Overview

Amy Oxley Wilkinson was arguably the most widely known female Australian missionary in China and the West in the early 20th century. She was the great granddaughter of colonial chaplain Samuel Marsden and granddaughter of celebrated explorer John Oxley. After rescuing an abandoned blind boy, she founded an innovative Blind Boys School in Fuzhou which is now a major institution in Fujian Province. Her husband Dr George Wilkinson set up the city's first hospital and introduced a program to address the pervasive curse of opium addiction. Amy's holistic and vocational approach to disability education brought her national and later international recognition. In 1920, the president of the new Chinese republic awarded her the Order of the Golden Grain, the highest honour a foreigner could receive. Two years later, Amy and the School's brass band were presented to Queen Mary in England. Amy's story highlights the significance of Australia's contribution to the development of early modern China and is a challenge to anyone committed to making their life count for others.

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Reviews

In 'They Shall See His Face', Linda and Robert Banks have rescued an important and fascinating story from the gathering mists of history and made it available to the larger public. Their careful detective work (as they call it) has given us a story of God's grace in people's lives that both inspires and instructs. (Howard A. Snyder, Author of The Problem of Wineskins and Models of the Kingdom et. al., and Director, Wesley Research Centre, Manchester University, UK); This book tells the story of a courageous and passionate missionary and her legacy among the blind in China. The authors' great achievement is to do this in a way that their own voice seems to disappear and that of Amy Oxley Wilkinson shines through. It is an historical biography grounded in impeccable research, providing insight into the contribution (and colonial prejudices) of Christian mission to social justice at the turn of the 20th century. The prose is beautiful and photographs delightful. The book deserves a wide audience. (Shane Clifton, Professor of Theology, Alphacrucis College, and Honorary Associate, Centre for Disability Research and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney); Linda and Robert Banks' fascinating account presents Amy Oxley Wilkinson's life in its vibrant historical, cultural and political contexts. This is missionary biography at its best: rich, real and relevant. The world needs to hear this story of heroism, Christian conviction, and love for the Chinese people. Everyone should be challenged to do good specifically where God and their conscience directs. Highly recommended! (Rev. Dr Wei-Han Kuan, State Director, Church Missionary Society, Victoria); Amy Oxley Wilkinson proves that a young Australian woman can leave a lasting legacy for the poor and disabled. She followed God's leading at a dangerous time in a foreign culture to meet the needs of children without help and hope. This is a truly inspiring real life story worth reading and retelling. (Dr Russell Clark, AM, formerly Head, Department of Medicine, United Christian Hospital, Kowloon, and Rev. Kay Clark, OAM, CMS Missionaries, Hong Kong); A most uplifting story of Amy Oxley Wilkinson and her amazing ministry at the Blind School in Foochow. One cannot help but be inspired by her life of commitment to mission in China and ministry of love and care. Read this book to be challenged in your faith and renewed in your commitment to the Lord. (Kua Wee Seng, Director, United Bible Societies China Partnership, Singapore); 'They Shall See His Face' is a beautifully written piece on the faith and passion of Amy Oxley Wilkinson. The love that she had for children in China with low vision and blindness is captured perfectly in this historically detailed book. She valued them simply as children, not as children with disabilities. Her compelling story is a guide to anyone working within the health industry and education. (Lauren Rouse, Occupational Therapist and Braille Transcriber, The Statewide Vision Resource Centre, Melbourne)

Author Information

Over the last few years, Linda and Robert Banks have developed a close connection with Fujian Province in south-east China. Their joint book, 'View from the Faraway Pagoda: A Pioneer Australian Missionary in China from the Boxer Rebellion to the Communist Insurgency', began a journey of discovery about fascinating Australians who once lived and worked there. Linda has been a teacher, pastor and university chaplain. Robert has taught in universities and theological colleges and written several award-winning books. Together they enjoy travelling and serving in various locations, primarily in Asia and Australia.

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