Watchman Nee (1903-1972), a preeminent church leader and Christian teacher of the first half of the 20th century, had a humble beginning as Christ’s servant in China. In the year 1922, he pioneered church gatherings in Fuzhou, which marked the genesis of local churches in the region. Over the course of his 30-year-long ministry, Nee penned numerous enlightening books elucidating the Bible, planted churches throughout China, and organized extensive conferences for the edification of Bible students and church functionaries.
In a testament to his enduring influence, Christianity Today magazine, in 2009, ranked Nee among the 100 most impactful Christians of the twentieth century. Despite having passed away over three decades ago, Nee's life's work continues to inform and inspire millions of Protestant Christians in China. To date, in excess of three thousand churches beyond China's borders, inclusive of several hundred in the United States, recognize him as one of their guiding religious and theological luminaries.
Watchman Nee's life serves as a testament to his remarkable dedication and vibrancy. He embraced Christianity in 1922 and during the 1930s, undertook voyages to Europe and North America, where he disseminated his teachings through sermons and speeches. These were later collated and published in book format. By the waning years of the 1940s, Nee had cemented his status as the preeminent Chinese Christian author, evangelist, and church founder.
The Chinese government incarcerated Nee along with numerous other Christian leaders in 1952 due to their unwavering faith. Unfortunately, Nee was never released. Nevertheless, during the turbulent 1960s and 1970s, his literary works continued to gain traction and widespread acclaim, notably in the United States. His magnum opus, "The Normal Christian Life," sold in excess of a million copies globally, cementing its status as a timeless Christian classic.
Nee tragically met his end in a labor farm at the age of 71 in 1972. His limited surviving correspondence attests to his undying faith in God until his final breath. Unbeknownst to him, his life and ministerial contributions would leave an indelible impact on the world, extending far beyond the confines of the Chinese prison farm where he spent his last years.
