Still reading it, very moving and deep study of Hudson Taylor's life

As a teenager, I avidly read every word of the two volumes recounting Hudson Taylor's life-story. Hudson Taylor in Early Years and Hudson Taylor and the China Inland Mission were each over 500 pages long and reading them had a dramatic effect on the direction of my life. So, as I picked up this 'new biography' of Hudson Taylor I did wonder whether such a relatively slim volume (152 pages) could possibly do justice to this great missionary. But Joanna Williamson has pulled it off, and this is just the perfect book for the modern reader. Joanna quotes extensively from the two books mentioned above, and most of the quotations are Hudson Taylor's own words. So we learn directly from him how God used the many 'hard things' in his life of service in China (including bereavements, poor health, lack of funds and personality conflicts in his team) to shape him and increase his faith. In one time of extreme trial he writes, ‘these trials would be crushing anxieties if we were to bear them. But the Lord bears us and them, too, and makes our hearts so very glad in Himself ... that I have never known greater freedom from anxiety and care.' The book describes not only his personal journey of faith but the formation of the great missionary society The China Inland Mission, now known as Overseas Missionary Fellowship. At the end of each chapter, key learning points help the reader to apply the lessons from Hudson Taylor's life. So whether you are in Christian leadership, involved in ministry or simply want to know God better, this is an inspiring read. If you read this book, you will be challenged in your prayer life, your attitude to suffering, your vision for mission and in many other ways. I can wholeheartedly recommend it.