WEC missionaries who were helping out in the Leeds Chinese Christian Fellowship (both of them have gone to glory). They stood firmly with me, and prayed much with me for the Lord’s leading and direction. The Burrows shared with Mr & Mrs Fred Keighley the Chinese work that was about to start in Bradford and the need for a couple to help in the fellowship. They were the answers to prayer. The Keighleys were in their early fifties. They could have a quiet retirement, but no, they decided faithfully to answer their Master’s call and serve Him among the Chinese in BCCC. It was a huge leap of faith for the Keighleys as they did not know one Chinese from another. The Keighleys responded after much prayer to His Master’s calling in obedience and faith. The Keighleys were very enthusiastic from the beginning, and warmly welcomed us to worship at their church in Bradford, Sunbridge Road Mission. From the start, God opened their hearts to the Chinese people. I felt very welcome and at home with the Keighleys. They gave their all to us in every way: opening their homes to us for times of fellowship and an occasional meal, for holding the committee meetings of the BCCC, and the nurses would call on the home of the Keighleys to receive some encouragement. At the beginning of the BCCC, the Keighleys (together with the Burrows) gave of their time by worshipping with us every Sunday without fail. Later as the BCCC became more established, we saw less of the Burrows, but the Keighleys continued with us steadfastly, without missing a Sunday unless they were sick or away on holidays. This was the kind of exemplary commitment, love and care that the Keighleys showed towards us. Historical Links with China At the beginning of the Fellowship, we had to find a place to meet for Sunday worship. I approached the University chaplain (a minister in the Anglican church), and he reluctantly allowed us to use his chapel. But not for long. We used this place for 3 Sundays, after which he shut the doors to us. Immediately, Mr Keighley, who were members of Sunbridge Road Mission (an independent Methodist church in Bradford), asked his pastor, Pastor Evans, to allow us to use their church premises. Sunbridge Road Mission promptly opened their doors to us. We thank Mr Keighley and Sunbridge Road Mission, and we praise the Lord for this! There are reasons for Sunbridge Road Mission being so welcoming: Mrs Speight from Sunbridge church went to China as a missionary before her marriage to her fiancee. Subsequently because of the Boxer Uprising in China, she was forced to return to Bradford and later settled into a married life. Another member from Sunbridge church, Mr Fred Mitchell, was a director of the CIM (the precursor to OMF). He went out with CIM to the Far East on an extended tour. On his return journey from Singapore to the UK, his plane exploded mysteriously in mid air over India. Through the memory of Mrs Speight & Mr Fred Mitchell, Sunbridge church always retained a continuing interest in China and the Chinese people. So when their own member Mr Keighley approached Pastor Evans and the Board of the Sunbridge church, we were immediately welcomed, for they saw it as an opportunity to bring the gospel to the Chinese people, who were on their doorstep, doing it through us, the BCCC. We thank God for His providence and leading; God’s ways are higher than ours. We also thank God that Mr Keighley was that very important link in the chain of events that were developing. For his great faith and obedience to God, Mr Keighley will always be remembered and associated with the Bradford Chinese Christian Church. BCCC first Convert The BCCC had their first convert, then Miss Lydia Lew Lee Ching from Penang, Malaysia (a nurse at the Bradford Royal Infirmary), after one year of its existence. She is now the wife of Pastor Edward Soo (also formerly from BCCC) who now pastors the Coventry Chinese Christian Church, which is affiliated to COCM. The Fruits of Obedience I had the privilege of re-visiting the BCCC twice since my return to Singapore after completing my studies at Bradford. The first visit was when Mrs Keighley was still alive. The most recent visit was on Sunday, November 24, 2002. There was to be a baptism service at BCCC, which I had not known beforehand. I had the unexpected privilege to witness the baptism. Out of the total of 8 persons baptized in the BCCC on November 24, 2002, which I had the privilege and joy of witnessing, 5 were students from China and they came from all parts of China. To me, this was a very significant event. CIM (now OMF) first brought the gospel of Jesus Christ to China. Missionaries from the West, particularly from the United Kingdom, gave up their comforts to answer God’s call to go to China. But they had to leave when the Communists came. Many thought then that that was the end of missions work in China. But in God’s timing, this is not so. China is now more open. But what is more earth shaking, is that today we are witnessing the missions field being placed right at the doorstep in the UK, and in the Continent of Europe. The number of students from China studying in the universities throughout the UK has shot up astronomically! Who would have thought this possible even as late as the early 1970. Because Mr Keighley was faithful and obedient to the Lord, he was given the privilege of witnessing this strategically important development in the life of the Chinese nation. The BCCC started as a small fellowship, with a very humble beginning, experiencing the initial birth pangs, but God had seen fit to use it mightily for His own glory. The BCCC has produced many full-time workers for the Lord’s harvest. Just to name a few examples among many. Rev Dr Cham Nai Bun used to attend BCCC, then went on to pastor the Manchester CCC, and now pastors a small church in Hong Kong. Edward and Lee Ching, I was told, visited Mr Keighley just before his home-going; I am very glad for that. Lee Ching, as mentioned before, was the first convert in the fellowship and also the first bride Mr Keighley gave away in marriage. Edward, a member of the fellowship, like me, studied chemical engineering at the University of Bradford, and later went on to become the pastor of Coventry Chinese Christian Church. Before age and poor health caught up with him, Mr Keighley loved to travel overseas to visit the many Bradford returnees, who are scattered over the Far East in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Australia etc. He made many such trips and enjoyed them thoroughly. We all loved his visits. He was the ‘connecting golden thread’ that brought the past and present members of BCCC together. Very often at these happy reunions in Singapore, I met for the first time some past members of BCCC whom I have not known previously. I had the privilege once of having Mr & Mrs Keighley stay at my condominium sometime in the 1970s. God has blessed the BCCC greatly. He saw fit to provide BCCC with enough finance to purchase a house on Ashgrove as its church center. I thank God for the privilege and opportunity to visit the church center in November 24, 2002. I thank God for Kenneth Fong and his wife Alice who have so ably and faithfully been looking after Mr Keighley in his latter years, and for generally taking care of the BCCC. To God be the glory for the life of our dear beloved brother Mr Fred Keighley.

Peter Wang
Singapore