missionary

Life Story

Full Name: Saint Boniface
Birthplace: Crediton, England
Born: AD 675
Died: June 5, 754

Saint Boniface, originally named Winfrith, was born into a noble family in England. From a young age, he was deeply inspired by the lives of Christian monks and missionaries. Wanting to serve God, he joined a Christian monastery to study theology and Scripture. At the age of 30, he was ordained as a priest. During his years in the monastery, Boniface spent much of his time reading, meditating, teaching, and praying.

Even though he could have lived a peaceful life in the monastery, his heart longed to serve as a missionary. When he was offered the position of abbot (leader of the monastery), he humbly refused, choosing instead to take the Gospel of Christ to the Germanic tribes who had not yet heard about Jesus.

Boniface’s missionary work was not easy. He faced many challenges from idol worshippers and people who followed false teachings. Still, he remained faithful to God’s calling. He believed that true life is found in Christ alone, as written in Luke 9:24 — “Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for my sake will save it.”

Boniface traveled through Frisia and Germania, preaching the Gospel and leading thousands to faith in Christ. Through his ministry, many pagans turned from idol worship, received baptism, and became Christians. His mission was not only to bring new believers to Christ but also to strengthen and organize the Christian Church in those regions. He helped restore churches that had fallen into false beliefs and disorder. He organized church councils, set clear rules for priests and leaders, and corrected wrong teachings.

In AD 754, Boniface went on his final missionary journey to Frisia with a group of fellow monks. While preparing to conduct a service near a river, he was attacked by a group of hostile pagans. They killed him and his 53 companions, making them martyrs for the faith.

Saint Boniface is remembered as the “Apostle of Germany.” His life is an inspiring example of courage, obedience, and unwavering faith in God’s call. Even in death, he showed complete devotion to Christ.

A Life Fully Devoted to God

Full Name: Watchman Nee
Birth: November 4, 1903
Birthplace: China
Parents: Lin He Ping and Nee Weng Su
Wife: Charity Chang
Salvation: Age 18
Death: May 30, 1972

Early Life and Salvation

Watchman Nee was born on November 4, 1903, in China. His mother, Lin He Ping, was raised in a Christian home, though she was adopted into a poor family due to financial hardships. At 18 years old, Nee accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior, dedicating his life to God’s service. His mother, inspired by her prayers, also committed herself to support her son in ministry.

Ministry and Evangelism

From a young age, Nee proclaimed the Gospel alongside his mother in the streets. He traveled across many parts of China, preaching the Word and guiding people to Christ. Nee was known as a powerful teacher and author, writing deeply spiritual works that became influential worldwide. He also led students and young believers into Christian faith, encouraging them to live united and serve wholeheartedly.

Challenges and Faithfulness

Once, during a fire in a city, Nee and five other families were rescued, strengthening his faith in God’s protection. He spent many hours daily in prayer, relying on God for guidance and provision. Even when he suffered from severe illness while preaching in Shanghai, he trusted God and recovered through prayer, faith, and proper care.

Watchman Nee emphasized serving without pay, trusting God for provision, and giving full commitment to every ministry opportunity. He also trained other believers to continue spreading the Gospel to unreached areas of China. Despite persecution, opposition, and being imprisoned for 20 years, he remained faithful to Christ.

Legacy

Nee endured hardships, imprisonment, and poor health with unwavering faith. He passed away on May 30, 1972, at the age of 69, leaving a legacy of dedication, prayer, and discipleship. He taught that using opportunities for God’s work wisely is essential, and neglecting them results in lost blessings.

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Famous Saying:
“Use every opportunity God gives you, for delaying His work leads to loss.”