From a Wisconsin farm to the bustling streets of Hong Kong. That’s the incredible journey of Gertrude Simon, the woman behind the Gertrude Simon Lutheran College. This college stands as a testament to her unwavering faith and dedication to education. Gertrude Simon’s story begins in 1900. After graduating from nursing school, she felt a calling to serve in China. She arrived in Hankow in 1927 and immersed herself in the language and culture. Over the next few decades, she managed a medical clinic and orphanage in Enshih. She even established a school for midwives.
The Gertrude Simon Lutheran College is not just a building. It represents a legacy. It’s a continuation of Gertrude Simon’s dream to educate and empower. One remarkable story highlights Gertrude’s bravery and compassion. During the Japanese invasion, she led a daring escape from Enshih with 22 orphaned infants. Imagine, 22 babies, most still in diapers, carried over 200 miles of mountainous terrain to safety in Wanhsien. This journey, with cribs converted into sedan chairs, underscores Gertrude’s remarkable resilience.
Gertrude Simon’s work didn’t end with the war. Forced to flee to Hong Kong in 1950 during the communist takeover, she continued her mission. She established numerous projects. These included the Haven of Hope Sanatorium and rooftop Sunday schools. She even trained future pastors. Gertrude dreamt of training 500 workers to return to mainland China to spread Christianity after the communist regime ended. She started a training school at Rennie’s Mill refugee camp. This dream eventually led to the establishment of the Gertrude Simon Lutheran College in Kowloon in 1979. The Gertrude Simon Lutheran College continues to educate hundreds of students.
Gertrude Simon Lutheran College is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a living testament to a woman’s extraordinary life. A woman who dedicated herself to serving others and spreading education. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched. Her spirit continues to inspire within the walls of this very college.