William Whiting Borden

Early Years of Wealth

William Whiting Borden was born into a wealthy American family on 1 November 1887 and grew up in Chicago, in comfortable circumstances and with bright prospects. As a boy he attended church with his family and became rooted in the faith. After finishing secondary school, his family paid for him to travel around the world; on this journey he saw the spiritual and material poverty of many nations, and a burden to give himself to mission gradually grew in his heart.

Dedication at Yale

In 1905 Borden entered Yale University. During his studies he did not indulge in wealth and status; instead he worked hard to promote campus prayer meetings and evangelism, drawing his fellow students to pursue faith together, and he was held in high respect. After graduating from Yale in 1909 he went on to Princeton Theological Seminary, completing his studies in 1912. During this period his missionary vision became ever clearer: he resolved to go to Gansu, China, to preach the gospel to the Hui Muslims there. Few at the time paid attention to this field, but he willingly took it as his life's calling. At just 22 he was already a member of the North American council of the China Inland Mission.

Setting Out in Self-Denial

To prepare for mission among Muslims, Borden let go of every worldly attachment and gave himself over completely. In 1912 he set out for Cairo, Egypt, planning to study Arabic and Islamic culture first before going on to China. But his purpose was not fulfilled: in March 1913 he contracted meningitis in Cairo and died on 9 April of that year, aged only 25. He was buried in the American Cemetery in Cairo. He never set foot in China.

Giving His Fortune to Mission

In his will Borden left his great fortune, worth about 800,000 US dollars at the time, entirely to mission work. The beneficiaries included the China Inland Mission, the Moody Church and the Nile Mission Press. In 1914 the China Inland Mission also established the Borden Memorial Hospital in Lanzhou, carrying on his unfinished wish.

A Witness Without Regret

It is said that the words “No reserves, no retreats, no regrets” were written on the flyleaf of his Bible. This story is very widely told; although it is hard to verify fully, it sums up his life of self-denying obedience. The biography Borden of Yale '09 records his short and fervent life. Although he died young and never saw the fruit of his work, his wholehearted dedication has inspired countless later followers of Christ.