1900 - John Baptist Zhao Mingxi, Peter Zhao Mingzhen & 16 Family Members

July 3, 1900

Shen Xian, Hebei

John Baptist Zhao Mingxi & Peter Zhao Mingzhen. [CRBC]

Zhao Mingxi and Zhao Mingzhen were two brothers from Beiwangtou village in Shen Xian, Hebei Province. Both had put their trust in Christ earlier in life, taking the names John Baptist and Peter at their respective baptisms. At the time of the Boxer persecution of 1900, John Baptist Zhao Mingxi was 56-years-old, and his brother Peter Zhao Mingzhen was 61.

When the Boxers reached their village, the brothers were arrested along with 16 family members and relatives. As they were led to the place of execution, the Zhao brothers knew they were about to die, but were concerned about the spiritual condition of some of their relatives. Consequently,

“The brothers led the people around them in loud prayers as a preparation for death: ‘God, please help us; give us constancy so that we may sincerely offer our humble lives to you. Please open the gates of heaven to us and receive our souls, so that we may enjoy eternal life with you.’”[1]

Their prayers were answered. On July 3, 1900, when the entire group of 18 people were callously butchered to death by the Boxers.