Hudson Taylor was a British Christian missionary and the founder of the China Inland Mission (now known as OMF International). Born in 1832, he felt called from a young age to share his faith with the people of China, a place largely unreached by Christian missionaries at the time. Taylor’s approach to mission work was revolutionary: unlike many Western missionaries, he adopted Chinese clothing, learned the language, and fully immersed himself in the culture. He believed that connecting with the local people in this way would help break down cultural barriers and make the gospel more accessible to them. Over his lifetime, Taylor helped bring hundreds of missionaries to China, establishing churches and communities that continued to grow even after his death.

Taylor faced many challenges throughout his mission work, including illness, political opposition, and the loss of family members. Additionally, he encountered resistance from other missionaries who disapproved of his cultural adaptations. Despite these obstacles, Taylor remained dedicated, trusting that God would provide for his needs and protect him through the hardships. His persistence paid off, as the China Inland Mission became one of the most influential Christian organizations in China, with a lasting impact even after Taylor’s death in 1905. Today, Hudson Taylor is remembered as a trailblazer in missionary work, whose faith and innovative methods opened doors for cross-cultural missions around the world.