1625 was the year that the Nestorian Stone was discovered in China, which reveals the story of bishop Alopen and also opened a “long-lost chapter in the history of Christian missions”. Alopen visited China in 635 at a time when China was a religiously tolerant area. When the emperor heard about this new religion of Christianity the emperor then translated the Bible and studied it for himself.
Some strategies were a little more effective than others. One effective strategy, I would say, comes from the teachings of Hudson Taylor, who urged his missionaries to learn the Native language, eat local food, wear customary clothes, and observe the cultural etiquette. Using the work that he did in China as an example, many missionaries have adopted his way of evangelizing unreached people today.
Also with the birth of Protestantism, bible reading became a large part of the Protestant Christian faith. The importance of bible reading led to many missionaries going out with a great desire to translate the Christian bible into the languages of the natives. Because of the work of missionaries Henry Martin, Ann Judson, Robert Morrison, William Milne, and more, people from different languages and nations have been able to fall in love with and study the word of God themselves. The success of this practice leads many missionaries working to do the same ministry today.
