'C.T. Studd: The Inspirational Life of a Radical Christian Missionary'

C T Studd: A Life Devoted to Missionary Work

Charles Thomas Studd, also known as C. T. Studd, was a British missionary who dedicated his life to spreading the Christian faith in China, India, and Africa. He was born into a privileged family, but he chose to abandon his comfortable lifestyle and pursue a life of sacrifice for the sake of Christ. Throughout his journey, he founded the Worldwide Evangelization Crusade and played a significant role in inspiring others to serve as foreign missionaries.

1. Early Life and Conversion

C. T. Studd was born into a wealthy family in Wiltshire, England. His father, Edward Studd, owned a plantation. When C. T. was seventeen years old, his father experienced a profound conversion to Christianity after attending a revival service led by Dwight L. Moody. This event had a significant impact on Edward's children, including C. T., who eventually committed their lives to Christ.

However, C. T.'s devotion to his newfound faith was initially shallow, and he struggled with backsliding for several years. Despite his spiritual struggles, he achieved fame as an athlete in England, particularly in cricket. He attended Trinity College in Cambridge, where he gained national recognition as Britain's most talented cricketer.

2. Encounter with Hudson Taylor and the Cambridge Seven

Despite his accomplishments and fame, C. T. Studd felt unfulfilled and desired a life of greater significance. This longing led him to hear a talk given by Hudson Taylor, a renowned missionary to China. Inspired by Taylor's words and example, C. T., along with six other Cambridge students from affluent families, formed a group known as the "Cambridge Seven." They chose to renounce their comfortable lives and promising careers to serve as foreign missionaries under Hudson Taylor's China Inland Mission (CIM).

This decision captured public interest and enthusiasm, and C. T.'s passion for following God's call as a missionary became widely known. He and the Cambridge Seven worked to establish the Student Volunteer Movement (SVM), a ministry aimed at recruiting college students to serve as missionaries after completing their education.

3. Missionary Work in China

In 1885, C. T. Studd and the Cambridge Seven traveled to China to begin their missionary work with CIM. They embraced CIM's strategy of immersing themselves in Chinese culture, language, and customs. C. T. traveled extensively throughout the country, preaching the gospel and leading many individuals to faith in Jesus Christ.

At the age of twenty-five, C. T. received a substantial inheritance, most of which he selflessly donated to various Christian ministries, including George Mueller's orphanage in Bristol. He gave the remaining ten percent to his wife, Priscilla Livingston Stewart, whom he married in China. However, both C. T. and Priscilla shared a similar mindset of sacrificial giving, and they decided to donate that portion as well, this time to the Salvation Army.

4. India and Return to England

In 1894, due to health issues, C. T. Studd and his wife were forced to return to England. While there, C. T. was invited to speak on behalf of SVM in both England and the United States, successfully inspiring many college students to pursue missionary work after graduation. In 1900, C. T. and Priscilla went to India, where they served in an English-speaking church in Ootacamund and witnessed numerous conversions.

After six years in India and struggling with illness once again, they returned home for a period of recovery. During this time, they had four daughters together. Despite his speaking ministry flourishing in England, C. T. felt a strong calling to Africa.

5. Missionary Work in Africa

Against the advice of doctors and his wife's wishes, C. T. Studd decided to pursue missionary work in Africa. In 1910, when his mission board denied support, he embarked on his journey alongside Alfred Buxton, another pioneering missionary. Together, they established the Heart of Africa Mission, later renamed the Worldwide Evangelization Crusade (WEC).

In 1913, C. T. and Buxton ventured into the Congo, where they planted four mission stations among eight tribal groups. Interestingly, Alfred Buxton would later marry C. T.'s daughter, Edith. However, C. T.'s time in Africa was marked by conflict with his missionary colleagues, including his son-in-law, who often disagreed with his leadership style. Despite the challenges, C. T.'s determination and perseverance left a lasting impact.

6. Legacy and Worldwide Evangelization Crusade (WEC)

C. T. Studd passed away in Ibambi, Africa in July 1931 after devoting eighteen years of his life to missionary work in the Congo. After his death, his son-in-law Norman Percy Grubb took over the ministry, which had faced internal conflicts. Under Grubb's capable leadership, the Worldwide Evangelization Crusade (WEC) began to thrive.

Today, the WEC continues to flourish as an interdenominational and international mission organization. With over 1,800 missionaries serving in more than 80 countries, their focus is on reaching unchurched peoples with the message of Christ.

Why This Matters

C. T. Studd's life serves as a powerful example of self-sacrifice and dedication to spreading the Christian faith. His decision to forsake wealth and comfort for the sake of following Jesus challenges us to evaluate our own priorities and consider what truly matters in life. His legacy continues to inspire Christians around the world to devote their lives to serving God and bringing others to Christ.

Think About It

What sacrifices are you willing to make for the sake of the Gospel? How can C. T. Studd's example of selflessness and determination influence your own faith journey?