Charles Thomas Studd (1860–1931) was a British missionary, cricketer, and one of the most well-known figures in the history of Christian missions. He devoted his life to sharing the gospel, first in China and later in Africa, inspiring a generation of Christians to engage in missionary work. His bold faith and radical lifestyle remain influential in the evangelical movement.

Early Life and Education

Charles Studd was born on December 2, 1860, in Spratton, Northamptonshire, England, into a wealthy family. His father, Edward Studd, had made a fortune in India, enabling the family to live in relative luxury. Charles attended Eton College and later Trinity College, Cambridge, where he excelled as a cricketer. By the age of 22, he was known as one of England’s most talented cricket players, even representing England in the historic 1882 Ashes series against Australia.

Conversion and Call to Mission

Despite his success in sports and privilege, Studd’s life changed after his father’s conversion to Christianity, which led Charles to take his own faith more seriously. In 1878, while still at Eton, Charles was deeply affected by the preaching of evangelist Dwight L. Moody, which solidified his commitment to Christianity. His spiritual transformation led him to reconsider his priorities and eventually inspired him to dedicate his life to missionary work.

In 1884, when his brother George became seriously ill, Charles faced the reality of life’s fleeting nature and decided to commit fully to serving God. He famously remarked, “I know that cricket would not last, and honor would not last, and nothing in this world would last, but it was worthwhile living for the world to come.”

The Cambridge Seven and Mission to China

In 1885, Studd joined six other young Cambridge students in forming the “Cambridge Seven,” a group of men who decided to become missionaries in China under the guidance of Hudson Taylor’s China Inland Mission. The group’s decision to leave promising careers in Britain to work in China shocked and inspired the public, sparking a wave of missionary enthusiasm across England.

While in China, Studd adopted Chinese customs, wore traditional Chinese clothing, and studied the language. He married fellow missionary Priscilla Livingstone Stewart in 1888, and together they worked for 10 years in China. However, Studd’s health began to deteriorate, and he returned to England in 1894.

Missionary Work in India

After a brief period back in England, Studd served as a pastor at a church in Ootacamund, South India, from 1900 to 1906. His time in India was marked by passionate preaching and a strong emphasis on evangelism. Although this period was quieter than his initial years in China, it further strengthened his conviction that the gospel needed to reach people worldwide.

The Africa Inland Mission

Studd’s final and perhaps most ambitious missionary endeavor began in 1910 when, despite ongoing health issues, he felt a strong call to evangelize in Africa. Against the advice of his family and doctors, he traveled to Central Africa, where he founded the Heart of Africa Mission, which would later become known as Worldwide Evangelisation for Christ (WEC International).

Studd’s mission focused on reaching people in regions that had previously been inaccessible to missionaries, including the Congo. He spent the remainder of his life in Africa, enduring difficult conditions, illness, and the isolation of the mission field. Despite his deteriorating health, he continued preaching and establishing new mission outposts, driven by his motto, “If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.”

Writings and Influence

Throughout his life, Charles Studd was a prolific writer, producing many articles, pamphlets, and books on Christian faith and missions. One of his most famous pieces was the poem, Only One Life, ‘Twill Soon Be Past, which encapsulates his dedication to eternal values over worldly success. Studd’s writings reflect his deep commitment to a radical Christian faith and continue to inspire Christians who seek to serve in missions and evangelism.

Legacy and Death

Charles Studd died on July 16, 1931, in Ibambi, in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo. His missionary work left a lasting legacy, as WEC International grew into one of the largest interdenominational missionary organizations, operating in over 70 countries worldwide.

Studd’s life exemplified self-sacrifice, commitment, and a relentless pursuit of his calling, inspiring countless Christians in his time and beyond to dedicate their lives to missionary work. His story challenges the conventional notions of success and serves as a reminder of the impact one person’s faith and determination can have on the world.