THE L.A. YEARS
1958–1974

The L.A. Years is an oral history project that seeks to document the early history of the Lord's recovery in the U.S. We invite you to explore the site and to subscribe to be notified as new material is released.

PROJECT GOALS

The L.A. Years documents the special move of the Lord in Los Angeles from 1958-1974. Since the project began, we have interviewed more than 400 saints and are working to preserve our rich oral tradition. The goal of the project is not to fall into nostalgia or imitation, but to foster a proper appreciation of the history and heritage in the Lord’s recovery. We pray it will encourage us to enter into the new and final revival that builds up the Body of Christ, prepares the Bride, and hastens our Lord’s return.

Remember the days of long ago; Consider the years of generation upon generation;
Ask your father, and he will inform you; Your elders, and they will tell you.

– Deuteronomy 32:7

AN ORAL TRADITION

Among God’s people, the recounting of history is of great importance for the raising up of subsequent generations. We find this tradition throughout the Bible and the church age. Both Watchman Nee and Witness Lee exemplified this tradition. On many occasions, Brother Nee imparted the history of the church to Brother Lee, and Lee in turn recounted history to his co-workers, even publishing several substantial books on the subject.

WHY HISTORY?

At the time Deuteronomy was written, God’s people, after having left Egypt, had wandered in the wilderness for forty years, and had passed through turmoil and trials. As a new generation was being raised up, Moses recognized their need for training if they were to possess the good land for the carrying out of God’s economy. We can identify three benefits to Moses' recounting of history. First, when we review history in the Lord’s presence, we receive light and revelation. Second, we come to know God’s loving heart and righteous hand. Third, we come to know ourselves, to condemn the flesh, and to reject the self.

Although the second generation did not pass through the same experiences, through a review of the past, they received a rich inheritance from the older generation’s experiences. And although the older generation did not enter into the good land, by passing on its history, what they passed through was not in vain. It is the same today. By receiving from the older generation, we are built up and equipped for the carrying out of God’s economy. What our forerunners passed through constitutes a precious heritage that is desperately needed in the churches today. We pray that our presentation of this special period of history will encourage the saints, having so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, to run with endurance the race set before us.

WHY THE L.A. YEARS?

The early years in L.A. mark a turning point in the Lord's work from the East to the West and from the Chinese language to English. Many of the truths and practices that we enjoy today, like calling on the name of the Lord and pray-reading, were recovered during these years. Above all, they were years of revival that established the Lord's recovery in the West.

Explore the History