Summary (Updated February 2026)
Jackie Pullinger (born 1944, now 81–82) is a renowned British Protestant Christian charismatic missionary. She is best known for her extraordinary work in Hong Kong since 1966.
She ministered to drug addicts (“chasing the dragon” heroin users), Triad gang members, prostitutes, and the marginalized. This took place in the infamous Kowloon Walled City. It was a lawless, overcrowded slum. The area was notorious for crime, opium dens, brothels, poverty, and extreme squalor.
Her powerful autobiography Chasing the Dragon (first published 1980, updated editions) tells her early story. It remains a faith-inspiring classic. For example, it details radical obedience, supernatural breakthroughs, and transformed lives.
Current Ministry in 2026
In 2026, Jackie still leads St. Stephen’s Society. She founded it and serves as President/Chairman. The ministry proclaims good news to the poor. It brings healing to the broken-hearted and freedom for captives.
Moreover, it focuses on long-term training. This prepares people for lifetime service among the poor. Homes are licensed by the Hong Kong government.
Status in Hong Kong (2026)
Despite major political changes in Hong Kong since 2020, St Stephen’s Society continues to operate legally as a registered Christian rehabilitation charity. Its homes remain licensed by the Hong Kong government, and its official website and contact details are active and verified.
While Hong Kong is now under much tighter regulation due to the National Security Law, religious charities are still permitted to function as long as they do not engage in political activity. There is no evidence that Jackie Pullinger’s ministry has been shut down, banned, or forced to relocate. The work continues quietly, lawfully, and faithfully in Hong Kong today.
Jackie Pullinger herself remains connected to the ministry she founded and continues to be honored internationally for her lifelong service among the poor and addicted.
Recently, she received the 2024 Stephen R. Covey Principle-Center Leader Award. She is also scheduled to speak at events in 2026, such as the 614 Conference in February.
Her legacy continues through ongoing rehabilitation. There is no official social media, only the verified site: www.ststephenssociety.com
(Recent portrait of Jackie Pullinger – Still active and inspiring at 81+! )
Key Highlights of Her Life Story
Here is a timeline of her journey, from origins to lasting impact.
Early Years & Divine Calling (1944–1966)
She was born in Croydon, London, to a middle-class family. Later, she studied music at the Royal College of Music. Around age 20, she felt a strong call from God to missionary work.
Radical Obedience to Hong Kong (1966)
Mission organizations rejected her due to lack of qualifications. However, at age 22 she obeyed God. She bought a one-way boat ticket with about £10 and no support. She arrived speaking no Cantonese.
Immigration turned her away at first. Then they allowed entry. She started as a music teacher in a mission school. Soon she felt drawn to the notorious Kowloon Walled City. It was densely packed and filthy. Gangs, violence, addiction, and despair ruled there.
(Aerial view of Kowloon Walled City in the late 1980s, The chaotic heart of her early mission)
Pioneering Outreach & Early Challenges (1960s–1970s)
She reached out alone at first. For example, she visited opium dens, shared Jesus, ran youth clubs, and showed compassion to the “down-and-outs.”
Initial efforts were slow and confusing. They were also dangerous. Threats and squalor surrounded her every day.
Holy Spirit Breakthrough
Then came a pivotal moment. She experienced baptism in the Holy Spirit (a charismatic/Pentecostal encounter). She began praying in tongues (glossolalia).
As a result, effectiveness increased dramatically. Rapid conversions happened. Supernatural freedom from addiction appeared. Lives were transformed.
Miraculous Transformations
Brutal Triad gangsters converted suddenly. Prostitutes left the trade. Heroin addicts found deliverance. Sometimes it came near-instantly through prayer. Other times they endured “cold turkey” withdrawal with prayer support.
Officials, doctors, and courts recognized near-100% success rates in some addiction cases.
Ministry Growth & Foundation (1980s–Present)
She established Bible studies and homes for recovering addicts. In 1981 she founded St. Stephen’s Society. It still thrives today. The work includes rehab homes, job training, and ongoing support.
The Hong Kong government recognized her efforts. They donated land and licensed facilities. At times they even paid her wages.
Jackie Pullinger was awarded an Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1988 (in the Queen’s Birthday Honours) for her exceptional work in Hong Kong, particularly her ministry to drug addicts, gang members, and the marginalized in the Kowloon Walled City through St. Stephen’s Society. This honor recognized her long-term impact on public welfare and community service.
Beyond the Walled City
The infamous Walled City was demolished in the 1990s. However, her outreach expanded. It reached other Hong Kong areas, Thailand, the Philippines, and beyond.
She has helped thousands over six decades, often alongside her husband John To. In recent years the focus shifted. Now it trains long-term servants for ministry among the poor.
(Modern aerial view of a St. Stephen’s Society rehabilitation home, A beautiful place of healing and community today)..
(Classic book cover of Chasing the Dragon The gripping firsthand account)..
Her “Success Secret” in Ministry Effectiveness
Jackie stresses one truth. It’s not about clever strategies, big programs, or personal drive. Instead, it’s radically simple, Spirit-dependent, and Jesus-centered.
- Total Reliance on the Holy Spirit Praying in the Spirit (especially tongues) brought breakthroughs after early struggles. She taught new converts to pray in tongues immediately. For instance, this brought inner healing, power over addiction, and rapid change. Often it surpassed medical or psychological methods alone.
- Direct Focus on Jesus She introduced people to Christ personally. She did not just “work among addicts.” Genuine conversion and love for Jesus produced lasting freedom.
- Obedience & Faith Over Planning She went with little preparation. She trusted God’s leading. She persisted through danger and slow starts.
- Loving the Unlovely She entered the darkest places with non-judgmental compassion. Moreover, she involved transformed former addicts and gang members as co-workers. They became her most effective team.
- Resting in God’s Power She placed no emphasis on self-effort or being “driven.” Instead, she rested in the Spirit. As a result, burnout was avoided. God did the work.
Her approach produced remarkable results. St. Stephen’s Society continues Jesus-centered rehabilitation today.
Applying Jackie’s Lessons in Your Life and Ministry Today (2026)
Jackie’s principles remain powerful. They apply amid modern crises like opioids, urban poverty, and mental health struggles.
- Holy Spirit Priority In a therapy-heavy world, emphasize Spirit baptism and tongues for breakthroughs. Train teams in prayer for addiction and trauma.
- Digital & Global Outreach Adapt her boldness to online spaces. Use social media or virtual groups. Reach today’s “modern Walled Cities.”
- Collaboration & Sustainability Partner with governments and NGOs as she did. Secure resources while keeping faith central.
- Long-Term Discipleship Focus on training lifetime servants, not quick fixes. Build communities of the transformed.
- Avoid Burnout Rest in God’s power instead of driven busyness. This is key for longevity in demanding ministry.
Pro Tip: Blend radical faith with practical support (counseling, jobs) for holistic impact.
Resources & Further Exploration:
Must-Watch Video: Inspiring testimony on ministry and faith…
- Book: Chasing the Dragon – Gripping firsthand account (available on Amazon/bookstores)
- Official Site: St Stephen’s Society – Current updates, no fake socials!
Let’s Build The City: God’s Way!
Chris Atkinson
Build The City
KingsCity.org
