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Mrs. C.T. Studd
Mrs. C.T. Studd, born Priscilla Livingstone Stewart (1864–1929), was an Irish missionary and preacher whose life was marked by unwavering devotion to Christ alongside her husband, Charles Thomas (C.T.) Studd. Born on August 28, 1864, in Lisburn near Belfast, Ireland, she grew up with a spirited personality, later describing herself as uninterested in religion as a girl, preferring a life free of pious constraints. Her transformation came through a profound conversion experience, leading her to join the China Inland Mission (CIM) as part of "The Hundred" missionaries in 1887. She arrived in Shanghai that year and soon moved inland with three other women to Ta-Ku-Tang, immersing herself in evangelistic work. Priscilla’s preaching career flourished after meeting C.T. Studd in China, whom she married on April 7, 1888, in a ceremony officiated by Pastor Xi Shengmo amid her recovery from pneumonia. Together, they served in inland China until 1894, enduring hardships while raising four daughters—Grace, Dorothy, Edith, and Pauline (two sons died in infancy). After returning to England due to ill health, she supported C.T.’s missionary tours in India (1900–1906) and his subsequent work in Africa from 1912, though she remained in England managing the home front and the Worldwide Evangelization Crusade (WEC) after its founding. Her preaching continued through organizing efforts and writings, including missionary pamphlets like A Challenge to Every Christian. Priscilla joined C.T. in the Belgian Congo in 1928, her only visit there, and died on January 15, 1929, leaving a legacy as a preacher who sacrificed comfort for the gospel’s spread.
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Mrs. C.T. Studd's sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's omnipotence and focusing on the eternal gains rather than temporary losses. She encourages believers to prioritize saving souls, viewing Christ as their ultimate inheritance, and being prepared for Christ's imminent return. Mrs. Studd challenges individuals to rely on God's provision, wisdom, and strength, reminding them that doubting is a sin and that God equips those He calls. She inspires a fearless and passionate commitment to God's work, urging believers to step out in faith, knowing that the Lord goes before them.
A Challenge to Every Christian
Say not--Is the thing possible? But--God is omnipotent! Say not--Look what I'd lose! But--See what I'd gain! Say not--Have I the wisdom? But--Am I a fool? I Cor. iii. 18. Say not--I might lose my life! But--I must save their souls! Say not--Should I leave my possessions? But--Christ's my inheritance! Say not--Is it the right time? But--Christ's coming soon! Say not--What salary shall I draw? But--The Bible's my cheque book! Say not--I fear the hardships! But--I shall reign if I suffer! Say not--Who's on the Committee? But--God's our Director! Say not--Shall I not starve? But--God feeds the birds! Say not--I have no talents! But--Christ is my wisdom! Say not--Have I the faith? But--Doubting is sin! Say not--I am not eloquent! But--Who made man's mouth? Say not--I don't want to be fanatical! But--Make me a flame of fire! Say not--I am a doctor. Who'll build and support my hospital? But--I trust God for all! Say not--I fear the devil! But--With the sling of faith and a smooth stone from the Book, I'll knock Goliath's head off! Say not--Good-bye (in tears), I'll soon come back again! But--I'm off to the Devil's Den to turn the Devil out! How lucky I am! I've got my "Blue" at last! Certainly I am to be congratulated. Thanks awfully! Adieu! Up, for this is the day: is not the Lord gone out before thee?" Up! Up! Ye Baraks. Up! Up! Ye Deborahs. Up! Up! to this work of the Lord. --From "With C.T. Studd In Congo Forests" by Norman Grubb, Chapter 27 quoting one of "Mother" Studd's missionary pamphlets printed in the early 1920's to gather workers for the "Heart of Africa Mission"
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Mrs. C.T. Studd, born Priscilla Livingstone Stewart (1864–1929), was an Irish missionary and preacher whose life was marked by unwavering devotion to Christ alongside her husband, Charles Thomas (C.T.) Studd. Born on August 28, 1864, in Lisburn near Belfast, Ireland, she grew up with a spirited personality, later describing herself as uninterested in religion as a girl, preferring a life free of pious constraints. Her transformation came through a profound conversion experience, leading her to join the China Inland Mission (CIM) as part of "The Hundred" missionaries in 1887. She arrived in Shanghai that year and soon moved inland with three other women to Ta-Ku-Tang, immersing herself in evangelistic work. Priscilla’s preaching career flourished after meeting C.T. Studd in China, whom she married on April 7, 1888, in a ceremony officiated by Pastor Xi Shengmo amid her recovery from pneumonia. Together, they served in inland China until 1894, enduring hardships while raising four daughters—Grace, Dorothy, Edith, and Pauline (two sons died in infancy). After returning to England due to ill health, she supported C.T.’s missionary tours in India (1900–1906) and his subsequent work in Africa from 1912, though she remained in England managing the home front and the Worldwide Evangelization Crusade (WEC) after its founding. Her preaching continued through organizing efforts and writings, including missionary pamphlets like A Challenge to Every Christian. Priscilla joined C.T. in the Belgian Congo in 1928, her only visit there, and died on January 15, 1929, leaving a legacy as a preacher who sacrificed comfort for the gospel’s spread.