China's 'Billy Graham' to speak at Purdue

September 11, 2012  


WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Noted Asian philosopher and evangelist Stephen Tong will speak at Purdue University several times from Sept. 14 -16.

Tong is often referred to as the "Billy Graham of the East" because of the impact of his ministries throughout Asia. His visit to Purdue is sponsored by the Purdue Chinese Biblical Forum and Fellowship, Bridges International, Faculty Commons, Christian Faculty Staff Network, and Purdue Chinese Christian Fellowship. Each event is free, open to the public and will be presented in Mandarin to specifically serve Purdue's Chinese students and faculty members.

The events at Loeb Playhouse are open to the entire community and English translation will be offered. Tong will teach in English a seminar for faculty and graduate students called "The Error of Contemporary Culture" at 10 a.m. Saturday (Sept. 15) at  Upper Room Christian Fellowship, 2234 Indiana Trail Drive in West Lafayette.

Tong will hold a question-and-answer session that night at 6 p.m. and an evangelistic rally at 7:30 p.m., both at Stewart Center's  Loeb Playhouse. He will speak at rallies at Loeb Playhouse at 7 p.m. Friday (Sept. 14)  and 6:30 p.m. Sunday (Sept. 16)

Tong's father died when he was 3, leaving his mother to raise several children during the World War II Japanese occupation. The family fled to her native Indonesia in 1949 during the Chinese Revolution when he was 9. In 1957 his mother sent him against his will to a Bible seminary youth conference. At age 17 he rejected Marxism, embraced Christianity and has been preaching ever since. Four of his brothers are also ministers.

Tong's oratory has been compared to Charles Spurgeon and George Whitfield. He composes hymns in three languages, conducts orchestras and designs churches.

Writer: Jim Schenke, 765-494-6262, jschenke@purdue.edu

Sources: Erica Carlson, CFSN advisor, 765-494-3041, ewcarslons@purdue.edu

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