The 1920’s are remembered today as an era in which the American culture was revolutionized. Because of seemingly abundant prosperity in the economy, traditional ways and principles of life were thrown away as modernism crept in and firmly rooted itself as the rule. And as standards lowered, liberal dress styles and sensual dancing with loud jazz music became commonplace among young people…especially college students.

It is in this setting where Isobel Kuhn could be found in early 1922. She was attending a secular college in Vancouver where deceptive beliefs were subtly changing her morals. Although brought up in a lay preacher’s home, the principles that her family had cultivated in her were quickly put to the test. The college professors continually told her there was no God and that no modern person believes the Bible. She, however, was going to search for herself and find out if God was actually real.

At the beginning of her search, she was drowning in a sea of moral decay. Her attendance in so many youthful activities caused her health to fail. She was extremely tired and inside her heart was much turmoil. After graduating from college, Isobel felt lost without her college clique. Her classmates had either gone on to higher learning, or started teaching school out in the country. She felt all alone and without purpose.

However, she had to travel to Seattle and attend a convention. During the convention, she stayed with a godly family who counseled her through her many problems and anxieties. They encouraged her to look to the Lord, not the world, for her answers. They explained that His Word had all the answers and that God had a real plan for her life. She obeyed the Holy Spirit and trusted in the Lord for salvation. The blinders which were across Isobel’s eyes were lifted and her search was over….she became a Christian. Many changes occurred in her life because of this decision…first of all, she had a peace of heart and mind; then her strength was renewed through God’s love, and she realized that she was made to be used by Him.

Later that summer, she was invited to attend a retreat at a Christian conference center in Washington. She decided to go and this was another decision which changed her life. At the retreat, she quickly became good friends with her roommate who was a missionary from China. In addition to this friendship, the retreat speaker was also a missionary from inland China. It was during this time that Isobel became deeply interested in mission work…specifically in China.

After seeking the Lord regarding missionary work, the Lord opened the door for her to attend Moody Bible Institute. While in Chicago, her faith was strengthened by the Bible teaching she received from her many classes. Her faith was also deepened as she saw God work wonderfully through many circumstances.

God started to work through circumstances in her life even before she started attending college. First of all, someone provided the finances for her train fare and first year’s tuition. Then, God arranged her roommate to be young lady she who had met at the retreat she attended in Washington. After that, God opened up doors for her to diligently work and minister at the same time. Although at times there was a desperate need for money to pay bills or rent; during those few years, God consistently provided for such matters because of Isobel’s faith.

After graduating from Bible school, she traveled to Toronto for candidature in the China Inland Mission. This organization had many interviews with Isobel to see if she was ready for the mission field. When the committee called a far off reference on their own, they heard that Isobel was proud, disobedient, and a trouble-maker. Such a person with these qualities would be of no benefit on the field. After confronting Isobel regarding this matter, the Toronto council decided to accept Isobel conditionally.

Isobel was to return to Vancouver, her home, and wait until the next missionary group left for China. During this waiting period, the Vancouver mission council would be watching her to see if any of these negative attitudes appeared in her life.

Isobel learned who it was that gave the bad report of her character to the mission board and knew that what this person had said was not true. Isobel felt like telling the mission board this, but she decided to keep it to herself. Eventually, the mission board came back to her and said that they felt the report was not true, and that she was accepted to the China Inland Mission unconditionally and unanimously.

Back at home, Isobel accepted a job with the Vancouver Girls Corner Club. This group ministered to young women who were working in the city. Isobel had the job of meeting the new women, starting friendships with them, and ministering to their spiritual needs. Isobel’s faith grew mightily as she saw lives transformed by God’s grace. She also was able to see how God was working through many people around her to accomplish His goals in her life.

One such instance took place when she first arrived at the Corner club. As superintendent of the club, Isobel was advised to dissolve the Women’s Board because they were not as spiritually minded as the Girls’ Board. After deciding to pray about this radical idea, she was able to meet the President of the Women’s Board. The lady introduced herself and said that she was designated by the mission board to see how Isobel behaved in Vancouver. Although thoroughly shocked at this, Isobel was grateful to the Lord that she had not made any drastic decisions yet. The Women’s Board eventually proved to be like an agent of God, preparing Isobel and her character to be more Christlike.

Isobel worked with the Corner Club for about a year, then it was time for her to prepare for China. She was thoroughly tired, and the mission board ordered her to get six months of rest. Isobel accepted an invitation to stay at the Christian Conference center in Washington which she had attended earlier. During this time, Isobel grew more and more in the Lord.

Finally, it was time for her to say good by to North America. Before she left, Isobel gave an inspiring speech to the people at the Corner Club. She spoke from Hebrews 6:1 which says, "Let us go on". She then traveled and wholeheartedly ministered to the lost people on the Tibetian plateau in China.

Isobel Kuhn is one of my heroes of faith. Her devotion and sacrifice has really stood out to me. When things went wrong, she prayed and committed them to the Lord. The Lord worked through problems and trials to develop the character of Christ in her. Finally, by searching after the Lord, she found peace and the true meaning of life.

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