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I am a retired teacher who wrote 7 photocopiable books for Teachers and one book for children Union Jack Colouring Book. The 7books covered Geography, History (Medieval/ Tudor/ Stuart), Travel and Transport, Myself and Events (this included diaries), Race Against Time Stories (SATS based), Church Dates for Children plus Nature and Seasons (including Sport). These 7 books have been mainly broken into a number of segments. Challenging the Physical Elements, my Geography book, is complete.

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I am a retired teacher who wrote 7 photocopiable books for Teachers and one book for children Union Jack Colouring Book. The 7books covered Geography, History (Medieval/ Tudor/ Stuart), Travel and Transport, Myself and Events (this included diaries), Race Against Time Stories (SATS based), Church Dates for Children plus Nature and Seasons (including Sport). These 7 books have been mainly broken into a number of segments. Challenging the Physical Elements, my Geography book, is complete.
Saint Bernard   (c 1090-1153)    Feast Day 20th August
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Saint Bernard (c 1090-1153) Feast Day 20th August

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Saint Bernard of Clairvaux was one of the most influential churchmen of his time. He was a man who by personality and goodness of character, rather than by his position, influenced kings. Both his parents died whilst he was still young.His father Tecelin was killed on a crusade. His mother Aleth died in 1107. He claimed his mother’s death led him towards his ’ long path to complete conversion '. Saint Bernard decided he wanted to become a monk. He entered the Citeaux monastery with 30 other youths of noble rank. The monks of Citeaux and its daughter monasteries were called Cistercians. In 1115 Saint Stephen Harding appointed him abbot of Clairvaux . Aided by 11 others it became a celebrated abbey. The monastic rule he perfected at Clairvaux became the model for 163 monasteries of the Cistercian reform. He became the most conspicuous figure in the history of the 12th century. He founded numerous abbeys. For 10 years Saint Bernard had a penchant for penitential practices and as a result was plagued by poor health -anemia, migraine, gastritis hypertension and a poor sense of taste. He was most active between 1130 and 1145. He was the confidant for 5 popes. He was mediator and councilor for several civil and ecclesiastical councils and theological debate during 7 years of papal disunity. Saint Bernard was given the task to promote the Second Crusade (1147-9). It ended unfortunately in failure. Saint Bernard was loved and respected by everyone. He died on the 20th August 1174. Sources used Britannica, Catholic 0nline and *The Church’s Year * by Charles Alexander
Sister Annie    -   Annie Skau Berntsen  (1911-1992)
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Sister Annie - Annie Skau Berntsen (1911-1992)

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Sister Annie was a Norwegian missionary nurse who served in China and Hong Kong. In China she stood out because she was 190cms tall. She became a national hero when she appeared on the Norwegian version of *This is Your Life * in 1985. The Miracle at Midnight heading is the story of when Sister Annie and a friend almost lost their lives. This happened one day in June 1941 in northwest China. They were watching a procession and were asked to take off their hats to show respect to idols. Sister Annie refused and said her God would bring rain before midnight. Half an hour before midnight it rained. Sister Annie’s prayer was answered. By the age of 27 she had joined the Norwegian Missionary Association. In 1938 she arrived in Shaanxi, a province in Northern China where she stayed until the conclusion of the Chinese Civil War in 1950. In 1951 the defeat of the Kuomintang meant all foreign missionaries had to leave and she moved to Hong Kong. Between 1953-5 Sister Annie worked at the Rennie Mill refugee camp. In 1955 Sister Annie worked with Helen Wilson and Hanny Gronlund to found the Haven of Hope Hospital - it is a rehabilitation centre for Chinese refugees.She worked there until her retirement in 1978. In 2015 it celebrated 60 years. In 1963 she was appointed as a First Class Knight of St. Olav. In the 1975 December Time * cover story named her as one of the world’s * living saints* along side Mother Teresa. In 1979 she was rewarded and MBE (Member of the British Empire) for her tireless labours in Hong Kong. I have included a list of the books she wrote. Sources wikipedia and * Ambassadors for Christ* edited by J.D. Woodbridge contributors Avid and Gudveig Meller
Saint Lawrence ( 225- 258)  feast day 10th August
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Saint Lawrence ( 225- 258) feast day 10th August

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Saint Lawrence (or Laurence) is one of the most venerated Roman martyrs. He was born in Spain and went to work for the future Pope Sixtus11 in Rome. He was ordained as a deacon to work in the cathedral. He was appointed first deacon among the 7 deacons. (deacons are responsible for looking after the poor - the indigent) He was the archdeacon of Rome a position of great trust which included the care of the treasury and riches of the church. August 258 the Roman emperor Valerian sent out an edict that all bishops, priests and deacons should be killed. On August 8th Pope Sixtus 11 was executed. The prefect of Rome asked Saint Lawrence to hand over the riches of the church. Saint Lawrence asked for and was granted three days to collect the riches. Instead of collecting the riches he distributed the riches/alms amongst the indigent, crippled, blind and suffering. One account suggests that he told the prefect * The church is truly rich, far richer than the emperor.* For his defiance, Lawrence the last of the 7 deacons - the ranking church official, was martyred. In those days to be martyred you were normally beheaded. ** Legend ** has it the prefect was so angry with Saint Lawrence that he had a great gridiron prepared with hot coals underneath and Saint Lawrence was burnt alive . In pain the dying saint declared *I am roasted enough on this side; turn me over and eat Saint Lawrence became famous. He is the patron saint for cooks, chefs and comedians. King Philip 11 of Spain had his great palace built in the shape of a grid iron. There are over 200 churches dedicated to Saint Lawrence. There has been a Saint Lawrence church in Reading, Berkshire since 1196. Sources used wikipedia, youronlinechoices * The Church’s Year* by Charles Alexander
Festo  Kivengere  (1919-1988)  The Billy Graham of Africa
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Festo Kivengere (1919-1988) The Billy Graham of Africa

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Festo was a Ugandan Christian leader who faced the wrath of the brutal dictator Idi Amin. Festo was a world renown evangelist, founder of African Evangelistic Enterprises (AEE), and bishop of Kigezi Diocese in Uganda. In 1973 Festo attended the firing squad of 3 Christians by Idi Amin’s army. (The included article by Frederick Quinn is very moving) When Idi Amin in1977 had Archbishop Janani Luwum killed Festo, with his family were encouraged to flee the country. During his exile he settled in California. USA and travelled extensively preaching and teaching about the situation in Uganda. April 1979 Idi Amin was overthrown and Festo returned home. He continued an active ministry untilhis death , by leukemia, in 1988. A good part of the year was spent on evangelistic tours to raise money for AEE. Early in his career he was asked to translate into Swahili the sermons of Billy Graham. Billy was very impressed and they became lifelong friends. Forgiveness, reconciliation and proclamation were the three corner stones of his ministry. He wrote a book * I love Idi Amin.* In the book he asked for forgiveness from the Lord and for grace to love President Amin more. The Anglican Community lost an articulate and inspiring preacher; the church of Africa lost one of its most courageous leaders. He played a large role in the Christian revival in southwestern Uganda. Festo was indeed the Billy Graham of Africa.. Sources Christian History, DACB C0llection, Archives of the Episcopal Church *Ambassadors for Christ -editor J.D. Woodbridge contributor Jay Russell
Saint Boniface ( c 680 -754)     Feast day 5th June
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Saint Boniface ( c 680 -754) Feast day 5th June

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Saint Boniface was a Benedictine monk who was born in Crediton in Devon. His original name was Wynfrid or Wynfrith. Pope Gregory 11 renamed him Boniface - doer of good. Boniface studied at the abbeys of Exeter and Newell and became a monk. He was ordained a priest a priest at about the age of 30. He tried three times to evangelise in Frisia/ Friesland ( now in the Netherlands ). The first two attempts -716 and 722 failed, the third, when he was aged 75, cost him his life. In 718 he went to Rome. Gregory11 entrusted him with a mission to the pagans east of the Rhine… 722 he went to Hesse where he established the first of many Brendictine monasteries. His success was so great Gregory11 consecrated him a missionary bishop 725-735 he was active in Thuringia converting pagans and renewing the faith of Christians. Pope Gregory 111 ordered him to organize the church in Bavaria. In 751 Boniface became archbishop of Mainz. In 754, as a monk, he returned to Friesland. As he confirmed some converts he, along with 52 others, was martyred by a band of pagan Frisians. Consuelo Maria Aherne, in the Britannica notes I have included, concludes Saint Boniface was an organizer, educator and reformer and that he influenced the course of intellectual, political and ecclesiastical history in Germany and France throughout the Middle Ages. Saint Boniface was indeed a* doer of good.* In 2019 Devon County council officially recognised Saint Boniface as the Patron Saint of Devon. Sources used Britannica, wikipedia, The Church’s Year by Charles Alexander and *The Encyclopedia of Saints by Howard Loxton.
Saint James the Great  (3 AD-44 AD)   Feast Day  25th July
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Saint James the Great (3 AD-44 AD) Feast Day 25th July

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Saint James the Great is the brother of John. They were the sons of Zebedee. Together Jesus named them the sons of thunder. James and John were fishermen who Jesus called to become * fishers of men.* They were two of the original twelve chosen by Jesus. They, with the other 10 disciples, were with Jesus throughout his ministry. Jesus had an inner circle of four disciples - two sets of brothers James and John, and Simon Peter and Andrew. These four were with Jesus for two important events in his life - the Transfiguration and the betrayal in the garden of Gethsemane. James would have witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus and seen him after his glorious resurrection. James would have also been present at both the Ascension and Pentecost. King Herod Agrippa in AD 44 had James executed by the sword (Acts 12 v20). Saint James the great is the patron saint of Spain Two disciples of Jesus were named James, the other one is James the son of Alphaeus. A third James mentioned was the brother of Jesus. Sources used wkipedia, catholic on line and The Church’s Year by Charles Alexander.
Saint Mary Magdalene    Feast Day  22nd July
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Saint Mary Magdalene Feast Day 22nd July

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Mary Magdalene was an original follower of Jesus. The name Magdalene suggest she came from a small town called Magdala. We first notice her in Luke’s gospel (Chapter 2 v 1-3). it simply says who seven demons had come out. She is mentioned 12 times in total by name in the canonical Gospels- that is more than most of the disciples or non-family women in the Gospels are mentioned. She is mentioned in the list of women who watched Christ’s crucifixion and his burial (Matthew 27 v 55-61 Mark 15 v 40-47 and John 19 v25 ). She come very much to the fore in the resurrection story. She is one of the first to witness the empty tomb. She is the first to see him after his resurrection - but initially believes he is the gardener until Jesus simply says,* ‘Mary’. She gives her wonderful reply of Rabboni * -Master She is the first to testify to his resurrection. This is why in many Christian traditions she is known as the apostle to the apostles. (Matthew 28 v1-10, Mark 16 v 1-9, Luke 24 v10 and John 20 v 1-18). We do not know for certain what happened to her afterwards. It is thought she went with John the disciple/apostle to Ephesus. I have included Biblical texts from the burial and the resurrection. In the Gnostic Gospels her closeness to Jesus results in tension with the other disciples. Sources NIV Bible, wikipedia and ** The Church’s Year * by Charles Alexander
Hyung-Ja Leeand Torch Ministeries
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Hyung-Ja Leeand Torch Ministeries

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Dr. Hyung -Ja Lee is the chairperson of Torch Trinity Graduate University in South Korea. She was brought up by Christian parents and when she was only 6 she had an unusual experience. She saw a shining light that felt she was in a world of fantasy. It showered upon her face and filled her sight. The sunbeam was absolutely beautiful - she never forgot the experience. During her senior high schooldays her relationship with the Lord grew. In her second year at college whilst studying oriental painting she stepped in front of a bus and suffered serious injuries. It took 6 months to recover but surre from tiredness. Whilst at college she met Soon-Young Choi and married him following graduation. After 4 years of marriage first her mother, then her mother-in-law died and she became depressed. With her husband’s business also suffering they turned to prayer. They prayed together from 4am in the morning for hours. Their worries disappeared. If her husband had a problem he would ask her to pray into the problem -her prayers were answered and his business flourished. In 1977 an indescribable force overpowered Hyung-Ja. A voice was heard . Light the torch! This was a call to a new direction of ministry. The Korean Center for World Missions was formed. Where were they to meet? In a pre-dawn prayer time Hyung-Ja was shown a vision of a building. Through prayer she asked how big it should be. It grew to 63 floors! Ony 20 storey buildings were allowed on Yeoido Island. President Park said, ‘No’. The president was assassinated. The building law was changed. Permission was granted. Three and a half years later it was built- 60 floors above ground, 3 beneath the building -63 in total -the 63 building, shaped like a pair of hands, it is a symbol of spiritual triumph. ( now such a tall building is not allowed in Seoul) 63 building was originally named Torch Trinity Graduate School of Theology. It is now Torch Trinity Graduate University’s academic building. Dr. Hyung-Ja Lee is their inspirational chairperson . She believes Torch Trinity can reach the 12,000 unreached people groups that make up the 2 billion of the Earth’s population. Sources used Ambassadors for Christ - Editor J.D. Woodbridge contribution by David Kim wikipedia Torch Trinity Graduate University
Saint Irenaeus (c.130-c.200) Feast Day 28th June
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Saint Irenaeus (c.130-c.200) Feast Day 28th June

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Saint Irenaeus lived during the second century AD. He probably met people who had seen Saint John the Evangelist- author of the fourth gospel. When he grew up he became Bishop of Lyons in France. He became one of the first Fathers and he was the first great theologian of the church. He left one great book - Refutation and Overthrow of Knowledge falsely So-called. Stephen Beale in his article Ten Things You Need to know about St. Irenaeus tells us a great deal about Saint Irenaeus. (See article) Saint Irenaeus was a great teacher, preacher and writer. He is the first one to list the four gospels. He helped with the wording of the creeds. He tried to bring together little sects of Christians with their differences. Irenaeus in Greek means 'peacemaker'. It is uncertain how he died. Did he die a martyr/ -there is no proof that he did. Sources used * The Church’s Year * by Charles Alexander, Catholic Exchange (wikipedia has a great deal of information)
Venerable Bede   ( c 672-735)     Feast Day 27th May
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Venerable Bede ( c 672-735) Feast Day 27th May

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The Venerable Bede was born in about 672AD and lived to the age of about 62. At the age of 7 he was entrusted into the care of Benedict Biscop who in 674AD founded the the monastery of St. Peter at Wearmouth. The monastery moved to Jarrow in 682AD where Bede spent the rest of his life. Aged 19 he became a deacon, aged 30 he was promoted to priest. The Venerable Bede, also known as Saint Bede, is widely regarded as the greatest of all the Anglo-Saxon scholars. He wrote around 40 books dealing with theology, history. observations on nature, music and poetry. His most famous work is * Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum translated from the Old English means *The Ecclesiastical History of the English People. It was completed in 731 AD and was the first work of history in which the AD system of dating was used. It is still a key source for the understanding of early British history and Christianity. He died in his cell on May 27th, 735AD The inscription on his shrine read Hac sunt fossa Bedae venerablis assa Here are buried the bones of the venerable Bede. He was the first of a long line of great English Historians. Sources used BBC British History * The Church’s Year* by Charles Alexander
Sammy & Debara 'Tex' Tippett
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Sammy & Debara 'Tex' Tippett

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Sammy and Debara 'Tex’Tippett have been married for over 50 Years. Sammy was born in 1947 and married Debara Ann ‘Tex’ Sirman in 1968. Sammy was converted when he went to his girl friend’s church. Debra’s father would not let them go out unless they went to church first. Sammy went to church despite the laughter and derision of his partying friends. He heard the gospel and received Christ. For over fifty years he has been preaching the gospel. In 2019 he was re-elected to be president of the Southern Baptist Evangelists. The book Ambassadors for Christ looks at his life until 1990. On the day they were married they had all their belongings stolen. With nothing but the clothes on his back and unshaven he was invited to a regional evangelism conference. He spoke from the ‘floor’ and dozens of invitations to speak followed. He preached the gospel across the globe. He had a break in the early 80’s and accepted a pastorate for 3 years. Challenged by Arthur Blessitt In 1986 he returned to full time international evangelism and saw his ministry explode.(See notes). Sammy Tippitt continues to preach all over the world. He and Tex have remained faithful to their call. For up to date information go to Sammy Tippet Ministries (page would not print clearly). I have included notes form the Southern baptist Convention -18th June 2019. Other sources Ambassadors for Christ edited article written by jerry Jenkins
Saint Basil the Great (c330-379)
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Saint Basil the Great (c330-379)

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Saint Basil was born in c329 in Caesarea, Cappadocia. He grew up in a Christian family. He had a brilliant academic career at Caesarea, Constantinople and Athens He decided to become a monk. For a while he became a hermit seeking a life of solitude. He then became the assistant to two Bishops of Caesarea When Eusebius, the second bishop, died in 370 Basil became the bishop. He laid out near the town a great set of community buildings - a church, a bishop’s house, a monastery and a hospital for the poor. He also drew up a monastic Rule which was later widely adapted. He believed that monks should live in communities, working hard at farming and giving practical help to those who lived near by. Up to this point monks had lived a simple life of prayer, spent in a solitary place, living like a hermit. Basil’s Rule predates Saint Benedict ideas. Saint Basil was an eloquent and learned man. Many of his writings, including 300 of his letters, exist today. Glossary Arianism - the Greek theologian Arius suggested that God was superior/not equal to his son Jesus. ascetic - a person given to practise self denial and abstains from the world’s comforts for religious reasons homoiousian - a Christian who believes that the son is of like ( and not identical) substance to the father. Sources used wikipedia, The Church’s Year by Charles Alexander Encyclopedia of Saints by Howard Loxton
Rowland Bingham (1872-1942)  and SIM
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Rowland Bingham (1872-1942) and SIM

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Mrs Gowan, a Scottish- Canadian widow, over 100 years ago, prayed that millions of people in Africa could be saved. Her son William and his friends. Thomas Kent and Rowland Bingham in 1893 sailed to Nigeria. Within a year William and Thomas died of malaria. Rowland returned to Canada broken and alone. Rowland recovered his health and studied. In 1897 he married Helen Blair. In 1900, leaving behind his wife and baby , with two friends he attempted to enter the Sudan. Rowland was stricken with malaria and ordered him home. His friends followed on the next boat. In 1901, with Rowland staying behind to organize things, four new recruits were ready to sail for Nigeria. Within two years, one died, two returned home, the fourth A. W. Banfield stayed. Science discovered that malaria could be cured by quinine. Missions began to expand. He was the editor of Evangelical Christian from 1904 until 1942 when he died. In 1912 he established the evangelical Publishers. In 1924 he established the Canadian Keswick Bible Conference. His wife Helen was a strong and capable partner. The Sudan Interior Mission (SIM) grew steadily. By 1933 the mission had 230 members. Rowland 6 times traveled to Africa. By the time of his death in 1942 there were 400 missionaries. His persistence had paid off. Mrs Gowan’s prayer had been answered. Sources wikipedia and SIM and* Ambassadors for Christ* edited by John D. Woodbridge
Saint Columbo (521-597) - Feast day June 7th  and the Isle of Iona
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Saint Columbo (521-597) - Feast day June 7th and the Isle of Iona

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Saint Columbo was an Irish priest, who following a dispute in Ireland , moved with 12 friends to the small Isle of Iona off the west coast of Scotland. Iona’s place in history was secured in 563 AD when Saint Colombo arrived with his 12 followers, built a church and established a monastic community. The monks spent their day in pray, teaching, writing - transcribing and illustrating beautiful books, and cultivating the land or fishing. Saint Columbo became the Abbot of Iona and surrounding isles. His wish was that Iona would become a centre of Learning. Hundreds of years later it is still a centre of Christianity. It has an influence far out of all proportion for its size in Scotland, England and mainland Europe. It is a place of pilgrimage, 130,00 come each year. Kings of Scotland, Ireland and Norway are buried there. The original building has gone but by the side of the Abbey entrance a small roof chamber is claimed to be the site of the saint’s tomb. The Lochness monster even gets a mention. Sources -wikipedia and * The Church’s Year by Charles Alexander
Ralph D. Winter (1924-2009)
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Ralph D. Winter (1924-2009)

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Ralph D. Walters in 2005 was named by the Time magazine as one of the 25 most influential evangelicals in America. Dr. Ray Tallman in 2010 said he perhaps was the most influential persons in missions of the last 50 years and has influenced missions globally more than anyone I can think of. It was during the 10 years whilst working as a missionary in Guatemala (1956-1966) that he developed and spearheaded the first Theological Education Extension (TEE) programme. This was a precursor for the modern theological distance programmes and the multi- campus models used today by schools and seminaries. It would allow ministers to improve their education without having to relocate. They would be able to study at extension campuses near their own town or village. He was called a missiologist - he was a strategist, of the highest order. who studied how to improve the function of the Christian Church. Sources used wikipedia and Ambassadors for Christ
Saint Dunstan (909-988)   Feast Day  19th May
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Saint Dunstan (909-988) Feast Day 19th May

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Saint Dunstan was born in the village of Baltonsborough - near Glastonbury, in Somerset, around the year 910. He was educated in Glastonbury and then joined his uncle Athelm, Archbishop of Canterbury at the royal court of King Athelstan. He was banished from court when untrue stories were told about him. He went and stayed with his uncle Bishop Elphege of Winchester who suggested he became a monk. Aged 34 he took up the monastic life. He returned to Gloucester and lived a simple life of manual labour and devotion. He became skilled at copying and illuminating scripts, making church vestments, furniture and plate. On the death of King Athelstan his successor, Edmund, called him back to court as a priest. In no time he became the Abbot of Glastonbury. Back at his place of birth his mission was to reinvigorate the abbey. He established Glastonbury as a leading centre of learning and scholarship. He also had another role. He became the royal advisor first to Edmund and then Eadred. Eadred was often ill and for 9 years Dunstan took the chief place in governing England. He did much to reform both the Church and the State. Edwy, when he became king sent Duncan into exile. Following a revolt Dunstan was brought back to court by Edgar who was now king. He oversaw every detail of the Edgar’s coronation… His ceremony - which emphasised the bond between church and monarch - still forms the basis of royal coronations today Duncan quickly became Bishop of Worcester, then London and finally Archbishop of Canterbury until his death aged 79. Dunstan retired from court in 978 on the murder of Edward. Dunstan died in 988 and was buried in a tomb in his cathedral. (See Final Years 978-988) At the time of his death he was the most popular English saint. I have included a list of kings who Dunstan would have advised and the length of their reigns. Sources wikipedia, British Express, The Church’s Year by Charles Alexander
Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430) Feast Day  August 28th
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Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430) Feast Day August 28th

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Augustine of Hippo is one of the 4 Doctors of the church. He was one of the most intelligent men who ever lived He was born in Numidi (now Algeria) in 354. His parents were Saint Monica and Patricius, a pagan. His father, on his death bed became a Christian and died in 373 when Augustine was just 19. Augustine was rebellious and his mother prayed for 17 years before he became converted. He was educated in Cathage, then went to Rome, followed by moving to Milan where he taught rhetoric. For 10 years he was interested in Manichaeism (see notes). In Milan he listened to the sermons of Saint Ambrose. To his mother’s joy he was converted and baptised. He was 33. He and Saint Ambrose probably composed the * Te Deum.* The year was 387 when Saint Monica died. She had spent many years praying for her son before he was converted. In her last two years she saw her prayers wonderfully answered. Saint Monica died in Ostia as she and her son gazed at the sea and discoursed about the joys of the blessed. He returned to Africa. H e spent several years in communal living, teaching, meditating, fasting and praying. He ended up becoming a priest and went to Hippo as an assistant to bishop Valerius and established a monastic community. On the bishop’s death he became bishop - Augustine of Hippo. He began to write. Many of his books, all in Latin, are still available to read. Confessions and City of God are his most famous books. Confessions looks at his childhood and conversion. (See list of books) He died in 430 ,aged 76, when his city was being besieged by Vandals who had invaded the Roman Empire. Saint Augustine is considered by many to be the greatest teacher of Christian Truth after Saint Paul - writer of the epistles in the New Testament. I have included a list of his books his ideas, plus definitions for Manichaeism and Filique Gold from Dark Mines by Irene Howart ch1 pages 7-44 Sources Wikipedia and The Church’s Year by Charles Alexander Encyclopedia of Saints by Howard Loxton
Saint Monica of Hippo   ( c 332-387)  Feast day May 4th
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Saint Monica of Hippo ( c 332-387) Feast day May 4th

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Saint Monica of Hippo was the mother of Saint Augustine of Hippo. She was born in Thagaste, Numidia (now Souk Ahras, Algeria) in 332. She is an example of those holy matrons, who through their quiet prayers and tears influenced the ancient Church. Her husband Patricius, a pagan as was his mother. They both eventually became Christian. She is remembered for being very persistant. She prayed and wept for 17 years before her son Augustine became a Christian. She had the joy of witnessing Saint Anbrose baptize Augustine in 387 . That same year she died in Ostia, as she and her son gazed at the sea and discoursed about the joys of the blessed. It is through theConfessions of Saint Augustine, which provide biographical detail that we learn most about Monica. Through prayers and tears she gave the great Augustine to the Church of God, and thereby earned for herself a place of honour in the history of God’s kingdom on earth. Sources wikipedia and* The Church’s Year by Charles Alexander
Tokunboh Adeyemo  (1944-2010)
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Tokunboh Adeyemo (1944-2010)

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Tokunboh Adeyemo was a Muslim who became a world Christian leader. He was born on the 1st October 1944 into a royal Muslim family. He dreamt of being prime Minister of Nigeria by 1973. As the first boy in his family he was set to become the chief in Nigeria’s Oyo Sate. The 1966 coup in Nigera dramatically changed everything. He was put under house arrest. His dream was shattered. Initially he did part from his Muslim upbringing but his quest for for meaning and purpose became urgent. He accepted an invite to a church meeting. Following the sermon he said the sinners prayer. The date was September 13th, 1966. His family on hearing of his conversion disowned him. His mother and siblings, years later, eventually became Christians… He said he never had what people term a ‘call’ but his desire started at his conversion. His ‘working ’ verse was * *Not my might nor by power but by the Spirit, says the Lord’ * * Zechariah 4 v6 Isaac Phiri in Ambassadors for Christ tells us what happened over the next 20 years. He goes to university in Nigeria. Moves to America with no money - he prays and receives money anonymously . In 1977 he awarded a doctorate in Theology. In Scotland in 1979 he is awarded a Ph.D. He marries Ireti and they have two sons. In 1975 Bryan Kato, the secretary of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa and Madagascar (AEAM) dies suddenly in a swimming pool accident. Tokunboh in1977 elected to succeed him. He led the AEAM for 25 years. For over 30 years he was a leader in the African Church He wrote a number of books but he is probably best known as the author of Africa Bible Commentary.- which 70 African scholars contributed to. Adeyemo was an African Christian statesman of high repute.* Moses Owojaiye Sources used Ambassadors for Christ Langham Foundation Hong Kong Christianity Today wikipedia
Saint Athanasius of Alexandria  ( c296- 373)    Feast Day 2nd May
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Saint Athanasius of Alexandria ( c296- 373) Feast Day 2nd May

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Saint Athanasius is probably best known for the creed named after him. He was the 20th bishop of Alexandria (328-373) which included 5 exiles spread over 5 years when he was replaced by 4 Roman emperors! He struggled against emperors Constantine, Constantine 11, Julian the Apostate and Valens. He was known as Athanasius against the world. Althanasius was a Christian theologian and a noted Egyptian leader of the 4th century. He played a leading role against a powerful people called Ariana. It was Althanasius’s clear thinking that the teaching of Arius did not spread any further and eventually died away . Arius claimed that Jesus was created by God and that they were not equal. Athanasius lived until he was about 77. (died 373). A few years later in a Great Council held in Constantinople Arianisn finally gave way. Gregory of Nazianzus called him the Pillar of the church. His writings were well regarded as was his interest in monasticism. He is counted as one of the 4 great doctors of the catholic church. He was the first to identify the same 27 books of the New Testament which we use today. I have included a copy of the Althanasius creed. Sources used wikipedia, the Prayer Book and *The Church’s Year * by Charles Alexander