From Doubt to Divine Encounter
Born on May 21, 1832, in Barnsley, Yorkshire, England, Hudson Taylor was destined for a path marked by faith. Raised by devout Methodist parents, he was dedicated to God even before birth. However, by the age of 15, skepticism crept in as he mingled with worldly colleagues at the bank. This led to a period of doubt and questioning of his childhood faith.
A Gospel Tract Changes Everything
A turning point came when an eye infection forced him out of the bank and back into his father's pharmacy. During this tumultuous time, his mother prayed fervently for his conversion. It was in June 1849 that Hudson stumbled upon a Gospel tract and read about a coal miner who had found salvation in Jesus. This sparked a profound realization. As he later recounted, "And with this dawned the joyful conviction, as light was flashed into my soul by the Holy Spirit, that there was nothing in the world to be done but to fall down on my knees, and accepting this Savior and His salvation, to praise Him evermore." His conversion was a moment of surrender to Jesus, which his mother spiritually sensed and celebrated.
Founding the China Inland Mission
Shortly after, Hudson felt a divine calling to China, prompting him to prepare through rigorous study in medicine and theology. At age 21, he embarked on his first mission to China, immersing himself in its culture and language. His vision expanded, leading to the founding of the China Inland Mission in 1865. On a poignant day at Brighton Beach, overwhelmed by the spiritual need in China, Taylor surrendered his plans to God, trusting Him with the responsibility for the mission's outcomes. "On Sunday, June 25th, 1865... I surrendered myself to God for this service," he wrote.
Trusting God Through Every Trial
Taylor's life was marked by trials, including financial difficulties and personal losses, yet he leaned on prayer and God's provision. He famously noted, "God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supplies." Through his unwavering faith, Jesus used him to bring the Gospel to thousands in China, leaving a legacy of faith-based mission work that inspired generations.
Hudson Taylor's journey from doubt to unwavering belief is a testament to Jesus' transformative power and faithfulness, illustrating how one man's surrender can impact a nation.
