China's Teacher
Watchman Nee was China's most influential Christian leader in the 20th century. His books like "The Normal Christian Life" have been translated into dozens of languages.
Twenty Years
In 1952, the Communist government arrested him on false charges. He was sentenced to 15 years, then held for an additional 5. He spent 20 years in prison and labor camps.
Throughout his imprisonment, Nee never recanted his faith. Guards reported that he spent hours in prayer. Fellow prisoners said he shared the gospel whenever possible.
His wife, Charity, waited faithfully for his release. She died just months before the authorities finally freed him.
The Note Under His Pillow
On his deathbed in 1972, still under house arrest, Nee wrote a final note: "Christ is the Son of God who died for the redemption of sinners and resurrected after three days. This is the greatest truth in the universe. I die believing in Christ."
The note was found under his pillow. The man who had taught millions about suffering with Christ ended his life practicing what he preached.
