In 1891, Kynaston Studd was booked to speak at the YMCA at Cornell University. A rather indifferent Midwesterner student was invited that night to this gathering of college students and only at the last minute decided even to go. Entering late, he was riveted when he heard Studd quote three short sentences from the Bible: “Young man, do you seek great things for yourself? Seek them not. Seek first the kingdom of God.”

John Mott became THE missionary statesman of the past century. He was the prime mover in the Student Volunteer Movement from 1888-1921.

Here are his own words about God’s call on his life during his college days at Cornell.

“But since I came to Cornell, I have not been contented with my plans and there has been a constantly increasing impulse in me urging me to devote my whole life and talents to the service of Jesus.”

His creed was simple and bold:  The Evangelization of the World in This Generation

As a result, over 20,000 students went overseas.