Taylor, Hudson

<<missionary to China>>

This enthusiastic British man who lived from 1832-1905 was the founder of the China Inland Mission (now OMF International). He was concerned about the millions of Chinese dying without the hope of the gospel. He prepared for the mission field by studying medicine and Mandarin, besides devoting himself to prayer and Bible study. Taylor was known for his sensitivity to Chinese culture, zeal for evangelism and grueling pace of work. He said, ‘Can all the Christians in England sit still with folded arms while these multitudes [in China] are perishing, perishing for lack of knowledge, for lack of that knowledge which England possesses so richly?’ It was said of him that ‘since the Apostle Paul, no other missionary has had a wider vision and carried out a more systematic plan of evangelising a broad geographical area’…thus making his the greatest contribution to world mission.

Part of his legacy was the concept of ‘faith missions’ whereby missionaries have no promise of financial support, but instead rely on their prayers for God to provide through people.

He is quoted as saying, ‘Christ is either Lord of all or else He is not Lord at all’. ‘The great commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed’.