Gospel Unleashed

In the 1950s, David Bentley-Taylor was kicked out of China as authorities started to clamp down on Christians in the country. He moved to East Java with a passion for continuing to preach the gospel to the Chinese diaspora in Indonesia. There, he taught Hebrew and Greek to the Chinese Indonesians in Chinese. And with a thick Liverpool accent, he would always remind his local bible students: "Never be satisfied with just reaching the Chinese with the gospel but share it with the native Javanese as well!" So for those 11 years in Java, David Bentley-Taylor also established 8 Javanese churches. However, it was the Madurese of Java that really captivated the heart of Bentley-Taylor. The Madurese were radical Muslims and one of the largest unreached people groups in the world. For years, Bentley-Taylor and many others after would share the gospel. A generous estimate of the number of Christians prior to 2003 would have been close to nothing. 


In 2003, Richard Konieczny meets and hears about Madurese in Java who were affected badly by some floods. The Christian community in that area gathers together to help and care for those affected. Surprised and unnerved, they ask why they are willing to care and love. The Christians answer: "because the love of Jesus compels us". 3 years later, 18 Madurese are baptized. 


Richard arrives back in Canada who relays the message excitedly to Michael, David Bentley-Taylor's son. Michael meets his father at Christmas that year in England. 94, blind and bed-ridden, yet daily praying for the Madurese and never knowing or seeing anyone come to Christ. Months later, David Bentley-Taylor passes away with peace in his heart and an unquenched passion for the gospel.


What then is the gospel that transforms the lives of mere men? 

The gospel is good news to those who hear and receive. It is news that our sin, brokenness and despair no longer have a hold on us because Jesus, God on earth, has taken it's sting. He has broken the curse. And through His death we can have life. 

How then should we live?