Called to the Darkness
In 1966, Jackie Pullinger, a 22-year-old musician from London, embarked on a journey that would transform countless lives. Armed with just $10 and a one-way ticket, she set sail for Hong Kong, driven by a deep calling to bring hope to the lawless Kowloon Walled City. This densely populated slum, known as 'hak nam' or 'darkness,' was notorious for its crime, drug addiction, and despair.
Breakthrough Among Addicts
Upon arrival, Jackie began her mission as a primary school teacher and soon established a youth club to connect with the city's disenfranchised youth. She recognized that to change lives, she needed to demonstrate Jesus' love, not just speak about it. Her breakthrough came when a Chinese Christian couple prayed for her to be filled with the Spirit. From that moment, Jackie witnessed an unprecedented response: drug addicts and gang members started to trust Jesus and experienced miraculous healings.
Freedom from Addiction
A Triad member, after years of addiction, was healed through prayer and his newfound faith in Jesus. This pattern repeated as countless addicts surrendered to Jesus and found freedom from addiction without the usual withdrawal agony. Jackie encouraged those struggling to pray and embrace their prayer language when battling withdrawal symptoms. Some experienced immediate liberation, while others found gradual healing, but all credited God's power for their transformation.
A Beacon of Hope
As more lives changed, Jackie opened a home for these young men, helping them rebuild their lives and deepen their faith. Her influence was so profound that gang leaders allowed members to leave the Triads, an unprecedented act of respect and trust. Her compassionate work led to the establishment of St. Stephen's Society in 1981, which expanded to over 280 recovery homes across Southeast Asia. Jackie Pullinger's legacy is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. Her dedication to sharing Jesus' love in one of the world's most challenging environments has brought hope and healing to thousands. Today, her ministry continues to impact lives, a beacon of light in places once shrouded in darkness.
