The Most Famous Cricketer
Charles Thomas Studd was the most famous cricket player in England. Captain of Cambridge, star of the national team, heir to a vast fortune.
Then D.L. Moody came to Cambridge. Studd heard the gospel and everything changed.
He Gave It All Away
He gave away his entire inheritance - over 29,000 pounds (millions today) - to George Müller's orphans, the Salvation Army, and missions work. He kept nothing for himself.
"If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him."
If Jesus Christ Be God
Studd served in China for ten years until his health broke. Then India. At 50, doctors said he would die if he went to Africa. He went anyway.
In the Belgian Congo, he founded the Heart of Africa Mission (now WEC International). He lived in a mud hut, ate local food, and preached until his body gave out.
He died in Africa at 70. Today, WEC has over 1,800 missionaries in 70 countries - all because a cricket star decided Jesus was worth more than fame.
