Church History – James Hudson Taylor

To get inspiration and wisdom, we can look back and learn from the past. Therefore, I have planned a series of articles where we will look back at historical people who have played a part in church history. I plan to share resources for learning more about these historical figures as well as an encouraging quote and what we can model after them.

Our fifth historical person to look at and learn from in this series is James Hudson Taylor, a Baptist missionary from Britain to China (according to Wikipedia). For more information, see these resources:

Websites with Information about William Tyndale:

• Desiring God
• Answers in Genesis Kids
• Ministry Magazine
• Moody Audio
• Missiology
• Christian Hall of Fame
• Crossway
• Truth and Tidings
• Marks of a Disciple
• ABWE
• BDCC Online
• Gary Rohrmayer
• Jameshudsontaylor.org.uk
• Christian History Institute

“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.”

J. Hudson Taylor

Books

• James Hudson Taylor: Called by God into the Heart of the Dragon by Ruth Broomhall
• The Biography of James Hudson Taylor by F. and M. Howard Taylor
• The Autobiography of Hudson Taylor: Missionary to China by J. Hudson Taylor
• HUDSON TAYLOR’S CHOICE SAYINGS: A Compilation from His Writings and Addresses by James Hudson Taylor, Arthur T. Pierson, et al.
• Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret by Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor
• Hudson Taylor (Men of Faith) by J. Hudson Taylor
• Hudson Taylor: Founder, China Inland Mission (Heroes of the Faith) by Vance Christie
• China’s Spiritual Need and Claims (Cambridge Library Collection – Religion) by James Hudson Taylor 
• Hudson Taylor: An Adventure Begins (Trail Blazers) Part of: Trailblazers (65 books) by Catherine MacKenzie 
• Hudson Taylor: Deep in the Heart of China (Christian Heroes: Then and Now) Part of: Christian Heroes: Then & Now (48 books) by Janet Benge and Geoff Benge 
• Hudson Taylor: Could somebody pass the salt? (Little Lights) by Catherine MacKenzie 

“The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed.”

James Hudson Taylor

Why should we learn from J. Hudson Taylor’s life? He was a great example of a man devoted to sharing the Gospel in China. He wanted all of China to know who Christ is. We need the same evangelistic fervor that J. Hudson Taylor had, following Christ’s command to share the Gospel around the world.

“All God’s giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on God being with them.”

J. Hudson Taylor

May we defy the spirit of the age and share the Gospel boldly so that everyone may know who Jesus is. We do not have to be “super Christians” to go share the Gospel; we just have to be obedient to Christ.

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”

Mark 16:15 ESV

Jesus gave us (the Church) the mission to share the Gospel to everyone, everywhere, and together as the Church, we will accomplish the mission. As you learn and reflect on the life of J. Hudson Taylor, consider if the fear of man is holding you back from sharing the Gospel or any other fears you might have. Start a conversation with a friend or family member about Jesus. Consider how you can encourage others to share the Gospel too.

Join in on the conversation!

I always love hearing from my readers, so feel free to comment on this post.

• Do you feel like you have been fearing man lately?
• Do you feel inadequate to share the Gospel with others?
• Do you feel like you have been slow to share the Gospel lately?
• How can you share the Gospel with others today?
• How can you encourage others in their evangelism?
• How can you encourage others in their walk with Christ?
• What other resources would you add to this list about J. Hudson Taylor?
• What other lessons could we learn from his life?
• What do you find most fascinating about his life?

Short-Term Mission Trips: American Indian Christian Mission

In high school (before 2007), I went on two short-term mission trips with my church youth group to American Indian Christian Mission (AICM) in Show Low, Arizona. AICM is a Christian non-profit that brings the Gospel to the peoples on the Navajo and White Mountain Apache reservations in Show Low, Arizona. They take a bus around to the neighborhoods to play with the kids and teach them Bible stories, something like a mobile Vacation Bible School. AICM also has a boarding school for children in the area.

It was a great experience (minus a little high school drama), and it was where I figured out that I wanted to work in libraries. I got to catalog books with their school’s computer library cataloging system. Before deciding to go after a degree in library science, I had wanted to become an editor of my own Christian teen magazine, which I called InTeenz. My parents were not sure about my career path in Christian journalism, and so I was praying that God would help me find something else. Through the short-term mission trips, I saw that library science might be in my future.

On the trip, I also enjoyed going on the bus and playing with the children, who desperately want attention since they do not get much at home. The families on the reservations typically live in poverty, and the drug and alcohol abuse rates are high in the area.

Short-term mission trips can be a good way for teens to learn to serve others and not just focus on themselves. It can show teens different trades as well so that they can learn some skills for future work. Most importantly, short-term mission trips can be a way for teens to disconnect from their regular life schedules and create group bonds with their church youth group and focus on learning more about Christ.

Short-term mission trips can also come with their own sets of problems if teens end up having unresolved drama between them due to jealousy, rivalry, and pride. This is some of what I experienced during the two short-term mission trips to AICM; however, it did not make the entire trip a bad experience. One of the great things that happened on the two trips was getting to spend some more time with my Nana and my Mom.

When short-term mission trips are focused on Christ and serving others, they can be a blessed experience.

Join in the conversation below. Have you ever been on a short-term mission trip? What were some of the highlights of the trip? What did you learn from the mission trip? How did the mission trip inspire you?

Graduating a Compassion International Student

Graduating A Compassion International Student

We are saying good-bye to Edith, our oldest Compassion International child, who is graduating from the program. It is bitter-sweet to say good-bye because we have enjoyed getting to know Edith and learn about her family throughout the years; however, we know that she is entering her adult life with her new husband and family. We received a letter from Edith and a letter from her mother saying goodbye and thank you.

Our Goodbye to Edith (Edited to leave out identifying facts)

Dear Edith, 

Congratulations on graduating from the Compassion program! Happy birthday a few days ago as well! Congratulations on marrying your boyfriend, which is what I read in the letter from your mom. I am so happy for you! I pray that your marriage will be very blessed and that God will use you and your husband to make a positive difference in the lives of everyone around you for God’s glory. I pray that you will succeed in university and learn everything you need to find a good job that will support your family. 

I am so proud of you – how hard you have worked in school, how much you have grown and learned, how God has shaped your heart and life. I wish I could continue following your life, as I know there is a beautiful purpose for you to discover. I wonder what it is? Even if you make mistakes, you were not created by accident. You were made to experience love, life, and joy. I can only pray that you discover this joy.

Please remember that no matter what, even if we never hear from each other again, we still think of and pray for you. You will not be forgotten. We have felt so privileged to be part of your care. We have also been changed by having the chance to love you in the little ways we did. 

Live your life and never lose hope! Know that God is with you always, even in the most difficult circumstances. Be brave, strong, and kind. We love you always! Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey in life. I pray that our friendship has blessed you as much as it has blessed us. My special Bible verse for you: “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” – 1 John 4:10 … Rely on Christ’s righteousness and His grace.

Love, The Deringer Family

The Deringer Family

In the coming days, months, and years, we will continue sponsoring the other children that we have. We will also pray for Edith and her family. Some sponsors choose to share their contact information so that they can continue hearing from their sponsored child in adulthood. We have chosen not to do so.

You can get involved in sponsoring a child through Compassion International as well, and if you sponsor a child long enough, you might see them graduate from the program too! It is such a great way to share the Gospel with children around the world.

ABCs of Child Sponsorship Letters: Y

Are you looking for ideas for what to write to your sponsored children? Throughout this ABCs of Child Sponsorship Letters series, I am going to share lots of ideas with you on letter writing. These ideas are useful for any child sponsorship program, but I may give some specific ideas for Compassion International, Haiti Outreach Ministries, and Eden Ministries.

Today, I am writing to share with you that you need to be You. If you write as though you were someone else or are not being genuine in your letters, your sponsored children will figure it out. They receive each of your letters and remember what you write to them. Therefore, be you!

So how can you be genuine in your writing? How can you show your true self in your letters to your sponsored children? Here are a few ideas that I have on being yourself when writing to your sponsored children:

• Share when times are difficult for you.
• Ask them to pray for you and your family.
• Be honest about struggles that you have.
• Genuinely care about them and pray for them.
• Do not write things you do not mean or do not believe.
• Share the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
• Share that we all will face trials and difficulties in life but we can rely on God throughout those times.
• Share what you are learning in life – about God or something else.
• If there is something you do not know, that is okay. Tell them that you do not have all the answers.
• But remember to share that you are truly there for them. Knowing that they are not alone can make all the difference in the world.

Join in on the conversation!

I always love hearing from my readers, so feel free to comment on this post. What are some ideas you have for writing to your sponsored children? Do you ever get stuck on what to write to your sponsored children?

Sponsor a child

Please consider sponsoring a child through Compassion International, Haiti Outreach Ministries, or Eden Ministries. By sponsoring a child through any of these organizations, you will help a child and their family. They will receive an education, food, clothing, health care, shelter, and the opportunity to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Beautiful Are the Feet

There has been a lot of bad, sometimes scary news in the world for sure, especially it seems this year. From hurricanes to helicopter crashes, from COVID-19 to the “Cuties” Netflix show, from closing churches to child trafficking: there has been so much that has happened this year, and we are only in September. However, believers have the good news, which Christ has called us to share with the world. Believers know the truth, that God is still Sovereign and is working all things for our good and His glory.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28 NASB

We can look at verses in the Bible like Ephesians 2:4 and understand that even in the face of bad news, there is still good news.

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:4-10 NASB

Are you feeling scared, anxious, or downtrodden after watching the news? Look to Christ for your comfort. Because He lives, there is no need to fear the happenings around the world. We can instead prepare our hearts for the trouble that will come and remind ourselves that Christ is with us.

“Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” – John 16: 32-33 NASB

Jesus promised that we would have trouble in this world; however He also promised that we believers will have peace in Him. He also gave us a hope – that He has already overcome the world. Therefore, we do not have to fear, but we can have peace in Christ. Not only did He give us promises and hope, He also gave us a command. In Matthew 28, He gave the disciples (and ultimately the Church) the mission to share the good news of the Gospel with the whole world. So now that we have the hope of assurance in Christ, we are enabled by the Holy Spirit to go out in boldness and tell others of the hope we have in Christ.

“And Jesus came up and spoke to them saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20 NASB

By sharing the Gospel with others, we can help others understand the peace that only comes in Christ. And do you remember how you feel about those who bring you good news? Do you feel that they are blessings when they bring good news? That is most likely how people will feel when you bring them the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and they accept that good news. However, how will the world know about the good news if no one is willing to go out of their way to share the Gospel with others?

“For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for ‘Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!” – Romans 10:12-15 NASB

It is apparent that believers have the responsibility of sharing the Gospel with others. This is your invitation to tell others about Jesus Christ, the Son of God and our Savior. There are many ways that you can get involved in sharing the Gospel:

• Pray for others to come to know Christ
• Invite others to church
• Tell others about your faith
• Consider sponsoring a child through a Christian organization, such as Compassion International
• Support your pastor by praying for and encouraging him
• Serve in the church

By sharing the Gospel with others, your feet can be considered beautiful because you are bringing hope to the world in the midst of the darkness.

Sponsor a Child

Please consider sponsoring a child through Compassion International. By sponsoring a child for $38 per month, you can help that child get an education, school supplies, food, clothing, health care, and most importantly the opportunity to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You can help bring the good news to children in poverty around the world.

Join in the Conversation

I always love hearing from my readers, so feel free to comment on this post. Do you sponsor a child through a Christian organization? How do you serve in the church? Are you looking for a church to attend?

ABCs of Child Sponsorship Letters: X

Are you looking for ideas for what to write to your sponsored children? Throughout this ABCs of Child Sponsorship Letters series, I am going to share lots of ideas with you on letter writing. These ideas are useful for any child sponsorship program, but I may give some specific ideas for Compassion International, Haiti Outreach Ministries, and Eden Ministries.

Today’s post is about how eXciting it is to receive a letter. Did you know that in some places around the world that the whole community celebrates when a child receives a letter from their sponsor? They see letters from the sponsor as something that can encourage and strengthen the child, the family, and even the community. This shows the importance of writing letters to our sponsored children.

Do you get excited when receiving a letter from your sponsored child? They are just as excited to hear from you. They treasure your words because they know that you love them. In some cases, it is the first time that anyone has ever told them that they love them. Therefore, it is so important to write to your sponsored child. Here are some ways to make your letters eXtra special.

• I love you!
• I am praying for you.
• I am cheering you on as you study and learn.
• I am so thankful for you in my life.
• You are a blessing to me.
• You are special, and God created you unique.
• You are someone I celebrate in my life.
• I celebrate when I receive a letter from you.
• I keep your letters in a special place.
• I tell my friends about you.
• I tell my church about you.
• Jesus loves you.
• You are important in my eyes.
• God cares about you deeply, and we can tell Him about everything that goes on in our lives.
• Send stickers, pictures, and drawings to them.
• Send a birthday card or other greeting cards to mix things up. They really like the pictures on greeting cards.

Join in on the conversation!

I always love hearing from my readers, so feel free to comment on this post. What are some ideas you have for writing to your sponsored children? Do you ever get stuck on what to write to your sponsored children? What else do you like sending to your sponsored children?

Sponsor a child

Please consider sponsoring a child through Compassion International, Haiti Outreach Ministries, or Eden Ministries. By sponsoring a child through any of these organizations, you will help a child and their family. They will receive an education, food, clothing, health care, shelter, and the opportunity to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Updates on Burusi, Blessed, and Bryan

The past couple of months have been busy, and I am finally able to give updates on three of my sponsored children.

I received a progress report on Burusi in Kenya, whom I sponsor through Compassion International. He shows an interest in growing closer to God, which makes me so happy. Just like the apostle John wrote in 2 John 4, “I was very glad to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we have received commandment to do from the Father” (NASB). It pleases me to know that he is growing closer to God and learning more about God.

I received a letter from Blessed in Zimbabwe, whom I sponsor through Eden Ministries. She writes that on May 16th, she was baptized!!!! What a wonderful thing to read. She also hopes to be a Missionary Educator in Uganda when she finishes school.

I also received a letter from Bryan in Zimbabwe, whom my mom sponsors through Eden Ministries. Bryan’s mother wrote the letter for him, and he is in play school. He also washes his hands with soap and water to protect him from COVID-19.

It is great to get updates and letters from my sponsored children because it helps me know they are being taken care of.

Sponsor a Child

Please consider sponsoring a child through Compassion International, Eden Ministries, or Haiti Outreach Ministries. By sponsoring a child, you can change their life by giving them the opportunity to hear the Gospel and learn about God’s love for them.

Join the Conversation

Feel free to comment on this post. I love hearing from my readers.

ABCs of Child Sponsorship Letters: W

Are you looking for ideas for what to write to your sponsored children? Throughout this ABCs of Child Sponsorship Letters series, I am going to share lots of ideas with you on letter writing. These ideas are useful for any child sponsorship program, but I may give some specific ideas for Compassion International, Haiti Outreach Ministries, and Eden Ministries.

Today’s ideas are about wishes and dreams for the future. Your sponsored children need encouragement to pursue their wishes and dreams for the future, so it is always helpful to write encouraging words to them in your letters.

So what sorts of things about wishes and dreams for the future are worthy of writing about? Here are some topics to write about, and if you need questions to ask your children, these will work for some of the questions as well.

• What do you hope to do when you grow up?
• What obstacles are in your way to reaching your dreams?
• How can I help you overcome those obstacles?
• Encourage them to study hard for the education because that often can help them reach for their dreams.
• What do you like learning about?
• What are you passionate about?
• If you could change anything about the world, what would you change?
• If you could be the leader or president for the day, what would you do?
• If you could get one wish, what would you wish for?
• What are you praying for?
• How can we make a positive difference in the world?
• Who is a role model for you that has done something that you hope to do someday?
• What is one step that you can take today in reaching your goals, hopes, and dreams?
• Are your parents encouraging when it comes to education and going after your goals?
• I am cheering you on as you go after your dreams, and I love you very much!
• Describe how you went after your goals and dreams, and what it took to get where you are.
• Describe what you have learned in life about pursuing your goals.
• Share Bible verses about hard work and reaching for goals.
• Share Bible verses about working for God.

Join in on the conversation!

I always love hearing from my readers, so feel free to comment on this post. What are some ideas you have for writing to your sponsored children? Do you ever get stuck on what to write to your sponsored children?

Sponsor a child

Please consider sponsoring a child through Compassion International, Haiti Outreach Ministries, or Eden Ministries. By sponsoring a child through any of these organizations, you will help a child and their family. They will receive an education, food, clothing, health care, shelter, and the opportunity to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

ABCs of Child Sponsorship Letters: V

Are you looking for ideas for what to write to your sponsored children? Throughout this ABCs of Child Sponsorship Letters series, I am going to share lots of ideas with you on letter writing. These ideas are useful for any child sponsorship program, but I may give some specific ideas for Compassion International, Haiti Outreach Ministries, and Eden Ministries.

Today’s ideas are about visiting your sponsored child. Have you ever wanted to meet your sponsored child? If they are anything like my sponsored children, they sooo badly want to meet you! And they hope to recognize you when they do get to meet you.

So what should you write if you are able to meet them someday? Well, it is suggested not to tell your sponsored child that you are going to visit them until it is absolutely positive that you will. Things can change your plans so quickly, and you do not want to break their heart if you end up not being able to make it. Therefore, it is wise to say something like, “If God is willing, I hope to meet you someday.” Then, if you are able to go, the excitement will still be there.

If you know that you will not be able to ever meet them in this life, there are still some ways to get the most out of your letters in order to know your sponsored children. Here are some ideas to write about:

• Ask them what they do on a regular basis, and tell them about what a day in your life looks like. Of course, do not emphasize the luxury.
• How can I pray for you?
• What are some difficult things that you are facing that I can pray for?
• Tell me more about your life. I love getting to know you better.
• Tell them that you love them because that is exactly what you would say to them if you did get to meet them.
• Send as many pictures as you can to them because that will help them see a glimpse into your life.

Join in on the conversation!

I always love hearing from my readers, so feel free to comment on this post. What are some ideas you have for writing to your sponsored children? Do you ever get stuck on what to write to your sponsored children? Have you been able to meet your sponsored child? What was the experience like? Did it change your perspective about anything?

Sponsor a child

Please consider sponsoring a child through Compassion International, Haiti Outreach Ministries, or Eden Ministries. By sponsoring a child through any of these organizations, you will help a child and their family. They will receive an education, food, clothing, health care, shelter, and the opportunity to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

ABCs of Child Sponsorship Letters: U

Are you looking for ideas for what to write to your sponsored children? Throughout this ABCs of Child Sponsorship Letters series, I am going to share lots of ideas with you on letter writing. These ideas are useful for any child sponsorship program, but I may give some specific ideas for Compassion International, Haiti Outreach Ministries, and Eden Ministries.

Today’s ideas are understanding. How much do you understand in your sponsored child’s life? Do you know about how long it takes to get a letter to them?

What does understanding have to do with writing letters to your sponsored children? Well, when you write a letter to your sponsored child, it may take two months or even longer to get to them. While most child sponsorship organizations try their best to get the letters to the children more quickly, sometimes there is no way around a two month window of getting a letter to them. Therefore, as sponsors, we must have patience and understanding with how the letter process works.

Here are some questions that you can ask your sponsored child or even the child sponsorship organization about letters.

• How are your letters delivered?
• Who delivers your letters?
• Is there an organized mail service in your country?
• How many letters do you normally receive at a time?
• How often should I write?
• Where do you get your supplies for writing letters?
• Do you write your letters at school, church, or a child development center?
• Do your teachers, parents, or guardians help you write the letters?
• Do you normally use a letter template in writing your letters?
• What are good and helpful topics to write about?
• What do you want to know more about me?
• What would be encouraging for you?
• Try your best to write frequently. I typically write a letter at least once a month for my children.
• When there are outbreaks, civil unrest, and violence in a country, there is a greater chance that letters will be delayed. Do not give up though! Just write another letter which will bring them hope when they do get the letter.
• Consider going to visit your child, which will bring your letters to life. It will also give you greater understanding of their community, culture, and the child sponsorship organization.

Join in on the conversation!

I always love hearing from my readers, so feel free to comment on this post. What are some ideas you have for writing to your sponsored children? Do you ever get stuck on what to write to your sponsored children?

Sponsor a child

Please consider sponsoring a child through Compassion International, Haiti Outreach Ministries, or Eden Ministries. By sponsoring a child through any of these organizations, you will help a child and their family. They will receive an education, food, clothing, health care, shelter, and the opportunity to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.