Whose legacy inspires you?

We ask Christian leaders whose legacy has inspired them the most in their life and leadership – from heroes of the faith to personal mentors who have encouraged them into being the people they are today. We would love to hear whose legacy has inspired you the most. Tweet us at @idea_mag with the hashtag #legacy.

Hudson Taylor was a British missionary to China, spending just over 50 years ministering there, and established the China Inland Mission (C.I.M.) During his time of service, Taylor saw 205 mission stations established in China with 849 missionaries working in the field; he trained and released into ministry 700 Chinese workers; and more than £1.5 million came into C.I.M. to support the work – all without ever having solicited a single donation. Taylor developed a witnessing church in China of 125,000 believers. It has been reported that at least 35,000 of those people he had personally led to the Lord. 
Steve Uppal, senior leader of All Nations, Wolverhampton and member of the One People Commission

There are many, but to name a few: at work, I am inspired by my mentor and friend Janet, whose commitment to her work as a family barrister inspired me to enter into family law. At church I am inspired by my pastor, who has devoted his time to serving the church and whose knowledge of the word challenges me to delve deeper. At home, I am inspired by my daughter of just six years, by her love, her laughter, and her belief that I can do anything.
Arlene Small, barrister and Evangelical Alliance board member

God has used lots of people in my life. At different times God has brought the right men and women with the right insights and support. My wife, the other members of my church plant leadership team and a whole host of others. However, three folks stand out in my early years as a Christian. Gordon Nellies was an elder in a small church near where I lived. When he heard of my faith he phoned and invited me for dinner. Every Thursday for a year, I went to Gordon and Nancy’s home for dinner. We read scripture and I was taught to pray. He was a humble, caring man who believed in giving of his life to disciple others. Gordon gave me building blocks that have stayed with me throughout my Christian life.
Fred Drummond, director of Evangelical Alliance Scotland

Vincent Donovan went as a missionary to share Christ with the Masai. When he arrived he found a mission compound that the Masai came to and yet no one had remained Christian through this approach. So he decided to go to the Masai and talk to them about God on their turf once a week. The way he shared Christ in the culture of the Masai revolutionised my understanding of mission. His legacy has inspired countless youth workers and pioneers since and my life¹s path is still following that quest.
Jonny Baker, Church Mission Society director of mission education