C.T. Studd – From Cricketer to Missionary in China, India & Africa
Early Life and Family
Charles Thomas Studd, known around the world as C.T. Studd, was born on December 2, 1860, in Wiltshire, England. He was the son of Edward Studd, a wealthy landowner. Charles grew up in comfort, surrounded by luxury, sports, and the privileges that came with wealth.
From a young age, Charles had a strong interest in sports. He became an expert in cricket, hunting, and horse riding. By the age of sixteen, he was already recognized as a skilled cricketer. With his tall and handsome figure, he quickly gained fame and admiration. Many hours of his youth were spent in front of a mirror, proud of his strength and appearance.
Influence of His Father’s Conversion
Charles’ father, Edward, was a wealthy man but did not know Christ personally. This changed when he attended revival meetings led by the great evangelist D.L. Moody. Edward gave his life to Jesus, and this decision transformed his home. From that point on, Edward began to pray earnestly that his sons too would follow Christ.
Though Charles listened to the gospel through Moody’s preaching, he hesitated to fully surrender his life to Jesus. His heart was divided between worldly fame and eternal truth.
A Turning Point: His Brother’s Illness
The real breakthrough came when Charles’ brother George became seriously ill and nearly died. Watching his brother suffer deeply shook Charles. He began to realize that wealth, beauty, and worldly pleasures were temporary, but spiritual life and eternity were far more valuable. This event opened his eyes and prepared his heart to receive God.
Full Surrender to Christ
Later, when Charles attended one of D.L. Moody’s student meetings, he was moved to give his life completely to God. He stopped chasing personal dreams of becoming a successful lawyer. Instead, he decided to dedicate himself to spreading the gospel.
Charles often said to himself:
“How can I waste my life chasing fame, when thousands of souls are perishing without Christ?”
At that point, he made the courageous choice to leave behind cricket, his education plans, and even the comfort of his family, in order to follow Jesus.
Fame as a Cricketer
Before leaving everything, Charles was already a famous cricketer in England. Many people admired him for his sports skills. His decision to give up cricket for Christ shocked the public. He became a living testimony of how Jesus could transform even the most ambitious and proud young man. Wherever Charles went, people wanted to hear his story of how Christ had captured his heart.
Call to China
While praying about where he should serve as a missionary, Charles often remembered the words from Psalm 2:8:
“Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.”
He felt a strong call from God to go to China, where millions had never heard the gospel. Though his parents and friends begged him to stay in England, Charles obeyed God’s call.
On April 1, 1885, Charles sailed to China. He landed in Shanghai and immediately began learning the Chinese language, working hard for many hours a day. He often walked nearly 40 miles daily to preach the gospel in villages, despite facing sickness, hardships, and opposition.
Giving Away His Wealth
While in China, Charles received news that his father had died and that he was entitled to inherit great wealth. But Charles had already decided that he would not let riches control his heart. Instead, he gave away his fortune.
- A large portion went to D.L. Moody’s ministry.
- Another part was given to George Müller, who ran orphanages.
- Some went to William Booth’s Salvation Army, which served the poor.
- The rest was distributed among other Christian workers.
Charles chose to live by faith, trusting that God would always provide for his needs. Remarkably, throughout his ministry, he never lacked anything necessary for the work of God.
Marriage and Family
During his time in China, Charles met Priscilla Stewart, an Irish missionary. They married, and God blessed them with five children. Together they endured many struggles but also saw the fruit of their labor. After seven years of service in China, around 800 people had come to know Christ through their efforts.
However, Charles’ health began to fail due to the harsh conditions. Weak and sick, he returned to England for six years, focusing on prayer and recovery.
Mission in India
Once his health improved, Charles traveled to South India as a missionary. There he preached the gospel with zeal. But again, opposition, challenges, and health struggles forced him to eventually return home.
The Call to Africa
Even while weak and sick, Charles never lost his passion for lost souls. One day he read about how many Europeans were going to Africa for business and government work, but very few were going there to preach the gospel. This deeply stirred his heart.
He prayed and once again heard God’s call:
“You must go to Africa.”
At first, Charles hesitated. He had been sick for nearly 15 years and felt unfit for such a journey. But God assured him: “I will heal you. You are the one who must go.”
Though he had no wealth left and his body was frail, Charles decided to give his life for Africa. He famously declared:
“If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.”
Service in Africa
Charles went to the dark continent of Africa and remained there for nearly 20 years. He preached the gospel tirelessly, winning many souls for Christ. His life was marked by sacrifice, endurance, and deep faith.
Even when his health was broken, his determination never weakened. He inspired countless others to follow his example of total surrender to Christ.
Death and Legacy
On July 16, 1931, at the age of 69, Charles Thomas Studd passed away in a small hut in Africa. He had given his entire life for the sake of the gospel.
Though he began life as a wealthy young man and a world-famous cricketer, he chose to lay down everything for Jesus. His story continues to inspire Christians around the world to live fully for Christ and to take the gospel to the nations.
His Famous Saying
Charles often said:
“Just as a gambler gives up everything for his game, so must we be willing to give up everything for Jesus.”
This simple yet powerful statement reflects the essence of his life: total surrender to Christ, no matter the cost.
Reflections on His Life
C.T. Studd’s story is not just about one man. It is about the call of God that can change any life. He was born into privilege, but he did not cling to it. He had fame, wealth, and success, but he counted all of it as loss compared to knowing Christ.
- His Sacrifice: He gave up sports, money, and comfort.
- His Faith: He trusted God completely for provision.
- His Passion: He cared deeply for lost souls in China, India, and Africa.
- His Legacy: His example continues to encourage Christians to live boldly for Jesus.
Conclusion
Charles Thomas Studd lived a life that looked foolish to the world but was precious in the eyes of God. He exchanged cricket fields for mission fields, earthly glory for eternal rewards, and wealth for spiritual riches.
He showed that true greatness is not found in fame or fortune, but in following Jesus Christ wholeheartedly.
His life can be summed up in one powerful truth:
When Christ is everything, nothing else matters.