In the heart of 19th century England, a young man named James Hudson Taylor felt a deep disquiet. Born on May 21, 1832, in Barnsley, Yorkshire, Taylor grew up in a devout Methodist home, yet he struggled with belief. By age 17, his skepticism melted away in an unexpected moment. Alone in his home in June 1849, he picked up a Gospel tract. As he read, he experienced a profound conviction of his sins and an overwhelming sense of Jesus inviting him to trust in Him. He knelt, confessed his sins, and accepted Jesus as his Savior. Remarkably, his mother, seventy miles away, was praying for him at that very moment, and his sister had been praying daily for his conversion. This divine intervention marked the beginning of a transformed life.
Called to China
Following his conversion, Taylor felt an undeniable call to China, a country he had been fascinated with even before his spiritual awakening. He began preparing for this mission by studying Mandarin and immersing himself in Chinese culture. In 1853, he embarked on a journey to China, facing numerous challenges, including cultural barriers and resistance. Despite these hardships, Taylor's resolve never wavered.
Founding the China Inland Mission
In 1865, burdened by the millions in inland China who had never heard the Gospel, Taylor experienced a moment of surrender on Brighton Beach. As he later wrote, "Unable to bear the sight of a congregation of a thousand or more Christian people rejoicing in their own security, while millions were perishing for lack of knowledge, I wandered out on the sands alone in great spiritual agony; and there the Lord conquered my unbelief, and I surrendered myself to God for this service." This led to the founding of the China Inland Mission (CIM), dedicated to reaching the unreached inland provinces. The mission operated without appealing for funds, relying solely on Godโs provision.
Taylor and his family, along with 16 workers, sailed for China in 1866. They adopted Chinese customs, becoming part of the community they sought to serve. By 1910, CIM had grown to over 800 missionaries, establishing 125 schools and leading over 20,000 Chinese to faith in Jesus. Despite facing persecution, illness, and personal loss, Taylor remained steadfast, often reminding others, "God is equal to every emergency."
A Lasting Legacy
Hudson Taylor's legacy is profound. He revolutionized missionary work with his emphasis on cultural sensitivity and reliance on divine provision. His dedication laid the foundation for the growth of the Chinese church, which today numbers in the millions. Hudson Taylor's life is a testament to the transformative power of faith and obedience to God's call.