Watchman Nee Profile

A Brief Timeline

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.

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.”

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.

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.