Readability
Original Sources
Devotional Quality
Avoids Hagiography
Biblical Clarity
| Field | China |
| Missionary | Jonathan Goforth |
| Author | Rosalind Goforth |
| Era | 1880s–1930s |
Overview
In Goforth of China, Rosalind Goforth recounts her husband’s life story. She traces his transformation from a humble Ontario farm boy, to a misunderstood Bible college student, to a fruitful missionary, and finally to an impassioned revivalist. The sections about how God worked during their early evangelistic efforts in the Henan province of China are especially encouraging.
Originally written in the months following her husband’s death, Rosalind Goforth’s book understandably has a hagiographic flavor to it. She includes letters of praise for her husband that she received after his funeral. A biography written by a more objective author might avoid this pitfall.
Like with every book, I would recommend discernment as you read. In 1904, Goforth read Charles Finney’s Lectures on Revivals which greatly influenced him and his future ministry. By 1907, Goforth began preaching in revival services in Korea which led to him becoming a sought-after speaker both in China and abroad. In addition, the priority Goforth gave to ministry over family results in some difficult dilemmas in the book.
Highlights
- The background of Hudson Taylor’s “go forward on your knees” quote.
- How God brought hundreds of Chinese people in the Henan province of China to Christ.
- How God sustained both Jonathan and Rosalind through the loss of four children.
- How God protected the Goforths through the Boxer Rebellion.
Quotes
- “Early in life he chose as his motto, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit’ (Zech. 4:6)” (p. 2).
- “When asked by young missionaries as to the secret of his power in winning converts his reply was: ‘Because I just give God a chance to speak to souls through His own Word. My only secret in getting at the heart of big sinners is to show them their need and tell them of a Saviour abundantly able to save.'” (p. 69).
- “The roads are horrid, the barrows go slowly. I consequently had time to talk to people by the way. I have had several good talks, — it is joyful work to serve the Master” (p. 91).
Other Sources
You won’t find a snapshot from the life of Jonathan Goforth in my missions devotionals, but he just might show up if the Lord allows me to add a third book to the series.
