Howard Taylor (1)

Tells the story of one of Christiandom's most well-known pioneer missionaries. Some Christians may find somewhat to critique. For example, Taylor's "spiritual secret" is essentially the teachings of the exchanged life movement, his mission was interdenominational, with the idea that going to China would in itself weed out the false believers (something that doesn't make sense considering the acknowledgment of false religions coming to China at this time), and He sent his children to boarding show more school (including a five year old who died before arriving). I found the relationship between George Muller and Hudson Taylor to be of interest. Muller supported China Inland Missionaries during a particularly difficult time, and encouraged Taylor much through correspondence. Overall, I was disappointed with this book. Parts of it were challenging, but other parts seemed to be romanticized and sanitized history. Perhaps there's a more objective biography out there that I haven't found yet. show less

This book challenges the reader to emulate Hudson Taylor's life without falling prey to worshiping the man himself. His problems, such as illness, the loss of a child and later his wife and newborn son to cholera, an injury that leaves him paralyzed for almost a year, all show sides of him, including his struggles with doubts and fears. However, Hudson Taylor pushes on in the Lord's strength and grace, serving God and making a difference on the mission field.

You will NEVER waste your time reading this book, no matter how often you pick it up. Not only is this an account of a missionary's journey to evangelize China, but it also depicts a wise and humble man's journey to complete dependence upon God. Every Christian should read and absorb and learn from this book-often!

Hudson Taylor was truly God's chosen servant. From his early life in England, through the founding of the China Inland Mission, to reaching millions of pagan Chinese, his life of complete faith gives glorious testimony to God.
The authors, son & daughter-in-law of Hudson, also served as missionaries to China.