Saint Agatha of Sicily (c.231-251 AD) is a Christine saint. She was born in Catania or Palermo in Sicily. According tot the 13th century Golden Legend by Jacbus de Voragine, Agatha, aged 15, from a rich and noble family made a vow of virginity. She rejected the amorous advances and persistent proposals of marriage to the Roman prefect Quintianus. This was during the persecutions of emperor Decius so he reported her to the authorities for being a Christian. In the first place, to force her to change her mind, He imprisoned her in a brothel but Agatha never lost her confidence in God. He tried again. On being rejected he had her imprisoned and tortured - this included cutting off her breasts with pincers. He then sentenced her to be burnt at the stake but an earthquake saved her from that fate. Although her martyrdom is authenticated there is no reliable information concerning her death. She may have died in prison aged just 20. She is buried at the Badia di Sant’Agata, Catania. Her patronage is wide -these are examples. She is the patron saint of breast cancer patients and earthquakes She is the patron saint of Catania, Malta, Molise, San Marino, Gallipoli and Zamarramala. The tradition of making shaped pastry on the feast of St Agatha-5th February, such as Agatha breads or buns Breasts of St. Agatha is found in many countries. Saint Agatha of Sicily is one of the most highly venerated virgin martyrs of Christian history. She is one of several martyrs who are commemorated in the Canon of the Mass.

14 Holy Helpers is a group of venerated saints in Roman Catholicism. In my research for well known saints this group has been regularly mentioned so rather than add them as an appendage I have given them separate recognition. Saints Blaise, Cyriacus, Eramus, George, Giles, Panteleon and Vitus the rest may only be legends. See separate information on the 6 given. Apparently this group of * helpers in need* originated in the 14th century as a result of epidemic which became known as the Black death.

Sylvester 1 was the 33rd Pope of the Catholic church. he was bishop of Rome from 314 until his death on 31st December 335. What little we know about him is a mixture of truth and legend written in the Liber Pontificalis in the 7th or 8th century. He filled the see of Rome at an important era in the history of the Western Church. Emperor Constantine was the first Roman emperor to become a Christian and it is said Sylvester baptised him (legend). In reality Eusebuis, of Nicomedia, an Arian bishop of Constantinople, baptised Constantine in May 337 shortly before he died Accounts of his pontificate preserved in the 7th or 8th century ‘records’ tell us very little about him except for a record of gifts conferred on the church by Constantine known as the Donations of Constantine (legend/forgery). Also that he was the son of a Roman called Rufinus. Large churches were founded and built during his pontificate - basilica of St. John Lateran, Basilica of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem, Old St. Peter’s Basilica and several churches built over the graves of martyrs. In 325 the First Council of Nicaea was held where the Nicene Creed was formulated. Sylvester was invited to attend but sent two legates. In the fictional/legendary accounts of Sylvester’s relationship with the emperor, which made him famous, he is said to have cured Constantine of leprosy by baptismal waters. In another legend the emperor walked before Sylvester’s horse holding the Pope’s bridle. as the papal groom. The suggestion being the Pope is supreme over all rulers even the Roman emperor. Pope Saint Sylvester 1 was Pope in Rome at the beginning of the Christian Roman Empire under emperor Constantine. Extra information include - Bishops of Rome under Constantine the Great Did Constantine currupt the Bible? Sources wikipedia Britannica Online Encyclopedia The Church’s Year by Charles Alexander

Saint Vincent of Saragossa, also known as Vincent martyr, Vincent of Hauesca or Vincent the Deacon was deacon of the church of Saragossa, Spain in the 3rd century (died c.302AD). Vincent spent most of his life in the city of Saragossa. He was educated and ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Valerius of Saragossa. Valerius had a speech impediment so Vincent acted his spokesman. When Roman Emperor Diocletian began persecuting Christians the two of them were brought before Dacian , the Roman Governor in Valencia. Both were confined to prison. He was offered release if he would burn the holy Scriptures -he refused. His outspoken manner so offended Dacian that he was tortured in various ways- stretched on the rack and his flesh torn with iron hooks- wounds rubbed with salt - burned alive on a red hot gridiron - cast into prison and laid on a floor of broken pottery - where he died. He preserved such peace and tranquility during these tortures that his jailer repented of his sins and was converted. His broken body was thrown into a sack and thrown in the sea but later recovered by Christians. His body was buried outside of the town. His veneration immediately spread throughout the church. (Read Legacy and Veneration) The aged Bishop Valerius was sent into exile. Sources The Church’s Year by Charles Alexander Wikipedia

Rogation days are days of prayer and fasting in Western Christianity. The word rogation comes from the latin verb ‘rogare’ which means to ask. This reflects the beseeching of God for the appeasement of his anger and for the protection from calamities - for example a poor harvest. The Christian major rogation replaced a pagan Roman procession known as Robigalia where a dog was sacrificed to Robigus, the deity of Agricultural disease, to stop their crops getting wheat rust. So -called major rogation is held on 25th April.The minor rogations are held on Monday to Wednesday before Ascension Thursday. Rogation days date back to Mamertus, Bishop of Vienne in 470. who ordered processions at the time of many volcanic eruptions. Rogation Day ceremonies are thought to have arrived in the British Isles in the 7th century. In the old Sarum texts (1173-1200) processions were initially led by a dragon representing Pontius Pilate who was followed by a lion, representing Jesus, followed by images of saints. In later processions the lion went first. Many heavy torches were present - bought jointly by the church and parishioners, Beating the bounds happened in the Middle Ages. The procession used to move around the parish boundaries so the young people might know where they lay - this was before detailed maps. Sometimes important spots were impressed on the boys by bumping them on the ground or beating them! The practice of beating the bounds has continued in a few places to the present day, simply as an old custom. Rogation Days are observed in the Roman Catholic church with processions and the Litany of the Saints, Sources used The Church’s Year by Charles Alexander Wikipedia

Saint Helena was the mother of Roman emperor Constantine the Great, She was born outside of the noble classes, a Greek, possibly in the Greek city of Drepana, Bithynia in Asia Minor. Saint Helena ranks as an important figure in the history of Christianity, and of the world, because of her influence on her son, Constantine. The parents of Constantine1 were Helena and emperor Constantius 1. There is uncertainty to whether they were actually married. Some scholars suggest they were joined in a common-law marriage, a cohabitation in fact but not in law, or whether they were joined in an official marriage, on the grounds that the sources claiming an official marriage are more reliable. Constatius1 divorced Helena before 289. Helena and her son were dispatched to the court of Dicletian at Nicomedia, where he son grew to be a member of the inner circle. When Constantius1 died in 306 Costantine 1 was proclaimed Augustus of the Roman Empire. Following her son’s elevation Helena in 312 was brought back to public life, returning to the imperial court, She was appointed Augusta Imperatrix which gave her unlimited access to the imperial treasury in order to locate the relics of the Christian tradition. According to Eusebuis her conversion to Christianity followed her son becoming emperor. In 326-8, when Saint Helena was in her 80s , she under took a trip to Palestine. She had heard an old legend that the True Cross - the cross Jesus was crucified , plus the other two, were buried near where the crucifixion actually happened… With great pomp she went to Palestine. She founded a church at Bethlehem, another upon the Mount of Olives. In Jerusalem, according to Eusebius, she had a temple to Venus or Jupiter destroyed. They them chose a site to excavate and found three crosses. Wanting to know which was Christ’s a sick woman was brought to the site. On touching the third cross she was healed. (Read The True Cross and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre) Sozomen and Theodoret claim that Saint Helena found two of the nails of the crucifixion - one was placed in her son’s helmet the other in his horse’s bridal. In 327/8 she left Jerusalem and took large parts of the True Cross back to Rome which were stored in her palace’s private chapel. Saint Helena died around 330 and was buried in the Mausoleum of Helena , outside Rome, on the Via Labicana. Constatine1 later founded the church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The invention of the Cross is celebrated on 3rd May. Source used Wikipedia

L’ Abri is an evangelical Christian organisation founded by Francis Schaeffer and his wife Edith in Huemoz-sur-Ollon, in Switzerland, on 5th June 1955. Francis August Schaeffer (1912-1984) was an American evangelical theologian, philosopher and Presbyterian pastor. He was the first student to graduate and first to be ordained in the \bible Presbyterian Church (1935). Edith Rachel Merritt Schaeffer (nee Seville) was a Christian author. They married in 1935. When they moved to Huemoz there was no assurance that it would be successful. They opened their alpine home to curious travellers and as a forum to discuss philosophical and religious beliefs. Word of mouth in the summer of 1955 soon led to an increasing stream of visitors, averaging 31 visitors a week. Distribution of Francis’ lectures also helped to raise awareness of their work As is grew the L’Abri organisation began to own and operate several buildings in Huemoz 4 types of people visited - short term guests students who divided their time between study and communal work, workers who participated in discussions and the work of of hospitality, members who were part of the decision making process. The L’Abri day revolves around communal meals, often used as an opportunity for formal open discussion, and students are encouraged to pursue interests in art, music and literature. (Read 'Mode of operation) Francis died in 1984 of hymphoma on 15th May 1984, in Rochester, Minnesota but his wife Edit continued to be associated with the L’Abri organisation. Edith died, at home in Gryon, Switzerland, aged 98 nearly 30 years later, on 30th March 2013. Edith 30 years ago founded The Francis Schaeffer Foundation to receive her husband’s papers and annotated books for scanning and subsequent study. This is run by her son-in-law Udo Middleman - he is also an associate pastor in Hoemoz. The ministry has continued to grow. l’Abri has operations in a number of different countries staffed by workers who encourage visitors to study and consider their religious and philosophical beliefs. Since 2011 l’Abri has residential ‘Study Centres’ in the USA , Canada, South Korea, Australia, the UK, the Netherlanders and Sweden as well as the original centre in Switzerland. It also has non -residential ‘Resource centres’ run by friends of the organisation in Brazil and Germany Today the L’Abri houses are to be found in various parts of the world and continue to offer people a place to stay when they travel. I have included information about both Schauffers and the books they wrote Source Wikipedia

Alexander Alfred Boddy (1854-1930) was an Anglican vicar and one of the founders of Pentecostalism in Britain. Alexander was born into an ecclesiastical family. His father was a vicar and his mother was a descendant of Mrs. Vazeille, who had been married to John Wesley. He trained as a solicitor but following a religious experience at a Keswick Convention he was convinced he should be ordained into the Church of England. Following several appointments the Bishop of Durham, J. B. Lightfoot, placed him in All Saints Church (ASC) in Monkwearmouth, Sunderland in 1884. In 1891 he married Mary Pollock. Inspired by the Holiness Movement ( See notes) he had an intense religious experience in 1892. In 1899 Mary experience healing for asthma and believed she she had the gift of healing through the laying-on of hands. In 1904 he visited Wales during the Welsh Revival and Evan Roberts. In 1907 visited Oslo where T.B. Barratt was leading a revival l based on the events at the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles. Barratt visited ASC and Alexander experience speaking in tongues.People flocked to Sunderland to hear Barratt and Boddy speak. ASC became a centre for British Pentecostalism. 28th October 1907 Mary laid hands on Smith Wigglesworth. From 1908-14 Alexander hosted a series of Sunderland Whitsuntide Conventions which gained national press attention He exercised his leadership through 3 agencies - the Sunderland Convention, Confidence (1908-1926) and the Pentecostal Missionary Union (PMU) formed in 1909 led by Cecil Pollhill. Plus his worldwide travelling ministry. He was the the most pivotal figure in the formative period of British Pentecostalism. His position as vicar, a highly respected position at the time, added respectability to the new element of Pentecostalism and gave him a leading role in the movement. The outbreak of WW1 (1915-18) and the development of the Elim movement rapidly cut his leadership for 3 reasons. His ministry was limited to parish work and war related ministry, difference in attitude towards the war- he was patriotic they were for pacifism, and thirdly the rapid growth o fElim was a cause for diversity in leadership. Also, as the movement grew, he could no longer represent the majority of Pentecostals. ( See Ku-Hyung Cho dissertation 260= pages -a few pages included) Alexander stayed in the Church of England; he tried to discourage the creation of separate denominations. Sources Thesis by Khu-Hyung Cho The Move to independence from Anglican ` Leadership Wikipedia

William Frederick Padwick Burton (1886-1971) was born in England. Willie, as he was known, enjoyed a privileged childhood - his mother was from English aristocracy, his father a ship captain. His parents dedicated him to God’s work in Africa even before he was born. He brought up in evangelical Anglican church and was confirmed by the Archbishop of Canterbury. As a youth he was not interested in spiritual things. He attended good schools in england and travelled the world. He excelled at cricket and tennis and became an accomplished artist. Realising art would not pay the bills he studied electrical engineering at st. Lawrence college, Ramsgate. In 1905 he came under deep conviction of sin at a R.A. Torrey Evangelistic campaign in London. A few days later he experienced salvation. He immediately contacted missionary societies to no avail. For the next 8 years he worked for an engineering firm (he invented a dynamo) and looked after his aging parents. He established a habit of daily rising early and spending 2 hours of more in Bible study. In 1910 he heard about Pentecostal revival. So with a friend he decided to investigate their claims that Biblical spiritual gifts, such as speaking in tongues, healing and prophecy were still available to be believers. They met almost every night for the entire year. That year he finally received the baptism of the Holy Ghost at the Preston Pentecostal Convention The Holy Ghost was poured upon him and he began to praise God in tongues. (He also had a third set of teeth - recorded in scientific magazine.) 1911 he stepped out in faith. He quit his engineering job and became a ‘tramp preacher’. For 3 years he walked across the English countryside preaching in homes and on village greens. 1914, just after WW1 started, he arrived in South Africa. He spent the first year preaching at various mission stations in South Africa and then travelled to the Congo with Jimmy Salter in 1915. They were based in Mwanza in Northen Katanga. Those early days were spent fighting malaria, encountering cannibal tribesman, learning the language and mapping. Willie married Hettie Trollip in 1918. 1919 the Congo Evangelistic Mission (CEM) was formed, co-founded by Willie and Jimmy, but it became known as ‘Burton’s Mission.’ He was their first field director and was in favour of indigenous (local) leadership of the church. CEM (1919) - Zaire EM (1971) - Central African M International (May 2014) Willie employed his significant giftings as a builder, engineer, teacher and artist to advance the gospel. He authored 26 books which included Congo fables and proverbs. The Pentecostal Evangel published 90 of his articles - he was read on both sides of the Atlantic. He raised money by selling his paintings and ink drawings of Congolese landscapes and life. By the time he went to the Lord the CEM had grown to almost 2,000 churches. Willie was a larger-than- life figure in the history of African Pentecostalism

Rees Howells (1879-1950) was born in Brynamman in Carmarthenshire, Wales on 10th October 1879 Aged 12 he left school and worked in tin and coal mines. He went to the USA for better financial benefits. In the USA he met a Jewish Christian called Maurice Solomon who was following the Messiah and he read a book written by Professor Henry Drummond. Between them they influenced Rees to become an Evangelical Christian. On his return to Wales he was affected by the 1904-5 Welsh Revival. He then went with his wife to Africa as missionaries. He was led down the path of intercession for many years before seeing the Revival across Southern Africa between 1915-20. On his return to Britain he felt called by the Holy Spirit to start a Bible College - his inspiration was the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinoiis.In 1924 he founded the Bible College of Wales at Glyderwen House, Swansea. During WW11 God used Ree and the young people with him in a mighty way. They helped shape international events and the destiny of nations through their prayers. This company of faith filled believers became intercessors fully committed to be part of the solution Rees was director of the college until his death in 1950. His son, Samuel Rees Howells, took over - he led the college for 53 years until his death in 2003. The college is now called Trinity School of Ministry. It is a religious training centre in Rugby, Warwickshire. ( Read ‘Trinity School of Ministry’) Rees Howells became well known as an intercessor, after his death, following Norman Grubb’s successful book Rees Howells Intercessor (1952) a biography of Rees life. Every great leader in their of faith has to learned one universal lesson: there are no short cuts. These kinds of leaders are not made in a day but on a daily basis. Rees Howells was no exception to the rule, and he was lead by the Holy Spirit to build a life of faith learned through experience, Source used Wikipedia

Cambridge Seven were 6 students from Cambridge University and one from the Royal Military Academy(RMA). In 1885 they decided to become missionaries in China through the China Inland Mission. For a month before they left the 7 toured University campuses of England and Scotland, holding meetings for students. During the tour someone dubbed them '‘The Cambridge Seven’ On the 18th March 1885 they arrived in Shanghai and engaged in a variety of ministries throughout China. The 7 were;- William Wharton Cassels Stanley Peregrine Smith Charles (C.T.) Thomas Studd (See separate TES entry) Arthur T. Polhill-Turner Cecil H. Polhill- Turner Montagu Harry Proctor Beuchamp Dixon Hoste (RMA (See ‘Work’ for what each of them achieved) One of the missiological distinctives of CIM was that the missionaries were expected to wear Chinese dress and queue (pigtail). ( See picture of 7) The conversion and example of the 7 was one of the grand gestures of 19th century missions, making them religious celebrities; as a result their story was published as 'The Evangelisation of the World: A missionary Band and became a national best seller. The China Inland Mission was set up in 1865 by James Hudson Taylor. The missionary society became known as the Overseas Missionary Fellowship (1964), today it is called OMF International (1990s). Source Wikipedia

Charles Thomas Studd , often known as C.T. Studd (1860-1931) was a British missionary. He was one of the Cambridge Seven who decided to become missionaries to China through the China Inland Mission. Charles founded W. E.C International which originally was called The Heart of Africa Mission (1913). He was capped 37 times to played for England as a cricketer. A visiting preacher convert C.T and 2 of his brothers to Christianity when they were students at Eton . I got down on my knees and I did say ‘thank you’ to God. And right then and there joy and peace came into my soul. I knew then what it was to be ‘born again’, and the Bible which had been so dry in me before, became everything. In February 1885 he went to China with the Cambridge Seven(See separate entry) His father died while he was in China and he gave away his inheritance. He emphasiised the life of faith, believing that God would provide for a Christian’s needs. While in China he married Priscilla. His spirituality was intense and he mostly only read the Bible. He wrote several books. His personal testimony became part of****Fundamentals; A Testimony of the Truth. (1 of 90 documents). On his return from China he visited his brother, Kynaston in America. He became a pastor at Ootacamund in Southern India (1900-6). He spent 15 years in China and 5 in India. In 1910 he went to the Sudan. Out of his concern for the lack of Christian faith in Central Africa he set up in 1913 the Heart for Africa Mission (which became Worldwide Evangelisation Crusade (WEC) which became Worldwide Evangelisation for Christ and today is known as WEC International). His speaking on the subject inspired a number of people. HQ for the venture 17 Highland Road, Upper Norwood, South London. Finances were often tenuous but he had the support f Lord Radstock. In 1913, against medical advice, he went with Alfred Buxton to the Belgian Congo for the first time. He established 4 mission stations in an area inhabited by 8 different tribes He returned to England when Priscilla became ill. He returned to the Congo in 1916 when she had recovered sufficiently to undertake the expansion of the mission into the WEC with workers in South America, Central Asia, Middle East and Africa He built up an extensive missionary outreach based on his centre at Ibambi in Budu territory. She made a short visit to the Congo in 1928, she died in 1929. C.T. was joined by his daughter Pauline, son-in law Norman Grubb and grandson Noel who died on his first birthday. His daughter married Alfred. In 1931, still working for the Lord C.T died at Ibambi at the age of 70. He died from untreated gallstones. To this day his name is still linked with the evangelisation of the Congo Basin. Norman Grubb wrote CTs biography -it was exceptionally popular. Only one life 'twill soon past Only what’s done for Christ will last. C.T Studd Source Wikipedia

Jim and Elisabeth Elliot are 2 of the most influential people in the history of missions. Their lives reflect total devotion to Christ and to the message of the gospel. Their stories of perseverance, suffering and even death have inspired many to go reach unreached peoples. Madeline Pena Jim decided to go with 4 friends to convert the Huaoriani people of Ecuador. It cost all 5 their lives. Their plans were preempted by the arrival on January 8th 1956 of a large group of about 10 Huarorani Warriors who killed all five of them. What I had not realised when I wrote my Acua 5 information for TES was what his wife, Elisabeth did following his death. Elisabeth went back to the Aucas tribe in 1958 with their 3 year old daughter Valerie. She stayed with them for 2 years. In 1960 the tribe accepted Christ as their Lord and saviour. Checking back on the notes I used last time I read about the Acua 5 *Books have been written about them in numerous biographers most notably Elisabeth Elliot. Elisabeth indeed wrote 3 books which chronicled her husband’s martyrdom Shadow of the Almighty, Through Gates of Splendour and The Savage My Kinsman. Elisabeth passed away in 2015. See also Acua 5 Source used Wikipedia

Benson Idahosa was a Charismatic Pentecostal preacher. he was the founder of Church of God Mission International. Archbishop Idahosa was popularly referred to as the father of Pentecostalism in Nigeria. He was also the founder of Benson Idahosa University in Benin City. In October 1968 he officially inaugurated the Church of God Mission international which had originally been a small prayer group. Benson died on 12th March 1998. His wife Margaret took over as the Archbishop. She is also the Chancellor of Benson idahosa University. (BIU) Their only son Bishop F.E. B. Idahosa is now president of BIU. He is also president of Big Ben 's Children Hospital and vice-president of All Nations for Christ Bible Institute International, among other positions.

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

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)