Hudson Taylor

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Hudson Taylor (21 May 1832 – 3 June 1905) was a British Protestant missionary to China and the founder of the China Inland Mission (CIM), now known as OMF International. His approach to mission work was innovative and focused on adopting the customs and language of the country he was in, which was a radical departure from the norm at the time. Taylor spent 51 years in China, and his work there led to significant changes in the ways missions were conducted and laid the groundwork for modern missionary work in China.

Early Life

Hudson Taylor was born in Barnsley, Yorkshire, England, into a devout Methodist family. From a young age, he felt called to the mission field in China, influenced by the evangelical revivals happening in England during his youth. Despite initial training as a medical assistant, Taylor's focus remained on spreading the Christian gospel. In 1853, at the age of 21, he sailed for China under the auspices of the Chinese Evangelisation Society, a decision that marked the beginning of his lifelong commitment to the Chinese people.

Missionary Work

Upon arriving in China, Taylor was confronted with the challenges of language barriers, cultural differences, and the physical hardships of living in a foreign land. He adopted wearing Chinese clothing and the queue hairstyle to blend in with the local population, a practice that was unusual among foreign missionaries at the time. His efforts to immerse himself in Chinese culture helped him to gain the trust and respect of the local people.

In 1865, after several years of service, Taylor founded the China Inland Mission (CIM) with the vision of reaching the inland provinces of China, where the gospel had not yet been preached. The CIM was pioneering in its approach, requiring no specific denominational allegiance from its members and relying on faith for financial provision rather than soliciting funds through fundraising efforts. This non-denominational and faith-based approach attracted a diverse group of missionaries from various backgrounds.

Legacy

Hudson Taylor's impact on missionary work in China and the broader missionary movement cannot be overstated. He was instrumental in bringing over 800 missionaries to the country, who began 125 schools and directly resulted in 18,000 Christian conversions through their work. His emphasis on living and working closely with the local population, learning their language, and adopting their customs set a new standard for missionary work.

Taylor's spiritual legacy also includes his emphasis on the importance of a personal relationship with God and reliance on God's provision for all needs. His life and work have inspired countless missionaries and Christian workers around the world.

Death and Memoriam

Hudson Taylor died on 3 June 1905 in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. He was buried in the Zhenjiang Missionary Cemetery, alongside his wife, Maria, and four of their children who had died in childhood. His legacy continues through the work of OMF International and the many lives he touched through his ministry.

See Also

• Christianity in China
• Protestant missions in China
• OMF International