The 1909 Hinghwa Revival: A Spark in the Christian Movement in China
The 1909 Hinghwa Revival was a key event in the history of Christianity in China, occurring at a time when the nation grappled with strong anti-foreign sentiments, particularly against Christianity, in the wake of the Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901)1. This revival, ignited by a powerful Good Friday sermon in Hinghwa City (now Putian) in the Fujian Province, had a profound impact on the local Christian community and beyond1.
It led to numerous conversions, the establishment of new churches and institutions, and the rise of influential figures like John Sung, who would later become a renowned evangelist in China and Southeast Asia2. This article delves into the history of the 1909 Hinghwa Revival, exploring its antecedents, key figures, significant practices, and lasting impact on the Christian landscape in China.
Religious Context in China
To fully appreciate the significance of the Hinghwa Revival, it’s essential to understand the religious context of China in the early 20th century. While Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism held prominent positions in Chinese society, Christianity was a relatively new arrival, often viewed with suspicion and associated with foreign imperialism3.
This perception was exacerbated by the Boxer Rebellion, a violent uprising against foreign influence that resulted in the persecution of Christians1. The revival emerged amidst this challenging environment, demonstrating the resilience and growth of the Christian faith in China.
Antecedents and Catalysts of the Revival
The Hinghwa Revival was not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader wave of religious awakenings that swept across Asia and other parts of the world in the early 20th century1. These revivals, characterized by fervent prayer, public confession, and a renewed emphasis on spiritual experience, reflected a growing desire for deeper meaning and connection with the divine1.
Notable revivals preceding the Hinghwa Revival include the 1905 Khasi Hills Revival in India, the 1905 Mukti Revival in India, the 1906 Mizo Revival in northeast India, the 1907 Pyongyang Revival in Korea, and the 1908 Manchurian Revival in China1. These events created an atmosphere of anticipation and spiritual hunger among Christians, paving the way for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Hinghwa.
The immediate catalyst for the Hinghwa Revival was a Good Friday service at the Wesleyan Methodist church1. A female missionary, deeply moved by reports of revivals occurring in other parts of Asia, wrote to friends in the USA, urging them to join her in prayer for a similar awakening in Hinghwa1. Two women responded to this call, engaging in prolonged and fervent prayer until they received assurance from God that a revival would commence on Good Friday1.
They immediately informed their missionary friend, but due to the slow mail service at the time, their letter arrived after Easter, confirming what had already taken place1. This remarkable instance of intercessory prayer highlights the significant role that prayer played in setting the stage for the revival.
The Revival Unfolds
The Hinghwa Revival unfolded during an annual convention commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ1. Pastor Lim, a Chinese pastor of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, delivered a sermon on Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and His crucifixion1. While the sermon was based on a familiar passage, it carried an unusual power that deeply affected the congregation1. People later testified that they felt as if Pastor Lim’s words were piercing their hearts, leading to widespread conviction of sin and cries of repentance1.
Pastor Lim himself was overcome with emotion during the sermon, confessing his own sins to the congregation1. This act of vulnerability created a powerful atmosphere of humility and brokenness, prompting members of the congregation to publicly confess their sins and seek forgiveness1. The revival spread rapidly, with reports of transformed lives, restored relationships, and a renewed passion for Christ1.
Key Figures and Churches Involved
While Pastor Lim played a crucial role in igniting the revival, other figures emerged as key contributors to its impact and legacy. Pastor Sung, the father of John Sung, was the pastor of the Wesleyan Methodist Church where the revival began1. He had overseen significant growth in the church prior to the revival, but it was characterized by formality and lacked spiritual depth1. The revival transformed the church, infusing it with a new sense of purpose and power1.
John Sung, who was nine years old at the time of the revival, was profoundly affected by the events1. The revival instilled in him a deep conviction of sin and a passion for the Gospel1. He later became one of the most influential evangelists in 20th-century China, known for his powerful preaching and unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel1.
Some have even titled him “The greatest evangelist China has ever seen,” “The greatest preacher in the 20th century,” and “The Billy Graham of Asia.” 1 The Hinghwa Revival played a formative role in his life and ministry, shaping his theological convictions and evangelistic zeal4. John Sung’s ministry extended beyond China, reaching the Chinese populations in major cities throughout Southeast Asia2.
He played a significant role in the revival that took place in Nanchang and Kiukiang, where his powerful preaching and emphasis on repentance led to numerous conversions and the formation of evangelistic teams5.
The Wesleyan Methodist Church was the epicenter of the Hinghwa Revival1. The revival transformed this church from a place of formality to a center of passionate faith and evangelistic zeal1. The impact of the revival extended to other churches in the region, leading to the establishment of new congregations and a renewed focus on spreading the Gospel1.
Prayers and Practices
Prayer was a central element of the Hinghwa Revival. The initial spark was ignited by the fervent prayers of two women in the USA who interceded for revival in Hinghwa1. Their persistent and heartfelt prayers, coupled with the prayers of the local missionary and the congregation, created an atmosphere of expectancy and openness to the work of the Holy Spirit1.
The revival was also characterized by specific practices that contributed to its impact. Public confession of sin was a prominent feature, with individuals acknowledging their wrongdoings and seeking forgiveness from God and others1.
This practice fostered a spirit of humility, transparency, and reconciliation within the community1. In a society where saving face and maintaining social harmony were highly valued, public confession was a radical act that demonstrated the transformative power of the Gospel1.
Another significant practice was restitution. Wherever possible, individuals who had wronged others sought to make amends for their actions1. Stolen items were returned, and efforts were made to restore broken relationships1. When restitution was not possible, individuals were encouraged to make “trespass-offerings” to the church treasury1. This emphasis on practical actions demonstrated the genuine transformation taking place in the lives of those touched by the revival1.
Immediate and Lasting Results
The Hinghwa Revival had both immediate and lasting results. In the immediate aftermath, the church experienced a surge in attendance, with crowds coming from across the Fujian Province and even from America to witness the “Hinghwa Pentecost.” 1
The revival led to approximately 3,000 conversions, and many new churches were established throughout the district1. The revival also led to the establishment of an orphanage, a Bible school, and a high school, demonstrating the social and educational impact of the spiritual awakening1.
The revival also had a lasting impact on the Christian community in Hinghwa and beyond. It transformed the Wesleyan Methodist Church from a place of formality to a center of passionate faith and evangelistic zeal1. The revival also played a crucial role in the development of John Sung, who would later become a leading figure in the Chinese revival movement4.
The emphasis on local leadership and the development of indigenous expressions of faith during the Hinghwa Revival contributed to the indigenization of Christianity in China, allowing the faith to take root and flourish in a culturally relevant way4.
The Legacy of John Sung
John Sung’s life and ministry stand as a testament to the lasting impact of the 1909 Hinghwa Revival. The revival instilled in him a deep conviction of sin, a passion for the Gospel, and a commitment to evangelism that shaped his entire ministry1. He became known for his powerful preaching, his emphasis on repentance, and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life2.
His ministry extended throughout China and Southeast Asia, leading to countless conversions and the establishment of numerous churches and Christian institutions2. John Sung’s legacy continues to inspire and challenge Christians today to live lives of authentic faith and to boldly proclaim the Gospel in a world in need of hope and transformation.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event | Source |
| 1900 | A significant prayer movement emerges among Chinese Christians, laying the groundwork for future revivals. | 6 |
| 1905-1908 | A series of revivals occurs throughout Asia, creating an atmosphere of spiritual expectation and hunger for renewal. These include the Khasi Hills Revival, Mukti Revival, Mizo Revival, Pyongyang Revival, and Manchurian Revival. | 1 |
| Early 1909 | A female missionary in Hinghwa, inspired by reports of revivals elsewhere, writes to friends in the USA, requesting prayer for a similar outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Hinghwa. | 1 |
| Two weeks before Easter 1909 | Two women in the USA, responding to the missionary’s request, engage in prolonged and fervent prayer for revival in Hinghwa. They receive assurance from God that a revival will begin on Good Friday. | 1 |
| Good Friday 1909 | During an annual convention commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Pastor Lim preaches a sermon on Jesus in Gethsemane and His crucifixion. The sermon, imbued with an unusual power, sparks the Hinghwa Revival. | 1 |
| Following weeks | The revival spreads rapidly throughout the community and beyond. People experience deep conviction of sin, publicly confess their wrongdoings, and seek forgiveness. Restitution is made for past wrongs, and relationships are restored. | 1 |
| Within one to two months | Approximately 3,000 conversions occur as a result of the revival. | 1 |
| Following years | Numerous new churches are established throughout the district, and the revival’s impact extends to other regions. The Wesleyan Methodist Church is transformed into a center of passionate faith and evangelistic zeal. | 1 |
Beneficial Takeaways
The 1909 Hinghwa Revival offers several valuable lessons for Christians today:
- The Power of Prayer: The revival highlights the importance of persistent, fervent prayer in seeking God’s intervention and spiritual renewal. The intercessory prayers of the two women in the USA played a crucial role in setting the stage for the revival1.
- Confession and Repentance: The revival demonstrates the transformative power of confessing sin, seeking forgiveness, and making amends for past wrongs. Public confession and restitution were key practices that fostered humility, transparency, and reconciliation within the community1.
- The Importance of the Holy Spirit: The revival underscores the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting of sin, empowering believers, and bringing about spiritual awakening. The powerful conviction experienced during Pastor Lim’s sermon and the subsequent transformations were attributed to the work of the Holy Spirit1.
- Evangelism and Church Growth: The revival led to numerous conversions and the establishment of new churches, emphasizing the importance of sharing the Gospel and making disciples. The revival sparked a renewed zeal for evangelism, resulting in the growth of the Christian community in Hinghwa and beyond1.
- Spiritual Authenticity: The revival challenged the formality and complacency that can creep into Christian communities, calling for genuine faith and passionate commitment to Christ. The revival transformed the Wesleyan Methodist Church from a place of formality to a center of passionate faith and evangelistic zeal1.
Conclusion
The 1909 Hinghwa Revival stands as a significant milestone in the history of Christianity in China. It emerged during a time of anti-foreign sentiment and Christian persecution, demonstrating the resilience and growth of the Christian faith in the face of adversity.
The revival’s emphasis on prayer, confession, restitution, and the work of the Holy Spirit led to profound transformations in individuals and communities, leaving a lasting legacy of spiritual renewal and evangelistic fervor. The Hinghwa Revival serves as an inspiring example of how God can move powerfully to bring about spiritual awakening and to empower believers to be agents of His love and grace in the world.
The revival’s impact extended beyond its immediate context, contributing to the indigenization of Christianity in China and shaping the ministry of influential figures like John Sung. The Hinghwa Revival remains a powerful testament to the transformative potential of religious awakenings and a source of encouragement for Christians seeking a deeper experience of God’s presence and a renewed commitment to sharing the Gospel.
Works cited
- 1909 Hinghwa Revival – BEAUTIFUL FEET, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://romans1015.com/hinghwa-revival/
- 1909 Hinghwa Revival Archives – Page 2 of 4 – BEAUTIFUL FEETBEAUTIFUL FEET, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://romans1015.com/tag/1909-hinghwa-revival/page/2/
- Typologies of Secularism in China: Religion, Superstition, and Secularization | Comparative Studies in Society and History | Cambridge Core, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/comparative-studies-in-society-and-history/article/typologies-of-secularism-in-china-religion-superstition-and-secularization/1EE8435D351A45354D524BAD9F9574CA
- John Sung – Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Christianity, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://www.bdcconline.net/en/stories/john-sung
- John Sung – Wikipedia, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Sung
- 1908-1909 China Revivals (6 of them) – BEAUTIFUL FEET, accessed on December 19, 2024, https://romans1015.com/china-revivals/