This year marks the 140th anniversary of the Cambridge Seven sailing for China in February 1885.
The OMF website explains: “This group of seven Christians from Britain caught the imagination of the church and the nation as they gave up riches, fame and comfortable lives to go and share the good news of Jesus in China through the China Inland Mission (CIM), now OMF International.
“The Cambridge Seven had a dramatic impact in Britain before they left for China. A series of well-attended gatherings across the UK inspired many others to serve God overseas too. At the final meeting in London the night before they sailed to China, 3,000 people came to hear from the seven missionaries and the event was reported in The Times newspaper.
“In China they preached the gospel, encouraged disciples, and built up the local church. Their faithful service extended beyond China to other lands as well, telling of Jesus and how He had changed their lives.
“Their example encourages and challenges us as followers of Jesus today to follow Him wholeheartedly and make His name known across the world in our generation.”
One of the Cambridge Seven, cricketer C.T. Studd, also founded, in 1913, what is now mission organisation WEC International.
