There at the Very Beginning

David Chen was born in a small village in northern China. Desperately poor, David’s parents abandoned him and he spent his days begging for food. When he was twelve years old, David heard about a place that gave out free food, and a neighbor took him to the very first Kids Alive home, started in 1916 in Shantung Province, China.

David lived and worked at the home for nine years, became a Christian, attended seminary, and became pastor of a small church. He later came to the United States and after graduating from Moody Bible Institute, wasn't able to return to China because of the onset of World War II. Eventually able to return, David was working with unregistered churches when he was arrested. For four years he was tortured for his faith, but after being released he continued to help smuggle Bibles into China.

David and his wife later came to the U.S. and were given asylum. For many years, he traveled widely and continued to preach the love of Christ. David Chen turned 100 years old on December 25, 2007, and in 2009 Moody Bible Institute honored him as their alumnus of the year.