Not, “a typical missionary,” but, “atypical,” not according to type. The Bible tells us that “not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth (1 Cor. 1:26). However, on this day in 1931 a rich man entered the Kingdom of Heaven, having given his life in service to Jesus Christ.Charles T. Studd (Dec. 2, 1860 - July 16, 1931) grew up in the lap of luxury. His father’s wealth allowed Charles to attend Cambridge University, where he became a standout in the game of cricket. But God’s plans for Studd didn’t include a career in sports. Charles’ father, Edward, was converted during one of D.L. Moody’s England campaigns. After this, a preacher visiting the Studd home won young Charles to Christ. Studd testified that, when he trusted in Jesus, the joy and peace of the Lord flooded his soul.
Studd spent the next six years in what he described as “an unhappy backslidden state,” hanging on to the life of a successful athlete. His brother’s illness in 1884 caused him to reevaluate fame and fortune, after which he devoted his life to service for Christ as a missionary. Along with six other students, Studd offered himself to Hudson Taylor and the China Inland Mission in 1885. These young men, who went against convention, became known as “the Cambridge Seven.”
One of Studd’s favorite sayings was, “Some want to live within the sound of church or chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell.” This atypical missionary didn’t mind hard work. After the death of his parents, he gave his inheritance away to various Christian ministries and simply trusted God to supply all his needs. Studd faced opposition during his time in China, but the Lord blessed him with a wife and four daughters. Ill health forced him back to England for a while, during which time he traveled and preached, raising awareness of the need of missions and seeing the Lord move among the youth in revival.
Studd then went to India for six years and saw much success among the British officials and local community. When he returned to England, he became impressed with the spiritual need of central Africa. Though doctors advised against it, Studd went to Africa to spread the Gospel. His daughter Pauline and her husband Norman Grubb joined him in this ministry. Norman would later become his father-in-law’s biographer. Studd died on July 16, 1931 of gallstones. His son-in-law Norman took the reins of the ministry Studd had founded and continued the work.
C.T. Studd, who forsook a life of wealth and athletic acclaim, was greatly used by the Lord in reaching many areas with the Gospel. I’m glad the Lord said, “Not many wise…not many noble,” rather than, “Not any wise or noble.” Are you successful in sports or business? Do you have great worldly opportunities that make the Gospel seem unattractive to you? Consider that faith in Christ and service for Him will last when all earthly glory is laid in the dust. Thank God for grace that can reach any heart that to us may seem impregnable!
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for further reading:
Norman P. Grubb, C.T. Studd: Cricketer and Pioneer (Christian Literature Crusade, 1985)
Excellent article, Tim. I wish that every aspiring millionaire (especially Christian teens) would give careful/prayerful consideration to men like Studd.
ReplyDeleteWealth can be a liability if hoarded. It can be an immeasurable blessing to all if surrendered to the service of Jesus Christ.
I would also recommend, The Cambridge Seven by John Pollock (Reprint, Christian Focus, 2006)!
I was going to use The Cambridge Seven in the article, but I discovered that what I have is the other "Seven" book, The St. Andrews Seven. I'll have to check out Pollock's book. Thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteI actually stumbled upon my copy (an older edition) at a flea mall in Prattville, AL. Go figure! I had just finished reading The Saint Andrews Seven, so the timing was great. Both of these are great and quick reads.
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