1832 – 1905
Depend on it. God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply. He is too wise a God to frustrate His purposes for lack of funds, and He can just as easily supply them ahead of time as afterwards, and He much prefers doing so. – Hudson Taylor
Before he was born he was dedicated to the Lord by his parents to spread the gospel to China, a field at the forefront of his parents’ thoughts. One day when Hudson Taylor was 17 years of age his mother began to pray for him very fervently; his sister also was praying for him. At the same time the Lord was dealing with young Taylor about the needs of his soul. He knew he was a sinner, but he did not know of God’s strong grace. He was saved that day while reading a tract from his father’s study.
How great is the grace of God that saved young Taylor! He began to grow as a Christian. He was not perfect, he faced the same trials all young men do, but still he grew. He and his sister witnessed in their home town as all young Christians should do.
One day he came face to face with his sin and he did not have the power to overcome. He prayed that if God would break the power of sin and give him victory in Christ, he would renounce all earthly prospects, he would go any where, do anything, whatever his Lord said. He did not hear an audible voice, but his spirit heard God’s answer just the same. Your prayer is answered; your conditions are accepted.” And from that moment Hudson Taylor knew he was called to China.
He began to prepare himself for the mission field. He began to study Mandarin, Hebrew, Greek and Latin. He also learned medicine (a doctor can find many open doors in any country). He even made his own little Chinese dictionary by comparing passages from the gospel of Luke in English and a Chinese copy.
He lived on less than he made and did without many niceties which would have been his. He tested his faith preparing for China where there would be no help or funds unless God brought it. He set sail at age 21 on his first trip to China….
To be continued…
Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret – written by his grandson
Hudson Taylor: Deep in the Heart of China – written for kids and families
Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret – paperback