Timeline of Watchman Nee

The key events in the life and ministry of Watchman Nee, from his birth to the end of his life.

1. 1903

   Nee Shu-tsu, whose English name was Henry Nee, was born of second-generation Christian parents in Foochow, China. His paternal grandfather studied at the American Congregational College in Foochow and became the first Chinese pastor among the Congregationalists in northern Fukien province. Nee Shu-tsu was consecrated to the Lord before his birth.

2. 1916

   Entered a Church Missionary Society middle school in Foochow.

3. 1920

   At the age of seventeen and after considerable struggle, Nee Shu-tsu was dynamically saved while in high school. At the moment of his salvation, his plans for his future were entirely abandoned. He testified, “From the evening I was saved, I began to live a new life, for the life of the eternal God had entered into me.”

4. 1922-1950

   Watchman Nee’s rich ministry was the issue of both revelation and suffering. He carried out this ministry by preaching the gospel, teaching the Bible, traveling, contacting people, corresponding with people, holding conferences, conducting trainings, and producing publications. His writings are contained in a set of sixty-two volumes, entitled The Collected Works of Watchman Nee , which span from his first publication in 1922 to his final recorded speaking in 1950.

5. 1923

   Began publishing Christian magazines, the first of the many publications of his ministry.

6. 1926

   Churches were established in Shanghai and in Sitiawan, Malaysia.

7. 1928

   Published The Spiritual Man.

8. 1934

   Married Charity Chang in Hangzhou.

9. 1938

   Traveled to Europe.

10. 1939

    Took over a family pharmaceutical factory.

11. 1952-1972

    Following the takeover of China, Watchman Nee was arrested in March 1952 for the sake of the gospel. He was falsely condemned, judged, and sentenced to fifteen years’ imprisonment in 1956. He died in confinement on May 30, 1972.

12. 1971

    His wife, Charity, passed away.

13. 1972

    Died on May 30 in Guangde, Anhui province.

Source: watchmannee.org, Wikipedia