Rev. Dr. John Kao, founder of the largest Chinese church in North America, died Sunday at 79.

Kao's church Association of Chinese Evangelical Ministries (Canada)(ACEM) has announced on its website that a memorial service for Kao will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2013, at the Richmond Hill Christian Community Church at 10 a.m. Visitation will be begin at 9 a.m. till the service time at the church on the same day.

As a well-respected Chinese church leader, Kao served ACEM as its Founder, General Director, Adviser and recently Adviser Emeritus. He also served the Association of Canadian Chinese Theological Education (ACCTE) as the Honorary Chairman of its Executive Board, and the Chinese Coordination Centre of World Evangelism (CCCOWE) as a former General Secretary.

ACEM's statement wrote, "Rev. Kao was a gifted speaker and writer, a tireless disciple-maker, a caring pastor, and a loving husband and father. He served others selflessly and joyously, believing that it is more blessed to give than to receive. We give thanks to God for his witness in faith even as we mourn his passing."

ACEM's asked for prayers for all those within the ACEM family for losing their shepherd. They also asked for prayers for Mrs. Esther Kao, their sons Fred and Earnest, daughters-in-law Helen and Melinda, and the seven grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, monetary gifts will be given to Gibson Centre project and the hospital that provided care for Rev. Kao.