Goforth of China

by Rosalind Goforth

This work on Jonathan Goforth, written by his wife, Rosalind, covers the entire life of this passionate evangelist who was privileged to experience authentic revival during his missionary work in China.

The Goforth's had been in China from 1888 but left early in the twentieth century to escape the Boxers and returned to Canada. Returning to Honan in 1901, Jonathan felt increasingly restless.

Sometime in 1904 Jonathan received a copy of Charles Finney's ‘Lectures on Revivals.’ He became convinced that there were laws which, if practised, would bring spiritual awakening. Stories of the Welsh revival added fuel to his inner fire and spurred him on to study Biblical and historic revivals.

In 1907 the dam burst. After witnessing a genuine revival in Korea he took the message of revival to Manchurian mission stations. It was here that revival signs of deep conviction and repentance began to accompany his ministry. Congregations were so fascinated by his accounts that they invited him back in early 1908.

During this extended visit there occurred the unprecedented "Manchurian Revival," which transformed Goforth's life and ministry; from then on he became a widely-known evangelist and revivalist.

This is a thrilling story of one of China’s principal evangelists.

First published 1937. 364 pages.

Genres: Biography, China, History, Asia

376 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1937

Reviews

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another inspiring biography of an early 20th century missionary, written by his wife. A little difficult to read because of the more stilted style of the day, but not bad. Also, his wife (Rosalind Goforth) persisted in referring to herself in the third person, which was also a little jarring. HOWEVER, none of this detracts from the wonderful message of the book and the example of the Goforths as they went to China. This was especially interesting to me because the Goforths carried out some of their evangelism in the area where my son lived and worked for two years, and where I was able to visit him five years ago.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know how I lived 4.5 years in China and did not hear about the Goforths (to my recollection). Last year I was very touched by her book: How I Know God Answers Prayers. This year, I read Rosalind's words on her husband and their life story. I have been deeply challenged and encouraged by this book. One of the lines that keeps coming back to me is: Abundant harvest only comes from abundant sowing (paraphrased).
Am I sowing abundantly? Do I expect a harvest? What revival needs to happen in my heart first as I pray for revival for others?

[Rebekah Barkman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute treasure trove of testament upon testament accounts of answered prayers and seeing God move among the Chinese. This book chronicles the life of Jonathon Goforth, written by his wife Rosalind. It’s not the best-written biography ever, but what it lacks in finesse it makes up for in “glory-bump” accounts of God’s power moving through a humble and receptive man. If every Christian lived in the Spirit as Jonathon did, this world would be a far different place.

Missionary biography 3/12 for 2024

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not well written yet an inspiring story. I read this book many years ago when I lived in Singapore. I looked at some of my comments in the margins and I realize I'm different person now. Reading at this time I realized how often he had conflict with other missionaries and his leadership. Yet he was so passionate about sharing the gospel. I don't know why I didn't notice before how difficult he was, in apparently a very nice way, to his wife. Like many books written at this time and about this period of missionary work, the person being written about appears to not have a sin nature. Kudos to his wife who lost 5 young children and still seem to be very dedicated to her husband even when he made what seems to me poor decisions.

[Nathan Feaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a biography of a man who truly lived with God written by the man's wife. The writer doesn't have a particular style: It reminds me of reading letters from Grandma. The source material, however, really makes the book strong. I'm glad I read it.

[Jan Swanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wondering what the impact of their missionary work is today? Amazing outreach!