You may well have read a biography of Hudson Taylor and perhaps you know of his wife Maria, who died in 1870. But how much do you know about his second wife, Jennie?
OMF (UK) Archivist Marion Osgood’s compelling new biography brings Jennie out of the shadow of her better known husband and reveals a remarkable pioneer missionary in her own right. Jennie survived two typhoons, cholera, and near death in childbirth She also led a party of women hundreds of miles further into inland China than any other western woman had gone before.
Marion’s engaging and carefully researched account also reveals how Jennie supported Hudson Taylor through some of the China Inland Mission’s most challenging moments and points us to the faithful God Jennie lived for.
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What people are saying about Jennie Hudson Taylor:
‘An inspiring account of an extraordinary woman! Jennie Hudson Taylor would have been amazing in any generation, but in the 19th century world to which she belonged her life was astonishing. Often overlooked by historians and in missionary literature because of focus on her famous husband, James Hudson Taylor, Jennie’s story is a powerful testimony to the grace of God and to a life lived for her Lord and Saviour. Her contribution to the growth of the church in China was immense. More than a century after her death, her life still challenges us today to live fully, sacrificially, joyfully as contemporary disciples. Marion Osgood has captured the essence of it all beautifully.’
Rose Dowsett, Missiologist, Author and Speaker
‘Most missionary biographies focus on famous men or a few pioneering single women. Marion Osgood gives us a compelling narrative of Jennie, Hudson Taylor’s second wife, who worked both alongside him and independently in daring, dangerous incursions into inland China, where no Western woman had gone before. She learned multiple Chinese dialects, founded schools, worked with ‘hidden’ women and spent her life serving God sacrificially and with joy. Osgood has done us all, especially Christian women, a service in telling her story.’
Veronica Zundel, Writer, Poet, and former Chair of ‘Men, Women and God’.
‘While many would be familiar with the adventurous stories of Hudson Taylor and the China Inland Mission (CIM), few would know Jennie Faulding. As a young woman she was one of the first group of CIM missionaries who went to China in 1866.
She approached life with a spirit of adventure, a strong sense of duty and an infectious enthusiasm. Going to China as a single woman, she would never have imagined that she would one day be facing a future wedded to the China Inland Mission. When she married Hudson Taylor in 1871 after his first wife, Maria, passed away, she would share concerns of finance, publicity, management, reputation, and a sense of responsibility for the lives of fellow missionaries in isolated and dangerous situations. One can feel the sights, smells and sounds of China. One cannot escape the agonizing pains of frequent deaths and separations, which permeate her life. Yet, we will be inspired by her ever-positive attitude and unwavering hope, full of gratitude to God despite the twists and turns in life. For those who seek to serve God’s purpose for their lives, this book will not fail to inspire.’
Rev Dr Patrick Fung, Global Ambassador, OMF International
