1839 - Joachim Hao Kaizhi

May 29, 1839

Guiyang, Guizhou

Joachim Hao Kaizhi. [CRBC]

In the year 1782 the Hao family of Zhazuo Village in Xiuwen County, Guizhou Province, rejoiced at the birth of a little boy, whom was later named Kaizhi. The Hao family did not believe in Christ. In fact, they had never even heard that Jesus Christ existed.

As a young man Hao tried to earn a meagre living by fluffing cotton for a local farmer. Later he gained employment in the copper trade. In 1802 his job brought him into contact with Zhang Dapeng, from whom he first heard the message of salvation through the Son of God. After Hao’s father died, Hao moved to Guiyang to take care of his mother. There his faith became evident, and he was baptized. He also adopted the Christian name Joachim. Soon after his conversion Hao married a Catholic woman, but a few years later she died. He then decided to remain celibate for the remainder of his life so he could dedicate himself more fully to the work of the Lord.

One historian said of Hao Kaizhi: “An upright man, industrious and generous to the poor, Joachim lived a rather austere life, prayed constantly and fasted often. He gave up his house for divine worship, and for his many good deeds was called a living saint.”[1]

A widespread crackdown against Christians was launched in 1814, and Hao was one of more than 200 believers thrown into prison. The local magistrate tried to get them to renounce Christ through torture and threats, but not a single one of them changed from his position. They all rejoiced at having been found worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus Christ. Hao fainted from the severe pain several times, but would still not renounce his faith.

Finally, seeing that physical and mental pain could not sway Hao from his convictions, the magistrate sentenced him to lifelong exile in Ili in northwest China. He may have feared the worst, but after arriving in Ili, Hao found there were many Catholic priests and laymen already exiled there whom he could enjoy fellowship with. They even constructed four churches for the exiles and local believers.

In 1821—after Hao had spent 18 long years in exile—a Muslim rebellion swept through China. Hao helped the Chinese soldiers quell the uprising and as a reward the emperor allowed him to return home to southern China. A priest from Shanxi Province returned with Hao and gave a large sum of money. Hao used it to construct a church building so that the believers in Guizhou could worship God. It became the North Church of Guiyang.

After so many years of trouble and pain Hao was arrested again in 1836 and told to renounce Christ. He refused and was consequently confined to prison. Hao “prayed aloud every day, and sang praises to God. At his execution, on May 29, 1839, it was said that a ball of fire was seen over his head and with his death it suddenly rose up to heaven.”[2] Joachim Hao Kaizhi had lived his life in a wholehearted fashion, serving Christ and his fellow men without reservation, even unto death.