Customer Reviews

Hudson Taylor (Men of Faith)

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Hudson Taylor was the founder of the China Inland Mission. This book, part of Bethany's "Men of Faith" series, is his autobiography up to the founding of the CIM.

In this book, he shares his salvation, and how prayer had such a powerful influence in his conversion, how God led him to begin living by faith in preparation for work in China, and his training in the medical field.

He then shares about his first trip to China, and the way his mission let him down, especially in the areas of financial support and encouragement. The book also shares how he was led to dress in Chinese style clothes, much to the consternation of other foreign missionaries. However, this one step gave him more success in talking to the locals than the others had. Taylor also shares how he met up with the Scottish revivalist, William Burns, and their work together in China.

The book ends with Taylor back in England and God's leading him to found the CIM, a faith mission where all missionaries must trust God for their finances, with the first "recruits" already on their way.

This is an excellent little book, easily read, but very powerful in the demonstration of how God provides for His children. One of Taylor's mottos was, "God's work, done God's way, will never lack God's supply." It was something he and the CIM proved time and time again.

Taylor is now considered a giant among missionaries, and this autobiography, along with the many biographies written about him, ought to be read by anyone with a desire to see how God can lead a man, and provide for his every need.

Hudson Taylor's short autobiography ought to be required reading in any study of missions.

Catholic. Protestant. Evangelical. Charismatic. Everyone who is Christian and desires to serve God either through overseas missions, or in their own hometown will be inspiried to read of Taylor's humble heart and gracious service.

This could be considered a case study in prayer. Taylor did not send scores of appeal letters, newsletters, refridgerator photos. His practice was to not solicit funds, but to ask God for providence.

He endured blisters, lack of medicine, thievery, poverty on every level. He'd wait for months for resources, but the miracle of God was always there.

Written with ample selections from his personal journal, we gain insight to a man hailed as one of the greatest missionaries ever, and the foremost in China. That insight is not of a powerful speaker, dynamic personality, or shining star in the pulpit. Instead, we see an ordinary man, not so different than you or I, pressing on in faith, moving forward as God led him. God prevailed to supply him every need, though often in the last moment.

Beyond learning about Taylor, we also learn the intimate history of the founding of the China Inland Mission in 1856, and its influential growth in China. We gain a sense of the culture and interpersonal dynamics which existed in China, London, and mission leadership in general.

Because of the foundational evangelism by Taylor, China now boasts extraordinary amounts of believers despite China's present oppressive government.

I fully recommend "Hudson Taylor" by Hudson Taylor. See also the longer, two-volume Taylor biography by Howard Taylor.

Anthony Trendl
http://anthonytrendl.blogspot.com

In this age of self indulgence and excess, it is good to ponder the lives of people who changed the world through their determinate sacrifice. Mr. Taylor does not think his work is amazing or unusual though it certainly is with our society as it's backdrop. How difficult it is for Americans, who have so much and are still besieged to want/acquire more, to see clearly the beauty and comfort of the simple, 'think of others first' life.

We are missionaries, so this book inspired me very much! If you have small children, take into account that it uses a lot of old English and could be difficult (but recommended still). This book is FULL of testimonies of God's faithfulness to Hudson Taylor's persistent faith. A Great Read!

This was an amazing book about an amazing man of God. If you want to be strengthened in your faith then read this book. Prayer works!

"The power of prayer cannot be diminished by distance; it is not limited by age, infirmity, or daily duty; political changes and restrictions cannot alter its effectiveness; for the word still stands, "If ye shall ask anything in my name I will do it." The power of prayer in the life of an obedient Christian can only be undermined by neglect."

Thus is the ending of an amazing little autobiography of Hudson Taylor. So many times while reading this book, I could only sit and shake my head, wondering why I do not have the faith that this man had. I have seen other reviewers states that this is a must read book for any Christian, and I agree. This is one of those book that all new converts should be handed as part of their conversion material.

A strong and healthy prayer life - one based on strong faith in a powerful God - is severely lacking in the Church today, and it is truly sad. This book has so many stories of situations that Taylor was in that were amazingly answered with prayer. So many little things that he prayed for that were accomplished right on time of need - way too many things for someone to chalk up to coincidence.

"To me it seemed that the teaching of God's Word was unmistakably clear: "Own no man anything." To borrow money implied, to my mind, a contradiction of Scripture - a confession that God had withheld some good thing, and a determination to get for ourselves what He had not given.... If the Word taught me anything, it taught me to have no connection with debt. I could not think that God was poor, that He was short on resources, or unwilling to supply any want whatever work was really His. It seemed to me that if there were any lack of funds to carry on work, then to that degree, in that special development, or at that time, it could not be the work of God." (Pg. 121-122)

This one section struck me very hard, and made me really begin to look at my life, to differentiate between wants and needs, and to see what I had that I did not need and could do without.

Overall a life changing, attitude altering book.

This autobiography has special significance for me, as Hudson Taylor is the namesake of our son, Hudson. We like that our son is named after the man who impacted China with the Gospel of Jesus Christ by becoming one of the Chinese, adopting the language, cultures, and practices. Taylor follows the Apostle Paul at Mars Hill, and our prayer is that our Hudson will have a passion, love, and longing for a people group in this world.

Read this short book, and your faith in the God of all peoples will increase.

This book about Hudson Taylor's life and mission is a great Christian read.
It is most motivating, especially if you have lost your focus..

This book is a tremendous encouragement on God's guiding his people. It shows what is possible if we endeavor to live surrendered lives.