In Chinese historiography and Christian biography, there is a striking contrast between the justifiable attention given to James Hudson Taylor, the founder of the China Inland Mission (CIM), and the relative neglect of his successor, Dixon Edward Hoste. In his landmark study of Hoste, Dr. Fung gives us important and fresh insights into the shaping of this man of God in the context of his times and his significance for God's missional purposes.

Ernest C. T. Chew, PhD

Vice-Chairman, The Evangelical Alliance of Singapore

Associate Senior Fellow, ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore

Dr. Patrick Fung's fine account goes a long way to fill a longstanding gap in our understanding of the work of the China Inland Mission (CIM), which is the crucial role played by Dixon Edward Hoste, who succeeded Hudson Taylor as general director. Dr. Fung's meticulous analysis, much of it based on primary sources, clearly demonstrates that Hoste not only built on Taylor's vision of planting a fully indigenous church in China, but put in place the essential steps needed to bring about its fulfilment. A penetrating and invaluable study!

Hwa Yung

Bishop Emeritus, The Methodist Church in Malaysia