Happy Birthday Uncle Eric!

This was the second time I performed Beyond the Chariots in Hong Kong. Dr. James "Jamey" Hudson Taylor III is a great-grandson of Hudson Taylor, who spearheaded missions in China in the late 1800's.

Jamey had agreed to speak afterward, but he came down with a cold and asked if I'd excuse him. I saw him on the first row, so after the play I thought I should at least acknowledge his presence. Much to my surprise he came to the stage. He said, "Rich didn't think I was going to speak, but I had to tell you that today would have been Eric Liddell's 105th birthday." He went on to describe how Uncle Eric was a father figure to so many children who were separated from their families.

Dr. Taylor saw the play for the second time, and he brought his wife, Leone, and their grandson. I introduced him to the audience after the show as Jim Hudson Taylor, V, but that's this young man's cousin. This great-great-great grandson of Hudson Taylor is Devin Taylor Alsin. He attends University of Washington in Seattle (the only place I ever came in last in a race: steeplechase against some big schools). Devin is here to study finances for a semester. I was quite honored to hear how much he enjoyed the play. I told the audience that he may not have the name, but I'm sure he carries the mantle to accomplish great things for the Lord.