John Graham Lake (1870-1935 was a Canadian-American leader in the Pentecostal movement that began in the 20th century. He was known as a faith healer and missionary. With Thomas Hezmalhalch, he co-founded of the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa (AFMSA). John was born in st. Marys, Ontario, Canada on 18th March 1870. He was born into a family of 16 sibling ( 8 died young). He claimed he was ordained into the Methodist ministry aged 21. In 1890 he moved to a suburb of Chicago, Harvey, where he worked as roofer and construction worker until 1896. In February 1893 he married his first wife Jennie Stevens. During the 1890s his family regularly appeared in the John Alexander Dowie services to be healed or ‘brought back from death’s door’. in 1898 he opened a small chapter at Dowie’s Christian Christian Catholic Church in Sault Ste Marie and held meetings in his parents’ attic. In the 1900 Census his occupation was listed as carpenter, Family relocated to Zion, Illinois where he worked the theocratic town’s construction department. 1905 found new employment. 1907 converted to Pentecostalism and appeared in newspaper talking about his experience of speaking in tongues. 1908, with Thomas Hezmalhalch co-founded AFMSA and did missionary work (1908-13). According to the historian Barry Morton he played a decisive role in spreading the ‘second evangelization’ and attracted many of the early Zionists. John’s wife Jeannie, died on 22nd December 1908. He stayed another 4 years , His sister, Irene, helped raise the 7 children. The healings that happened under his ministry were documented. He returned to the USA on 1st February 1913. He married Florence Switzer in September 1913 - they had 5 children. After completing his missionary work in Africa he evangelized for 20 years along the west coast of the USA. For a year he did itinerant preaching having relocated to Spokane, Washington . From 1915-20 he ran healing rooms. He moved to Portland, Oregon for 5 years He continued to found churches and healing rooms down the California coast as far as Houton TX. Finally he return to Spokane in1931. He purchased an old church and began his final church and healing room. In 1935 John suffered a serious stroke and died on 16th September 1935, aged 65. Several books have been written recording his experiences and miracles attributed to him. John G, Lake played an important role in the spread of Pentecostalism in South Africa, the most successful southern a=African religious movement of the 20th century, Today The Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa (AFM) is a classical Pentecostal Christian denomination in South Africa with 1.2 million members.In 1996 all the AFM churches were united in a single multi-racial church. Source used Wikipedia

William Adendnegro Thompson (1811-1880) was triplet. He was an English bare-knuckle boxer who won the heavy weight championship of England from James Burke on 12th February 1839. a As a boxer he was credited with introducing the Southpaw stance. He had 2 nicknames Bendigo and Bendego. On 6th June 1850 he fought and beat Tom Paddock, it was his last fight. He was arrested for drunkenness and fined 5 shillings. He won 19/20 of his bare-knuckle fights In 1870 he saved 3 people from drowning. In 1872 he attended a congregation held by preacher Richard Weaver. He was illiterate but delivered a strong and convincing sermon. When preaching he would take up his boxer’s stance. He would point to his trophies and say See them belts? See them cups? I used to fight for those, but now I fight for Christ. His popularity as a boxer brought enormous crowds to his sermons with scores left outside. He spent the next few years touring the country preaching to crowds of 1000s, becoming more popular. Some noted that although he couldn’t read the Bible his straightforward manly speech could be useful Aged 68 he fell down the stairs fracturing a rib and puncturing a lung. He died seven weeks later on 23rd August 1880 1000s lined the street for his funeral procession and The Times of London published his obituary. His tomb, with a crouching lion, at the burial grounds at Bath Street Rest Gardens, near Victoria Leisure Centre bears this inscription. In life always brave, Fighting like a lion In death like a lamb, Tranquil in Zion. Source used Wikipedia

Evan John Roberts was mightily used by the Holy Spirit between 1904/5. He was an evangelist and leading figure of the 1904/5 Welsh Revival. Evan was born in Loughor, Wales on 8th June 1878. He was raised in a Calvinistic Methodist home. He attended church regularly and memorized scripture at night. His father had a serious accident down the coal mine when his son was nearly 12. When his father was fit to work 3 months later Evan left school and began to work in the coal mines as a doorboy. He took his Bible underground and read it at every opportunity. He worked in the coal mines until 1902. Aged 21 he became an apprentice to his uncle - a blacksmith in Pontarddulais. For 15 months he worked at the forge but his desire was to preach. Meanwhile Rev. Seth Joshua, from the beginning of the 20th century, had been praying for God to send an ordinary young man, who had worked in the mines, to lead a Revival in Wales. In 1904 Rev. Joseph Jenkins prayed earnestly for change in the church. In February young Florrie Evans rose to her feet*I love Jesus Christ with all of my heart * Immediately the whole meeting seemed to catch fire. Young people found it easy to pray and talk about their experiences. (Read ‘The origins of the Revival’) 13th September Evan and his friend Sidney Evans went to Newcastle Emlyn to attend Trefecca College to train for the ministry. On September 29th he attended a conference at Blaenannerch where the Rev. Seth Joshua prayed that God would ‘bend’ the people in the congregation. Evan prayed God would ‘bend’ him. He was made utterly obedient and utterly willing. (Read ‘Evan at Blaenannerch’) The Holy Spirit urged him to return home to Loughor. Having sought permission to go home from Rev. Evan Phillips, the minister of Newcastle, he followed his advice and caught the train. What followed was an incredible outpouring of the Holy Spirit. From 31st October, in Moriah, he made pleas for people to rise and confess - each day the power of the Holy Spirit felt more powerful. On 6th November Evan asked those attending a pray meeting in the vestry to pray the same pray. O send the Holy spirit now for Jesus Christ’s sake. **He descend with great fire upon the people present and they prayed until a late hour. Read the rest of the 1904 sheets covering the Revival Meetings, The Effect of the Revival in Wales, The Out Pouring of the Holy Spirit in Wales. WONDERFUL. This continued for 2 years. 100,000 Christians influenced the spiritual life of Wales and the world. Evan in 1906, exhausted, mentally and physically, stayed in the home of William and Jessie Penn- Lewis. He recovered in 1907 to became a prayer intercessor- praying up to 18 hours a day. He occasionally spoke or counseled. In 1930 he returned to Cardiff, Wales. He died, aged 72, on 29th January 1951

Susanna Wesley (1669-1742) was the mother of John and Charles Wesley. She is known as the Mother of Methodism because conscious or unconsciously would have applied the example and teachings and circumstances of their home life. Susanna was the 25th of 25 children to be born into the Annesley Family. Her father Dr. Samuel Annesly was a Dissenter from the established church of England . Aged 12 she stopped attending her father’s church and joined the Church of England. She married Samuel Wesley on 12th November 1688 when she was 20, he was 27. They had 19 children. 9 died as infants - 4 were twins and one was accidentally smothered by a maid. When she died, aged 73, only 8 were still alive. Her husband was a very authoritarian rector and unpopular with the people at Epworth - they tried twice to burn the rectory down. He was rescued from debtors prison by the personal intervention of Archbishop Sharpe of York. He left her for a year because of a minor dispute. Susanna took responsibility for her children. She imposed s strict daily routine. From birth they were put into a regular METHOD of living. At a year old they were taught to fear the rod and to cry softly. They had 3 meals a day. At 6 in the evening, after family prayers, they had supper, washed and put to bed. Aged 5 formal education began - they attended lessons for 6 hours a day. On day one they were expected to learn the alphabet - 2 daughters took a day and 1/2 She had the happy talent of imbuing a child’s mind with every kind of useful knowledge in such a way as to stamp it indelibly on the memory- grandson Charles. After the second fire she was forced to place the children in different houses for nearly 2 years. She was responsible for their education and mortified that her children began to use improper speech and play more than study. She found time to spend time with each child during the week. When her husband went to London to defend a friend, on charges of heresy, he appointed a curate. His sermon in the morning service revolved solely about repaying debts so she set up her own Sunday afternoon activities. The children read psalms, she read her husband’s sermons. The locals asked if they could join- The curate was unhappy and complained to Samuel. Susanna’s response was if he forbade her doing good, he would have to stand with her on judgement day and explain why he had issued this command. Samuel bowed to her challenge and the meetings resumed. Samuel’s work on the Book of Job , his life’s work, had little impact on his family other than hardship. Susanna practised daily devotions. throughout her life. She wrote letters,meditations and scriptural commentaries. many were lost in the rectory fire but many survived. *Susanna Wesley, The complete writings has been made accessible by Charles Wallace. Susanna Wesley, the Mother of Methodism, died on 23rd July 1742 aged 73, and was buried at Bunhill Fields in London.

Edmund ‘Terry’ Hodgson was a British Pentecostal missionary in the Belgian Congo, Africa from 1920-1960. He served his Lord and the church as a preacher, teacher, doctor, dentist, carpenter, hunter, father and friend. Ultimately In 1960 he gave his life as a martyr for the Gospel of Jesus. Terry was born in Preston, England. He left school aged 13 to work as a delivery boy for a baker. His employer asked him if he attended Sunday school. He replied ‘Yes’. He then asked, ‘And do yo love the Lord Jesus?’ This got him thinking. Later he knelt down with his employer and committed his life to the service of Jesus. Aged 14 he became an apprentice cabinetmaker - he would become a skilled carpenter. He mixed with students at a Pentecostal Bible school and met a missionary who worked in the Belgian Congo. He was baptised with the Holy Spirit and promised to think about going to the Congo. He enlisted in the British Armed Forces during WW1 (1914-18). He was called ‘Holy Hodgson’. He was a crack shot. He moved into no-man’s land and was injured -he lost his trigger finger as a result. Back in the UK he built up a successful restoration furniture business. The missionary from the Congo returned - ‘Well, Teddy, what about the Congo?’ He wrestled with the thought, He finally surrendered to God - he never looked back. In 1920 he sailed to the Congo. He then walked 150 miles through mosquito infested swamps. After 9 months of pain and nearly blinded he called out to God ’ Lord, either heal me or take me to heaven.’ The next day he got out of bed, packed his bags and began working in the villages He had limited skill in the Kiluba language but he had an overwhelming love for these people that words seem to simply flow from his mouth. The lads who had helped him build his house laughed because they could now understand him! He stayed for 40 years visiting villages. he had many hair raising experiences. He learned to shoot with his middle finger. He killed over 60 marauding lions. He buried two of his wives.He refrained from sending his 5 children back to the UK. In 1946 he wrote an article describing a great revival which lead to baptisms of well over a 1000 souls. ( See article- go Wikipedia for clearer copy.) In 1960 the Congo declare independence. The atmosphere changed dramatically. The missionaries found themselves contained in a small area in Kamina by rebels. He was joined by Elton Knauf and his wife from New Zealand. Knauf felt he had left Lulungu in a rush without leaving supplies and money for the hospital workers. They decided to take the back road. When they arrived they were confronted by rebels singing ’ We want no words from the white man’s God’. They tried to negotiate. They demanded to march with them. Christians from the village kept a safe distance. They watched in horror as the machetes were raised and Terry and Elton were hacked to pieces in front of their eyes Terry served God as both Apostle and Epistle. .

Donald Henry Frere Gee ( 1891- 1966 was an English Pentecostal Bible teacher. He wrote the book Wind and Flame which is the story of Pentecostalism in Europe in the 20th century. He was called ‘The Apostle of Balance’. One biographer described him as pastor, author, conference speaker, editor and ecumenist (unity seeker). Donald was born on the 10th May 1891 in London. Seth Joshua, the Welsh revivalist, held an evangelistic meeting at Finsbury Park Congregational church in October 1905. Only 3 were saved, Donald was one of them. At a Pentecostal meeting he met Pastor Saxby who was pastoring a divided church. Donald spent 7 years under the influence of this pastor who was a shining example of his office. He joined a Baptist church with his mother in 1912. He was baptised in the Holy Spirit in March 1913. It was under this ministry he made his first attempt at testifying and preaching. When war broke out in 1914 and in 1916 he registered as a conscientious objector and worked on a farm in Buckinghamshire. He was a social outcast - he worked to the point of utter physical exhaustion He is now married with 2 children. Their house was used for ‘Tarrying’ meetings where believers sought and received the Baptism with the Holy Spirit. After the war the family returned to London. He would cycle 10 miles to preach in some Pentecostal fellowship. . In June 1920 they moved to Scotland. He had a congregation of 12. He stayed eventually,as pastor, for 12 years. (After year 1 he fled to London for a fortnight, then returned.) His ministry in Scotland prospered. The church bought Bonnington Toll Hall. 1924 Met with others to form the Assemblies of God In Great Britain and Ireland - on executive presbytery 1925-63. 1928 he is invited to go to Australia. After praying he accepts. Over 10 months he also visits New Zealand, America and Canada. On his return he now resigns from Bonnington Toll Hall and uses it as a base. The next 23 years he travels the world. Invitations pour in from across the world. 1931-3 saw him travel to 12 countries annually. He then became joint editor of Redemption Tidings magazine - it needed the ‘gifting’ of the teacher. During WW11 (1939-45) he constantly travelled in Britain encouraging fellowships. In 1947 he was chosen to edit the *World Pentecost *magazine Aged 60 he became the unpaid Principal of the new Assemblies of God college at Keneley (1951-62). He was able to leave his mark upon the students. In 1962 he retired from all his positions and responsibilities except writing for magazines Donald, the Apostle of Balance, died in a London taxi on 20th July 1966. A gifted writer has laid down his pen. An eminent Bible expositor will teach no more. A distinguished editor has vacated his chair. A renowned author has concluded his last volume. A veteran leader has left our ranks. A great warrior has fought his last battle. Our friend Donald Gee has fallen asleep John Carter at Donald’s funeral

John Charles Ryle was an English evangelical Anglican bishop. He was a writer, pastor and an evangelical preacher. He was the first bishop of Liverpool (1880-1900). He was born in Macclesfield on 10th May 1816. He was the eldest son of John Ryle, a private banker and M.P. for Macclesfield (1833-7). He was educated at Eton and Christ Church college,Oxford. He graduated with an BA in 1838. He excelled at rowing and cricket. In 1937 he was struck down with a serious chest infection. For the first time in 14 years he turned to his Bible and prayer. One Sunday, when he was late for church, he heard these words from Ephesians ch.2 v 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and not of yourselves: it the gift of God. He was converted through hearing the Word of God, without comment or sermon. He earned a First in Classics at Oxford. He turned down the college fellowship he was offered. He decided he wanted a career in politics and went to study law in London. The smog of London, over a period of 6 months, caused a recurrence of his chest problem. His father’s bank crashed in 1841. He now had no money so he entered the ministry of the Church of England. He took holy orders. 21st December 1941 he was ordained by Charles Sumner , the Bishop of Winchester. He became curate at Exbury, Hampshire (1841/2). In 1843 he was preferred to the rectory of St. Thomas, Winchester. In the following year he exchanged for Helminghan, Suffolk (1843-61). He moved to the Stradbroke where he initiated its restoration ((1861-9). In 1869 he was made rural dean of Hoxne. 1872 he became honorary canon of Norwich. He was then the ‘select’ preacher at Cambridge and Oxford for several years. In 1880 designated dean of Salisbury and on 19 April advanced to the newly created see of Liverpool (1880-1900). John was described as having a commanding presence and being vigorous in advocating his principles, albeit with a warm disposition. It was while he was at All Saints in Stradbroke he became nationally known for his straightforward preaching and firm defence of evangelical principles. He believer in the return of the Jews to their own land. ( See information about the* Balfour Declaration*) He wrote a number of books (see ‘Published works’) He married 3 times, his first 2 died young. John became the first bishop of Liverpool on the recommendation of Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. His 20 years there time resulted in churches and mission halls being built to reach the expanding urban areas of the city… He is credited with having strong success evangelizing the blue collar community. He retired in 1900 aged 83. He died on 10th June,1900, a month after his 84 birthday. He is buried at All Saints Church, Chidwall. Liverpool. His successor, Francis Chavasse, described him as a man of granite with the heart of a child. Sources Wikipedia

Charles Monroe Sheldon (1857-1946) was an American Congregationalist minister and leader of the Social Gospel movement. His novelIn His Steps he introduces the principle of*What would Jesus do? ** (WWJD) This put into writing an approach to Christian theology that became popular at the beginning of the 20th century. Charles was born on 26 th February, 1857 in Wellsville, New York. His father, a Congregational minister moved 5 times before they settled in South Dakota. Charles was a graduate of Phillips Academy (1879)in Andover, Massachusetts. He then went to college at Brown University (1880-3) followed by Andover Theological Seminary (1883-6). His pastorship was at the Congregational Church in Waterbury, Vermont (1886).He quickly earned a reputation for his liberal views and his innovative and unorthodox pastoral style. While there he met Mary ‘May’ Merriam. Mary’s parents were founding members of Central Congregational Church (CCC) and he was called to preach there in 1888. He married Mary in 1891. In 189O’s developed evening sermon stories *In his Steps or What Would Jesus Do? He read it as a weekly series from the pulpit of C.C. Church, Topeka, Kansas. The stories reflected the growing social gospel movement in the USA. In 1896 he published* In His Steps** and it quickly became an international best seller but unfortunately, because of improper copyright protection, the publishers published their own version paying no royalties! (Read ’ Abtract’ and see Amazon flier) Charles was also famous for his community work. In the 1890s, during the economic depression, he spent several months, on a weekly basis, with railroad workers, labours and merchants. He decided the area was impoverished due to lack of employment and helped find jobs for many of its residents. His church also sponsored the first black kindergarten west of the Mississippi River in 1893. He was well known prohibitionist. He travelled to - England (1900), Australia and New Zealand (1914). In 1920, after 32 years he retired from CCC. From 1920-4 he was editor of the *Christian Herald an illustrated news weekly for the home - a religious periodical. He continued to write articles after his final retirement in 1924. He went to the Holy Land in 1926 on a Christian Herald sponsored tour. In the 1930s and 40s he continued to write. and was an active peace advocate. Charles died of a stroke on 17th February 1946, just two says before his 88th birthday. Before he died memorials had already been constructed - a community house was added and his outdoor study was saved There is also a Sheldon Memorial Room at CCC.

Sir Wilfred Thomason Grenfell KCMG was a medical missionary to Newfoundland. Wilfred was born at Parkgate, Cheshire, England on 28th February 1865. His father was Rev, Algernon Sidney Grenfell, headmaster of Mostyn House School. He moved to London in 1882 and commenced the study of Medicine at the London Hospital Medical College (now part of St. Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry). He graduated in 1888. In 1892 The Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen RNMDSF)(1881) sent him to Newfoundland. His task was to improve the plight of coastal inhabitants and fishermen. he began by recruiting 2 nurses and 2 doctors for hospitals at Indian Harbour. He later opened cottage hospitals along the coast of Labrador. The mandate expanded to making a small ‘village’- schools, orphanage, . co=operatives industrial projects and social work. In 1907 he imported a group of 300 reindeer from Norway but the animals carried a parasitic roundworm that spread to the native caribou herds The reindeer herd eventually disappeared. 1908 he got caught in a ‘slob’ a sludgy mass of floating ice, with a team of huskies, on his way to a medical emergency. He managed to get onto an ice-pan and drifted for several days without food or fresh water. To keep warm he had to sacrifice some of his dogs to make a warm coat for himself. He buried the dogs and put a plaque saying ‘Who gave their lives for me.’ In 1909 he married Anne Elizabeth Caldwell MacClanahan. She brought comfort and refinement into his life, She became totally involved in his work - organizing his fundraising tours and lectures, editing his books and helped secure scholarship for the children to continue their education.They had 3 children of their own. By 1914 the mission had gained international status. The International Grenfell Association , a non-profit mission society, was founded to support his work. In 1927 he was knighted by the king for his years of service on behalf of the people of his community. He received 5 other awards. ( See 'Awards) Wifred wrote 20 books- mixture of religious books and about Labrador. (See ‘Publications’) The Grenfell Mission (1892 branch of RNMDSF) established a Village Industry Department prior to 1930. They retired to Vermont after his work in Newfoundland. Anne was ill towards the end of her life. She kept the pain hidden from her husband and took care of him until she died in 1938. Wilfred died on the 9th Ocyober 1940. The Sir Wilfred Thomason Grenfell Historical Society was formed in 1978. Wilfred is honoured with a feast day on the liturgical calendar of the Episcopal Church (USA) on 9th October. Information included about Fishermen’s Mission Grenfell Mission Sir Wilfred Thomason Grenfell Historical Society ( See ’ Death and legacy)

Samuel Kaboo Morris (1873-1893) was a Liberian prince from the Kru Tribe. He was converted to evangelical Christianity around the age of 14 - a short time after a ‘blinding light’ released him from his ropes. Around the age of 18 he left Liberia for USA to achieve an education and arrived at Taylor University in December 1891. He died from complications of a respiratory infection in 1893. A residence hall at Taylor University bears his name. His life has been the subject of 5 novels, over 12 biographies, a 1954 film and a 1988 documentary. He was born in Liberia in 1973, He was a prince of the Kru tribe. Aged 14 his tribe was attacked by the Grebos. He was captured and used as a ‘pawn’. His father was forced to pay each month to ensure his safety. When he had no more money the Grebos began to daily tortured his son with a poisonous, thorny vine he used as a whip. One night there was a flash of light and a voice telling Kaboo to flee. His ropes fell off and his sick body gained strength. The bright light guided him through the night. (Read his incredible story based on his own account). Having escaped he came to a coffee plantation owned by a former slave who was a Christian. He worked there with another boy from his village. He began to attend church where he was taught by missionaries. On hearing of Paul’s conversion where he encountered a blinding light he converted to Christianity. he was baptised and took the name Samuel Morris -the name of one of the missionaries. He wanted to go to America and was encouraged to meet Stephen Merritt, a Christian teacher in New York. After waiting at the docks he eventually found a passage to N.Y. in exchange fro work. He was initially abused on the 5 month journey but he won them round. They saw him praying even during dangerous storms Many of the crew were converted. In N.Y. he found Stephen Merritt.and he lodged with him. The Samuel Morris Missionary Society was formed to to collect funds to send Kaboo to Taylor University. he encouraged many people in their faith. Students often asked to pray with him Newspapers wrote about the boy from Africa who was charging Fort Wayne with the electric power of God. His desire was to return to Africa as a a missionary but late in 1892 he suffered a case of pneumonia which would eventually end his life. He died on 12th May 1893 aged just 20. Students acted as pallbearers at his funeral. many felt led to go to Africa as missionaries in his place. HIs body initially was buried in the ‘Negro’ section of the cemetery but was moved to the centre of the cemetery, linking blacks and whites in death like he did in life. Famous Christian Mystic Apostle of Simple faith Exponent of the Spirit filled life (Read the rest of the memorial placed at his gravesite)

Lillian Hunt Trasher (1887-1961) was a Christian missionary in Asyut, Egypt, as well as founder of the first orphanage in Egypt. She is known as the ‘Nile Mother’ of Egypt. Lillian was born in Jacksonville, Florida. she was raised as a Roman Catholic in Brunswick, Georgia. As a teenager she attended Bible college for one term. Having failed to get a job as a reporter she worked in the Faith Orphanage in North Carolina (1908-10). She became engaged to Tom Jordan. a minister. She heard a missionary talk about India and decided she wanted to work in Africa. Tom failed to share her call so she cancelled the wedding! She then taught at a Bible school in South Carolina, pastored a Pentecostal church, travelled with an evangelist and then returned to the orphanage. In 1910 after meeting Pastor §Breisford of Assiout, from Egypt, at a missionary conference she decided, against her family wishes, to go there. *Now go, for I am sending you back to Egypt * Acts ch 7 v 34 was her inspiration. Liliian with her sister Jennies sailed to Egypt with less than 100 $ in their pockets When they arrived in Assiout she soon met a man seeking help for a dying woman. She went with Sela, an older woman, to help. They found a baby, the child’s dying mother and the grandmother. The mother died. Through a Translator Lillian learned the grandmother was going to toss the baby into THe NIle. Lillian defied the mission organisation and began an orphanage with the baby she named Fareida. By 1918 the orphanage family had grown to 50 children and 8 widows. In 1919 she returned briefly to the USA to raise money and prayer support from the Assemblies of God. She worked for 50 years (1911-61), without furlough, among Egypt’s orphans and other forgotten people, including the Nazi occupation during WWII. Lillian died on 17th December 1961. By this time the Lillian Trasher Orphanage had grown to 1,200 children. ‘Mama’ Lillian lies buried in her orphanage’s cemetery. The orphanage she founded still helps people to this day. Since its establishment 20,000 children have been cared for. It is current home for 400 orphans, 40 widows and 50 staff members.with their families.** They all belong to one big loving family

John Williams (1796-1839) was an English missionary active in the South Pacific. He trained as a foundryworker and mechanic. John was born in Tottenham, London. September 1816 the London Missionary Society (LMS) commissioned him as a missionary in a service held at Surrey Chapel London. In 1817 John voyaged with his wife, Mary Chawner Williams, and with William Ellis and his wife, to the Society Islands, a group of islands which included Tahiti. They established their first missionary post on the island of Raiatea. From there they visited other island sometimes with the Ellis’s and other LMS representatives. The Williams family had 10 children but only 3 survived to adulthood. They were the first missionary family to visit Samoa. In 1827 he built, over 15 weeks, a boatMessenger of Peace from local materials to take them to other heathen islands in the vicinity. He left in November and returned in February. He then moved the family to Raiatea. When they went to Samoa in 1830 he had a Samoan couple, Fauea and hs wife Puaseisei, among his crew and they proved pivotal in the mission in Samoa. They set foot on the island of Savaii at Puaseisei’s village. They met Malietoa Vaiinuupo who had sole power over Samos following the death of his rival Tamafaiga. Malietoa accepted Christianity immediately. They returned in 1834 to Britain where John supervised the printing of his translation of the New Testament into the Rarotongan language. He also published Narrative of Missionary Enterprises in the South Sea Islands In 1839 John Williams and James Harris visited part of the New Hebrides where they were unknown. They were killed and eaten by cannibals on the island of Erromango. John’s bones were shipped and buried In Apia, Samoa. A monument was erected and the 6 storey building hosing the headquarters of the Congregational church of Samoa was named after John Williams. 7 LMS ships in the Pacific named after him In December 2009 descendants of the Williams returned to Erromango to accept apologies from the descendants of the cannibals in a ceremony of reconciliation. Dillions Bay was renamed Wiliams Bay. I have included maps of the Society Islands in the Pacific Ocean.

Loren Duane Cunningham (b. 1935) is the founder of the international Christian movement Youth with a Mission (YSAM)and the University of the nations. Loren founded YWAM in Lausanne, Switzerland in 1960 with his wife, Darlene, at the age of 24. They reside in on Kona, Hawaii and are members of the YWAM Biblical Leadership team. Loren’s ‘Early life’ shows he came from a family of pastors- he is the third generation. He received his own missionary call at the age of 13, He attended high school in West Los Angeles at University Highland and graduated in December 1952 While travelling in the Bahamas in 1956 Loren claims he had a vision. he describes waves on the shore lines of the continents on a world map, eventually growing bigger and bigger, covering the land mass. He then says the waves changed into young people covering the continents. This would inspire the beginnings of YSAM 4 years later. It was founded in 1960. The group’s original focus was to get youth involved in missions .Today, 60 years later, it has expanded its membership to those of older ages as well. Loren married Darlene Scratch in 1963. The history of YWAM is clearly set out on the YWAM sheet from 1960 up to 2011. In 1978 Loren co-founded the University of the Nations in Kaiua-Kona, hawaii with Howard Maimstadt. Loren was president until 2010 By the year 2000 they had 11,000 staff from over 130 countries and had become almost 50% non-Western. YWAM train upward of 25,000 short term mission ‘volunteers’ annually The Cunninghams continue to have influence on the leadership of YSAM International, holding the title of Founders of the Mission.

John Paton (1824-1907) was a protestant missionary to the New Hebrides Islands of the South Pacific. He brought to the natives of the New Hebrides education and Christianity. John was born on the 24th May 1824 in a farm cottage at Braehead, Kirkmahoe, Dumfriesshire, Scotland. He was eldest of 11 children. His parents moved to Torthorwald in the same county. His father was a stocking manufacturer and a stocker of books- Bibles. From the age of 12 he learned the stocking manufacturing trade, working 14 hours a day manipulating one of the 6 ‘stocking frames’. He also studied for 2 hours during the alloted time to eat. He was greatly influenced by the devoutness of his father who 3 times a day went to his ‘prayer closet’ and conducted family prayers twice a day’ He felt he was called by God to be a missionary. He went to Glasgow ( 40 miles walking to Kilmarnock, the rest by train). There he undertook theological and medical studies. For years he handed out tracts, taught at schools and laboured as a city missionary. !858, 23rd March, ordained by the Reformed Presbyterian Church. On 2nd April married Mary Ann Robson. 16th April, accompanied by Mr Joseph Copeland, they set sail for the South Pacific. 5th November landed on the island of Tanna - the natives there were cannibals! The cannibals - 'painted ’ savages wore very little -the men were naked, the women wore a short grass or leaf apron. 1859, 12th February Peter Robert Robson born, Mary dies 19 days later from tropical fever. Baby Peter dies after 36 days. They were buried together and John guarded the grave from the cannibals. The grave is still accessible to this day and a plaque in 1996 was erected to mark the spot. John continued with his missionary work in spite of constant animosity form the natives. During one attack a ship arrived just in time to take him and Mr. Mrs. Mathieson to the safety of Aneityum. He then went first to Australia then back to Scotland to recruit missionaries and raise funds for the building and upkeep of a ship. 1864, 17th June, he marries Margaret ( Maggie) Whitecross. 1866, August, back in the New Hebrides, they establish a new mission station on Aniwa Island, the island closest to Tanna. They live in a native hut while they build 3 houses- i for them and 2 for orphans. They find the natives similar to those on Tanna but they continue with their missionary work. They have 10 children, 4 die early or in infancy. John learns the language and turns it into written form. Maggie works with 50 women/girls who become experts at sewing, singing, plaiting hats and reading. They expound the Scriptures They administer to the sick Send out natives to preach the gospel After years of deprivation, danger from the natives and disease and patient ministry the entire island of Aniwa professed Christianity. ( Read ‘Return to the New Hebrides’) 1899 Aniiwa N.T. printed & 25/30 islands have missionaries

William Whiting Borden (1887-1913) was a philanthropist and millionaire Christian Missionary Candidate who died in Egypt before reaching his chosen field, Gansu province in China. William was born onto a prominent and wealthy Chicago family.His father had made a fortune in Colorado silver mining. He was the third of four children. His mother converted to evangelical Christianity in 1894. She took her son to Chicago Avenue Church. later Moody Church.He responded to the gospel preaching of R.A. Torrey and prayer and Bible study became his hallmark for life. After he graduated from The Hill School, Pottstown, Pennsylvania aged 16 his parents gave him a gift of a chaperoned trip around the world. This developed a desire to become a missionary… At a meeting In London, where R.A. Torrey was preaching, he surrendered his life for Christian service. 1905 he went to Yale University. Encouraged by classics tutor Henry Burt Wright he began daily prayer groups which within 2 years reached the entire university. 1906, at a Student Volunteer Movement convention, Samuel Marinus Zwemer impressed him with his emphasis on the open doors for evangelizing the Muslim world. William had a charismatic personality, was sociable, athletic, fun loving but also an intense hardworking natural leader. He was elected president of Phi Beta Kappa. With his own money he funded a New Haven rescue mission and worked there. He graduated in 1909 and then attended Princeton Theological Seminary (1909-12). His reputation was such that he became a board member of the National Bible Institute in New York City - at one point he was temporarily in charge of the whole ministry. He became a director of Moody Bible Institute. Aged 22 he was a member of the North American Council of the China Inland Mission ( until he applied to go to China!) His intention was to become a missionary to Uyghur Muslims in Northwestern China. He decided to first study Islam and Arabic in Cairo. He boarded with a Syrian family so that he would hear Arabic spoken as much as possible. He also spent time distributing Christian sermons written in a Koranic style. March 13th 1913 he contracted cerebral meningitis and died a few weeks later on April 9th 1913, aged 25. His mother had just arrived from the USA. After a simple funeral he was buried in the American cemetery in Cairo. On his gravestone was written Apart from faith in Christ, there is no explanation of such a life (words suggested by Samuel M. Zwemer who attended the funeral) Other services were also held back in the USA, Japan, Korea, India and South Africa. Legacy Borden Memorial Hospital (1918-1951) in Gansu, was founded by the China Inland Mission with money donated by the Borden family ($800,000) after the death of William. The hospital was handed over to the Chinese government in 1951. ( Read ‘Borden Memorial Hospital’)

David Brainerd (1718-1747) was an American missionary to the Native Americans. He had a fruitful ministry among the Delaware Indians of New Jersey. During his short life he was beset by many physical difficulties. As a result his diary,Life and diary Of David Brainerd(1749) edited by Jonathan Edwards, he became a source of inspiration and encouragement to many Christians. David was born on 20th April 1718 in Haddam, Connecticut.He was one of 9 siblings.He was orphaned at the age of 14 when his father died, his mother died 5 years later. After his mother’s death he lived with Jerusha, one of his older sisters. in East Haddam. Aged 19 he inherited a farm in Durham but did not enjoy the experience. He returned to his sister’s. A year later he prepared to go to Yale University. 12th July, 1739, he had ‘inspeakable glory’ - a conversion experience… September entered Yale. In his second year he was sent home after a serious illness.(now believed to be tuberculosis (TB)) When he returned to Yale in December 1740 there was tension between the college trustees and their students relating to the enthusiasm of the students In 1741 a decree was passed that anyone who called staff hypocrites after a second offence would be expelled. Jonathan Edwards came to preach and David commented that one of his tutors - Chauncey Whittelsey ‘has no more grace then a chair’. He was also alleged to ask why the Rector ‘did not drop dead’. He was expelled. He apologized for the first comment but denied making the second. A recent law had been passed that ministers could only be appointed in Connecticut if they had graduated from Harvard or Yale. He had to reconsider his plans. In 1742 he was licensed to preach for a group called ‘New Lights’. Jonathan Dickinson noticed him and tried to get him reinstated at Yale but failed. it was suggested he worked as a missionary among Native Americans, supported by the Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian knowledge (SSPSK). He was approved on 25th November 1742. 1st April 1743, after a brief time serving a church on Long Island, he began working with Native Americans He began working at Kaunameek, a Housatonic Indian settlement. He stayed there a year. He began a school and to translate the Psalms. He then worked for a year with the Delaware Indians along the Rivernorthwest of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He then moved to Crossweeksung in New Jersey where he established a Christian community of 130 members. By November 1746 his health- a form of depression - 22 times- stopped him from working. He moved first to Jonathan Dickenson’s house. After a few months rest. he moved to Jonathan Edward’s house. 17 year old Jerusha Edwards nursed him… He managed a trip to Boston. He suffered greatly and died of TB at Edward’s house on the 9th October 1747, aged just 29. Life and Diary of David Brainerd is still in print (see Amazon flier)

Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) was an abolitionist, civil rights activist, feminist and advocate of Social justice. He travelled to Britain in 1845 for 19 months, lecturing against slavery in the USA. Frederick was born on a plantation in Talbot County. He was born a slave. His birth name was Frederick Bailey. he did not know who was his father or the exact date of his birth. He later picked 14th February as his birthday and estimated he was born in 1818. Aged 7 he was sent to live at the Wye House plantation. His mother died when he was 10. Eventually he went to Baltimore to serve the Auld family. Sophia Auld started to teach him how to read. It was against the law and her husband her from teaching him. Frederick was an intelligent young man and taught himself how to read and write by observing others and watching white children. He read in newspapers about slavery, He taught others to read which got him into trouble and he was moved to another farm where he was beaten by the slave owner to break his spirit. In 1838 he escaped. He disguised himself as a sailor and carried papers to show he was a free black seaman. On 3rd September he boarded a train for the north. 24 hours later he arrived in New York a ‘free’ man. He married Anna Murray and took the surname of Douglas. They settled in New Bedford, Massachusetts. There he met abolitionists - people who wanted to abolish slavery. He became an excellent speaker on the subject and became famous but feared of being captured and returned to slavery. In 1845 he travelled to Ireland and Britain lecturing against slavery in the USA. He became embroiled in controversies due to his electrifying capacity as an oratory and performer. He returned to the USA a free man, British abolitionists purchased his legal freedom. He also spoke about Women’s Rights. He attended the first ever women’s rights convention at Seneca falls, New York in 1948. During the Civil War 1961-6 he fought for the rights of black soldiers. When the Soth announced they would execute or enslave any captured black soldier he insisted that President Lincoln should respond- he responded by threatening to execute like for like. Frederick also sought equal pay and treatment for black soldiers. He wrote an autobiography Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, It became a best seller, He later wrote 2 more books about his life. Frederick died on 20th February 1895, aged 77 (?) from either a heart attack or stroke. His legacy lives on in his writings and monuments named after him. NOTE This is just a simple summary. There are 38 pages on Frederick Douglas on Wikipedia giving far more detail. Sources used Wikipedia Biography for Kids

Chuck Carson’s parents took him to Del Mar at the age of 12. They rented a surfboard for him and he learned to surf. On a Sunday he would go surfing and then quickly throw his Sunday Best over his shorts and leave a trail of sand all the way to church. He went every Sunday to church. He became an accomplished musician playing with the Christy Minstrels and Talk Five. He even played professional football with the L.A. Rams His mother and step father had a horrific accident on an L.A. freeway. Sitting at his mother’s bedside he promised God to come back if she survived. Her condition did improve but she died 3 months later. While in a coma she asked God to ‘save her son’s soul’. He went off to Hawaii to surf… While there a Roman Catholic woman shocked him by saying ‘God has something for you.’ She advised him to return home and get married. On the beach one day he was so drunk he fell face first in the sand. He had a vision saying ‘Come to me Chuck.’ ‘I’m not good enough,’ he replied ‘You’ll never be good enough. Come as you are.’ From that day forward life for chuck was never the same. He met Melinad (Lin) in April 1972, they married in 1974. He returned to Hawaii where he took his first unorthodox preaching assignments as Director of the Walkiki Beach Chaplaincy. He played his guitar and preached ‘scared out of his wits’ as he learned to preach before an audience. They returned to the mainland, started a family and he went to college. He was ordained and began series of commitments to preaching the Gospel ( and surfing). He served a number of churches. In 1992 he was severely injured in a crash while leading a junior high church group in a waterpark. He spent 28 days in intensive care and a year in bed recovering at home. They moved to Sacramento and for the next 14 years he was senior pastor. By ‘divine appointments’ he ended up on the beach passing out flyers when he met Michael Pless on the beach. For nearly a decade he earned his own beach walk of fame on the sands of seal Beach. *In every possible moment, he radiated love, grace and celebration. He was so jolly, the best guy EVER Michael Pless, the owner of M & M Surf School, with whom Pastor Carlson founded Hope on the Beach church in 2009. He remembers praying for a pastor to minister the souls on the beach and how they literally ran into each other one Sunday morning. God answered both of their prayers. When Chuck died in 2020 (?) surfers and beachgoers gathered on the shores of Seal Beach to give a final ’ wave’ to their beloved pastor. Nearly 100 surfers gathered on their surfboards for a @ Paddle Out’ on Sunday while other paid their respects on the beach. Michael spread his ashes into the wind and sea and Chuck was home for eternity. Lin, his wife, for 47 years, ina poignant blog thanked everyone 'I feel your love, and love you back. Chuck surfed all of his life until he could surf no more. Go in peace … and surf the Lord Chuck Carlson

Douglas Roger Scott (1900-1967) was an English Revival preacher and evangelist who devoted most of his ministry to France. He is considered to be one of the pioneers of the Pentecostal movement in France and the main founder of the Assemblies of God in France. He was born in Essex. Douglas experienced a conversion/new birth during an evangelistic meeting organised on Whitecross Street in London. From 1925 he devoted a large part of his time proclaiming the gospel in public meetings.He based hie message on the 4 pillars of Elim Pentecostalism - Jesus saves, heals, baptizes and will return. He became an itinerant preacher in Essex and founded an Elim Pentecostal church in London with another pastor. He considers going to the Belgian Congo as an evangelist. William Burton advises him to go to France to learn French. In 1927 he goes to Le Harve in France after receiving an invitation from Helene Biolley 1854-1947), of Swiss origin, who runs an non-alcoholic bar, the Ruban Bleu . Helene had been praying for 20 years that God would send missionaries to France. In her 70s her prayers were answered. He prayed and preached with power and several people were miraculously healed. Helena asked him to devote 6 months at her mission before going to the Congo. he agreed and returned to Le Havre in 1930. He ultimately devoted the rest of his life (37 years) to spreading the gospel across France. He sparked a significant pentecostal revival and helped bring cohesiveness to the movement through the organisaion of the Assembly of God of France in 1932. Douglas, with his family, did get to the Belgian Congo in 1939. He preached in only French and Swahili. Returned to G.b in Autumn 1946. Douglas also went to Algeria. he went for the second time in the early 1950s. He returned to France where he continue his work of evangelization and edification in the established Pentecostal churches. He also went overseas. By 1965 he had heart problems but refused to retire. He continued to preach twice a day, every day. Douglas died in Chalon-sur-Saone on 15th April 1967, aged 66. Sources Assemblies of God Douglas Scott (evangeliste) Helene Biolley

Martin Luther on 31st October, 1517 - 500 years ago - posted his 95 Thesis - the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. Just some notes I found on Google. For the full explanation of the 95 Theses you need to go to the web site mentioned on the last sheet. On Easter Eve, 4th April 1523, aided by Leonhard Koppe, he helped his future wife Katherine von Bora, a nun, escape from a convent where she and other nuns were dissatisfied. They married about 2 years later. They had 6 children and raised 4 orphans including Katharina’s nephew, Fabian. Katherina managed the monastery and operated the hospital on site. Luther called her 'boss of Zulsdorf. ‘morning star’ for getting up at 4 am,and ‘My Lord Katie’. She respected him as a higher vessel and formally called him ‘Sir Doctor’ throughout her life The marriage was extremely important to the development of the Protestant Church specifically in regards to its stance on marriage and the role of each spouse.