Journey Against One Current

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The Spiritual Autobiography of a Chinese Christian

Zhi-Dao "Julie" Duan with Judith Palpant

At age 72, and after years of teaching, Julia Duan left China and returned to student life at Whitworth College, Spokane, Washington, and later at Moody Bible Institute. Her story was discovered by Linda Hunt, a writing professor at Whitworth, when she read Julia’s description of her first night in the labor camp. Touched by this chapter in Julia’s life, Linda suggested she write her entire story. She prayed and ultimately agreed to let her life “be a spectacle to the world for God’s glory.”

Since journals were not allowed in the labor camp, Julia set about writing her story from memory, first in English and then in Chinese. She squeezed writing time in between classes, studies, speaking engagements, and work.

During the last four years, Julia has been an ambassador for the believers of China participating in conferences for Chinese Christians in various cities. Her stories challenged and inspired these believers, most of whom converted to Christ after coming to America.

Endorsements

I learned from previous experience that writings describing the pain and suffering of the church in China leave readers with deep emotional burdens. I am grateful to revisit that era with Julia and see it in a new light. I found myself beginning to embrace that part of our history which I once avoided for fear of pain. Through Julia’s eyes I see the joy of experiencing God’s love more deeply and profoundly in the mist of suffering. Knowing Julia is a privilege. Her life is a testimony to God’s love and faithfulness. He provided when she was in need. He protected her when her life was endangered. He healed her sickness and bound up her wounds. He renewed her strength and put new songs in her mouth. May her stories encourage those who long to experience God’s love and tender mercies.
G.Y. from the ForewordPortland, 1997
Intriguing, fascinating, stunning. It is amazing how well this narrative proves again the dictum that truth is stranger than fiction.
Ralph W. WinterFounder, U.S. Center for Mission
Julia Duan’s story recalls missionary biographies of an earlier age – when serving God carried a price. Those stories bore witness to individual loyalty to God and service under pressure, sharply different from modern accounts which deal chiefly with methods. This is not a book about ‘missiology’: it is a book about God and Christ and a courageous woman. The setting is Marxist China where it was hard to stand up for Jesus.
Donald ColeRadio Pastor, Moody Bible Institute