September 16, 2026
— Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Christianity (BDCC) · Source: BDCC, "Nelson, Daniel" by James A. Scherer (reprinted from Biographical Dictionary of Christian Missions, 1998), bdcconline.net
Ephesians 2:19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
Daniel Nelson rooted himself in Xinyang, Henan, for twenty-five years, binding his life to the local people until he was fatally wounded by a bullet there. This beautifully reflects the revelation of Ephesians 2:19: in Christ, we are no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household. Faith is not a lofty, cross-cultural observation from above, but a deep integration through a renewed mind. When we lay down our superiority and barriers, and willingly humble ourselves in the places we serve, we can break down the walls of race and identity through the practice of love, truly becoming family members in God's household who love one another and share a common destiny.
Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing us in Christ, so that we are no longer strangers and aliens to Your kingdom, but children of Your household. Grant us a love as selfless and deep as that of the missionaries, that we may step out of our own barriers and enter into the lives of our neighbors and the communities we serve. When we experience differences and divisions in this world, may Your love tear down every wall. May we not be passive onlookers, but with the gentleness and perseverance of Christ, willingly share in the joys and sorrows of those around us, living out a powerful testimony of loving one another and sharing in salvation as members of God's household. Amen!