Giants Walked Among Us

Book excerpt: Paul and Ina Bartel loved China and loved the Chinese people. It was only natural, for their parents on both sides were also missionaries to China. Paul first met Ina at the missionary boarding school, but it would be years before they married. The lot of pioneer missionaries in early 20th-century China was grim. Ragtag bandit bands constantly clashed with undisciplined soldiers. Blood flowed. Bullets flew. But that did not deter Paul and Ina, for the situation was even worse for Chinese Christians. In many places, martyrdom was something to be expected. The lives of the Bartels can be described only partially in these pages. Marked by incredible commitment, relentless vision and godly grace, the influence of Paul and Ina Bartel continues to reach the worldwide community of their beloved Chinese.