Confucian Roots in Shanghai China
Andrew Gih was born into a family steeped in Confucian and Buddhist traditions in Shanghai, China, in 1901. Initially uninterested in Christianity, Gih's life took a transformative turn when he attended the China Inland Mission's Bethel Secondary School at the age of 18. His intention was to learn English, but the mandatory Bible classes began to stir something deeper within him. As he read the words of Jesus, he was struck by the profound wisdom and greatness of Christ.
Conversion from Confucianism to Christianity
The pivotal moment came during an evangelistic meeting led by Wang Zai, a powerful preacher whose words penetrated Gih's heart. Moved by the message, he sought baptism and in 1925, he publicly declared his newfound faith in Jesus Christ, adopting the biblical name Andrew. Gih remarked, 'Praise the Lord for choosing me from the meek and lowly of the world and for giving me a ministry of reconciliation.'
Founding the Bethel Evangelistic Band
Emboldened by his conversion, Andrew Gih co-founded the Bethel Worldwide Evangelistic Band. His faith journey was marked by a deep reliance on God's guidance and provision, often drawing inspiration from other faith-driven ministries like the Asbury College World Evangelistic Team. Despite having no financial backing, Gih and his team trusted God to meet their needs as they traveled across China, sharing the message of hope and transformation.
Mass Evangelism Across China
Gih's ministry witnessed astonishing results. Between 1931 and 1935, the Bethel Band traveled over 50,000 kilometers, visiting 133 cities and sharing the Gospel with an estimated 500,000 people, resulting in around 50,000 conversions. Gih attributed this success to the Holy Spirit, stating, 'Without learning, eloquence or worldly position, how could we go into all the world and preach? This was not our zeal but the Lord's grace.'
The impact of Gih's ministry extended beyond China's borders, with the establishment of the Evangelize China Fellowship in 1947 and the founding of theological institutions globally. His legacy continues to inspire countless lives, a testament to the transformative power of Jesus in one man's life.
