Eric Liddell, the Scottish athlete known for his success in the 1924 Olympic Games, had a profound impact on China during his time there as a missionary. After the Olympics, he returned to China in 1925 to continue his life’s vocation of spreading the teachings of Christianity.
Liddell’s decision to become a missionary in China was greatly influenced by his parents, who were also missionaries in the country. He felt a deep calling to serve and make a difference in the lives of the Chinese people. Liddell dedicated himself to learning the language and immersing himself in the local culture, gaining the respect and admiration of the Chinese community.
During his time in China, Liddell taught science and coached sports at the Anglo-Chinese College in Tianjin. He used his athletic abilities to connect with the students and instill in them the values of discipline, perseverance, and fair play. Liddell’s passion for sports and his dedication to his faith were intertwined, as he believed that sports could be a means of glorifying God.
However, Liddell’s life in China took a tragic turn with the outbreak of World War II. In 1941, as tensions between Japan and China escalated, Liddell and his family were interned in a Japanese camp in Weifang, Shandong province. Despite the difficult conditions and the uncertainty of their situation, Liddell remained steadfast in his faith and continued to provide comfort and support to his fellow internees.
Sadly, Liddell’s time in the internment camp was cut short by his deteriorating health. He had developed a brain tumor, which went untreated due to the limited medical resources available. Liddell passed away on February 21, 1945, at the age of 43. His death was a great loss to the internment camp community and to all those who knew him.
Liddell’s legacy in China lives on even after his death. His unwavering faith, dedication to service, and commitment to the Chinese people continue to inspire many. His story was immortalized in the 1981 film “Chariots of Fire,” which brought his remarkable life and achievements to a wider audience.
Eric Liddell’s time in China as a missionary was marked by his passion for both his faith and sports. His commitment to spreading the teachings of Christianity and his impact on the Chinese community were profound. Tragically, his life was cut short by illness while interred in a Japanese camp during World War II. However, his legacy lives on, and his story continues to inspire people around the world.