Indonesian evangelist Stephen Tong, who had recently been hospitalized for his physical ailments, has concluded his evangelistic rallies in Los Angeles this past weekend after the first stop in Florida.

At the Los Angeles rally, about a thousand people listened to Tong’s message, and hundreds dedicated their faith in Christ Jesus from February 1-3. Prior to this event, Tong also preached in Florida to thousands of Chinese-Americans. Upon concluding his visit in America, he will continue to preach in yet another series of evangelistic rallies throughout East Asia and Southeast Asia.

Tong, 79, is the founder of Stephen Tong Evangelistic Ministries International (STEMI), Jakarta Reformed Evangelical Church. He started his ministry 54 years ago, and has been preaching and teaching the gospel messages. Tong is also known for his passionate and relentless preaching style. His sermons’ has reached to millions of Christians predominantly in cities with large Chinese population, including China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, and other countries.

Rev. Stephen Tong (left) at the Los Angeles evangelistic rally. (STEMI)

Hundreds of Chinese-Americans came to the front during the altar call. (STEMI)

At the inaugural ceremony for The Stephen Tong Chair of Reformed Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, Tong said that his urgent desire is to see young people rise up, be equipped with theology, evangelize, and be passionate for the gospel.

“The country that does not allow evangelism is my country – China. Even though I am in Indonesia, I always still remember that my body flows that of the Chinese blood; I am very painful, because my children cannot speak Chinese fluently.” He shared during the inauguration ceremony.

Tong expressed his eager expectation for the youth in China to stand up. From the audiences that listen to Tong’s messages through the internet, VCD, DVD, and tapes, the greatest percentage are those from China.