Hudson Taylor: Deep in the Heart of China (Christian Heroes: Then and Now)

This is a great series that can be enjoyed by young children and adults. I used them as part of the training for a short term missions campaign. Each of the fourteen team members read a different biography in this series and then reported to the rest of the team. It was reminder that the training topics we were learning were relevant and lived out by the faithful and fruitful missionaries introduced by this series of biographies. For many of the team this was their first introduction to reading Christian biography and they loved it! Positives of this series: 1) Great introductory overviews of the lives and ministries of the individuals. 2) Basic reading level for an increasingly illiterate culture 3) Short enough to be read quickly in a culture with an increasingly short attention span 4) Available in Kindle and audio book for the technologically inclined 5) Well written and holds your attention without being exaggerated and exploitative 6) Chapters are short and can easily be read to children at bedtime or by adults on lunch breaks Negatives of this series: 1) Due to their brevity and target audience the series does not deal with the more negative aspects of an individual's struggles with sin and the weaknesses in their personality as sinners saved by grace. 2) Does not come across as hagiography (so idealizing the person that it borders on idolatry) but these introductions are not the place to get the full picture of these godly but imperfect champions for God. Instead they are great springboards to more extensive biographies that deal with the fuller picture of these heroic but very human Christ followers.

The Benges write such fabulous accounts of lives devoted to following Christ. Hudson Taylor and the founding of the China Inland Mission is an excellent account of one man's unwavering faith. Through dangerous ship travel to rioting mobs Hudson took the Salvation message throughout China for the first time and now millions know Christ as their Savior. Paris God. Nancy

I have purchased so many of these "Heroes" titles and we have loved them all. We use them for family read alouds and then my daughter will re-read them again and again on her own. They are not boring at all. They include adventure, humor,and great character development.

What an example his life is for all who love Christ and weep for the lost. No sacrifice was too great, no loss, trial or circumstance could dampen Hudson’s love for His Savior and the lost of China.

The life of Hudson Taylor gives all who read about him a desire to have such a faithful trust in God. Though he went through many trials, his focus was to always do as God would want him to for the sake of the Chinese people he went to rescue.

This was an easy read that covered Hudson Taylor's story. I'm interested in history so it was appealing on that level. The sacrifices he and the other missionaries made were significant. My next comment is not necessarily technical but I felt somewhat dissatisfied at the end- maybe just emotions related to the sadness Hudson experienced but it was worth the read.

This was one of the most inspiring books I have read. Hudson Taylor is lost in sin and himself like we all are and the Lord reveals Himself to Hudson... What does Hudson do with this revelation? What do we do when Christ is revealed to us... Learn how to become a man or woman after Gods own heart through Hudson's story. You will be blessed.

Perfect for big kids, teens, and even adults.

Story of a dedication and vision to spread the gospel

This was an amazing book telling of a man who fully and wholly trusted God for everything and totally took God at his word. No matter how impossible things appeared he knew if God wanted it it would happen. It is an amazing and exciting story of a man who gave his whole life to win souls for Christ.

The book is an story of adventure, sadness, obedience and faith. This is well worth the read if you like to be inspired by bold living. Amazing read.

This series of biographies is wonderful for the whole family. We enjoy them as adults and our son loves them too. Great for read out loud too. They deal with the facts but in a family friendly way that we are grateful and confident as we introduce these great people in our home.

Wonderful story full of courage, challenges, and miracles. Hudson Taylor’s complete trust in God’s ability to meet his needs and the needs of His people as they engage in the Great Commission is both inspiring and challenging. A book I will not soon forget. Highly recommended.