Leader’s guide · 12 weeks
Leader’s guide: A Retrospect (For Children)
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This guide walks a Sunday school class, homeschool group or family through “A Retrospect (For Children)” in twelve weeks, one chapter a week. It tells the true story of Hudson Taylor, who learned to trust God for everything in England and then carried the good news of Jesus deep into China. It works for a small family around the table or a class of up to twenty, and is written for ages 6–12.
Each session takes about 30 minutes. Welcome everyone and say the memory verse together (3 minutes). Read the chapter aloud (5–7 minutes). Talk together using the chapter’s three questions (5–10 minutes). Do the activity (10 minutes). Close by praying the chapter’s prayer, or your own (2 minutes).
To prepare, read the chapter yourself beforehand and have paper, pencils and crayons ready; several weeks need nothing at all. A few chapters have frightening moments, such as a dangerous illness, a storm near the rocks and a night alone among would-be robbers, so read them calmly, answer questions simply, and keep coming back to the book’s own point: God took care of Hudson every step of the way.
Week 1 — The Little Book in the Basket
Hudson, about fifteen and bored, picks a little Gospel booklet out of a basket in his father’s library, meaning to skip the “preachy bit.” The words “the finished work of Christ” bring Jesus’ cry “It is finished” to mind, and he understands that Jesus has already paid for all his sins, so he kneels down alone and gives his life to Jesus. The big idea: we can’t earn God’s love; Jesus has done everything, and we simply receive it as a gift.
“It is finished.” — from John 19
Memory verse
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.
Ephesians 2:8
Talk together
What did Hudson find in the little basket in his father’s library?
A small Gospel booklet. He meant to read the story part and skip the “preachy bit” at the end.
Which words from the Cross came into Hudson’s mind, and what did he understand?
“It is finished.” He understood that Jesus had already paid for all his sins, so there was nothing left for him to earn or add.
Talk together: Do you think you have to be good enough for God to love you?
The chapter’s point: you don’t have to earn God’s love. Jesus has already done everything; we just receive it, like a gift.
Activity
A Gift Already Paid For
You will need: Paper and crayons
- Draw a big wrapped present with a bow on top.
- Draw a gift tag and write “From: Jesus” and “To:” with your own name.
- Across the present, write “It is finished” in bright letters.
- Hold up your presents and say thank you to Jesus together for his gift.
Pray
Dear Jesus, thank you that you finished the work of saving me on the Cross. I receive your gift with all my heart. Amen.
Week 2 — Mother's Locked Door
Far away, at the very time Hudson was reading, his mother felt she must pray for him; she locked her door and prayed for hours until she was sure God had heard, then began thanking him. When Hudson came to tell her his news, she already knew, and his sister Amelia had been praying for him every day too. The big idea: God hears every prayer, someone may be praying for us, and we can pray faithfully for the people we love.
“The prayer of a good person is powerful and works wonders.” — from James 5
Memory verse
Pray without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Talk together
What did Hudson’s mother do while she was far away visiting friends?
She locked herself in her room and prayed for Hudson for hours, until she felt sure God had heard. Then she stopped asking and started thanking him.
What did his mother say when Hudson ran to tell her his news?
“I know, my boy. I have been rejoicing for a whole fortnight!” God himself had told her. (His sister Amelia had also been praying for him every day.)
Talk together: Who could you pray for, the way Hudson’s mother and sister prayed for him?
The chapter’s point: someone may be praying for you right now, and you can pray faithfully for the people you love too, because God really does listen.
Activity
My Praying Hand
You will need: Paper and pencils or crayons
- Lay one hand flat on your paper and draw around it with a pencil.
- On each finger, write or draw one person you will pray for this week, such as family, a friend or a teacher.
- Colour the hand in and write “God listens” across the palm.
- Take it home and pray for one finger’s person each day.
Pray
Dear God, thank you for people who pray for me. Help me to pray faithfully for the people I love. Amen.
Week 3 — The Last Half-Crown
Practising trust for China, Hudson has only one half-crown left when a poor man asks him to pray for his sick wife; finding the family hungry with a new baby, he gives them his last coin and walks home singing. Next morning a letter arrives with a pair of gloves and a coin worth four times as much. The big idea: we can never out-give God, so we can share cheerfully and trust our Father to look after us.
“Give to the one who asks you.” — from Matthew 5
Memory verse
Give to him who asks you, and don’t turn away him who desires to borrow from you.
Matthew 5:42
Talk together
Why did Hudson give away his very last coin?
A poor family had no food at all. He couldn’t talk about God’s care while clutching his last coin, so he gave them his whole half-crown.
What came in the post the next morning?
A letter with a pair of gloves inside, and a coin dropped out worth four times what Hudson had given away.
Talk together: Is it ever hard for you to share something? What could help?
The chapter’s point: you can never out-give God. When you share with someone in need, you can trust your loving Father to take care of you.
Activity
The Coin That Came Back
You will need: Paper and crayons
- Draw a large round coin on your paper and write “1” in the middle.
- Pass your coin to the person on your left, saying, “You can never out-give God.”
- On the coin you receive, add three more coins around it so it becomes four times as many, and pass it back.
- On the back of your own coin, draw one thing you could share with someone this week.
Pray
Dear God, help me to give cheerfully, even when it’s hard, and to trust you to take care of me. Amen.
Week 4 — The Forgotten Wages
Hudson decides not to remind his forgetful employer, a doctor, when his pay is due, but to ask God to remind him instead. Pay day passes, the doctor remembers but has just banked his spare money, and Hudson keeps praying, until late on Saturday night a rich patient turns up to pay a bill and the doctor hands the money to Hudson. The big idea: our Father already knows what we need, so we can bring it to him first and trust his timing.
“Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” — from Matthew 6
Memory verse
Therefore don’t be like them, for your Father knows what things you need, before you ask him.
Matthew 6:8
Talk together
What was Hudson’s plan when his pay was due?
He would not remind the forgetful doctor. Instead he would ask God to remind him.
How did Hudson finally get his money?
Late on Saturday night a rich patient came to pay a bill, and the doctor handed the money to Hudson, saying, “You might as well take these.”
Talk together: When you need something, who do you ask first?
The chapter’s point: your Father in heaven already knows what you need and can arrange things in ways you’d never expect. Bring it to him first and trust his timing.
Activity
Who Do I Ask First?
You will need: Nothing
- Stand in a circle and explain the game: when the leader names a need, everyone points up to God as fast as they can.
- The leader calls out needs, such as “I’ve lost my shoe,” “I’m scared of the dark” or “My friend is sad.”
- After each one, ask the group who God might use to help, like a parent, teacher or friend.
- Finish by saying the memory verse together with a finger pointing upward.
Pray
Dear God, thank you that you already know what I need. Help me to bring it to you first, and trust your timing. Amen.
Week 5 — "You Shall Not Die"
While training as a doctor in London and living on brown bread and water, Hudson pricks his finger and catches a serious sickness; the senior doctor tells him, “You are a dead man.” His first thought is sadness that he might never reach China, and then a calm certainty that he has work to do there and will not die; two other men with the same sickness die, but Hudson recovers. Mention the two men simply and keep the focus where the chapter does, on God keeping Hudson. The big idea: God has a plan for our lives, and we are safe in his hands until it is finished.
“I shall not die, but live, and tell what the Lord has done.” — from Psalm 118
Memory verse
I will not die, but live, and declare Yah’s works.
Psalm 118:17
Talk together
How did Hudson get so sick?
A needle pricked his finger, and the next day, during a dangerous medical job, that little cut let in a serious sickness.
What was Hudson’s first thought when the doctor said, “You are a dead man”?
Not fear for himself, but sadness that he might never get to China. Then he felt calm and sure: “I have work to do in China, and I shall not die.”
Talk together: How does it feel to know your life is in God’s hands?
The chapter’s point: God has a plan for your life and will take care of you until it is finished. You are safe in his hands.
Activity
The Road God Has for Me
You will need: Paper and crayons
- Draw a long winding road across your paper, from one corner to the other.
- At the start, draw yourself as you are today.
- Along the road, draw three things you hope God might lead you to do as you grow up.
- Write “My life is in God’s hands” at the end of the road.
Pray
Dear God, thank you that my life is in your hands and you have good plans for me. Help me trust you, whatever comes. Amen.
Week 6 — The Storm by the Rocks
Hudson sails for China after a sad goodbye to his mother, and a fierce gale traps the ship for twelve days, until one Sunday night the wind drives it almost onto the rocks. When the captain asks about his call to China, Hudson says he would rather be there, obeying God, than anywhere else, and soon the wind changes and they sail safely out of the bay. Keep the danger simple; the chapter’s focus is Hudson’s peace. The big idea: we can be at peace even in a storm when we know we are where God wants us, because he is Lord of the wind and the waves.
“He calmed the storm, and guided them to the harbour they longed for.” — from Psalm 107
Memory verse
He makes the storm a calm, so that its waves are still.
Psalm 107:29
Talk together
What danger did the ship face in the storm?
A fierce gale trapped it for twelve days, and one Sunday night the wind drove it almost onto the rocks.
What did Hudson tell the captain when it looked like the end?
That he would rather be there, obeying God, than anywhere else, and that he still believed he would reach China. Soon the wind changed and they sailed out of the bay.
Talk together: When you feel scared, what helps you feel peaceful?
The chapter’s point: even in a frightening storm, you can be at peace when you know you are where God wants you, because he is Lord of the wind and the waves.
Activity
Storm and Calm
You will need: Nothing
- Sit in a circle and practise being the storm: rub hands for rain, pat knees for wind, and stamp feet softly for thunder.
- When the leader says “Storm!”, make the storm sounds together, getting louder.
- When the leader calls, “The wind has changed!”, everyone stops at once and sits perfectly still.
- In the quiet, whisper the memory verse together, then play once or twice more.
Pray
Dear God, when life feels like a storm, help me stay peaceful, knowing you are with me and in control. Amen.
Week 7 — Praying for a Wind
Later on the voyage there is no wind at all, and a strong current drags the ship toward hidden rocks while the sailors try everything. Hudson says, “There is one thing we haven’t done yet,” and the four people on board who love God pray for a wind; while a grumpy officer is still sneering, the top sail begins to flutter and the ship sails safely away. The big idea: when we don’t know what to do, we should pray first, not last, because God loves to answer.
“Call to me, and I will answer you.” — from Jeremiah 33
Memory verse
Call to me, and I will answer you, and will show you great things, and difficult, which you don’t know.
Jeremiah 33:3
Talk together
What was wrong this time on the voyage?
There was no wind at all, and a strong current was dragging the ship toward dangerous hidden rocks.
What was the “one thing we haven’t done yet”?
Pray. Hudson asked the four people on board who loved God to pray for a wind, and soon the top sail began to flutter.
Talk together: Do you usually pray first or last when there’s a problem?
The chapter’s point: sometimes we try everything except the most important thing. When you don’t know what else to do, pray. God loves to answer.
Activity
Praying for a Wind
You will need: One sheet of paper per child
- Fold your paper in half to make a little sail and hold it up in front of you.
- Get into groups of about four, like the four on Hudson’s ship.
- In your group, take turns praying one short sentence for a real need, such as a sick person or someone who is worried.
- After everyone says “Amen,” blow gently on your sails together and watch them flutter.
Pray
Dear God, help me to pray first, not last. Thank you that you hear me and answer at just the right time. Amen.
Week 8 — Dressing Like the People He Loved
In China, Hudson’s English clothes draw crowds who point, laugh and shout rude names, so he chooses to dress like the Chinese people and style his hair like theirs. Now people listen quietly and invite him home, and his friend Mr. Burns soon does the same. The big idea: love thinks of others first and is willing to give up comfort or pride so that people can feel welcome and hear about Jesus.
“I have become all things to all people, so that I might help to save some.” — from 1 Corinthians 9
Memory verse
Each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.
Philippians 2:4
Talk together
Why did people in China laugh at Hudson at first?
He looked so different in his English clothes that crowds followed him, pointing, laughing and shouting rude names.
What changed when Hudson dressed like the Chinese people?
People stopped staring and jeering. They listened quietly and invited him into their homes, and his friend Mr. Burns soon wore Chinese clothes too.
Talk together: Could you give up something small to help someone feel welcome?
The chapter’s point: Hudson did it out of love. Love thinks about others first and is willing to give up comfort or pride, like being right or being first.
Activity
Getting to Know You
You will need: Paper and crayons
- Find a partner, ideally someone you don’t know well.
- Ask each other three questions: your favourite colour, your favourite animal and something you love doing.
- Fold your paper into a card and draw your partner’s three favourite things on the front.
- Give your partner the card, and say thank you when you receive yours.
Pray
Dear God, make me willing to give up my own comfort out of love, so others can see your kindness in me. Amen.
Week 9 — The Night on the Temple Steps
Hudson’s servant runs off with all his luggage, and with nowhere to stay he lies down on the cold steps of a locked temple, his money under his head. Men creep close hoping to rob him, but Hudson tells them he trusts God as his Father and stays awake singing hymns, saying verses and praying until they wander off before morning. This chapter can feel scary for younger children, so reassure them that Hudson was kept safe all night. The big idea: God never leaves us, even in the dark.
“I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” — from Hebrews 13
Memory verse
In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you, the LORD alone, make me live in safety.
Psalm 4:8
Talk together
Why did Hudson have to sleep on the temple steps?
His servant ran away with all his luggage, and no one would take him in for the night.
How did Hudson stay safe from the men who wanted to rob him?
He stayed awake singing hymns, saying Bible verses out loud and praying, until the men got tired and wandered off before morning.
Talk together: What can you remember when you feel alone or afraid in the dark?
The chapter’s point: God is right there with you, even in the dark. He has promised, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.”
Activity
Stars in the Night
You will need: Paper and crayons
- Colour the top of your paper dark blue or black for the night sky, leaving a few spaces for stars.
- Draw five big stars in the spaces.
- In each star, write or draw something you can do when you feel afraid, like singing, saying a verse or praying.
- Write “God is always near” along the bottom, and keep it by your bed at home.
Pray
Dear God, thank you that you never leave me, even in the dark and scary times. Help me trust that you are always near. Amen.
Week 10 — Forgiving the Thief
Hudson learns that his own servant, a man he had prayed for, planned the theft of everything he owned in China, about forty pounds’ worth. Instead of having him punished, Hudson decides the man’s soul matters more than his things and writes him a kind letter urging him to be sorry and trust Jesus; later a friend in England, glad to hear of it, sends him exactly forty pounds. Forgiveness can be tender, so talk about everyday examples and keep any personal reflection private. The big idea: forgiving is hard and brave, but it is what Jesus did for us, and God takes care of those who forgive.
“Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” — from Luke 6
Memory verse
Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:21
Talk together
Who stole everything Hudson owned in China?
His own servant, a man Hudson had prayed for. The things were worth about forty pounds.
What did Hudson do instead of having the thief punished?
He wrote the thief a kind letter, begging him to be sorry and to trust in the Lord Jesus. Later a friend sent him exactly forty pounds.
Talk together: Why is forgiving someone who hurt you so hard?
The chapter’s point: forgiving is one of the hardest and bravest things you can do, but it is what Jesus did for us, and God takes care of those who forgive.
Activity
Overcome with Good
You will need: Nothing
- Sit in a circle and explain: the leader will describe an everyday problem, and the group thinks of a good way to answer it.
- The leader reads small situations, such as “Someone knocks over your tower,” “A friend takes the last turn” or “Someone calls you a name.”
- After each one, let children suggest a kind, good response, and everyone gives a thumbs-up for the best ideas.
- Finish by saying the memory verse together, quietly asking God to help you forgive.
Pray
Dear God, when someone hurts me, help me to forgive the way Jesus forgives me. I trust you with the rest. Amen.
Week 11 — One Coin Left, and a Cup of Cocoa
In Ningpo, Hudson and Mr. Jones feed about seventy poor people every day, with two signs on their wall: “The Lord has helped us all the way” and “The Lord will provide.” Down to one tiny coin, they set out to sell their stove but find the bridge washed away, so they go home, drink a little cocoa, and while they are still praying a letter arrives from England with money. The big idea: God gives us what we need for today, not too early and not too late, so we can trust him one day at a time.
“The Lord will provide.” — from Genesis 22
Memory verse
My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
Talk together
Why couldn’t Hudson and Mr. Jones sell their stove?
The bridge had washed away in the night, and the ferry cost two coins. They had only one, so they turned back home.
What happened while they were still on their knees praying?
A letter arrived from England with money, sent by a friend who had no idea how much it was needed that very morning.
Talk together: What does “The Lord will provide” mean for our family today?
The chapter’s point: God gives us what we need for today, right when we need it, not too early and not too late. We can trust him one day at a time.
Activity
Two Signs for the Wall
You will need: Paper and crayons
- Fold a sheet of paper in half.
- On one half, write “The Lord has helped us all the way” and draw something good God has already given you.
- On the other half, write “The Lord will provide” and draw something you are trusting God for.
- Take it home and hang it on a wall, just as Hudson and Mr. Jones did.
Pray
Dear God, thank you that you provide exactly what I need, right on time. Help me trust you one day at a time. Amen.
Week 12 — Two Words on the Sands
Back in England, tired and unwell, Hudson looks at a big map of China and grieves for the millions inland who have never heard of Jesus, yet fears asking God for workers he would have to look after. One Sunday in Brighton he walks out onto the beach, gives the whole job to God, and boldly asks for twenty-four workers, writing the prayer in the margin of his Bible; peace fills his heart, and it is the beginning of a mission that sends hundreds of workers into China. The big idea: when we hand our biggest worries to God, he gives us peace and can do more than we dream, so we can ask him for big things.
“Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest field.” — from Matthew 9
Memory verse
Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send forth laborers into his harvest.
Matthew 9:38
Talk together
Why did Hudson feel so sad looking at the big map of China?
He thought of the millions of people far inland who had never once heard about Jesus.
What did Hudson pray for on the beach at Brighton?
He gave the whole huge job to God and asked for twenty-four workers for parts of China with no missionary. He wrote the prayer in the margin of his Bible.
Talk together: What is a big worry you could hand to God?
The chapter’s point: when you stop being afraid and give your biggest worry to God, he gives you peace and can do more than you ever dreamed. Don’t be afraid to ask him for big things.
Activity
A Bold Prayer in the Margin
You will need: A large sheet of paper and crayons
- Draw a big rough map of the world in the middle of the large sheet, with China marked.
- Around the map, draw or write places and people who still need to hear about Jesus.
- In the margin around the edge, let each child write or draw one short, bold prayer, like Hudson wrote in his Bible.
- Pray together for workers to go, then hang the sheet up where you meet.
Pray
Dear God, help me to stop being afraid and give my biggest worries to you. Thank you that you can do great things. Amen.