By Mary Vee
Year: 1887
Hudson Taylor: age 55
From J. Hudson Taylor's Notes
 |
| Photo Courtesy |
One of the missionaries said, "We need one hundred missionaries to come in 1887." And so it became our goal, our deepest prayer that God would send one hundred missionaries with this short notice.
God knew the work. The need didn't just pop in that missionary's mind, God put the thought in his heart. Now we need to do what is expected of us.
A missionary in Shanghai heard about China Inland Mission's plan to train and send one hundred missionaries in less than one year. He said, "I am delighted to hear that you are praying for large reinforcements. You will not get a hundred, of course, not within one year. But you will get many more than if you did not ask for them."
Oh, his comment did not ring true. Didn't he have the faith needed to know God can do ANYTHING? I answered him "We have the joy beforehand. But I feel sure that you will share in our joy in welcoming the last of the hundred to China."
The man smirked. Still not believing such a huge request from God would happen.
On January 6, 1887 the harsh winds of winter pounded Shanghai. I boarded a boat, excited to return to England and let others know about our need for one hundred missionaries. We need not only men and women but also the finances to support these new missionaries.
I arrived at the docks of London in February. Right away I spoke to audiences telling them of the work in China. I continued a busy schedule in March and April, speaking to audiences, attending meetings, there seemed to be an endless amount of work to do--and, although exhausted, I accepted the task God gave me. God sent me to America, Canada, and other countries to share the need for missionaries and the money to pay their support.
During the year, an amazing number of men and women volunteered to become missionaries in China. 600! Yes, 600! Well, I knew many sincere people signed up not really understanding the hardships they would face. We looked through all the applications and interviewed many of the men and women.
When we finished praying, reading every application, interviewing, explaining, and training the year was about to end and 102 new missionaries set sail for China. Praise God for His answer to our prayer.
Later, I heard the most amusing news. That Shanghai missionary who said this couldn't happen--stood at the docks and greeted the missionaries, especially the last three.
God put the prayer in our hearts, gave us the energy to do the work, and answered a big request. He will answer your prayers, too.
J. Hudson Taylor
Missionary to China--Inland China!
So Very Blessed by God
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
No comments:
Post a Comment