Hudson Taylor-God Gave Us a Palace

By Mary Vee

Year: May, 1866 
Hudson Taylor: age 34

From J. Hudson Taylor's Notes

Stepping on to the shore of Shanghai brought a flood of memories. I was so different the first time I set my foot on Chinese soil, over twelve years ago.

This time the sea of people didn't concern me, I understood their words, and wore clothes like them. I didn't have my younger wild, untrained excitement, but I did have a comforted heart. I was home.

I tried to remember how I felt for my children's sake. All of them had been born in England. They survived the wild ship ride here, but surely felt exhausted with the time change, and the confusion.

Ours was an organized confusion. My wife and I had trained the missionaries and our children on the boat, preparing them for what we would do once we docked. Of course, our plans mixed together with a great mass of people buzzing around city streets and made our movements appear as confusion.

To help our bodies adapt, our team settled in Shanghai for two weeks before setting out for the real journey. We dressed like the Chinese, changed everyone's hairstyles to match as close as possible, and ate like those in Shanghai. 

The new mission I served under had a focus. Our assignment: go to the inland cities and villages, to the people who had not heard about God's love. The moment we stepped on the river boat to take us deep into the country, I felt a thrill in my heart. Previously we could only set up missions in the port cities. At long last we sailed for the land I'd only seen on a map.

We chose a large inland city as our destination to set up a base. From there we planned to go out to small villages. Hangchow bustled with many people. We found some missionaries there, but due to the size of the city, many more missionaries were needed to help. Those working there welcomed us warmly and showed us around. 

First on my list, rent a home for the twenty-two people in our new missionary team, four of which were my children. To my great surprise, God had the most spectacular house waiting for us. 

Before the war, the Mandarin, (governor of the city) had a special home with many rooms, floors, and wings. Due to the fighting, the house needed many repairs, too many for a Mandarin. He moved out. 

In the past, I had difficulty finding housing. The Chinese people didn't like to rent to foreigners. Perhaps I surprised the owner when I spoke his language and worked with him to agree on a price. 

The former Mandarin's home gave us everything we needed and more. Separate sleeping wings for unmarried men and women on the upper floors and downstairs had plenty of room for a chapel, doctor's office, printing office, guest hall, dining room, and servant's quarters.

Can you imagine how excited we felt? I never expected, in all my dreams of going to inland China, to have such a large place to house our first team. The children had plenty of room to play and we had all we needed and more to begin a new ministry, in inland China.

China Inland Mission not only had a base in England for administrative duties, we now had a base in Inland China--in a palace!

Please pray for us as we set up our base in Hangchow, China and seek God's will where to go next.

J. Hudson Taylor

Missionary to China--Inland China!

Blessed by God

Photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

Research resources: J. Hudson Taylor, An Autobiography by J. Hudson Taylor; It is Not Death to Die, a new biography of Hudson Taylor by Jim Cromarty; Hudson Taylor Founder, China Inland Mission by Vance Christie; J. Hudson Taylor, A Man in Christ, by Roger Steer, and Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret by Dr. &and Mrs. Howard Taylor.

Ahaziah: Seeks Answers in the Wrong Places

By Mary Vee
II Kings 1

From the Journal of Ahaziah's Messenger

My king, Ahaziah, king of Israel, had a terrible fall in his chamber this morning. He fell through the lattice in the room. His pain mounted and no one could help him. He sent for me and two other messengers.

I entered his chamber, "Yes, King Ahaziah."

His faced winced with pain. He held his leg and cried out. "Go to Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, to see if I will recover from this injury."

We left immediately, running part of the way. On our journey we met a prophet. His name was, Elijah. The prophet's eyebrows furrowed and he held his hand up to stop us.

I, of course want to hurry along with my duty, but Elijah would not let us go until we heard his message from God. 

"Go back to Ahaziah, king of Israel, and deliver this message. Do not continue your journey for the message from the Lord will answer the king's question. The Lord says, 'Have you gone to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, because there is no God in Israel? Because you wanted answers from something that is a fake god, you will never leave your bed. You will die."

The prophet didn't give us a chance to ask him any questions. He turned and walked away.

We obeyed the prophet and took his message back to the king. We were allowed into the king's chambers right away. 

The king opened his weary eyes and groaned, "Why are you back so quick?"

"My king, a man met us on the road. He said to return at once with this message: 'The Lord says: Have you gone to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, because there is no God in Israel? Because you wanted answers from something that is a fake god, you will never leave your bed. You will die."

The king's face turned red. "Who met you on the road and gave you this message?"

I answered, "He had clothes made of hair and a leather belt around his waist."

His face turn a darker shade of red. "That was Elijah the Tishbite. Send for the captain of the army at once!"

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photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

1. What happened to king Ahaziah?
2. How badly was he hurt?
3. Who did he choose to ask if he would get well?
4. Who stopped the messengers?
5. What message did he have.
6. When Ahaziah heard the message was he pleased?
7. What do you think Ahaziah will do?

King Jehoshaphat-True Confession

by Mary Vee
II Chronicles 20 and I Kings 22

From King Jehoshaphat's Scroll

We won the war. 

Judah had the victory. 

We didn't do anything other than to march to the battlefield. In truth, God took care of everything else. 

We were so happy gathering all the plunder, sharing the goods with our families. 

God's power amazed us.




And then I did something stupid.

Sigh

The king of Israel, Ahaziah asked me to make an alliance with him. I knew better, I know and I knew. 

I don't know what came over me. What caused me to make such a bad choice. 

I had already forgotten the alliance I made with his father, king Ahab. Well, that turned out to be a disaster. Did I learn my lesson? 

Sigh. I guess not.

King Ahaziah asked me to construct a fleet of trading ships to go to Ophir and collect gold. Once the workers finished building the ships I received a visit from Eliezer. Eliezer the prophet.

I knew. The moment I saw him, his message would not be good.

Eliezer said, "Because you have made an alliance with Ahaziah, the Lord will destroy what you have made."

Sure enough, and I knew never to doubt a message from the Lord, the ships were wrecked and to able to set sail to gather trade. 

I wish I made the right choice the first time. King Ahaziah sent a messenger requesting to allow his men to sail with my men."

I made a bad choice the first time, but I would not the second. "Messenger, return to your master with this word: No, your men may not sail with my men."

Oh, Lord, help me to obey your commands the first time.

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photo courtesy of http://www.morguefile.com

1.  What good recently happened for Judah and their king, Jehoshaphat?
2.  What did Ahaziah, king of Israel ask king Jehoshaphat to do?
3.  What did Jehoshaphat answer?
4.  What did Jehoshaphat make?
5.  After the project ended, who visited Jehoshaphat?
6.  What message did the visitor bring?
7.  King Ahaziah asked for more help. What did Jehoshaphat say this time?

Hudson Taylor-Why the Long Journey

By Mary Vee

Year: May, 1866 
Hudson Taylor: age 34

From J. Hudson Taylor's Notes

I must confess, while journeying to China I'd often wished the trip could be done in a faster way. I wasn't put out by the three months sailing through storms and a diet of bread and water as much as I wanted to return to the Chinese people and tell them about the God who loves them as soon as possible.

Eighteen missionaries, four children, and a thirty-four member crew set sail from England on May 26, 1866. 

The missionaries immediately set a schedule of studying Chinese, the Word of God, and praying. We became close friends, sharing our concerns and joys. 

On Sundays we received permission from the captain to hold services on deck, inviting the crew. The missionaries formed small groups and held Bible studies with crew members who were interested.

The ship had become a school and church with several crew members asking Jesus to be their Savior.

The winds blew us across the seas toward China at the expected speed and we had little trouble with storms until reaching the coast of Taiwan. 

A fierce storm brewed in the skies. "Foaming waves washed over both sides of the ship. Massive masts and booms swung about wildly on wire ropes, threatening to crash onto the deck at any moment. Floating timbers and casks banged around the deck. Loose chains clanged and torn sails slapped loudly in the howling winds."

The crew became frightened and ran below, hiding in their quarters. It seemed the ship would surely sink in the typhoon before we could find a harbor. 

The missionaries gathered and prayed for God's hand to still the storm or in some was spare the ship. 

Soon the captain came below. "Put on your lifebelts. The ship won't last much longer." He held a club in his hand. 

I could tell his intent by the look on his face. "Please don't beat the sailors until every other means has been tried."

I kissed my four children and gave them a strong hug then called all male missionaries to join me on deck. The ship would indeed suffer if the work wasn't done. We climbed the ladder and braced ourselves for the pelting rain. Together we gathered loose objects floating on deck and tied them down. 

We worked for several hours before going below and asking the crew to join us. Gradually, they joined our efforts to secure the mast, ropes and dangling sails. We worked for many more hours, stopping only to eat a piece of bread to keep up our strength.

The women helped man the pumps to keep the water from overtaking the ship. Crew and missionaries worked together to do what we could to keep the ship afloat. Of course we missionaries prayed as worked.

The following Sunday, our ship limped into the harbor at Shanghai, China. Not one person perished in the storm. We didn't fully understand God's protective hand on our ship until the next ship pulled into the harbor. Sixteen of its twenty-two people died in the storm.

The spirit of God led us to begin our trip with study, fellowship, prayer, and worship. Clearly this was not enough. He also gave us opportunity to work. Work with our hands. Prove that time on our knees, and study for our minds, is a strong foundation for work with our hands. The work God calls us to do.

We stepped off the ship, with our luggage, ready to do the work God had for us in China.

Please pray for all missionaries and for those who don't know they will be missionaries in the future that God will bless, strengthen to carry out the work God has called them to do.

J. Hudson Taylor

Missionary to China--preparing to leave for my beloved China

Blessed by God

Photo courtesy of morguefile.com

Research resources: J. Hudson Taylor, An Autobiography by J. Hudson Taylor; It is Not Death to Die, a new biography of Hudson Taylor by Jim Cromarty; Hudson Taylor Founder, China Inland Mission by Vance Christie; J. Hudson Taylor, A Man in Christ, by Roger Steer, and Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret by Dr. &and Mrs. Howard Taylor.

King Jehoshaphat-Giving Thanks to the Lord

By Mary Vee
II Chronicles 20

From Jehoshaphat's Scrolls

I finished my prayer and waited. The huge crowd of men, women, and children from the kingdom of Judah and Jerusalem stood with me, in silence. Not one sound. Not one word.

We waited.

Standing in the presence of God at the temple.

Then--the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, the son of Zechariah the priest. Jahaziel was a Levite, a descendant of Asaph whose clan was to provide the praise and musical part of the worship.

He stepped forward and said, "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem. this is what the Lord says to you. 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the vast army marching against you. For the battle is not yours, but God's. 

"'Tomorrow, march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions. Stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you. 

"'Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you." 

I fell to the ground with my face toward the earth in worship before the Lord. All the people of Judah and Jerusalem did the same. Suddenly I heard singing. Some of the Levites stood up and praised the Lord, the God of Israel, singing loud and strong. My heart was stirred and I sang with them. Soon the entire kingdom sang praises to God.

Early the next morning the army gathered. Before signaling the army to move forward I reminded the men. "Remember, have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld. Have faith in his prophets and you will be successful." I appointed a few men to sing to the Lord and to praise Him for His holiness as we marched toward the Desert of Tekoa. 

The men sang:

Give thanks to the Lord for his love endures forever.

We did not know at the time, but found out later, that as the men sang, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, and they were defeated.

Hah! The men from Ammon and Moab ended up rising against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and wipe them out completely. When they finished their work, the army of Ammon turned against the Moabites. The two armies fought against each other. What an amazing sight.

When we arrived at the place that overlooks the dessert and looked toward the vast army, we saw only dead bodies. Not one man could be seen running away to escape. I had never seen such a thing before in my life!

We cautiously marched to the valley and saw it was true. Every soldier lay dead. 

"Gather the plunder men, take back any equipment, clothing, and article of value." There was so much plunder it took us three days to haul all of it back to Jerusalem. On the fourth day we returned to the battlefield and sang praises to the Lord. 

We marched back to Jerusalem with such joy, because God had given us a reason to rejoice over our enemies. We marched straight to the temple singing, playing harps, lutes, and trumpets. What a grand celebration!

My messengers informed me of the growing fear in those who live in countries nearby when they heard how the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel.

It was a glorious day. 

The kingdom of Judah rest at peace, and suffered no war.

It thrilled my heart to tell you of this event. The priests have long reported to our people during Sabbath worship that the Lord will fight our battles for us. 

Today, I saw it happen.

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1. After Jehoshaphat finished his prayer what did the people do?
2. Jahaziel, the son of the priest Zechariah, told the people what message from God?
3. What did Jehoshaphat and the people do when Jahaziel finished his message?
4. Early the next morning what did the army do?
5. What happened in the Desert of Tekoa?
6. What did Jehoshaphat and his men do after the battle?

The battle belongs to __________

King Jehoshaphat Asks For God's Help

by Mary Vee
II Chronicles 20

From Jehoshaphat's Scrolls

The messenger ran into my chamber. He didn't wait for permission. The man was out of breath but intent in giving his message. "A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Sea. It is already in En Gedi."

My heart nearly stopped with those words. We had worked as a kingdom to bring ourselves back to following God's commands and worshiping Him as we ought. I did not expect to hear such news.

I closed my eyes and thought. The only solution was to seek God's help. We could not fight this vast army by ourselves. I raised my scepter. "Send messengers throughout the kingdom. Every man, woman, and child is to fast. Go to every corner, every house and speak my words."

It wasn't long before a messenger reported what he saw. The people did not stay at their homes and fast. They journeyed to the temple, to be together and to seek help from the Lord. They came from every town in Judah to participate in prayer and fasting as a nation.

I stood before the people gathered in Jerusalem at the temple of the Lord and in the front of the new courtyard. I led them in this prayer: 

"O Lord God, God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. O our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying 'If calamity comes on us, whether the sword of judgement, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress and you will hear us and save us.'

"But now here are men from Amon, Moab, and Mt. Seir, whose territory You would not allow Israel to invade when they came from Egypt; so they turned away from them and did not destroy them. See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession You gave us as an inheritance. O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you."

I will tell you what happened in the next post.

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photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

1. Jehoshaphat sent a messenger throughout the kingdom to tell the people to _______
2. The people came to ________________
3. When seeing all the people, Jehoshaphat led the people in ____________
4. What did Jehoshaphat say to God?

Hudson Taylor- God Changed My Unbelief

By Mary Vee

Year: May, 1866 
Hudson Taylor: age 34

From J. Hudson Taylor's Notes

Here I stand, with my beloved family, on the deck of a ship bound for China. How I happen to be standing here, at long last, excited to return to the ministry in China, is totally due to the provision and love of God.

A gentle ocean breeze blew through my hair and stirred my excitement. The ship was pulling away from shore.

I thought back to the moment when I first realized I had to return to England for my health. The sadness overwhelmed me to leave China. 

I had no clue about God's plans and the importance of my leaving China. While working with the Chinese, I had no time for outside projects. We struggled to survive alongside the native people and had no opportunity to think about the dyeing souls farther inland. 

But in my London room where I spent many hours resting, recovering, praying, and drenched in the Word, I gazed at a map on the wall where I could see the whole of China. I prayed for those lost souls whenI was awake. I soon realized that without those months that pressed into years of dedicated study in the Word of God, I would not have been prepared for the new task God has given: the formation of the China Inland Mission.

I had my doubts about starting a new mission. Those who worked with me certainly didn't want to get in the way of any other mission. I also had my doubts over the strength of any new missionary sent into the mountains of China, far away from any city, protection, medical aid, food, postal service. Could an English man or woman endure such things?

My worries about the details of the new mission overwhelmed me. I allowed doubt to overcome the words God had spoken. It wasn't until I walked the beach, mentioned in the last post, that God pushed the doubts away and revived my soul, gave me strength, and empowered me to push forward with His calling.

I spoke at meetings of large audiences, telling them about our new mission. At these meetings I instructed the leader to not take up an offering. If God was to show His calling, than He would lay the burden of support on the hearts of the audience even after they left the meeting. The thought would turn from a momentary gift of pity, or concern, to a willingness to take part, to commit to the missionary work in inland China.

The decision proved true. The day after a meeting a man came to my house and handed me a large sum of money. "I had planned to put a few pounds in the offering, but last night the Lord spoke to me, asking me to give this gift." I looked at the check and saw five hundred pounds. 

It was this very gift that purchased the passage for my wife, children, and I aboard this ship where I now stand. I can't begin to tell you the joy that is flooding my heart, the excitement bubbling in my spirit, and my love for the Savior who saved us for all eternity.

Please pray for all missionaries and for those who don't know they will be missionaries in the future that God will bless, strengthen to carry out the work God has called them to do.

J. Hudson Taylor

Missionary to China--preparing to leave for my beloved China

Blessed by God

Photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

Research resources: J. Hudson Taylor, An Autobiography by J. Hudson Taylor; It is Not Death to Die, a new biography of Hudson Taylor by Jim Cromarty; Hudson Taylor Founder, China Inland Mission by Vance Christie; J. Hudson Taylor, A Man in Christ, by Roger Steer, and Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret by Dr. &and Mrs. Howard Taylor.

King Jehosophat Does What is Right

By Mary Vee
II Chronicles 19

From King Jehosophat's Scrolls

I must admit, I made a big mistake when deciding to help king Ahab with his battle. The prophet of the Lord warned us not to go. I should have listened.

I have repented. Now I must show the Lord, my strong interest in doing His will. 

I went out among the people from as far south as Beersheba to the northern hill country of Ephraim, and spoke with them about the importance of turning back to the Lord, the God of their fathers. The people listened.

I appointed judges in the land, one for each fortified city of Judah and told the judges: "Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for man but for the Lord, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. Let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery."

I returned to Jerusalem and appointed some of the Levites, priests, and heads of Israelite families to be in charge of the laws of the Lord and to settle disputes. I instructed them, "You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the Lord. In every case that comes before you from your fellow countrymen who live in the cities, whether the issue is bloodshed or other concern, you are to warn them not to sin against the Lord. Otherwise His wrath will come on you and your brothers. Do this, and you will not sin."

I appointed Amariah as chief priest for matters concerning the Lord, Zebadiah as leader of the tribe of Judah for matters concerning the king, and the Levites as officials. "Gentlemen, act with courage,and may the Lord be with those who do well."

The order had been established. Judges appointed and I had clearly presented to the people the importance of worshiping the Lord, the God of their fathers.

A few days later, I saw all that had been arranged went well. About this time a messenger came to my chamber requesting to deliver urgent news.

"Yes. Come in."

He bowed. "Your majesty, a vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Sea. They are already in En Gedi."

War? Surely this is the Lord testing my faithfulness. There was only one solution. Inquire of the Lord and proclaim a fast in the kingdom while we prayed. 

Come back next time to see what happens.

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photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

1. King Jehosophat had been told by the prophet that he did wrong by helping wicked king Ahab. What did Jehosophat do after hearing the news?
2. King Jehosophat traveled to ____________ in the south and _______ in the north.
3. He encouraged the people to follow _______________
4. King Jehosophat appointed _____________ over the people.
5. After all was set up and the people of Judah once again worshiping the Lord, a messenger came and reported ______________

Foolish King Jehoshophat

By Mary Vee
I Kings 22

From A Messenger's Journal

I am a messenger from king Ahab's court. Sometimes my job involves sneaking to another city, listening for news then reporting it back to the court.

This time I did not need to report my news. 

Despite the warnings of the prophet Micaiah not to go to battle, king Jehoshaphat agreed to help king Ahab fight his battle against the king of Aram. 

When I sneaked into Ramoth-Gilead, I heard the king of Aram order his thirty-two commanders, "Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel." I was surprised he only wanted to attack king Ahab and not the army.

I reported the news back to king Ahab.

As they prepared for battle, king Ahab said to king Jehoshaphat, "I will enter the battle in disguise, but you wear your royal robes."

This seemed strange to me, but Jehoshaphat agreed. Jehoshaphat mounted his royal chariot, dressed in his royal robes, while Ahab marched in disguise with the other soldiers. Jehoshaphat's clothing looked different from Ahab's, but would the king of Aram know the difference?

The battle began. I marched with the soldiers. Ahab road in a chariot to my left. We advanced against Ramoth Gilead. The enemy marched against us, shouting orders. We pressed forward in battle but found chariots dodging our men. 

Their army steered toward Jehoshaphat's chariot. We tried to protect him, but their soldiers moved with such power.  Jehoshaphat shouted, "I am not the king of Israel!" Their army stopped chasing him, following the command of their king.

One of king Aram's soldiers drew his bow and shot into our army anyway, hitting king Ahab. The arrow pierced the sections of his armor. The king told his chariot driver, "Turn around, I have been wounded."

The battle continued throughout the day. I stayed with the king, nursing his wound with a few others. We propped him up inside his chariot and facing the Arameans. The blood from his wound ran onto the floor of the chariot, and that evening he died.

As the sun set, we shouted, "Every man to his town. Every one to his own land."

The doctors carried Ahab back to the city. I was told to insure Jehoshaphat returned safely. 

When he arrived at his palace, a prophet named Jehu greeted him with a message. "My king. Why did you help the wicked king, Ahab, the very man who hates the Lord? Because you did, the wrath of the Lord is upon you. The Lord has said there is some good in you, however. You have rid the land of the Asherah poles and have set your heart on seeking God."

I didn't get to hear what his punishment would be before I returned to Samaria. 

King Ahab was buried in Samaria. His chariot was washed in a pool and the dogs licked up his blood, just as the Lord had said.

All of Israel celebrated the crowning of Ahaziah, Ahab's son, as king over Israel.

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photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

1. King ___________ and King ___________ went to battle against ___________.
2. King _______________ wore his royal robes into battle.
3. King _______________ did not. He wore a disguise.
4. King _______________ ordered his men to only attack ______________.
5. The enemy chased king ____________ but stopped when they realized he was the wrong man.
6. A stray arrow flew and hit king _______________. He died that night.
7. When king ___________ returned a prophet greeted him with a message from the Lord. 
8. What did King Jehosophat do wrong?

Hudson Taylor-The Formation

By Mary Vee

Year: November, 1865 
Hudson Taylor: age 33

From J. Hudson Taylor's Notes

The time had come to put a push on the formation of the China Inland Mission. 

We had opened an account at the bank. A great start.

As the days quickly passed, I found myself invited to the wealthy homes of England. It had become a fad among the rich men and women of our nation to support missionary endeavors to China. Truly God had allowed such timing. I never asked for support, still the wealthy gave freely.

I had been given many opportunities to speak to groups interested in our new mission,  making aware to those in the audience the tremendous need for missionary workers in China.

"Do you realize," I said, "how immense the number 250 million is? What mind can grasp it?

"If a railway train could go twelve hours without stopping to relieve the driver or to take in water, and were to travel twelve hours at the steady speed of thirty miles an hour, it would go three hundred sixty miles a day. Seven and a half years of such travel, without a single day's intermission would not complete one million miles. Had a train started the journey at this rate on the first day of the Christian era and continued every day since . . . it would not yet have gone 250 million miles. If all the people living in Peking were marshaled into the court in a single file, allowing one yard between each man, they would encircle the globe more than seven times at its equator. Were they to march past the spectator at the rate of thirty miles a day, they would move on and on, day after day, week after week, month after month. And over seventeen and a quarter years would pass before the last individual passed by. Just Peking residents alone!

"This number includes all the people. But if those who confessed their faith in Christ were to line up, they would pass by in less than one day.

"Such is the tremendous need for missionaries to go to China and tell the millions about God's love for them."

The audience, I believed, finally understood the urgency to send missionaries to China.

I also included this information in a book I wrote, had it published, and ready for distribution at a convention.

The time had come. The support in the bank ready to send. I had finished my duty and now could return to China as one of the sent missionaries of the new China Inland Mission. The London office would be handled by my friends Mr. and Mrs. Berger.

Please pray for all missionaries and for those who don't know they will be missionaries in the future that God will bless, strengthen to carry out the work God has called them to do.

J. Hudson Taylor

Missionary to China--preparing to leave for my beloved China

Blessed by God

Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net

Research resources: J. Hudson Taylor, An Autobiography by J. Hudson Taylor; It is Not Death to Die, a new biography of Hudson Taylor by Jim Cromarty; Hudson Taylor Founder, China Inland Mission by Vance Christie; J. Hudson Taylor, A Man in Christ, by Roger Steer, and Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret by Dr. &and Mrs. Howard Taylor.

Isn't There One Prophet of the Lord?

By Mary Vee
I Kings 22

From Jehoshaphat's Scrolls

I had asked King Ahab if there was not a prophet of the Lord whom we could ask our question. He had called his prophets of Baal and the answer they gave did not seem right to me. 

Ahab said, "There is still one man through whom we can ask a question of the Lord, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me. Only bad. His name is Micaiah."

I sighed. "Ahab, you shouldn't say such things."

"Fine." Ahab puffed his chest forward. "I'll show you." He turned to the guards standing nearby. "Guard, bring Micaiah to me at once."

When he arrived, the guards brought Micaiah to us right away.

Ahab slouched back in his chair as if he knew the answer to his question before asking. "Micaiah, shall we go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I refrain?"

Micaiah didn't wait a moment. Rather he shrugged and said, "Attack and be victorious for the Lord will give it into your hands."

Ahab slammed his fist on the throne. "How many times must I make you promise to tell me nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord?"

Micaiah drew a deep breath. His face showed he knew the answer before he came to Ahab's chambers. He clearly had spoken with the Lord before he entering the palace. He said, "I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd, and the Lord said, 'These people have no master. Let each one go home in peace.'"

Ahab's face turned red with rage. He turned to me and slammed his fist on the throne again. "Didn't I tell you he never prophesies anything good about me, only bad?"

Micaiah continued speaking. "Hear the word of the Lord. I saw the Lord sitting on his throne with all the host of heaven standing around him on this right and left side. The Lord said, 'Who will talk Ahab into attacking Ramoth Gilead and going to his death there?'

"One suggested this, and another that. Finally, a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord. It said, 'I will talk him into attacking.'

"The Lord asked, 'How will you do this?'

"'I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets,' he answered.

"'You will succeed in doing so,' said the Lord. 'Go and do it.'

"And now the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all these prophets of yours. The Lord has decreed disaster for you."

Ahab's fist balled tighter. He stood and pointed at Micaiah. "Take this man and send him back to Amon and to Joash, the king's son and say, 'King Ahab decrees you should put this man in prison and give him nothing but bread and water until I return safely.'"

The guards grabbed Micaiah arms. Micaiah turned back to the king and shouted, "If you ever return safely, the Lord has not spoken through me. Mark my words, all you people."

The guards hauled him out of the room.

So, which is telling the truth? Come back next week to see.

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1. Jehoshaphat asked for ______________________ to answer Ahab's question.
2. King Ahab didn't want to ask Micaiah to come because Ahab __________________
3. What did Ahab ask Micaiah?
4. What did Micaiah answer?
5. Did Ahab listen?
6. What happened to Micaiah?

Ahab asks Jehoshaphat to Join HIm in Battle

By Mary Vee
I Kings 22

From Jehoshaphat's Scrolls

I last wrote you more than a month ago. But, like I said in those words, you needed to know what my brother, King Ahab, ruler of the other ten tribes had done. 

My spies have kept me posted about the prophet Elijah's challenge against Ahab and Jezebel's prophets. Did they really think the Baal would win over the one true God?

Ahab's news about the victorious battle with Ben Hadad, king of Aram and his poor choice to steal Naboth's vineyard tells us that Ahab didn't learn any thing from Elijah's great proof of God's power.

Still, he is my brother. A Hebrew and ruler of the ten tribes of Israel. And though the two tribes that I rule have been left separate, we, the two tribes in Judah, continue to choose to worship God. We aren't perfect. There are those who worship false gods even in my territory, but I work to prevent it. 

I decided to visit Ahab to see how he was doing. Perhaps help him choose to worship God instead of Baal. He invited me into his chamber and served me a grand meal made from sheep and cattle. He raised his glass and toasted me in front of all who sat at the table. 

He told me about his current plans, wanting me to help with an attack against Ramoth Gilead.

"Jehoshaphat, don't you know that Ramoth Gilead belongs to us and yet we are doing nothing to retake it from the king of Aram? Will you go with me to fight agains Ramoth Gilead?"

Ah, I see, he still wants to conquer Ben Hadad and needs my help. "I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses. Before I agree to help, though, you will need to first seek the counsel of the Lord. I want to know if the Lord has approved this battle."

Ahab nodded and called for his guards. "Bring me the prophets, the four hundred men who serve me."

Later that day the group gathered at the threshing floor at the gate of Samaria, where Ahab and I sat on thrones, dressed in our kingly robes. He ordered their silence and spoke, "Shall I go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I refrain?"

The men didn't take time to think, they didn't call on God for his answer. Instead they answered right away. "Go, for the Lord will give Ramoth Gilead into your hands."

One of the prophets, Zedekiah, did not speak with the others. He stood there holding iron horns. When the other prophets silenced, he spoke. "This is what the Lord says, 'With these you will attack the Arameans until they are destroyed."

Ahab smiled and looked to the other prophets to see if they agreed with him.

The other prophets quickly nodded and shouted, "Attack Ramoth Gilead and be victorious for the Lord will give it into your hands."

Something didn't seem right to me. The prophets seemed to anxious to answer. They didn't go away and speak with the Lord. I turned to Ahab. "Is there not a prophet of the Lord here whom we can ask?"

Come back next time to see what happens.

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Photo courtesy of christianimagesource.com

1. Jehoshaphat is king of _______________
2. Ahab is king of _____________________
3. Ahab didn't worship ____________ as Jehoshaphat.
4. When Jehoshaphat visited Ahab, Ahab asked Jehoshaphat to help him __________.
5. Ahab's enemy _____________ ruled Ramoth Gilead
6. Jehoshaphat assured Ahab that they were brothers, sharing everything. But before he agreed to help Ahab, Jehoshaphat asked him to seek counsel from ___________."
7. Ahab agreed and called for _________________
8. After hearing the suggestions, Jehoshaphat agreed/did not agree. Which is correct?

Hudson Taylor-China Inland Mission Born

By Mary Vee

Year: June, 1865 
Hudson Taylor: age 33

From J. Hudson Taylor's Notes

Those living in the mission house in England worked day and night, preparing and praying for the people of China. We wanted to finish the translations, and prepare more missionaries to help. 

I must admit, my eyes often fell on the map of China hanging on the wall. Because of the wars and rules in China, so much of the missionary work stayed by coastal cities. The people living in inland cities didn't hear the word of God and my heart saddened for them.

Men and women in England listened to our messages and gave funds to support the work in China. Many couldn't go, but they could give. The accounts blossomed allowing us to help more missionaries.

Mr. Berger, the man who supported me during my time in China helped keep the records. He, too, felt the need to send missionaries to the Inland villages of China. The more we talked about the work, the more our desire grew. We both agreed to change the name from Ningbo Mission to the China Inland Mission.

I wondered if we could send young missionaries to the Inland villages where they would have to depend on God for support and survival. I prayed throughout the day, and woke during the evening to continue praying. Should we set up this new mission?

A friend invited me to his home on the coast to rest from the intense work. I walked along the beaches and cried out to God for an answer. What if we send a group of missionaries to Inland China and they starved or faced death?  What if one Chinese person accepted Christ as his Savior would the sacrifice be worth it? 

I walked back and forth on the sandy beach. Listening, praying, seeking God's leading. I told Him He had to take this responsibility and any consequences, I couldn't do it. Once I said those words, I felt the greatest peace and the desire to continue setting up the China Inland Mission.

With this new peace I asked God for twenty four new missionaries. Two for each of the eleven inland provinces that still lacked missionaries and two for Mongolia. To remember this prayer and the date, I wrote it down in my Bible and waited for God to provide.

Suddenly the air smelled fresh, clean, restful and energizing. The sun glistened off the water and and the sand warmed and cuddled my feet. I broke out singing praises to God spilling out with my voice the love in my heart for God.

When I arrived home, my wife said, "I don't think the color of your face has looked this good in a long time. You seem truly happy. Come tell me what God has done."

On June 27, 1865, I walked with Mr. Pearse to a bank. Together we opened an account with the name China Inland Mission (CIM). We deposited ten pounds to start the account.

How great is our God. The One who loves all His people, and provides a way for everyone to hear and believe in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Please pray for all missionaries and for those who don't know they will be missionaries in the future that God will bless, strengthen to carry out the work God has called them to do.

J. Hudson Taylor

Missionary to China--home, in England--wishing I could be in China

Blessed by God

Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net

Research resources: J. Hudson Taylor, An Autobiography by J. Hudson Taylor; It is Not Death to Die, a new biography of Hudson Taylor by Jim Cromarty; Hudson Taylor Founder, China Inland Mission by Vance Christie; J. Hudson Taylor, A Man in Christ, by Roger Steer, and Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret by Dr. &and Mrs. Howard Taylor.