Interview with Marion Osgood, author of Jennie Hudson Taylor

It is difficult to over-estimate just how remarkable Jennie Hudson Taylor was. Against the backdrop of the considerable societal restraints placed on Victorian women, this easy-going yet adventurous woman was prepared to follow God’s call, becoming a true pioneer on the mission field in China. In her new book Jennie Hudson Taylor, Marion Osgood tells the untold story of the second wife of James Hudson Taylor and her extraordinary ministry with the China Inland Mission.

Marion Osgood is the archivist for OMF International (UK). With a background in nursing and church ministry, she has travelled widely, particularly within the developing world.

Marion, could you tell us a little about yourself?

I grew up in a secure Christian family, in a thriving church. I can’t remember ever not believing in Jesus! After marriage we were part of the house-church movement, briefly having a church in our home. We have always had a strong overseas mission emphasis, developing links with churches and individuals across the globe. When the last of our three children started secondary school I returned to nursing part-time, as well as being involved in many aspects of church ministry. I had no clue I was a writer until about that time, ie in my mid-40s.

Jennie has been largely overlooked in missionary history until now. So what drew you to Jennie’s story and made you want to tell it?

I think it was the very fact that she had been overlooked which drew me to researching her life, and discovering she deserved a book solely about her.

Who have you written this book for?

OMF have caught the vision and are now very enthusiastic, so I am aware I am now writing for them. But more widely, interest in traditional foreign mission has waned, so I would like to think I have helped to rekindle that interest within the church.

How did you go about researching the book?

As archivist for OMF International (UK) I was in an ideal position for knowing where to research her life. She is mentioned in passing in books about her husband, and these mentions often gave me clues as to how to proceed further, but the detailed research was done at SOAS, London University, where the primary sources, letters etc, are archived. I also research historically and geographically, with visits where necessary.

Do missionary stories from previous centuries really still have any relevance today? Why should we still read them?

In many ways they are more exciting and adventurous, as foreign travel, medical care etc were all more primitive. The sacrifice on the part of the missionaries was therefore all the greater.

What was the most rewarding element of writing this book?

I love the research, and that is especially rewarding when I find the answer to a specific question about Jennie’s life, after a long period of ‘digging’. I also gain satisfaction from crafting good sentences and paragraphs.

Have you been reminded afresh about God while writing this book?

I am reminded that we are all individuals – and not all called by God to be such pioneers. More personally, I have felt encouraged to be bolder in facing up to the fact that when I have something important to say, like sharing news about my book, it is my duty to speak up about it.

What do you hope readers will most get out of reading this book?

I would like readers to discover an enjoyable page-turner, a ‘good read’, which would lead on to the realisation that, if they don’t know already, the Christian life is totally worthwhile.

In one sentence, how would you describe Jennie Hudson Taylor?

She was naturally adventurous and easy-going, but more importantly she was committed to obeying God’s will for her life, whatever the cost.