Sibu Heng Huas and Dr W. Brewster

In 1890, Brewster was transferred to the Hinghwa (present day Putian) Prefecture to evangelize at that region. When Brewster first began learning the local Hinghwa language and, he thought that it would be easier,in order to facilitate the missionary work, develop the Hinghwa Romanized alphabet. 

From 1892 to 1900, Brewster translated the new testament Bible into the Hinghwa language and set up a local store known as the Hinghua Industrial Mission Press where the printing of Bibles were conducted. In his leisure time, he established facilities such as a Gospel Bookstore, Western Secondary school (still in existence today), and the Hanjiang Xingren Hospital (predecessor of the present day HanjiangDistrict Hospital). 

Brewster also created a local orphanage center, smoking rehabilitation facility, social welfare center and also established several industries such as the Xingshan Shipping Company (興善輪船公司), a Flour factory. The Brewsters also participated in the great Hinghwa revival during 1909 which left a lasting impact on Chinese Christians such as John Sung whom would later become a pastor and evangelist. John Sung later went to Sarawak and converted many into the Christian fatih.

 Brewster also exported local specialty products such as the Litchi chinensis to the United States .

In 1916, Brewster returned to the United States and died a few months later at the age of 53.


Chronology of Brewster and the migration of the Hinhwas to Sibu.
20.8.1911 - Rev Brewster and Rev  Lee Tiong Shui  were introduced by Rev James Hoover to the Rajah Brooke.


1912 He helped organize the Hinghwa church members in their plans to immigrate to the Sarawak region of Sibu beginning from 1912.^[4] 

1912 - 101 Hinhwas/Heng Huas left Putien with Rev William Brewster. Arrived at Xiamen by boat but Rev Brewster was recalled to go back to Putien.
17.6.1912 - 101 Heng Huas arrived in Sibu.

In 2012, the Heng Huas of Sibu celebrated their Centenary with publication of two books.

Through Rev.James Hoover's help the Heng Hua new immigrants received 1/2 kati rice  for 9 months.