A Mother's Influence
Born on February 10, 1859, in Ontario, Canada, Jonathan Goforth grew up in a family acquainted with hardship and faith. His mother instilled in him a love for the Scriptures, and at eighteen, he embraced Christianity after hearing a moving sermon by Pastor Lachlan Cameron. His path to China began at Knox College in Toronto, where he was inspired by missionary George Leslie Mackay's work in Taiwan. This calling was further cemented after reading Hudson Taylor's writings.
Pioneer Missionaries to China
In 1887, Goforth and his wife, Rosalind, set sail for China, appointed as pioneer missionaries by the Canadian Presbyterian Church. Their early years were marked by profound challenges, including the heartbreaking loss of five of their eleven children. Yet, their faith remained unshaken. During the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, Goforth survived an attack, narrowly escaping death, an experience that only deepened his resolve.
Ignited by the Korean Revival
A pivotal moment came in 1907 when Goforth witnessed the Korean Revival. This encounter ignited a new zeal within him, leading to the Manchurian Revival of 1908. Thousands of Chinese turned to Christianity during this period, a testament to the work of the Holy Spirit. As Goforth declared, 'Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD.' His ministry shifted focus to revivalism, emphasizing the power of confession and repentance.
Miraculous Fluency Through Prayer
Goforth's struggles with the Chinese language were alleviated through prayer, as he experienced a miraculous fluency. He often testified, 'The Lord called me to China, and I expect His Spirit to perform a miracle and to enable me to master the language.' This reliance on God characterized his ministry, which continued into the 1930s, even as his eyesight failed.
Jonathan Goforth's legacy is one of unwavering faith and divine intervention, where Jesus's power transformed not only his life but also the lives of countless others in China and beyond. He passed away on October 8, 1936, leaving behind a powerful testimony of God's faithfulness.
