Truth, Tradition, and Hope Against Oppression
Summary
Throughout my journey, I have witnessed firsthand the power of truth, tradition, and hope in the face of oppression. The Epoch Times was founded by individuals who fled the horrors of communism in China—people who experienced the Cultural Revolution, the Tiananmen Square Massacre, and the persecution of Falun Gong. Falun Gong, rooted in the universal values of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance, has brought profound health benefits to millions, yet its practitioners have faced severe persecution under a regime that fears any movement it cannot control.
Communism, as imported into China, has systematically sought to erase history, culture, and faith. For decades, churches and temples were destroyed, and religious freedom was denied. The Communist Party’s grip on information—through censorship, propaganda, and control of the media—has been relentless. Yet, the human spirit’s longing for freedom and truth cannot be extinguished. My own path was shaped by a father who, though not a Christian himself, sent me to a Christian school so I could have the chance to know God, inspired by the example of Einstein’s faith.
The mission to bring freedom—of the press, the internet, and religion—has driven my work for nearly two decades. Through independent media, we have provided uncensored information to millions, both inside and outside China. Our efforts have helped people circumvent the Great Firewall, learn about democracy, and understand the realities hidden by state propaganda. We have seen the impact: hundreds of millions have awakened to the truth, choosing to withdraw from the Communist Party and its affiliates, seeking a future not bound to a sinking ship.
The struggle is not without cost. Our journalists have faced imprisonment and even death. We have been targeted by censorship and demonetization, yet our commitment to truth remains unshaken. Timely, honest reporting has saved lives—whether warning about pandemics or exposing the realities of health and wellness. We strive to empower people to make informed decisions, to reclaim their health, and to reconnect with the traditions that bring us closer to the divine.
True freedom is not merely the absence of oppression, but the presence of truth, tradition, and hope. By joining hands, we can work toward a world where every person has the opportunity to experience freedom—spiritual, intellectual, and physical—and to connect with the divine source of all hope.
Key Takeaways
- The universal values of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance are not only the foundation of Falun Gong but are essential for any society seeking genuine freedom and health. When these values are lived out, they bring healing and transformation, even in the face of severe persecution. The testimony of millions who have experienced restored health and hope is a powerful witness to the enduring strength of these virtues. [03:10]
- Communism’s strategy is to erase history, culture, and faith, replacing them with a single, controlling narrative. This is not just a political issue but a spiritual one, as it seeks to sever humanity’s connection to the divine and to each other. Recognizing and resisting this erasure is a sacred responsibility for all who value truth and freedom. [08:30]
- True freedom requires more than just political change; it demands freedom of the press, the internet, and religion. These three dimensions are interdependent, and without all of them, genuine liberty cannot flourish. Our calling is to defend and expand these freedoms, not only for ourselves but for those still living under oppression. [10:45]
- The power of independent, truthful media cannot be overstated. In societies where information is tightly controlled, access to honest reporting can mean the difference between life and death, hope and despair. Supporting and protecting independent voices is a vital part of safeguarding freedom and dignity for all people. [15:08]
- Tradition is not a relic of the past but a living bridge to the divine. By preserving and honoring true tradition—through art, music, and faith—we nurture the soul of a people and open the way for spiritual renewal. In a world threatened by forces that seek to sever us from our roots, reclaiming tradition is an act of hope and resistance. [28:00]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Becoming CEO of Epoch Times
[01:45] - Origins and Mission of Epoch Times
[03:10] - Falun Gong: Values and Health Benefits
[05:20] - Communist Party’s Control and Cultural Revolution
[06:57] - Tiananmen Square Massacre: Personal Stories
[08:30] - Communism’s Erasure of Faith and Culture
[10:45] - The Importance of Press, Internet, and Religious Freedom
[12:30] - Broadcasting Democracy and American Values
[13:34] - Reading State Media in Reverse
[15:08] - The Role of Independent Media
[17:00] - Censorship and Challenges in the West
[18:45] - Impact of Truthful Reporting During COVID
[20:09] - On-the-Ground Reporting and Saving Lives
[22:30] - Health, Wellness, and Preventive Care
[25:00] - Shen Yun and the Power of Tradition
[28:00] - The Call to End Communism and Restore Freedom
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Truth, Tradition, and Hope in the Face of Oppression
---
### Bible Reading
1. John 8:31-32
_“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’”_
2. Galatians 5:1
_“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”_
3. Romans 12:21
_“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”_
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to the sermon, what are the three universal values that Falun Gong is based on, and what impact have they had on people’s lives?
[[03:10]]
2. What are some specific ways the Chinese Communist Party has tried to erase history, culture, and faith, as described in the sermon?
[[06:57]]
3. What role does independent media like The Epoch Times play in societies where information is tightly controlled?
[[15:08]]
4. How does the speaker describe the relationship between tradition and connecting with the divine?
[[28:00]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the speaker believe that truth, tradition, and hope are essential for genuine freedom, beyond just the absence of oppression?
[[28:00]]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the erasure of faith and culture is not just a political issue, but a spiritual one?
[[08:30]]
3. How does the speaker’s personal story about being sent to a Christian school reflect the importance of seeking truth and spiritual freedom?
[[06:57]]
4. What does the sermon imply about the dangers of a single, controlling narrative in society, and how does this relate to the biblical call to “know the truth”?
[[13:34]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The speaker talks about the cost of standing for truth, including imprisonment and even death for some journalists. Are there areas in your life where you feel pressure to stay silent rather than speak the truth? What would it look like to stand for truth in those situations?
[[20:09]]
2. The sermon highlights the importance of tradition as a “living bridge to the divine.” Are there traditions—whether in your family, church, or culture—that help you connect with God? How can you intentionally preserve or revive them?
[[28:00]]
3. The speaker’s work is driven by a desire to bring freedom of the press, internet, and religion. Which of these freedoms do you most take for granted, and how might you support or advocate for them—locally or globally?
[[10:45]]
4. The message describes how millions have experienced healing and hope by living out values like truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. Is there a specific value among these that you want to focus on this week? What practical step can you take to live it out?
[[03:10]]
5. The sermon warns about the dangers of propaganda and controlled narratives. How do you discern what is true in the information you consume? Are there habits you could develop to seek out more truthful or diverse perspectives?
[[15:08]]
6. The speaker’s father, though not a Christian, sent him to a Christian school so he could have a chance to know God. Is there someone in your life you could encourage or help to explore faith, even if you’re not sure where they stand?
[[06:57]]
7. The speaker calls for joining hands to work toward a world where everyone can experience freedom and connect with the divine. What is one small but concrete way you can contribute to this mission in your community or network this month?
[[28:00]]
---
Devotional
Day 1: Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance—Universal Values for Life
The values of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance are not only foundational to spiritual practices like Falun Gong but are also universal principles that can transform lives and societies. Embracing these values leads to personal healing, resilience in the face of adversity, and the ability to extend grace to others, even when circumstances are difficult. When individuals and communities commit to living out truth, showing compassion, and practicing patience, they become agents of hope and restoration in a world often marked by division and suffering. [04:30]
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Reflection: Which of these three values—truthfulness, compassion, or forbearance—do you most need to cultivate in your relationships this week, and what is one practical step you can take today to grow in that area?
Day 2: The Power of Speaking Truth in the Face of Censorship
Standing for truth, especially when powerful forces seek to suppress it, requires courage and conviction. In environments where information is tightly controlled and dissent is dangerous, the commitment to report and share the truth can save lives, inspire hope, and awaken people to reality. Even when facing intimidation, censorship, or personal risk, choosing to speak and live by the truth is a powerful act that can break chains of fear and bring light into darkness. [15:08]
John 8:32 (ESV)
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Reflection: Is there a situation in your life where you are tempted to remain silent or compromise the truth? What would it look like to lovingly and courageously speak the truth today?
Day 3: Freedom in All Dimensions—Press, Internet, and Religion
True freedom is multidimensional, encompassing the ability to access information, express beliefs, and worship without fear. When any of these freedoms are restricted, the human spirit is diminished and societies suffer. Advocating for press freedom, internet freedom, and religious freedom is not just a political stance but a spiritual calling to ensure that every person has the opportunity to seek truth, connect with God, and live authentically. [11:30]
2 Corinthians 3:17 (ESV)
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Reflection: In what ways do you take your freedoms for granted, and how can you use your voice or resources to support those who are denied these basic rights?
Day 4: The Dangers of Ideologies Opposed to Christ
Ideologies that seek to erase history, suppress faith, and control thought are fundamentally opposed to the message of Christ and the dignity of every person. Recognizing the spiritual battle behind such movements calls for discernment, prayer, and a commitment to uphold truth and love in the face of deception. It is vital to remember that Christ calls His followers to be salt and light, resisting systems that dehumanize and instead working for justice, mercy, and freedom. [08:45]
Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Reflection: Where do you see ideologies or systems in your environment that are contrary to Christ’s teachings, and how can you pray and act to bring His light and truth into those places?
Day 5: Hope and Tradition—Connecting with the Divine
Tradition, when rooted in truth and hope, serves as a bridge that connects people to the divine and to one another across generations. Preserving and celebrating true tradition is not about nostalgia but about remembering the values and stories that draw us closer to God and inspire us to live with purpose. In a world that often seeks to erase or rewrite history, holding fast to hope and tradition can anchor our faith and empower us to work for a future marked by freedom and spiritual renewal. [28:30]
Psalm 78:4 (ESV)
We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.
Reflection: What is one tradition or story of faith from your family or community that you can share with someone this week to encourage them and point them toward hope in God?
Quotes
Epoch Times is a non -profit, 501c3. So we don't have, like, billionaire donors. We will not belong to any governments or influence by any governments. So our stakeholders are readers. You know, over 90 % of subscriptions are from subscription revenues from the readers. So we answer to the readers. And that really set us apart to provide truth, tradition, and hope. And we have been in business for almost a quarter century. Wow. It was first started with elite Chinese Americans who fled communism, who experienced cultural revolutions, or the Tiananmen Square Massacre, or the persecution of Falun Gong. So let me give a bit of information on Falun Gong, which is a spiritual practice based on three universal values. Truthfulness, compassion, forbearance. Those are universal values. And they have five gentle, meditative, and tai chi type of exercise that bring tremendous health benefits. There have been four major health surveys. Each of those over 10 ,000 sample sizes. So we're talking about 50 ,000 sample sizes. Wow. And the health improvement have been 94 to 98%. And people with all sorts of health issues, you know, even on terminal stage of cancer, infertility issues, they get their second life. They have kids. And they have tremendous benefits. In fact, in fact, the February 1999 edition of the U .S. Health Reports interview the sports committee talked about saving 1 ,000 yuan, the Chinese currency, per person. So thinking about 70 to 100 million people practicing in China, that's a tremendous amount of health care expenses. Yes. For people working in the Chinese government enterprise, their health care reimbursement system is you pay our pockets, and then you bring the receipts and ask for reimbursement. So the managers found that those people who used to come for reimbursements, they no longer come for reimbursement, but they are healthier. And so it's a very significant health benefit. But unfortunately, the Communist Party leaders who were never elected, they feel insecure because for 5 ,000 years of Chinese history, there were no communism. Communism was imported from Russia. [00:03:20]
And they first mobilized the farmers to have the revolution promised for redistribution of land. However, they never redistribute land, but they control the food supply. And then they have food rationing. So when people's survival is based on food, that's how they censor everybody. And then 10 years of cultural revolutions between 1966 to 1976, educated people are persecuted or sent to forced labor camps. Churches and temples were burned. You know, historic figure statues were torn down. You were not allowed to listen to even Moses, Beethoven, any of the classical, because Communist Party is interested in illuminating history and culture because they want communism to be the only thing. Communism is anti -Christ. I was lucky because I was lucky because my father did not have a chance to learn Christianity. [00:05:57]
The executive vice president of Epoch Times, he was a student activist. He was at the square. He was one of the leaders from the top university in Beijing, actually for the whole country. He was there for many days, and he was so tired, he went back to the dorm for a nap, and that's where the tank rolled out. He had a narrow escape. Oh, my goodness. And my best friend was a medical student, so he worked on the ambulance. Dr. Pan personally carried dozens of dead bodies and injured students. So the casualties were widespread. In fact, the Communist Party used the civilian cameras' footage who left the square and haunted them and caught them afterwards. So communism is anti -Christ, and it's a systematic way. And if you look at China, for 50 years before Olympics, there was not a single church permit was allowed in Beijing. Think of how many businesses there, how many tourists, how many churches want to build churches there. They were not allowed. There's no religious freedom. [00:07:12]
So what really inspired me to join the media is to bring freedom in three dimensions, press freedoms, internet freedoms, and religious freedoms. Because I think only when you have all three, that's where you have true freedoms. So I have worked on internet freedom for almost two decades, and my colleagues developed called UltraServe and FreeGates. Those are free softwares to help people inside China to circumvent the Communist Party's fight war so that they can read what you and I can read. And that's how our subscribers and our readers in China read the Epoch Times. Oh, [00:08:29]
And our sister company, the Newtown Dynasty Television, NDD TV, we broadcast into China through four satellites and to around the world. So we have a reach of 100 million people, reachable audience. And we've been broadcasting American democracy, American values, and we were the only one for 24 years consecutively to provide simultaneous translations of the presidential debates, the presidential inaugurations, the presidential elections, because Communist Party do not want people to know about elections. And we also help Chinese Americans in America about elections. [00:09:16]
So we've been providing information to really help the American values. And, you know, every time when I pledge the regents, I really feel like I want that to, for the 1 .4 billion Chinese to have the same opportunities. [00:10:01]
And we reach, you know, tens of millions of people. And along with the TV, we have more than 100 million people within reach. In fact, even the Chinese leaders, they came to our website. They rely on our information because they know we reported the truth, not information by the Chinese government's mouthpiece. [00:13:34]
The Epoch Times, the NETV, and the Sound of Hope types, really important to provide information because all dictatorships, what do they do? They control the media. Right. Because they only want one narrative. What you mentioned earlier was, you know, in America, you kind of feel the shadows because, as a matter of fact, the Chinese political bureaus, one of the top committees, the author published the book America's Against America, and that's been the playbooks. They use America's to be against America's. So they influence the legacy media. They use lawfare. And so the People Liberation Armies, since 2003, has specifically had the policy of psychological warfare, opinion warfare, and legal warfare. And the Epoch Times, since November 19, 2004, we published the nine commentaries of the Communist Party, and we inspired 443 million Chinese, withdrew from the Chinese Communist Party memberships, and the affiliate organization. They have two younger tiers, the Youth League and Young Pioneers. Oh, my goodness. That catalyzed the transformation of a communist state towards a new communist state in the most peaceful way. [00:15:12]
After the Chinese read the nine commentaries of the Communist Party, they woke up and saw that that's a sinking Titanic. [00:16:43]
You want to get out of the Titanic. Right. So by withdrawing from the Communist Party and its affiliate organization, you are getting out of the Titanic. You don't want to sink with it. And in 2018, the Epoch Times published the Spectre of Communism Ruring the World. So that shows communism used different names, canceled cultures, climate controls, Confucius Institute in the name of teaching Chinese, but it was spreading Chinese Communist Party's propaganda. They only export teachers directly from China, textbooks directly export from China. They don't allow people like me who speak fluent Chinese, capable of teaching Chinese, they don't want that because they're trying to pollute Americans who learn Chinese and also Europeans and people around the world because Confucius Institute were implanted into high school, into college for people to learn Chinese. But it was spreading commercial propaganda. And I have read the textbooks full of propaganda. Even the songs was full of propaganda. Oh, my gosh. So it's so important that independent media, like the Epoch Times, the NETV focus on true tradition, and we're independent, and we're non -profits, and we rely on subscribers, subscriptions. So really keep us free from any influence from any governments and any media. Earlier, you mentioned about Epoch Times, it's not only the conservatives, actually people from all walks of life, the Democrats, the Independents. You know, we got a ton of interviews in the Democratic conventions. We have Democratic guests. I mean, our White House correspondents were in the White House in our administration. And our congressional reporters, you know, cover people from all walks of, you know, both sides of the aisle. It's so important that the voice, and in fact, we need the non -conservatives to know about Christ and to know about truth and sticking to the truth and just share with you the censorships that Epoch Times have been targeted. So, for example, Google, they eliminates the search, so make it difficult for people to find our news. And that took away, you know, hundreds and thousands of subscribers. [00:16:57]
And they also demonetized us, so they run the app, but we did not get a penny. And so this is a systematic, you know, trying to suffocate us. Yes. But that does not weaken us. You know, my team are very committed to bring the truth, just like we produced the documentaries on the Wuhan lab leak from a few weeks. In fact, we reported about the pandemic in China since December 2019. [00:19:32]
Subscribers in the U .S., they bought N95 masks at the major pharmaceutical stores when they were abundant at regular price. And our subscribers who travel into China, they changed their return flight tickets, and they avoided the lockdown. [00:20:09]
When their colleagues, friends, and family members who did not change the flight tickets, they suffered from the lockdown, and some never make it back to the U .S., they died of COVID in China. So COVID continued. It did not really stop. And how we have reporters on the ground in China, we went to cemeteries, we went to funeral homes. Funeral homes were working 24 by 7, and it took more than 30 days to get the arms. So the casualty widespread. So recently, you see the Chinese New Year supposed to be crowded with, like, train and bus, or, you know, just like, similar to Thanksgiving, people have the family union. But you have empty trains and empty bus because people die. And we look at the number of cell phones as an indicator. If one family member passed away, the other family members will keep the cell phones, won't terminate them, because you use a phone to buy things in China as the payment system. If the whole family die, the cell phone gets deactivated. [00:20:28]
So that's how you really know the statistics. And also the statistics of, like, the enrollments, you know, from kindergarten to elementary. So the number of people who die during the COVID in China, probably more than the U .S. populations. That's why they have the huge lockdown, because they don't want multinational companies, employees to report to the headquarters outside China about the real situation. And people who are self -censored because they dare not to speak up. So independent media like us, our journalists, some of those were jailed for 10 years for speaking up, some were killed. But bringing the truth is very important, providing timely information, safe lives. Back in 2003, with the SARS -CoV -2 disease, we were the first one reported. In fact, we reported three weeks before Beijing and four to six weeks before all the major media. In fact, we pushed the Chinese government to admit about the pandemics. And it's about saving lives by getting timely information. And in fact, we have infographics about the preparation for hurricane and other disasters. And it was so well -received. And people asked for more of the infographics. And I also want to touch a point, our health editions, our health sessions, we have 14 ,000 Epoch Health articles from holistic health, from showing the side effects of COVID vaccines when other media self -censored are not talking about it. You know, it's about informing people and let them make decisions. [00:21:36]
And, you know, our Epoch Health is really welcomed by people from all walks of life. And we provide self -guide, you know, how they can improve. Because in American system, it's a sick care system, not a real health care system. There are lots of ways that, you know, preventive and measures we can take. And also the mental health, you know, so I encourage people to subscribe to us and to refer to us or to donate to us. [00:23:25]
And if I may add, I encourage all the viewers and audience to see Shen Yun, S -H -E -N -Y -U -N. It's a classical Chinese dance with a live orchestra and patterned animated backdrops that will bring wellness to you. Thousands of years, emperors surround themselves with write -up music for healing. You don't find it anywhere else. In fact, the Chinese character of medicine is music as the centerpiece and only the music that you find in Shen Yun's. So, right now, it's showing in Kennedy Centers and it's coming to Omaha March 26th to 27th at the Opium Theater. You will get to see China before communism. [00:26:40]
We all should team up to end communism to bring freedoms to every corner of the world such that Cuba will be free, North Koreans will be free, China will be free, the whole world will be free such that we have a true freedom, religious freedom, internet freedom, press freedom, and at the Epoch Times and in NED TV, we focus on true tradition and hope and tradition is bringing us closer to divinity. [00:27:21]
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