The Marjorie Harrison Jackson Story
Marjorie Harrison Jackson was attending boarding school in China while her parents did missions work amidst the turmoil of World War II. Her life changed dramatically when she and all of her classmates and teachers were imprisoned at the Weisiehn Prison Camp.
Even amidst the trials she and her friends faced while in the prison camp, Marjie clung to her faith in God that her parents had instilled in her from a young age. When liberation finally came at the end of the war and Marjie was reunited with her parents, she gained a deeper appreciation for the victory we have over sin through Christ.
Marjorie & Eric Liddell
While you may not have heard of Marjorie Harrison Jackson before this story, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Eric Liddell! Eric was a Scottish runner and Olympic gold medalist in the 1924 games. He made headlines for refusing to run on a Sunday due to his Christian beliefs. Later in his life, Eric moved to China to do missionary work, and found himself in the same prison camp as Marjorie! While Marjorie lived to see the end of the war and lived a long life after being freed from Weisiehn Prison Camp, Eric lost his life to illness as a prisoner. Nevertheless, like Marjorie, we can rejoice knowing that he gained in Christ!
Here are some additional resources if you want to learn more about Eric Liddell:
- Chariots of Fire: A 1981 historical drama film about Eric Liddell and his Jewish teammate, Harold Abrahams, at the 1924 Olympics in Paris. Some content may not be appropriate for children, so use discretion.
- Eric Liddell: Something Greater Than Gold: Part of the Christian Heroes: Then and Now series, this book is a biography of Eric Liddell that covers his Olympic experiences as well as his missionary work in China. Great as a read aloud!
Christianity in China
Marjorie Harrison Jackson’s parents were missionaries in Japanese-occupied China during World War II. Christianity has been a growing minority in China for centuries, even in spite of harsh restrictions and persecution. Missionaries founded numerous hospitals and schools around the country and overall were viewed favorably by the common people. Unfortunately, when the Japanese army occupied China, Western missionaries were seen as a threat and confined to prison camps.
Today, government persecution of Christians and churches is still common. Yet, there is a thriving population of at least 44 million professing believers!
Resources for Further Learning
Want to learn more about Marjorie Harrison Jackson and her experience as a Prisoner of War? We’ve rounded up some great resources for you!
Learn More About Weihsien Internment Camp
This Wikipedia page goes more in-depth into what life was like for prisoners in the Weihsien Internment Camp.
God’s Prisoner of War: Marjorie Isobel Harrison Jackson’s Story
A biography of Marjorie Harrison Jackson, written by Linda Ansel
Behind the Scenes
Marjie’s Prisoner Number
One of the things Marjie had to do every morning while in the prison camp was pin a small piece of cloth with her assigned prisoner number to her blouse. Marjie’s daughter, Beth, still has this cloth and was able to share it with a Bible Club in 2014 alongside the story of “Victory!”
