Dear Subscriber,
As the project enters into the production phase, we would like to share with you some changes in our communication focus. But first, an encouraging story from the past.
Between the Cross and the Resurrection
When Hudson Taylor, weakened by illness in his final years, heard about the horrific massacres of the Boxer Uprising, it was as if a knife had pierced his heart. He said, “I cannot read; I cannot think; I cannot even pray; but I can trust.” Perhaps this is how Jesus’ disciples felt on that first Easter Saturday—when all hope seemed lost at the cross.
Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people;
praise his holy name.
For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.
—Psalm 30:4-5 (NIV)
Memorial plaque of CIM’s missionaries and children martyred in the Boxer Uprising. It now hangs in the UK office of OMF International.
The Storm Before the Dawn
The Boxer Uprising, fueled by resentment toward foreign influence, erupted in June 1900. Sanctioned by the Empress Dowager, the militia began killing missionaries and Chinese converts. The militia is known as The Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists—later called the Boxers.
At the time, Hudson Taylor was recuperating in Switzerland, unaware of the unfolding tragedy. William Cooper, whom Taylor considered as his potential successor as General Director, had been visiting missionaries and Chinese Christians in Shanxi to encourage them amidst rising anti-Christian hostility. As Cooper traveled back to Shanghai, he was captured near Baoding and, along with Benjamin Bagnell and his family, was executed on July 1. Just days later, 47 missionaries were massacred in Taiyuan.
In total, 189 missionaries lost their lives—126 in Shanxi alone. The China Inland Mission (CIM) suffered devastating losses: 58 missionaries and 21 children were killed. More than 2,000 Chinese Christians were martyred.
A Heartbroken Trust
Initially, Hudson Taylor was shielded from the worst news, knowing it would be unbearable for him. But as reports trickled in, the weight of the tragedy became impossible to hide. His heart nearly failed under the grief. “I cannot read; I cannot think; I cannot even pray; but I can trust.”
In that moment, Taylor’s heartbreak mirrored that of the disciples on Easter Saturday—the day between the agony of the cross and the triumph of the resurrection. It was a day of crushing loss, despair, and seeming defeat. And yet, love never fails, and “the one who stands firm to the end will be saved” (1 Corinthians 13:8; Matthew 24:13).
A letter from two female missionaries, written just before their deaths, reached Taylor. Reflecting on their fate, he said, “Oh, think what it must have been to exchange that murderous mob for the rapture of His presence… They do not regret it now.”
Remarkably, there is no evidence that a single CIM missionary recanted in the face of execution. Their final letters contained no bitterness or calls for revenge. Even local Chinese converts stood firm, refusing to deny their faith, despite the cost. Some non-Christian officials also paid with their lives, choosing to protect religious freedom in their regions.
The Power of Resurrection Hope
By the end of 1900, Hudson Taylor began writing letters to the families of those who had perished. After careful prayer and discussion, the China Inland Mission made a remarkable decision —not to seek or accept any compensation for their losses, even if offered.
Today, millions of Chinese follow Christ because of the faithfulness and sacrifice of those who gave their lives, believing that there is something greater than life itself. Their story—like the Easter story—reminds us that suffering is not the end. The victory of the cross and the empty tomb stands as a testimony to God’s faithfulness.
In a world filled with war, injustice, and disaster—the prolonged conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, the devastation of earthquakes, and the growing humanitarian crises—it is easy to feel overwhelmed and defeated. But Easter reminds us to look beyond the pain of Saturday to the hope of Sunday.
The Lamb who was slain has overcome the world.
Some Changes in Our Communications Focus
As the Hudson Taylor movie project moves from Development into the Production stage, you’ll begin to notice some changes to our Half Crown Media website and social media presence.
While we remain committed to keeping you informed through our regular newsletters and prayer gatherings, public platforms like our website and social media will soon serve a broader audience including film industry professionals.
Half Crown Media’s mission is to “Tell inspirational, true stories of God’s faithfulness beginning with a movie on the life of Hudson Taylor.” As we enter this next phase, our website and social media will focus on telling stories of God’s faithfulness, with less emphasis on the movie.
Going forward, we will keep you informed of project updates, prayer events, and related resources. If you have any questions or thoughts, we’d love to hear from you—just reply to this email or click the Connect With Us button below.
Thank you for your continued prayers, support, and understanding during this pivotal transition in the Hudson Taylor movie journey!
Prayer is so important!
We believe that prayer is the absolute foundation of our ministry. We’d love your prayers! Here’s how you can be part of praying with us.
Sources for Between the Cross and the Resurrection
Irene Chang, JHT III, JHT IV, Joyce Wu, Janet Yiu, and Lisa Yu, ed., Christ Alone – A Pictorial Presentation of Hudson Taylor’s Life and Legacy (OMF International, 2007), pp. 109-115
A.J. Broomhall, The Shaping of Modern China – Hudson Taylor’s Life and Legacy (Piquant Editions), Vol. 2: pp. 642f
The Boxer Uprising and China Inland Mission
Roger Steer, J. Hudson Taylor, A Man in Christ (OM: Singapore), p.357-9, 358-9
