Watchman Nee

Watchman Nee, Nee To-Sheng, found his Savior in 1920
as a college student. Soon after that he gave himself to
God without reserve for work among his own people.
Over the years he became known as a gifted preacher
of the Gospel and an expositor of the Word. In 1922 he
initiated church meetings in Fuzhou, his home town,
which was the beginning of the local church movement.
Nee published many books where his goal was to share
Scriptural truth. He was a lonely man who often wrestled
with God, "Your will, not mine be done." At times he
just wanted to die.

Following the Communist Revolution, in 1952, Nee was
imprisoned for his faith. On January 18, 1956, the Religious
Affairs Bureau began twelve days of accusation meetings.
On June 21st it was announced that he had been
excommunicated by the elders of the church in Shanghai,
found guilty on all charges. He was sentenced to 15 years
of hard labor. Only his wife Charity was permitted to visit
him. One year before his death his wife died and Nee was
not permitted to attend the funeral. He was scheduled for
release in 1967, but was detained until his death on
May 39, 1972. His body was cremated before the family
arrived but they did find this written under his pillow:

"Christ is the Son of God who died for the redemption
of sinners and resurrected after three days. This is the
greatest truth in the universe. I die because of my belief
in Christ. Watchman Nee."

Reader, so many are losing their lives today because of
faith in Christ. This Sunday is the official International
Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Join them in
prayer for our brothers and sisters. Pray for steadfastness,
courage, faithfulness, protection, perseverance, and joy!