David was born in 1908 in an isolated village in Northern China. There was a terrible famine and he experienced many hardships then and during many other times. Through them all, he benefited from Christian works that were established by earthly angels like Dwight L. Moody. David was honored to attend the school that Moody started, and this opportunity ultimately changed the course of his life.
To avoid starvation as a child, David went to an orphanage. His missionary parents, the Anglins, taught him the Bible and how to pray. Later, he worked in the office, did some typing, and learned a little English. He completed a degree at the North China Theological Seminary and served as pastor at the Jesus Chapel. God blessed his ministry and there were many conversions. He married in 1936 and continued his ministry with his wife Yushin. When Anglin heard of his success, he invited David to tour the United States. David traveled to the Chicago headquarters of the orphanage (now Kids Alive International) and made fund-raising tours with the Anglins. 