Courage rooted in conviction

Jonathan Goforth, the Canadian missionary to China, lived a life marked by faith, courage, and unwavering dedication to God’s work. Among the many inspiring incidents in his life, one of the most powerful occurred during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900—a time when foreign missionaries were being violently persecuted throughout China.

When the rebellion broke out, Goforth and his wife, Rosalind, were stationed in Honan Province. The uprising spread rapidly, and foreigners became prime targets. Their mission stations were destroyed, and many of their converts were killed. Goforth and Rosalind had to flee for their lives, traveling hundreds of miles on foot and by cart, constantly pursued by angry mobs. Despite the danger, Goforth refused to abandon his faith or his compassion for the Chinese people.

At one point during their escape, an enraged crowd surrounded them. Death seemed inevitable. But instead of reacting in fear, Goforth stood up in the cart, lifted his Bible high, and began to speak to the crowd about God’s love and forgiveness. His calmness and courage deeply moved those around him. The mob gradually dispersed, and the couple was allowed to continue their journey unharmed.

This incident is deeply inspirational because it reflects Goforth’s complete trust in God even in the face of death. He believed that his life was in God’s hands and that his mission of sharing the Gospel was worth any sacrifice. Jonathan Goforth’s example reminds us that true faith shines brightest in times of trial, and that courage rooted in conviction can turn even the most dangerous moment into a testimony of divine power and grace.

www.johnsoncherian.com