The Boxer Rebellion

I love the image after the resurrection of the disciples discouraged to the point where Peter says, “I’m going fishing.” They were tired, hungry, discouraged and probably broke. Jesus fixed their breakfast and summoned them to shore. The great catch of fish he ordained would supply their financial needs, but it would not always be that way. Jesus did not promise a smooth road. Within days all were ready to die for their faith. I often ask myself, “would I be willing to die for Christ.” It seems easier now that I am older, and the eternal horizon is in sight.

In the late 19^th century, many in China saw foreign influence as a corrupting force that was weakening China’s culture and government. The Boxer Rebellion was an uprising against foreigners that occurred in China about 1900, begun by peasants but eventually supported by the government. A Chinese secret society known as the Boxers embarked on a violent campaign to drive all foreigners from China. This group practised a form of martial arts that resembled boxing, at least to Western eyes. The ‘Boxers’, as they became known, used guerrilla tactics to kill many Christian missionaries and Western diplomats, all in an effort to rid China of foreign interference.

In addition to the 32,000 Chinese Christians who were killed by the Boxers, 235 foreign Christians, mostly Protestants, were also martyred. However, God honored the sacrifice of His children by bringing a new era of church growth to China.

On one occasion some Boxer bandits caught a missionary and took him to their mountain retreat. They tried to force him to give up his faith, but he refused. They cut off his fingers and toes and then again asked, “Now will you give up your faith?” to which he replied negatively. So they cut off his hands and feet and shouted at him to renounce his faith, but he still refused. They then cut off his arms and legs. As he lay there dying in his own blood they asked if he had anything to say. He said, ”Yes, would you please tell my son to come and take my place in China?”

Jesus said, “Be faithful unto death and I will give you a crown of life” (Rev 2:10). On the eve of Nero’s persecution of Christians Peter wrote “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.” (1 Peter 4:12-13 NLT.)