This is the story of Charles Thomas Studd, or simply CT Studd. He is famous for saying, “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” I love these words as it reminds me to faithfully seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness. He was born in 1860 and was a renowned English cricketer who gave up everything to follow his true calling in serving Christ. Imagine some famous athletes, such as Muhammad Ali, Tiger Woods, Michael Phelps, Lionel Messi, Patrick Mahomes, Serena Williams, or Caitlin Clark, in their prime deciding to give their lives to Christ and leaving their fame and money behind to serve God in the mission field. Thus, many Christians liken him to the Rich Young Ruler Jesus encountered (Mt.19:16-22), but the difference is that he chose to follow Christ and give up everything. He was one of the famous “Cambridge Seven,” a group of Cambridge students who committed themselves to Hudson Taylor’s China Inland Mission.

Despite his fame and success in sports, Studd felt a deep emptiness within. His life took a dramatic turn when he attended a revival meeting led by the American evangelist Dwight L. Moody. Studd and his two brothers experienced a profound spiritual awakening there and committed their lives to Christ. This decision began his journey from athlete to missionary. Studd’s faith in Christ led him to forsake his comfortable life in England and venture into the unknown territories of China, India, and Africa. He faced numerous challenges, including illness, financial difficulties, and cultural barriers. However, his unwavering faith and trust in God’s providence sustained him through these trials. Influenced by the likes of George Müller’s faith, he believed that God would provide for a Christian’s needs. According to an old article by Alex Bunn, Heroes and Heretics: CT Studd, it is recorded:

“His father died while he was in China. He gave away his inheritance of £29,000, specifying £5,000 to be used for the Moody Bible Institute, £5,000 for George Müller mission work and his orphans, £5,000 for George Holland’s work with England’s poor in Whitechapel, and £5,000 to Commissioner Booth Tucker for the Salvation Army in India. He lived as a ‘faith missionary’ for the rest of his life, with no fundraising. He believed that God would provide for his ministry. Studd’s dedication to spreading the Gospel was evident in his tireless efforts to establish missions and convert souls. His life was a testament to the power of faith and the impact of living a Christ-centered life.”

Studd’s inspirational faith in Christ touched countless lives throughout his missionary work. He founded the Worldwide Evangelization Crusade (WEC), which continues to operate today, spreading the message of Christ across the globe. While in China, he married a fellow missionary, Priscilla Livingstone Stewart, and they had four daughters and two sons. Of the four daughters, Pauline Studd married Norman Grubb, who continued the mission work after Studd died. Studd’s faithfulness to God is a compelling reminder that true fulfillment comes not from worldly achievements but from a deep, abiding faith in Christ. His story encourages us to trust in God’s purpose for our lives and to serve Him wholeheartedly, no matter the cost. We indeed have only one life to live, and only what is done for Christ will last forever.