A Young Man at a Crossroads
In the year 1920, a young seventeen-year-old student named Watchman Nee stood at a crossroads in his life. Born Ni Shu-tsu in Shantou, Guangdong, China, he was raised in a Christian household but had yet to experience a personal relationship with Jesus. That transformative moment came through the ministry of Dora Yu, a Methodist evangelist whose message deeply resonated with him.
Alone in His Room
On April 29, 1920, Nee found himself alone in his room, grappling with an internal struggle. He was ambitious, with dreams of a literary career, yet he felt a persistent call to surrender his life to Jesus. As he knelt in prayer, a profound realization dawned on him—he was a sinner in need of a Savior. In his own words, 'From the evening I was saved, I began to live a new life, for the life of the eternal God had entered into me.'
A New Trajectory
With this surrender, Nee's life's trajectory shifted dramatically. Before his conversion, Nee was deeply entangled in worldly pursuits, but after encountering Jesus, he abandoned his previous plans. His newfound faith prompted him to preach the gospel among his peers, and he began to share the message of Christ with a passion that could not be contained.
Full Commitment
Nee's transformation was evident in his actions. He broke off an engagement with an unbeliever, a decision that underscored his commitment to his faith. His entire future now centered on serving God, leading to the establishment of church meetings in Fuzhou and the beginning of what would become the Little Flock movement.
Watchman Nee's story is a testament to the profound change that Jesus can bring to a person's life. His legacy continued as he faithfully served the Lord, even amidst persecution and imprisonment. As he once said, 'Good is not always God's will, but God's will is always good.' His life stands as a powerful example of surrendering to Jesus and allowing His will to guide every step.
