A Voice That Never Rests
Interview & Manuscript: Yuk-yin Yim
Edited by: Joyce Tang
Dwight Kung Sang Chan (陳供生), respectfully known as “Chan Kung” (Elder Chan), is a Christian musician whose life has been shaped by an unwavering response to God’s call. Born in 1934 in Hong Kong, he is the sixth among his siblings. His older brother, Rev. Chen Chung Tao (陳終道), was a pastor and a deeply devoted servant of the Lord. Dwight lived in Fuzhou for a time before eventually settling in Sydney, Australia.
Gifted, Trained, and Called
Dwight’s mother was the first Christian in their family. He came to faith at the age of thirteen and developed a deep passion for music from early on—despite initial opposition from his family elders. That passion endured. After moving from Fuzhou to Hong Kong, he transitioned from learning instruments to pursuing vocal performance. Progress was slow; he had to restart his vocal training three times, using a mirror to refine his technique and praying fervently through each challenge.
He joined the Hong Kong Oratorio Society (香港聖樂團) and was mentored by a teacher who helped him break through many barriers. Initially, Dwight viewed singing as a performance and longed for solo acclaim. But God humbled him, transforming his heart. He came to understand music as a divine gift meant to comfort and uplift—and singing as his sacred calling. He is deeply grateful for what he calls a “gloriously sacred mission,” knowing it is neither earned nor deserved, but given by grace.
God also blessed Dwight with financial provision. He successfully ran an auto parts business, freeing him to serve in music ministry without concern for daily needs.
A Life Devoted to Music Evangelism
In 1992, Dwight co-founded the Hosanna Chanters (浩聲讚祂詠團), serving first as vocal coach and later as director—a role he continues to this day. He invited believers with a heart for worship and service to join the group. Because Cantonese tones often clashed with melodic phrasing, he began composing and writing lyrics to preserve the integrity and message of the songs.
On one occasion, “Hosanna” was invited to conduct evangelistic rallies in Singapore and Malaysia. At one rally, after several altar calls received no response, Dwight was asked at the last minute to sing. With no time to prepare, he chose a simple, familiar hymn—“Jesus Died for Me on the Cross” (《耶穌為我釘十字架》). As he sang, the Holy Spirit moved powerfully. Both the audience and choir were moved to tears, and many came forward to accept Christ. To God be all the glory.
Following China’s Reform and Opening in 1978, Dwight and the Hosanna team felt compelled to visit and help their compatriots in need. On one visit, a host family offered them two blackened, overripe bananas—precious fruit they had saved to honour their guests. Dwight was deeply moved. He later brought his son to experience the hardship firsthand. This visit marked the beginning of their compassion ministry in China. Though political conditions changed, the team continued serving in various regions, always seeking to share the gospel.
In the late 1980s, Dwight led “Hosanna” to visit a church in Jiangmen, where they introduced choral and fellowship group models. The local believers eagerly embraced the idea, eventually forming their own choir with rehearsals three times a week—evidence of their spiritual hunger. Even under government surveillance, some “undercover officials” came to faith. In one particularly powerful testimony, a woman remained steadfast in her faith despite violence from her husband. The church prayed earnestly for her. In time, God softened her husband’s heart, and their marriage was restored. Dwight was deeply moved, brought to tears and encouraged by the power of prayer and perseverance.
Faithful Through Suffering
In his later years, Dwight endured a decade of serious illness, including two battles with cancer. He underwent more than 30 rounds of radiation therapy. Fearing further surgery and suffering from harsh side effects, he cried out to God to spare him. In His mercy, God answered.
Dwight firmly believes that trials are God’s way of teaching obedience—lessons that continue until we meet the Lord. Though we cannot always understand God’s will, Dwight remains thankful. He treasures the privilege of serving in music ministry, especially in the face of adversity.
Now in his 90s, Dwight continues to live out the mission God entrusted to him. He still leads weekly rehearsals for Hosanna Chanters Australia and regularly organizes Christian music services and evangelistic concerts in local churches. “Elder Chan” is a shining example of a life fully surrendered to Christ—a true model for every disciple on mission.
