A Methodist Boy Drifts Into Skepticism
James Hudson Taylor was born on May 21, 1832, in Barnsley, Yorkshire, England, into a devout Methodist family. Despite his religious upbringing, Hudson drifted into skepticism during his teenage years. At 15, he was influenced by colleagues who dismissed his faith, leading him to question the existence of God. ## A Mother's Prayers and a Divine Call
Hudson resolved to live only for this life, feeling distant from salvation.
In June 1849, at the age of 17, a life-changing moment occurred. While searching for a book in his father's library, Hudson stumbled upon a Gospel tract, "It is Finished." As he read, the concept of Christ's finished work struck him profoundly. He realized that Jesus had completed the atonement for sin, leaving nothing for Hudson to do but accept the Savior. In that instant, Hudson knelt down and accepted Jesus as his Savior, thanking God for His gift.
Unbeknownst to Hudson, his mother was praying fervently for him at that very moment, receiving assurance that her prayer was answered. His sister Amelia had also been praying daily for his conversion.
Following his transformation, Hudson's life took a new direction. He felt a clear call from God to become a missionary in China, a conviction that had been present since childhood. This calling led him to prepare by studying medicine and languages, including Chinese. On September 19, 1853, Hudson set sail for China, arriving in Shanghai on March 1, 1854. His willingness to adopt Chinese customs, including wearing native clothing, was a testament to his dedication to connect with the people he served.
Hudson founded the China Inland Mission (CIM) in 1865, with a focus on reaching unreached inland provinces. The mission relied solely on God for provision and welcomed members from all Protestant denominations. Hudson's life was marked by a profound dependence on God, encapsulated in his own words: 'God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply.'
Through Hudson Taylor's faith and commitment, Jesus transformed not only his own life but also the lives of countless individuals in China. His legacy continues to inspire, demonstrating that with God, even the impossible becomes possible.
