Called to Hong Kong's Darkest Streets
In 1966, at just 22 years old, Jackie Pullinger arrived in Hong Kong with little more than a dream and a deep sense of calling. Born in Croydon, London, Jackie had always felt drawn to missionary work. A dream directed her to the Kowloon Walled City, an area notorious for its lawlessness and despair. It was here that Jackie found her mission field, amidst the darkness of opium dens and crime-run streets.
Meeting People Where They Were
Jackie began her ministry by teaching music and English, establishing a youth club to reach out to young people. She believed that in order to share the love of Jesus, she had to meet people where they were. As she once stated, "The desperately poor are not going to come to us to hear the Good News. We have to go to them." Her approach was simple yet profound: personal interaction and unconditional love.
Miraculous Deliverance from Opium Addiction
As Jackie prayed for those trapped in addiction, miraculous transformations began to occur. She recounted a powerful story of a gang leader who, after praying and speaking in tongues, was freed from opium addiction without withdrawal symptoms. "She cared about us and miracles happened," one man testified. "People who could not change were changed. It was that Jesus." These miraculous healings became a testament to the power of Jesus working through Jackie's unwavering faith.
A Legacy of Transformation
Despite facing opposition from both organized crime and the established church, Jackie continued her work with determination. Her club was vandalized, yet she received unexpected protection from a gang leader known as "Big Brother." This act of grace mirrored the forgiveness Jackie extended to those who opposed her. "Oh yes, she will," a former vandalizer recalled, "because Miss Poon [Pullinger] is a Christian and she'll forgive you no matter how many times you offend."
Jackie's ministry expanded with the founding of St Stephen's Society in 1981, a charity providing rehabilitation homes. The Hong Kong government's recognition of her work led to the donation of land for the charity. Even after the demolition of the Walled City, Jackie's ministry continued to impact lives, driven by her belief that "God wants us to have soft hearts and hard feet." Her story remains a powerful example of faith in action, leaving a legacy of transformation and hope.
