Eric Liddell was born in 1902 in China to missionary parents originally from Scotland. When he was six years old, he was sent to a boarding school in England for missionary children. In 1920, he entered Edinburgh University and spent much of his time at university playing rugby and running.

 

1924 Summer Olympics in Paris

Eric had received many honours and won many competitions throughout his athletic career, so it was no surprise when he began to train for the 1924 Paris Olympics. He planned on entering the 100-meter race, but when he realised it would be held on a Sunday, he refused to participate. For him, keeping the Sabbath meant not working on Sunday, which included playing sports. Certainly, others did not understand his conviction to honour the Lord, yet his first allegiance was not to his country but to his God.

He was able to switch instead to the 200- and 400-meter competitions, as they weren’t held on Sundays. Even though his specialty was the 100-meter, he took these opportunities to participate in the Olympics and ended up winning a gold medal in the 400-meter and a bronze in the 200-meter.

 

“Made for China”

Eric always felt drawn back to China and he often said that the Lord had made him for China. In 1925, he gave up his athletic career in England to return to the country, where he joined his parents and brother and served as a missionary.

In 1932, he took a furlough to study at Congregational College in Glasgow, Scotland, where he was later ordained. His mind was still set to return to China, which he did following ordination. He married Florence Mackenzie and together they ministered to people in China and would go on to have three daughters.

As a missionary, Eric led Bible studies, taught chemistry, and coached sports and athletics.

 

War

As World War II intensified in 1941, Chinese and Japanese relations became so dangerous that many non-natives began to flee China. For the sake of their safety, a pregnant Florence along with their two small children left for Canada, Florence’s native home. Eric stayed on in China, feeling burdened to help the people especially as the number of missionaries there was diminishing.

 

Internment

When Britain and Japan went to war in December 1941, Eric became an enemy alien subject to harsh treatment, which greatly restricted his missionary work. Finally, in 1943, he was sent to a Japanese-run internment camp.

Even in the camp, he continued his ministry, caring for and counselling his fellow prisoners, teaching Bible classes, and constantly finding other ways to preach and live out the gospel. His care for others continued even while imprisoned.

In early 1945, Eric developed a quickly-growing brain tumour and died within a few weeks.

 

He finished well

His athletic career was important to him, and he is widely known for his Olympic participation and medals. But his greatest work was done in China, among the wealthy and the poor, where—even amidst the trials, hostility, and poverty—he continuously ministered, served, and lived life for the glory of God and the love of his neighbours. For Eric Liddell, this was the most important race.

He fought the good fight; he finished the race; he kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7).

 (This story was shortened.)
Source: Torchlighters