By that time, he had acquired the honour of being known as “China’s John the Baptist”; others called him the “Chinese John Wesley”.9 Many people credit his tireless ministry for bringing God’s spiritual awakening to Asia. By some estimates, more than 100,000 Chinese had come to know the Lord through his ministry, and many thousands more had re-dedicated their lives to Him after listening to John’s sermons and teaching. Today, churches across Southeast Asia still recall his visits fondly, noting how his preaching had sparked revivals in their communities and brought thousands to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. “Dr John Sung was probably the greatest preacher of this century,” wrote his friend, veteran missionary William E. Schubert, in his book, I Remember John Sung. “I have heard almost all the great preachers from 1910 until now . . . yet John Sung surpassed them all in pulpit power, attested by amazing and enduring results.”10 Clearly, the “madman” who spent six months in an asylum knew exactly what he was talking about.
54 | Defining Moments