Beginnings
Charles Thomas Studd (C.T. as he is often known) was considered by many to be one of the best athletes of his day. After captaining the English cricket team he began his missionary career as part of the famous Cambridge Seven. These seven Cambridge university graduates had hit the headlines of Edwardian England as society men, who turned their backs on a privileged life, to go and preach Christ in inland China. They became examples to thousands of students of choosing purpose over privilege.
After 21 years overseas, C.T. was back in England with health that saw him described as 'a museum of diseases'. Nevertheless, one night he saw a meeting advertised with the words 'Cannibals want missionaries'. Intrigued, he went in, and was challenged by the need of people in the heart of Africa who had never had the opportunity to hear about the Lord Jesus. With no organisation, no money and no support, not even initially from his wife, C.T. Studd sailed alone for Africa in 1910.
Upon arrival in central Africa, C.T. would literally remount his bicycle whenever he discovered missionaries and press on to find those who had never heard of Jesus. Finally after seeing the needs deep in the Congo, he returned to England to launch the new mission. In the meantime however God had spoken to C.T. Studd as he journeyed into Africa's interior:
"This journey is not for the heart of Africa only, but for the whole unevangelised world."
As a result, what began as the Heart of Africa Mission became, in time, a worldwide fellowship of workers under the umbrella of WEC International, which now numbers around 2,000 people from all parts of the globe.
The mission was headed by Studd and his wife Priscilla, who worked tirelessly at the home end while her husband lived in the forests of central Africa.
After C.T.'s death in 1931, leadership was taken over by Norman Grubb. Against the backdrop of the severest depression to ever strike Great Britain, Grubb led WEC to believe God for significant advance and for all of the resources needed to under gird that. So began a period of tremendous growth when each year faith for more workers exceeded the year before and this during a time of unprecedented hardship. The legacy of C.T. Studd's extraordinary faith was taking shape in this young mission.
C.T. had exemplified the character that gave WEC the guiding principles of sacrifice, faith and holiness. Norman Grubb added fellowship to these, and moulded WEC's organization and development over the following years.
For more on C.T. and Priscilla Studd read the biography No Sacrifice Too Great by Eileen Vincent. For more on Norman Grubb read the book Faith on Fire by Stewart Dinnen.
