Country Served:

China

Dates:

1859-1936

Famous Quote:

It is said of Mr. Goforth "When he found his soul needed Jesus Christ, it became a passion with him to take Jesus Christ to every soul. "

Major Influence:

Brought the Gospel to the Tibetan people of China. Established the first Baptist church of the Tibet people.

Short Story:

     Jonathan Goforth was converted to Christ at the age of eighteen. While attendingcollege he did rescue mission work.

At some point he read Hudson Taylor's book about missionary work in China, and it so moved him that he dedicated his life to the Lord as a missionary. He and Rosalind his wife went to Honan, China, Jonathan gave part of his time to helping start churches in Honan and part of his time training hundreds of Chinese evangelists.

During the Boxer Rebellion of 1900, the Goforths barely escaped with their lives though suffering severe wounds. They returned to the Orient and helped start a revival in Korea in 1907. This revival seemed to follow them as they went back to China.

In 1920, Honan and other parts of north central China faced severe famine. Rosalind wrote articles for western magazines and newspapers and helped administer the funds that were raised to buy relief supplies. The Chinese government later gave her a medal in recognition of her efforts. Later the same year, she and Jonathan went on a speaking tour of south China, and then spent time working with Feng's army in Honan. At about the same time, Rosalind published two books, Chinese Diamonds for the King of Kings (1920) and How I Know God Answers Prayer (1921). In 1923, Rosalind had to return to Canada because of poor health. In the spring of 1924 Jonathan joined her there on furlough.

In 1925 they went to Manchuria and served there for eight years before ill health forced them to return to Canada.

Although Goforth was blind the last years of his life, he and his wife promoted missions until they went home to be with the Lord.

Written and Prepared by Jon Allinson 2002