Mission Research
OMF Mission Research publishes the Mission Round Table journal, organizes mission research consultations, interacts with OMF centers about important missiological issues, and oversees the OMF archives located in Singapore.
MRT Journal
Mission Round Table is OMF’s journal for reflective practitioners.
The Mission Round Table focuses on contemporary mission in Asia viewed from the perspective of reflective practitioners. Articles are designed to provide biblical, theological, and missiological foundations for thinking about mission and real-life examples that anchor the theory in practice.
The journal is published three times a year for field workers, teachers and students of mission, and people engaged in mission through local congregations or other agencies.
OMF Archives
Collecting our past today and preserving it for tomorrow.
CIM-OMF archive materials are held in various OMF centers as well as other institutions listed below.
The materials preserved give insight into the past and provide historical information relating to the growth of Christ’s church in East Asia. The archives hold many stories of what God has done. Telling the story gives God the glory.
Researchers who wish to access materials at the OMF International Center Archives can apply to do so by contacting us at least one month before a proposed visit.
We welcome donations of materials of historical interest related to CIM/OMF. If you wish to donate materials, please tell us more about the items by contacting us.
OMF International Archives, Singapore
Documents held relate to CIM, most of which are post-1950 relating to the operations of OMF International Headquarters.
OMF UK Archives
There is also an archive of individual CIM/OMF missionaries’ documents, both paper and electronic.
There are also audio-visual materials relating to OMF.
OMF USA Archives
There is also books and periodicals that contain information relating to various American missionaries affiliated with the organization; material specific to the US offices (previously located in Pennsylvania); and post-1950s operations and administrative documentation.
SOAS University of London
Archives of Wheaton College
Hong Kong Baptist University
Archives of CIM Publications
China Inland Mission published the first edition of its monthly magazine China’s Millions in London in July 1875. Publication of the North American and Australian editions of China’s Millions began in 1893. Scanned copies of the British and North American editions of China’s Millions (1875-1935) can be downloaded from the Internet Archives and Yale University.
Other CIM publications, including books and reports are also available for download from the Internet Archives.
Historical stories of CIM and OMF
Turning points in the history of the China Inland Mission
Dixon E. Hoste and Prayer
This article examines the prayer life of Dixon E. Hoste, the second General Director of the CIM. It highlights the
The Prayer for The Eighteen
It was the point at which the tide of all mission to China turned. Highlights such as the Cambridge Seven
The First North American China Inland Mission Party
David Michell recounts the stirring story of God’s work through a fascinating interweaving of lives and events that birthed the
Pioneers who led the way into interior China
William Soutter—“All he did was in the strength of God”
William Soutter helped to build the China Inland Mission premises in Tatsienlu in 1898. But he left a legacy that
James Cameron—the Livingstone of China
Conversations were abuzz in response to the news in the Shanghai Mercury that August 1892 morning of the passing of Dr. James
George William Clarke—Unswerving Servant
George Clarke was one of many young lads wandering the streets of Shoreditch until he was accosted and urged to
Work of early CIM workers among people groups
Theo Sorensen: A Pioneering Literature Evangelist in Tibet
Long sealed off from the surrounding world, the kingdom of Tibet, for geographical and religious reasons, had long posed a
Beloved Highland- Frank Doggett Learner
In a special programme broadcast on 10 November 1935, the BBC interviewed Frank Doggett Learner and listeners were captivated as
God’s Mission to the Lisu
The article focuses on one of the most familiar stories in CIM/OMF history told in the biographies of J. O.
Faithful servants
Nurse in Hualong Holy Light Hospital—The story of Ruth Duncan
The SS Marine Lynx sailed from San Francisco 15 December 1946 carrying 650 missionaries bound for the Far East. Among
Victory in Weakness: A Tribute to George and Dorothy Bell
In the winter of 1924, the Vancouver Daily World carried the headline, “Bride-Of-Day Sails Away to Mission Field.” That bride,
Wang Lae-djün—A Man after God’s Heart
“Wang Lae-djün [was] one of China’s great, if unsung, Christians. . . . After Pastor Hsi (Xi) Shengmo of Shansi
Pressing On Against the Odds
“He has delivered my soul in peace”—The Life and Ministry of Allison Butler
Marjorie Keeble introduces us to the life of her mother—Alison Pike Butler—who was born to CIM parents, served with the
Pioneering in Nosuland by A. J. Broomhall
This stirring article by Dr. A. J. Broomhall from the Australian edition of China’s Millions in 1950 provides a vivid
