Hudson Taylor

Hudson Taylor (1832–1905) was a pioneering British Christian missionary and the founder of the China Inland Mission (now OMF International). Known for his groundbreaking approach to cross-cultural ministry, Taylor dedicated his life to sharing the gospel in China and is considered one of the most influential missionaries in Christian history.

Born in Barnsley, England, Taylor experienced a spiritual awakening as a teenager, committing himself to God’s service. Deeply burdened for the millions in China who had never heard the gospel, he began studying medicine and theology to prepare for missionary work. In 1853, at just 21 years old, he sailed to China under the auspices of the Chinese Evangelisation Society.

Taylor’s innovative methods set him apart. He adopted Chinese dress, learned the language fluently, and immersed himself in Chinese culture, seeking to build bridges of understanding and respect. In 1865, he founded the China Inland Mission with the vision of reaching China’s interior provinces, which were largely untouched by missionary activity. Unlike many missionary organizations of his time, Taylor’s mission was interdenominational, depended solely on prayer and faith for financial support, and prioritized local leadership and cultural contextualization.

Taylor endured immense challenges, including illness, family tragedies, and opposition from both Western and Chinese communities. Despite these hardships, his unwavering faith and dedication inspired thousands to join the missionary cause. Under his leadership, the China Inland Mission grew to include hundreds of missionaries, reaching countless communities with the gospel.

By the time of his death, Taylor’s legacy was firmly established, with significant contributions to the spread of Christianity in China and the global mission movement. Today, he is remembered as a model of faith, humility, and cultural sensitivity, whose life continues to inspire generations of believers to serve God sacrificially.