Do You Know Zemma Hare?
You should. Zemma Hare stands as one of the earliest pioneers from what is now GTBN to answer God’s call to the nations—a legacy worth remembering.
Born in 1893, Zemma was saved and baptized at First Baptist Church, West Orange. After attending Sam Houston Normal College, she began her career as a teacher. But in 1915, just three years after the death of Southern Baptists’ legendary missionary to China, Lottie Moon, Zemma felt God’s call to missions. Inspired by Lottie’s testimony and the immense needs in China, Zemma completed her education at Baylor Women’s College and the Missionary Training School at Southwestern Seminary. In June 1920, she was appointed by what Southern Baptists then called the Foreign Mission Board. By August, she had set sail to serve as a missionary teacher in the Chinese interior.
Zemma’s joy in Christ was contagious. Just 18 months into her service, still learning the language, she wrote: “I am so glad I can talk a little for Him. No one knows the joy that comes when you can tell the gospel story, even simply.”
Her faith endured through hardship. As the Chinese Civil War threatened her team, with soldiers of competing sides often occupying her school, Zemma reflected: “How I praise the Lord for being permitted to be here at this time; and how I feel that apart from Him, truly, I can do nothing.”
Despite declining health, Zemma persisted in her mission. Ultimately, the growing danger from Japan’s war in China forced her evacuation in December 1940. She returned home to Orange, Texas, where she passed away on January 27, 1941. Zemma is buried in Evergreen Cemetery.
Why should you care about Zemma?
First, Zemma is one of our own—a Southeast Texas Lottie Moon. And she reminds us that, from the earliest days of what is now GTBN, our churches have raised disciples and sent out our best for God’s glory.
Second, Zemma reminds us of the Great Commission. She once carried the baton, and now it awaits our grasp.
As we approach the Week of Prayer for International Missionaries, let’s remember Zemma’s legacy. Pray for today’s missionaries, give generously, and take up the baton—for the race continues.
Blessings,
Jim