1900 - Zhou Yongyao

July 1, 1900

Fanshi, Shanxi

On July 1, 1900, an evangelist named Zhou Yongyao was killed at Fanshi. Although he had only been a Christian for four or five years, Zhou was well-known throughout the area for his zealous witnessing and genuine concern for the welfare of others. On the first Sunday in July, Zhou and his small congregation met to worship God despite the threat of the Boxer threat. At the time the Boxers were practicing their drills nearby, preparing to launch their murderous attack. Many urged Zhou to flee to a safer area, but he refused, saying, “I have been appointed to this station, and I shall not desert my post.”[1]

Zhou Yongyao possessed a true shepherd’s heart. He cared more for the well-being of his flock than for his own safety. Thinking there was a chance he could protect the Christians under his care, Zhou wrote a letter to the magistrate stating that he was to blame as he had taught the people about Christianity. Consequently, he explained, the punishment should fall on him only, and the believers should not be blamed for any wrongdoing. The magistrate paid no attention to the letter.

At the close of the service an angry mob started breaking down the doors and windows of the chapel. Some of the Christians managed to escape but others were captured outside and stabbed to death. The Boxers had one main target—Zhao Yongyao. Eyewitnesses said that the Boxers

“beat him until he lay unconscious. Regaining consciousness, he tried to rise, and was kneeling when a voice cried out, ‘See, he is praying even now! Drag him to the fire!’ Immediately hands were outstretched to drag him to the burning chapel, but he said, ‘You need not drag me; I will go myself.’ Quietly he walked to the burning building, and as soon as he had entered the roof fell in.”[2]