faith

Iris Grace Rajakumari Paul

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Iris Grace Rajakumari Paul

Birth: 1945
Native Place: Tamil Nadu
Country: India
Place of Vision: Orissa, India

Iris Grace Rajakumari Paul is a devoted Indian missionary known for her lifelong service among the Bondo tribes in Orissa (Odisha) through an organization called the Reaching Hand Society.

She was born in Tamil Nadu into a wealthy Christian family. Though she was strong-willed and often rebellious as a child, the deep faith and devotion of her parents had a great influence on her. Eventually, she surrendered her life to Jesus Christ.

Education and Calling

During her college years, Iris actively took part in the ministry of the Union of Evangelical Students of India (UESI). She later studied medicine in Tamil Nadu and graduated with a Gold Medal for academic excellence.

Inspired by the missionary Albert Schweitzer and his work in Africa, Iris also dreamed of serving God there. However, God had a different plan — to send her as a missionary to the tribal regions of her own country.

Missionary Work in Orissa

In 1972, Iris married Dr. R. A. C. Paul, a young missionary serving among the Bondo tribes of Orissa. At that time, the Bondo people were an isolated tribal group — poor, uneducated, and struggling with high death rates.

After their marriage, Iris moved with her husband to Malkangiri, Orissa, where she opened a medical clinic to help the tribal people. Together, they traveled to remote villages, conducted medical camps, and shared the good news of Jesus Christ. Over time, many Bondo people accepted Christ and experienced transformation in their lives.

Faith Through Trials

The early years of Iris’s ministry were filled with hardships — poor health, accidents, loneliness, and emotional struggles. But she and her husband continued to serve the Lord faithfully without giving up.

In 1986, her husband, Dr. R. A. C. Paul, passed away at a young age. Despite this painful loss, Iris chose to remain in Orissa and continued the mission work alone. She cared for orphans, helped young women escape abuse and exploitation, and became a mother figure to many.

Legacy and Ongoing Work

To continue her vision, Iris founded the Reaching Hand Society, an organization that works for the spiritual and social development of the tribal people. The mission provides education, healthcare, and opportunities for a better life while sharing the love of Christ.

Today, Iris continues her work with her son, Remo Paul, and his wife, Dr. Susan Remo Paul, tirelessly transforming lives — both physically and spiritually — among the tribal communities of Orissa.

Hudson Taylor

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Hudson Taylor Biography

Full Name: James Hudson Taylor
Birthplace: Barnsley, England
Parents: James Taylor and Amelia Taylor
Wife: Mary Dyer
Date of Birth: May 21, 1832
Date of Death: December 22, 1905
Salvation Experience: At the age of 14
Service Achievement: Founded the China Inland Mission and preached the gospel throughout China.

Personal Testimony

James Hudson Taylor was born on May 21, 1832, in Barnsley, England. His parents, James and Amelia Taylor, were devoted Christians who dedicated him to God’s service even before his birth, believing the words of the Lord: “The first fruits belong to Me.”

From childhood, Hudson was weak and often sick, so he stayed home instead of going to school. His father taught him to read, and by the age of four, he had already learned the Hebrew alphabet. His parents raised him in faith and prayer, and as a small boy, Hudson often said, “When I grow up, I want to be a missionary to China.”

One day, he read a book written by a man named Peter Parley, which described the great spiritual need in China. That book deeply touched his heart and strengthened his desire to go there. However, at the age of 14, while attending school, Hudson drifted away from his spiritual life.

During this time, his parents continued to pray earnestly for him. One day, Hudson picked up a small gospel tract titled “It Is Finished.” While reading it, he realized Christ’s love and sacrifice, repented of his sins, and accepted Jesus as his personal Savior.

Calling and Preparation

At the age of 17, Hudson prayed and asked God, “Lord, what do You want me to do with my life?” God clearly spoke to his heart, saying, “Go to China.” From that moment, Hudson began to prepare himself to serve as a missionary there.

He studied the Chinese language, often reading the Gospel of Luke in Chinese for hours each day. He trained himself to live a simple, disciplined life — avoiding comfort and learning to do every task himself. To prepare for missionary work, he also studied medicine at college.

Even while studying, Hudson gave one-third of his income to God, walked eight miles daily to college, and ate only a small piece of bread in the morning and evening. His hardships and humble lifestyle brought him closer to God.

Missionary Work in China

In 1853, at the age of 22, Hudson sailed to China, a journey that took more than five months by ship. Though he faced many difficulties — poor health, lack of food and shelter, and language barriers — he never stopped preaching the gospel.

To reach the Chinese people effectively, he learned their language, customs, and dress, becoming one of them in appearance and life. He later married Mary Dyer, a fellow missionary who worked as a teacher in China.

Because of the harsh conditions and illnesses, Hudson’s health suffered, and after seven years, he returned to England for recovery. Yet, even while in England, his heart remained with China. He hung a map of China on his wall and prayed daily for the nation and its people.

Hudson prayed that God would send 24 missionaries to China, and to fulfill this vision, he founded the China Inland Mission (now known as OMF International). He prayed earnestly for 11 provinces and 380 million people in China.

After months of prayer, God answered — and Hudson sailed again to China with 16 missionaries. Over time, God blessed his mission greatly. Within 20 years, more than 225 missionaries had gone to China through the China Inland Mission.

Trials and Legacy

Hudson faced many personal losses during his ministry. His beloved wife and three children died due to sickness and difficult conditions in China. Later, Hudson himself suffered a spinal injury and was bedridden for months. Even then, he continued to pray for China every day.

Despite all suffering, he served faithfully for many years, leading countless souls to Christ. On December 22, 1905, in China, Hudson Taylor completed his earthly journey and entered the presence of the Lord.

Famous Quote

“God used me to show how mighty He is and how weak I am. Through His grace alone, His great works were done.”