Learn the contributions of John Birch to American baptist history in this quick one-minute read by our co-pastor, Dr. Jim Willoughby.

Early Life

John Birch was born on May 28, 1918 to  George and Ethel Birch, missionaries to the Himalayan people.  When he was two, Birch’s parents moved back to the United States where he was reared as a fundamental Baptist. At twelve years old, he surrendered to be a missionary.  Upon graduating Magna Cum Laude from Mercer University, he attended the Fundamental Baptist Bible Institute under the leadership of J. Frank Norris.  While there, Birch quickly earned a reputation amongst his fellow students as a zealous defender of the faith.  After completing the program in just one year, he was sent to Shanghai, China, where he embarked on an intensive study of Mandarin Chinese.  After only a few months, he mastered the language and began his missionary work in Japanese occupied territory.

Accomplishments

In April 1942, Jimmy Doolittle led his famous Tokyo Raid that required them to bail out over China.  While trying to escape, Doolittle and his men stumbled upon John Birch who was able to lead them to safety.  Doolittle was so impressed with Birch’s character and strength that he told his superiors who reached out to Birch and commissioned him as a second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.  Birch quickly gained the reputation of an ardent anti-communist.  He often performed very dangerous assignments deep behind enemy lines while brazenly holding Sunday services for Chinese Christians.  For his own safety, he was encouraged to take a leave of absence, to which he told his superiors that he would not quit China “until the last Jap” did. 

Legacy

Shortly after the war had ended, Birch and his party were stopped by a group of Communist soldiers.  Birch refused to surrender his revolver, harsh words were exchanged, and he was shot and killed at the age of twenty-seven.  Lt. Birch passed away as a highly decorated military officer, while missionary John Birch was received into Heaven having left behind a legacy of manly courage, godly character, and a passion for lost souls in the country of China.  Would to God that his life and testimony would stand as a beacon to young men and a love for God and country!

We hope you enjoyed this piece of baptist history authored by our pastor, Dr. Jim Willoughby, Temple Baptist Church in Kokomo, IN. For more articles like this, we invite you to visit our blog. For more information about our church, visit our homepage.