Peter grows up in Communist China, where his mother dedicates him to the Lord and takes him to church. He is saved during revival when he is 16. Although he is an outstanding physic student, he is denied a place in the best university, the beginning of his persecution. At college he witnesses to students and leads 17 to Christ. He persuades two pastors to leave the state church. During summer vacation his pastor is arrested and then Peter is told to return to college where he is accused of being anti-revolutionary. He is interrogated ruthlessly and then encouraged to write about his faith which is used against him. The first part ends as he is taken to labor camp.