THREE HIGHLIGHTS OF MSI

As I reflected about the founding of MSI, I have three highlights I would like to share.

First, MSI is a continuation of the work began by A.J. Broomhall and Joan Wales. Near the end of the Sino-Japanese War in 1945, the Lord laid upon Broomhall’s heart a desire to reach out to the Yi people of Southwest China. Broomhall’s family and Joan were called to Zhaojue in Daliangshan in Sichuan. They were there for only three years before “the reluctant exodus”. Then in the early 1990s, it was the two visits by Broomhall and Joan which opened the doors for MSI. The amazing invitation to return to Zhaojue birthed MSI. Thus, we are a part of a procession. As Broomhall was faithful many years ago, we are faithful today and are laying down roads for people who come after us.

Second, MSI is a divinely timed opportunity. God brought together three people with uniquely different talents and connections and weaved this unbreakable cord of three strands to launch MSI’s ministry. Dr. Reggie Tsang is a doctor who brought in the medical side. My father (James H. Taylor III) was diplomatic and brought in the relational side. Yet another important part of the equation was Richard Chen, who was a businessman and had connections with China’s Yenjing Alumni Association. The then provincial governor of Sichuan was a member of this alumni association. These connections enabled the kickstart of MSI, even though some people had reservations. It was the efforts of these three founders who had the intentional focus of mobilising Christian professionals to use their professions to witness for Jesus Christ. I know this was very much on my father’s heart, especially mobilising within the Chinese Christian community.

Third, the importance of the word integrity. I thank God especially for Dr. Wang Xiangheng who was also pivotal and key in MSI’s development. Dr. Wang reminded us of the importance of integrity: that as we go to serve, we need to serve and do what we say we have come to do. This needs to be the first line of our witness for Jesus Christ.

Thus, these three characteristics: continuation, timing and opportunity, and integrity remain very important for MSI till today.