About two servants of the Lord
The Writings of Watchman Nee and Witness Lee
The ministry of Watchman Nee and Witness Lee focuses on enjoying the godly life and practically building the church to fulfill God’s purpose. To learn more about Watchman Nee and Witness Lee, visit watchmannee.org and witnesslee.org.
Watchman Nee’s writings include such titles as The Normal Christian Life; Sitting, Walking, Standing; and The Spiritual Man. These books have provided tremendous help to Christians around the world. In addition to these classics, the complete works of Watchman Nee comprise a remarkable collection of 62 volumes and over 15,000 pages. Watchman Nee’s ministry was continued by his closest associate, Witness Lee. Witness Lee’s ministry was even more extensive, with his complete works totaling 136 volumes and over 77,000 pages. His major work, Life-study of the Bible, is a monumental book-by-book exposition of the entire Bible.
(1903-1972)
Watchman Nee
Watchman Nee became a Christian in mainland China in 1920 at the age of seventeen and began writing that same year. During his nearly thirty-year ministry, Watchman Nee clearly manifested himself as a unique gift from the Lord to His Body for His movement in this age. In 1952, he was imprisoned for his faith; he remained in prison until his death in 1972. His words remain an abundant source of spiritual revelation and replenishment for Christians around the world.
1903
Nee Shu-tsu, whose English name was Henry Nee, was born to second-generation Christian parents in Foochow, China. His paternal grandfather studied at the American Congregational College in Foochow and became the first Chinese Congregational pastor in the northern province of Fukien. Nee Shu-tsu was consecrated to the Lord before his birth.
1920
Nee Shu-tsu, whose English name was Henry Nee, was born to second-generation Christian parents in Foochow, China. His paternal grandfather studied at the American Congregational College in Foochow and became the first Chinese Congregational pastor in the northern province of Fukien. Nee Shu-tsu was consecrated to the Lord before his birth.
1922-1950
Watchman Nee’s rich ministry was the theme of both revelation and suffering. He carried out this ministry by preaching the gospel, teaching the Bible, traveling, contacting people, corresponding with people, lecturing, conducting training, and producing publications. His writings are contained in a series of sixty-two volumes, entitled The Collected Works of Watchman Nee, spanning from his first publication in 1922 to his last recorded talk in 1950.
1952-1972
After the seizure of power in China, Watchman Nee was arrested in March 1952 for the sake of the gospel. He was wrongfully convicted, tried, and sentenced to fifteen years in prison in 1956. He died in prison on May 30, 1972.
(1905-1997)
Witness Lee
Witness Lee, a slave of Christ Jesus, worked selflessly throughout his life and dedicated his being to the interest of his Lord.
Witness Lee’s ministry emphasizes the experience of Christ as life and the practical unity of believers as the Body of Christ. Stressing the importance of addressing both of these issues, he led the churches under his care to grow in Christian life and function. He was adamant in his belief that God’s goal was not narrow sectarianism, but the Body of Christ. In time, believers began to meet simply as a church in their localities in response to this belief. These local churches were soon established throughout the Western Hemisphere. In recent years, numerous new churches have been planted in Russia and many countries of Eastern Europe.
1905
Born in northern China, he was raised in a Christian family. At age 19 he was fully captured for Christ and immediately consecrated himself to preach the gospel for the rest of his life.
1934
Early in his service, Witness Lee met Watchman Nee, a renowned preacher, teacher, and writer. Witness Lee labored together with Watchman Nee under his direction. In 1934 Watchman Nee entrusted Witness Lee with the responsibility for his publication operation, called the Shanghai Gospel Bookroom.
1949
Witness Lee was sent by Watchman Nee and his other co-workers to Taiwan to ensure that the things delivered to them by the Lord would not be lost. Watchman Nee instructed Witness Lee to continue his publishing activities overseas as the Taiwan Gospel Bookroom, which has been publicly recognized as the publisher of Watchman Nee’s works outside of China. Witness Lee’s work in Taiwan manifested the Lord’s abundant blessing. From just 350 believers who had just fled the mainland, the churches in Taiwan grew to 20,000 believers in five years.
1962-1997
Witness Lee was sent by Watchman Nee and his other co-workers to Taiwan to ensure that the things delivered to them by the Lord would not be lost. Watchman Nee directed Witness Lee to continue his publishing activities overseas as the Taiwan Gospel Bookroom, which has been recognized as the publisher of Watchman Nee’s works outside of China. Witness Lee’s work in Taiwan manifests the Lord’s abundant blessing. From just 350 believers who had just fled the mainland, the churches in Taiwan grew to 20,000 believers in five years.