This week in Christian history: Cardinal resigns, French theologian born, missionary sails for China

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, December 13, 2020

Missionary William Borden sails for China — December 17, 1912

This week marks the anniversary of when William Borden, an heir to a wealthy family fortune who was from Chicago, Illinois, set sail for China to become a missionary.

Years before while a student at Yale University, Borden had become notable for his evangelism efforts by organizing a morning prayer group that eventually attracted hundreds of students.

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On the way to China, Borden stopped at Egypt in an effort to learn Arabic so as to better do mission work among Muslims. While there, he contracted spinal meningitis and died at age 25.

“His missionary career would be among history’s briefest—and most effective,” stated Voice of the Martyrs in a 2014 blog entry. “The story of his sacrifice was retold in newspapers across America and the publication of his biography resulted in a dramatic leap in numbers of young people offering themselves as living sacrifices for the Lord of the harvest.”