Academic Success but Spiritual Emptiness
John Sung, born in 1901 in Hong Chek Village, China, was destined for academic greatness. Known as 'Little Pastor' in his youth, he pursued education fervently, earning a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Ohio State University. Despite his academic success, John drifted from his faith, exploring various philosophies and feeling spiritually empty. In 1926, while at Union Theological Seminary in New York, he encountered liberal theology which further distanced him from Christianity.
Divine Voice Changes Everything
On February 10, 1927, a profound spiritual awakening changed everything. During prayer, John heard a divine voice saying, 'Son, thy sins are forgiven.' He described being 'baptized in the Holy Spirit' and felt a wave of renewal. As he noted, 'This was my spiritual birthday!' His newfound zeal for evangelism led to conflict, resulting in his commitment to a mental asylum in White Plains, New York. There, he read the Bible cover to cover forty times, viewing this confinement as a divine seminary.
Chinese Evangelist John Sung's Ministry
Returning to China in 1927, John discarded his academic accolades overboard, committing to evangelism. He preached tirelessly across China and Southeast Asia, seeing thousands converted and healed through prayer. His ministry drew large crowds, and he insisted that Jesus performed the miracles, emphasizing repentance and faith.
Legacy of Transformed Lives
Despite facing opposition, including government smear campaigns, John continued his ministry fervently. His efforts prepared the Chinese Church for future challenges. Even as he battled illness, John remained committed to spreading the message of Jesus, passing away in 1944. His legacy endures, a testament to the transformative power of faith in Christ.
