Watchman Nee's Testimony

by Watchman Nee

This book is a compilation of three testimonies given by Watchman Nee in China in October 1936 - one of the few occasions in his life in which he spoke about his personal affairs. The content of his first testimony is his salvation and his calling to serve the Lord. In his second testimony, he speaks about learning the lesson of the cross, leading in the work, and experiencing God as his healer. In his third testimony he speaks about living a life of faith, his attitude towards money, and his reliance on God to meet the needs of his publication work.

Genres: Christian, Biography

57 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1991

About the author

Watchman Nee (Chinese: 倪柝聲; pinyin: Ní Tuòshēng; Foochow Romanized: Ngà̤ Táuk-sĭng; 1903–1972) was a Chinese Christian author and church leader during the early 20th century. He spent the last 20 years of his life in prison and was severely persecuted by the Communists in China. Together with Wangzai, Zhou-An Lee, Shang-Jie Song, and others, Nee founded The Church Assembly Hall, later which would be also known as the "Local churches" (Chinese: 地方教會). or more commonly as (聚會所) meaning "assembly hall"

Born into a Methodist family, Watchman Nee experienced a religious revival, and joined the Church of Heavenly Peace, Fuzhou in 1920 at age 17 and began writing in the same year. In 1921, he met the British missionary M. E. Barber, who was a great influence on him. Through Miss Barber, Nee was introduced to many of the Christian writings which were to have a profound influence on him and his teachings. Nee attended no theological schools or Bible institutes. His knowledge was acquired through studying the Bible and reading various Christian spiritual books. During his 30 years of ministry, beginning in 1922, Nee traveled throughout China planting churches among the rural communities and holding Christian conferences and trainings in Shanghai. In 1952 he was imprisoned for his faith; he remained in prison until his death in 1972.

Reviews

[Esther Hong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Salvation and calling, learning the lesson of the cross, how to live a life of faith, etc. The work of the Lord in him and his willingness in allowing the Lord to perform His work.

[Rodrigo Lira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encorajador! Fiz a leitura de uma versão antiga em português. Os três testemunhos narrados são de muito valor para encorajar os cristãos em sua vida de fé e serviço. O segundo apêndice do livro traz lições preciosas para os que são líderes. Recomendo essa breve leitura.

[Lisa Jamieson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspiring quick read during my summer quiet times.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the church, right or wrong have no place; all that counts is bearing the cross and accepting its breaking. This produces the overflowing of God's life and accomplishes His will.

[Dalene Van Achterbergh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amen

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great little read. It contains three occasions when Nee shared his personal testimony, a rare thing, with his co-workers. These talks contain significant truths about Spirit-filled living and Spirit-filled leadership. The need to be full of God's spirit is crucial for all professing Christians. He writes of his own experience, "On the evening of my salvation, the burden of my sins rolled away, but on February 13, 1922, when I laid aside my beloved, my heart was emptied of everything the previously occupied me." He went on to experience a fruitful ministry that before had eluded him.

His views on leadership are very astute. He says, "The difficulty with many people is their being unbroken...If one is broken, he will not attempt to arrive at his own decision regarding business matters or teaching." He talks of his struggle with submission to other leaders and how God taught him that, "In the church, right and wrong have no place; all that counts is bearing the cross and accepting its breaking. This produces the overflowing of God's life and accomplishes His will." This "right or wrong" did not relate to sin but with differing opinions.

He shared how he learned to walk by faith in relation to money. He writes, "I have now experienced that the less money I have in my hand, the more God will give...Many people may feel that they are able to live the life of faith; but when the trial comes they are in fear. Unless you can believe in the real and living God, I do not advise you to take this path...God has supplied all of my needs and has not failed me once."

Then his story about being healed from tuberculosis is quite astonishing.

This author has been on my to-read list for years. I just saw that there is a devotional book by him for 1.99 on Kindle so now I can squeeze in some daily thoughts as well.