This book is the latest release in Paul Hattaway’s “China Chronicles” series. Each book is published not only in English but also in Chinese, the author’s intent in writing them is “primarily to bless and encourage the persecuted church in China” (page xii). Thousands of copies of these books are distributed for free in the house church networks in China (xii). Those of us in the West reap the benefit of being able to read this important Chinese Christian history.

As the title indicates, this present volume focuses on the province of Fujian. Fujian Province is located along the southeastern coast of China (pages v, 1). As of 2020 it had a population of 41,540,086 (page vi). Fujian has over 2,200 islands and has the greatest forests of any Chinese province, 63% of the land is forests (page 2).

While different ethnic groups live in the province the majority of the population are Han Chinese, making up 98.3% of the population (page vi). The people in Fujian speak a number of different Chinese dialects and languages that are very different from Mandarin, which is the national language (page vii). Some people from Fujian Province have moved to other Asian countries including Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines (page vii). The residents of Fujian are more religious than the people of many provinces in China (page 9), they honor a number of different deities (page 10).

Chuxi Tulou cluster in Fujian Province.
Image: via WikiMedia Commons.

The gospel was introduced in Fujian Province over 1,000 years ago by the Nestorians (page 11). The Catholic Church established itself in the province in the 1300s and about 500 years later Evangelicals came into Fujian (page 11). The gospel message had to overcome significant challenges, securing a foothold in the province in the 19^th century (page 11). However, the province was home to two well-known Christian ministers: John Sung and Watchman Nee (page 11). Although from the 1980s until the present day the province has not had the powerful revival accounts of other parts of China, it does have some notable statistics. There are about 5.8 million Christians (Catholics and Evangelicals) in the province (page 12). This is 14.7 % of the people who live there, this places it 5^th among all the Chinese provinces (page 12). The church in Fujian has had to deal with a lack of Bibles and the challenge of cults (page 12).

The book is comprised of chapters devoted to different decades, key events, and important individuals (pages ix, x). Catholics and Evangelicals are included in the book. Like the other books in the “China Chronicles” series, this present volume also contains pictures throughout the text and appendixes at the end of the book. The appendixes include important facts and figures about the people of Fujian, what may be of particular interest to readers is the attention given to the Christian population in the province.

Misty Morning in Xiamen, China
Image: Jay Huang

In the book the author writes about various missionaries who labored in Fujian. As we begin to consider some of them, I will start by mentioning two men and two women who are among the lesser-known missionaries. These missionaries are: John Wolfe, Amy Oxley-Wilkinson, Margaret Barber, and Leland Wang. There are also others that I did not mention who are included in the book. Those that I did mention each have a chapter devoted to them.

John Wolfe was an Irishman who served in Fujian for 53 years (pages 67-68). He was highly respected by the Chinese believers who referred to him as “The Fujian Moses,” because of their respect for him and his long beard (page 68). In time three of Wolfe’s daughters served in Fujian as missionaries (pages 68-69).

Amy Oxley-Wilkinson, came from a well-to-do family, she left that to serve the physical and spiritual needs of the Chinese, and she had a particular burden for blind children (pages 127, 129). She received the highest honor a foreigner could then receive in China, The Order of the Golden Grain, awarded by the Republic of China’s president (page 132).

Margaret Barber was born in England (page 146), a good part of her ministry was hidden because she gave herself to intercession, but she was highly regarded by some of the most well-known Christian leaders of the time (pages 145-146). She began her ministry as an Anglican missionary but later became an independent missionary (pages 146, 148). She had an impact on a well-known Christian leader mentioned in the book, that person was Watchman Nee (page 152).

Leland Wang was a Chinese national who emerged as a leader in the church in Fujian Province (page 155). He evangelized on the streets and founded the “Chinese Foreign Missionary Union” (page 158). He preached in a number of places around the world and established churches in: “the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East” (page 158).

Two names that many western readers may know that are mentioned in Fujian: The Blessed Province are John Sung and Watchman Nee. They each have two chapters devoted to them in the book (page 11).

John Sung was the son of a Methodist preacher and participated with his father in ministry (page 167). The 1909 Putian (Hinghwa) Revival had a big impact on him (page 167). His ministry was relatively brief. Hattaway, citing a quote of Paul Kauffman, calls our attention to the fact that Sung’s public ministry was only 15 years long (page 166), yet his impact was significant. He ministered not only in Fujian Province but in many other Chinese provinces as well (page 167).

Fujian: The Blessed Province, like the other books in the “China Chronicles” series, is rich in information. It demonstrates to us that God’s work is carried forward by well-known Christians and little-known Christians. As each one faithfully does their part this contributes to the overall growth of the gospel. The lives of the Chinese believers offer us both inspiration and challenge. And they show us what God can do with yielded and obedient servants.

Reviewed by John Lathrop

From the Asia Harvest website: https://www.asiaharvest.org/bookstore/Fujian-The-Blessed-Province-The-China-Chronicles-N%C2%BA9-p752236177

Further Reading

Li Shiguang, “Marking Rev. John Sung’s 120th Birthday, Pastor Edwin Su Wenfeng Urges Chinese Christians to Carry on the Fire of Revival” China Christian Daily (November 9, 2021).

“1909 Hinghwa Revival” Romans1015.com

Three devotionals from Kirk Hunt’s book, Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals for Gospel Champions (CadreMen Press, 2015).

David’s First Anointing

David’s Second Anointing

David’s Third Anointing

Blessed and Blessing, Devotionals for Gospel Champions

The Kingdom of God is built by the hands and hearts of Gospel Champions. These devotionals are focused on the faithful and courageous men and women who answer God’s call on their lives. Often the least recognized, these Christian servants are the hands, feet and face of God’s present-day Kingdom. Some of the devotions encourage servants to answer His call, then prepare for their mission tasks. Other devotionals address working with others on the frontlines of the Gospel mission. There are devotionals related to finishing in continuing strength and steady faith. Some devotions include Scriptural medicine and reassurance for those who stumble while serving. The servants who bless others are often more blessed than they know. These teachings help Gospel champions recognize and use the gifts God has already given to them. This book benefits the men and women who deliver God’s answers to the physical and spiritual needs around them.

A devotional from Kirk Hunt’s book, Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals for Gospel Champions (CadreMen Press, 2015).

David’s First Anointing

Therefore all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord. And they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the Lord by Samuel.
1 Chronicles 11:3 NKJV

The pomp and circumstance of 1 Chronicles 11 and 12 is a highlight in Scripture. The roll calls of valiant men and mighty tribes highlights the weight of David’s leadership. More importantly, it details God’s glory in Israel.

David’s anointing came from God. The great gathering and celebration is really worship and praise of God. Any celebration of anointing must be aimed at the Source, not the servant.

David’s long years of selfless service as a loyal soldier for King Saul, then as an outlaw-protector, are fulfilled in the coronation celebration. David had long since become a noble-leader and warrior-king. This third anointing is mere recognition of the clear and obvious truth of David’s life.

Your third anointing recognizes what has already been true. Your faithful service. Your loyal fulfillment of Kingdom duties. Your empowerment through the Holy Spirit.

Enjoy the celebration. God is receiving worship and glory in the ceremony. Remember, your anointing comes from Him, for His purpose. He chose you and is your source.

Think:

God is the source and purpose of my anointing.

Pray:

“Lord, help me to remember You are the Source and Purpose of my anointing.”

Blessed and Blessing, Devotionals for Gospel Champions

The Kingdom of God is built by the hands and hearts of Gospel Champions. These devotionals are focused on the faithful and courageous men and women who answer God’s call on their lives. Often the least recognized, these Christian servants are the hands, feet and face of God’s present-day Kingdom. Some of the devotions encourage servants to answer His call, then prepare for their mission tasks. Other devotionals address working with others on the frontlines of the Gospel mission. There are devotionals related to finishing in continuing strength and steady faith. Some devotions include Scriptural medicine and reassurance for those who stumble while serving. The servants who bless others are often more blessed than they know. These teachings help Gospel champions recognize and use the gifts God has already given to them. This book benefits the men and women who deliver God’s answers to the physical and spiritual needs around them.

This devotional from Kirk Hunt’s book, Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals for Gospel Champions (CadreMen Press, 2015), is reprinted here with permission. Copyright © by Kirk Hunt and CadreMen Press.

A devotional from Kirk Hunt’s book, Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals for Gospel Champions (CadreMen Press, 2015).

David’s First Anointing

Then the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah.
2 Samuel 2:4a NKJV

David’s second anointing came during a time of personal sorrow and national disunity. The men of Judah officially recognized David as their king. Benjamin, David’s own tribe, did not. All of the rest of Israel? Absent.

Still mourning the death of Saul and Jonathan, David took on the weight of his kingship. With tact, compassion and diplomacy, David sought to consolidate Israel under a single government. No small task.

The private anointing at 1 Samuel 16: 12-13 was necessary for David’s development. This second anointing publicly confirmed David as king. This anointing carried David from learner to leader.

Anointing is not a static, once-and-forever event in your life. As God moves you through His path and process, things change. You change. Your anointing changes.

As king, David’s sphere changed. No longer a mercenary captain, he became a regal king. He stopped working with the few and began working with the many. And this change did not end David’s story.

If you are one of God’s anointed, your story is not over. This season in your life is orchestrated by God. Your next season will be arranged by God as well. Your second anointing is another beginning, not an end.

Think:  

As I move through God’s plan, my anointing will change.

Pray:

“Lord, help me to fulfill Your call and anointing in my life.”

Blessed and Blessing, Devotionals for Gospel Champions

The Kingdom of God is built by the hands and hearts of Gospel Champions. These devotionals are focused on the faithful and courageous men and women who answer God’s call on their lives. Often the least recognized, these Christian servants are the hands, feet and face of God’s present-day Kingdom. Some of the devotions encourage servants to answer His call, then prepare for their mission tasks. Other devotionals address working with others on the frontlines of the Gospel mission. There are devotionals related to finishing in continuing strength and steady faith. Some devotions include Scriptural medicine and reassurance for those who stumble while serving. The servants who bless others are often more blessed than they know. These teachings help Gospel champions recognize and use the gifts God has already given to them. This book benefits the men and women who deliver God’s answers to the physical and spiritual needs around them.

This devotional from Kirk Hunt’s book, Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals for Gospel Champions (CadreMen Press, 2015), is reprinted here with permission. Copyright © by Kirk Hunt and CadreMen Press.

A devotional from Kirk Hunt’s book, Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals for Gospel Champions (CadreMen Press, 2015).

Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah.
1 Samuel 16:13 NKJV

Traditionally, during his first anointing, David was a teenager. Neither Jesse nor his family had enough influence or wealth to make one of his sons a king to Israel. Certainly, no one expected much from, or for, the youngest son of Jesse’s brood.

King Saul had already rejected God. Saul’s error and disobedience ended his kingship and dynasty. God commanded that Saul be replaced, before David’s name appears in 1 Samuel.

Anointing is more than being marked or set-aside. Anointing is being placed under the divine influence and empowerment of God. Clearly, the power of God’s Spirit impacted David’s life.

Divine empowerment, anointing, is an act of God’s choosing. Whom does God anoint? Saints, with sincere hearts, who proactively seek Him. They are men and women who use the best of their time, talent and treasure to build the Kingdom.

The best part is that anointing is not reserved for an elite few. Common men and women can dare to seek God’s Heart and make themselves available for His service. God anointed a young boy, with sheep dung on his sandals. Surely, you can approach His Throne and ask.

At God’s direction, Samuel poured oil on David’s head. Before God spoke to Samuel, He saw the sincere and heartfelt devotion of a mere shepherd boy. God’s sovereign will chooses His anointed. Why not you?

Think:  

God chooses whom He will anoint.

Pray:

“Lord, help me to live in, and seek, Your anointing.”

Blessed and Blessing, Devotionals for Gospel Champions

The Kingdom of God is built by the hands and hearts of Gospel Champions.  These devotionals are focused on the faithful and courageous men and women who answer God’s call on their lives.  Often the least recognized, these Christian servants are the hands, feet and face of God’s present-day Kingdom.  Some of the devotions encourage servants to answer His call, then prepare for their mission tasks.  Other devotionals address working with others on the frontlines of the Gospel mission.  There are devotionals related to finishing in continuing strength and steady faith.  Some devotions include Scriptural medicine and reassurance for those who stumble while serving.  The servants who bless others are often more blessed than they know.  These teachings help Gospel champions recognize and use the gifts God has already given to them.  This book benefits the men and women who deliver God’s answers to the physical and spiritual needs around them.

This devotional from Kirk Hunt’s book, Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals for Gospel Champions (CadreMen Press, 2015), is reprinted here with permission. Copyright © by Kirk Hunt and CadreMen Press.

Ken Walker, “Blessed Are Those Who Mourn,” Charisma (September 1999), pages 38-46, 91.

What happens when young people pray that God would do whatever it takes to bring about revival? Is there a connection between prayer and the tragedies that have taken place in Columbine High in Littleton, Colorado and at Wedgwood Baptist in Fort Worth, Texas?

Eight months before Columbine, Mike Higgs wrote in the September/October 1998 issue of Pray! magazine, that “Littleton, Colorado, students are on their way to establishing a prayer group on every campus in their community.” Jonathan Graf, editor of Pray!, reported that one of the student leaders of this movement told adults to “lead us, join us, or get out of the way!” Graf went on to comment in his editorial that “In a very real sense, the Columbine shooting was a result of the prayers of these young people. They wanted God to do something so huge on their campuses that the world would take notice. Satan tried to stop them when two troubled boys entered Columbine High School on April 20, 1999, and started shooting. But God turned Satan’s scheme into the very answer to their prayers. Something huge for the kingdom is coming out of this tragedy” (Pray! Nov/Dec 1999, p. 5).

There has been an E-mail, reportedly circulated by Pastor Dr. Ed Tropp of Circle Drive Baptist Church in Colorado Springs, that has said, “What the news is not reporting is the revival that’s begun. There were 2 other backslidden Christian kids in that library while people were getting killed, who watched her step up and give her life and came out and vowed never to compromise their faith again as long as they lived. Christian kids that were in public schools in the whole area that had been embarrassed because they wanted to be cool, didn’t want to stand up for Christ, have all opened their mouths this week and there are hundreds of teenagers turning to Christ. They don’t want to hear about peer counseling and psychology, they’re falling on their knees and crying out to Jesus Christ. . . .One girl stood forward and said, ‘I believe in Jesus,’ and what that has done in the hearts of the people in this community is unbelievable. What the news isn’t reporting is what they don’t understand, a revival has begun.”

Wendy Murray Zoba quotes Reinhold Niebuhr, “It may be that there will be no salvation for the human spirit from the more and more painful burdens of social injustice until the ominous tendency in human history has resulted in the perfect tragedy.” In her opinion, Columbine was the perfect tragedy to awaken the United States (“‘Do You Believe in God?’: Columbine and the stirring of America’s soul.” Christianity Today, Oct 4, 1999, p. 33).