Often hailed as the “Godmother of English Education” in Taiwan, Doris Brougham’s lifetime ministry spanned over 70 years marked by unwavering faith and extraordinary dedication to improving the quality of life in Asia through English teaching and Christian broadcasting. Her impressive body of work stands as a living monument to her tireless contributions and inspiring passion. Today, virtually everyone educated in Taiwan knows her name. Though Brougham departed this life to be reunited with the Lord on August 6, 2024, at the age of 98 in Taipei City, she leaves behind a legacy of faith that will live on in the hearts and minds of many.
Image courtesy of ORTV.
In 1926, Brougham was born to a Christian family in Seattle, first responding to God’s call to share the Gospel at 12 years old when she learned of the millions in China who had never heard about Jesus. After completing a degree in Far East Studies in 1948, the 21-year-old left home alone to travel by ship to Shanghai.
Brougham began by studying Chinese at a language school, teaching a semester of English, and helping with the Evangelical Alliance Mission. In 1950, she was forced to relocate to Hong Kong because of the Chinese Civil War. While there, she taught classes to boat-dwelling children, directed Christian choirs, and played trumpet in the Sino-British Symphony.
After her first year there, Brougham recalled her realization that “in order to reach people, you had to do something to get their attention. You have to connect, not just communicate.”
Image courtesy of ORTV.
In 1951, at age 25, she produced Taiwan’s first evangelical radio program, believing it would be the perfect way to reach people. In 1960, together with Leland and Dorothy Haggerty and other dedicated Christians, she founded what became Overseas Radio and Television Incorporation (ORTV). They launched “Studio Classroom,” an English language-teaching radio program which later expanded into three programs with accompanying magazines: Studio Classroom, Let’s Talk in English, and Advanced.
Brougham revolutionized education in Taiwan. Before “Studio Classroom”—which became the nation’s most popular English radio program—Taiwanese students had little access to resources to study English. Her program and magazines supplemented the classroom material for countless English learners and today continue as established mainstays in Taiwanese education.
Brougham also helped found and produce “Heavenly Melody,” Taiwan’s first Christian TV program, in 1963, just after television came to the country. The show’s choir, made up of ORTV staff, became the Heavenly Melody Singers and continues to write music and travel the world sharing the Gospel.
Brougham juggled numerous responsibilities. On Sundays, she often held up to six different Sunday school classes. She taught in-person English classes and Bible classes on weekdays for several years. Better known in Taiwan by her Chinese name Peng Meng-huim, Brougham began the nation’s first children’s choirs, organized youth camps, and produced the first Christian songbook for children.
Even as Taiwan faced the challenges of UN expulsion in 1971 and the devastating 1991 earthquake, Brougham remained a beacon of hope. She demonstrated a remarkable ability to connect with people on a deep emotional level, sharing the message of Christ in a compelling and accessible way. Her programs often addressed the spiritual and social needs of the Taiwanese people, offering hope and inspiration during challenging times.
Image courtesy of ORTV.
Beyond her role at ORTV, Brougham has shared her expertise as an English instructor at Tri-service General University (1973-1983), China Airlines (1976-1982), and Taipei Municipal Training Center (1980s). Additionally, she was professor in brass at the National Academy of Arts (1963-1974) and Soochow University (1970s). Brougham also worked as an English consultant for various Taiwanese government entities, hospitals, and corporations.
Under Brougham’s leadership, ORTV has expanded into a global Christian media outlet employing over 250 staff. As a pioneer in Christian broadcasting, the powerful ORTV platform shares the Christian message worldwide. Until her passing, Brougham remained actively involved in teaching, producing, writing, editing, consulting, and public speaking.
“A person doesn’t know what they’re going to do, but God knows,” Brougham told World News in 2015. “I never thought I was going to do all this.”
In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to Taiwan, Brougham received numerous honors, culminating in the Order of Brilliant Star, the highest non-military honor bestowed by the Taiwanese government. In 2023, then-president Tsai Ing-wen personally handed her an ROC (Taiwan) passport in person at ORTV’s headquarters in Dazhi, Taipei, making her an official citizen and further solidifying her connection to the country.
Image courtesy of ORTV.
Numerous government leaders in Taiwan mourned Brougham’s death.
“Peng Meng-huim, Taiwan will always be your home,” wrote Tsai Ing-wen (translated to English). “Although you have left us and left your beloved Taiwan, I believe that you have fought the good battle, you have run the road, and you have kept the faith. From now on there is laid up for you a crown of righteousness.”
President of Taiwan Lai Ching-te, expressed his condolences to Brougham as his “friend,” thanking her for her “lifelong contribution” and “attention and care,” to Taiwan, noting that the first American many in the country knew was their beloved Teacher Peng Meng-huim.
“Her heart is in Taiwan,” the Taiwanese president wrote.
Brougham will be buried in Taiwan, overlooking the ORTV headquarters. In accordance with her wishes, ORTV will host a “Doris Brougham Memorial Concert” on September 20, 2024, as an alternative to a traditional funeral service. As a passionate music lover, Brougham always envisioned a joyous celebration of her life, knowing she would be reunited with her loved ones in heaven.
“Doris Brougham’s legacy is a testament to the vast, connective potential of Christian broadcasting and education,” said Troy A. Miller, President and CEO of the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB). “She was a pioneer, a visionary, and a woman of extraordinary compassion. As we mourn the loss of this remarkable woman, we celebrate her extraordinary life and the enduring cross-cultural impact she made on the world.”
Doris Brougham, along with her Overseas Radio & Television Inc., have been longtime members of NRB. In 2011, she received the NRB Individual Achievement in International Broadcasting award and the NRB Milestone Award.
“I don’t think I am anybody special,” Brougham said. “I had a willing heart, and God has used me.”
Read her obituary on the ORTV website here.