Lottie’s legacy

Joe Westbury

China’s newest church opened its doors for worship on May 29 and more than 5,000 members and visitors flooded the sanctuary to hear the Gospel presentation. The Weihai Christian Church, located in the bustling metropolitan seaport by the same name, is only 40 miles east of where Lottie Moon served at Tengchow at the turn of the century. Though not a direct descendent of her ministry, the congregation is a spiritual link to the missionaries who left home and family to bring the Gospel to the Chinese people. One of those attending the inaugural service, 90-year-old Stella Tong, sat in amazement at the crowds who turned out for the dedication. Tong is the only known living former student of the girl’s school founded by Moon, a Georgia resident before she set sail for China in 1873.

Related stories:

Missionaries made the difference

Descendant of Lottie’s ministry attends dedication

An overview of Baptist work among Chinese in Georgia