It has been a long journey of faith for the HUDSON TAYLOR movie project to reach where it is today. Our development has faced many challenges. But having finally cleared the great hurdle of writing a script, we can gladly rejoice and say that we have moved from the realm of the impossible to the realm of the difficult. There is still much to do, and many resources needed to do it. But our needs are not only financial.
The ultimate goal of the HUDSON TAYLOR movie project is to see a missional discipleship movement born through storytelling. We believe that the Hudson Taylor story can—bolstered by the collaboration and support of believers—ignite a flame for Christ in the hearts of many, young and old alike. Our vision is to see Hudson Taylor’s spirit for mission reborn today in the next generation. But this vision cannot be accomplished without the significant and God-driven support of churches and believers today.
Thus, on the 23rd and 24th of May 2022, we invited over 1200 church leaders from a certain Asian country to join us online and hear our vision for the HUDSON TAYLOR movie project. Both nights, participants left filled with awe and excitement over the future of this great endeavour.
Even half an hour before we began admission, there were over fifty participants already in the waiting room. So many came that the meeting hosts couldn’t admit them fast enough. Before the event had truly begun, we were already overwhelmed by the sheer passion and eagerness on display. The meeting opened with a devotion led by Rev. James Hudson Taylor IV, a descendant of the Hudson Taylor. He discussed the similarities between Hudson Taylor and Isaiah, both of whom had seen and were struck by the glory of God, and led to serve Him. About 7 months after arriving in China, Hudson Taylor wrote, “There is something sublime in contemplating the majesty of God…why? Because…we have caught a glimpse of the brightness of His glory…” Just like Isaiah, God’s glory inspired Hudson Taylor to respond, “Here I am, send me!” (Isaiah 6:8) Rev. Taylor prayed that we too, would see and respond to God’s great glory.
Afterwards, Dr. Patrick Fung, the General Director of OMF International, examined the legacy of Hudson Taylor’s work, and its influence on the indigenous church from 1853 till today. Hudson Taylor was defined by his great spirit for service. He wrote, “If I had a thousand pounds, China should have it – if I had a thousand lives, China should have them No! Not China, but Christ. Can we do too much for Him? Can we do enough for such a precious Saviour?” Like Elijah, Hudson Taylor too was just a man (James 5:17), and his devotion to serve God is not beyond us. That same spirit was passed down from generation to generation of leaders, missionaries, and believers; ordinary people no different than us. Dr. Fung invited us to witness God’s work done in God’s way, and to join hands in passing on the spirit of service to the next generation.
Next month’s newsletter will cover the remainder of the meeting. Hear what Dr. Jennie Fung shared about the project’s development and future plans, and the thoughts of a well-respected local church leader regarding the church’s role in this project, and how it should respond. Stay tuned.
