Pastor Hsi (One of China's Christians)

The book, “Pastor Hsi (One of China's Christians),” was first published in 1900 by Mrs. Howard Taylor. My wife, Margaret, and I read a copy owned by her late father which was printed in 1905, making it 109 years old! Reprint editions are still available.

I am reading it again noting quotes and illustrations to share with others.

The book is possibly one of the most practical, spiritually encouraging, inspiring, challenging and life and ministry instructive biographies ever written! It is a book, which would greatly help missionaries, Christian workers and pastors in life and ministry today.

This very practical book will help readers learn from godly men and women from the past so as not to reinvent the wheel of life and ministry. Reading this book will also help not to make mistakes which could be avoided by simply reading and then applying godly principles such as the following:

1. Pastor Hsi (pronounced "she") prayed about “everything”.

2. He prayed and fasted for days at a time, especially during difficult times.

3. He was a man of great “trust in God”.

4. The book gives excellent illustrations on how to deal with “difficult relationships”.

5. There are many guidelines for growing in grace.

6. Encouragement for persevering under trials.

7. How to shepherd and train leaders.

8. Pastor Hsi was very practical in ministry.

9. He developed a very successful income-generating ministry which completely supported the work and many full-time Christian workers.

10. Pastor and Mrs. Hsi worked very hard and lived sacrificial lives.

11. The young Chinese church was exceptional in hospitality.

12. The Chinese leaders and church had a great vision for the lost and worked well with the China Inland Mission (CIM) and constantly asked and prayed for more CIM missionaries for inland China.

13. The church prayed and pleaded for single women missionaries to work with women.

14. Pastor Hsi and his many disciples had a burning passion for the millions of Chinese without Christ and were continually praying and planning for advancement of the gospel!

In reading this excellent book, I was especially challenged to grow in grace and godliness and to renew my "passion for expansion," not to expand just for growth but for the sake of people without Christ!

For example, in my beloved adopted country the Philippines, even with the growth of the church, there is still an estimated 95% of the population of 100 million without Christ. This is 95 million people! Throughout the world there are 150 million orphans and 100 million street children most never having heard the gospel.

Therefore, should we not all pray that the ministry of our church will expand to reach more for Christ?

To pray, "Oh Lord, please be gracious to us Your people, Your church and raise up many more men and women like Pastor and Mrs. Hsi of China. Please do it Lord for Your glory and the salvation of many!"

“ . . . Christ in you, the hope of glory.  We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.  For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me” (Colossians 1:27-29).

Let’s pray for one another and for a great advancement of the gospel!