Hudson Taylor was a British Protestant Christian missionary to China and founder of the China Inland Mission. He is known for his selfless service to the Chinese people and his deep faith in God. But what many people may not know is that he had a large family, and his children also played a significant role in the work he did in China.
Early Life and Family
Hudson Taylor was born in 1832 in Barnsley, England. He was the son of a pharmacist and grew up in a Christian family. In 1853, he decided to become a missionary and traveled to China to spread the word of God. In 1858, he married Maria Dyer, another missionary, and together they had eight children.
The Importance of Family
For Hudson Taylor, family was an essential part of his life and his work. He believed that a strong family unit was crucial in the mission field, and he wanted his children to be involved in his work. He often took his children with him on his travels, and they would help him in his ministry. His children also learned to speak Chinese fluently and helped translate for their parents.
The Tragic Loss of Maria
In 1870, Hudson Taylor's wife, Maria, died of cholera at the age of 33. This was a significant blow to Taylor and his family, but he continued to work tirelessly in China. He believed that God had called him to this work, and he was determined to see it through.
Continuing the Work
After Maria's death, Hudson Taylor continued his work in China with the help of his children. His eldest daughter, Grace, became a nurse and worked in hospitals throughout China. His son, Herbert, became a doctor and also worked in China. Taylor's other children also played important roles in the mission field, helping to spread the word of God to the Chinese people.
The Legacy of Hudson Taylor
Hudson Taylor died in 1905 at the age of 73. He had spent over 50 years serving the Chinese people and spreading the word of God. His legacy lives on through his children and the work of the China Inland Mission, which has since been renamed OMF International. Today, OMF International continues to spread the word of God throughout Asia and beyond.
Conclusion
Hudson Taylor was a remarkable man who dedicated his life to serving others and spreading the word of God. His children played an important role in his work, and their legacy continues today. We can learn a lot from Hudson Taylor's example, especially the importance of family and the power of faith in God.