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 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 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

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 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. 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 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

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 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 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 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

Cliffe Knechte is the senior pastor at Grace Community church which was formed following several families wanting an informal bible study. Cliffe is a parson who loves to converse with skeptics and truth seekers. The church opened in 2001 - a church for people who do not want to go to church !! In 2013 the expansion resulted in the opening of Grace farm spread over 80 acres. ( see enclosed information). Lets go back to the beginning. In 1979, aged 25, Cliffe would be found on a university campus talking, in the open air, to undergraduates. After opening proceedings he would encourage questions and he would endeavour to answer them. In the book Ambassadors for Christ , in the contribution from Will Metzger, a clear picture is drawn on Cliffe evangelistic approach by speaking and listening to questions from his listeners. {See paragraphs about lanky preacher, listening , Boston bars, dialogue preaching, the local church and motivation). Dialogue preaching was the key to how he encouraged undergraduates to talk to him. His motivation is that when Christ returns he will not have anyone say to him, Cliffe, why didn’t you have the guts to tell me? Included title of Cliffe’s five books. Sources used Ambassadors for Christ, general editor John B. Woodbrigde and The New York Times

Saint Philip was one of the twelve apostles originally selected by Jesus. He is mentioned several times in the Gospels and in the Acts of the Apostles. He was an eyewitness to Christ’s ministry on earth. It is believed after Christ’s resurrection that he went on to teach in Greece, Syria and Phrygia. Later stories about saint Philip’s life can be found in the anonymous Acts of Philip. In the Appendix it suggests he died a martyr. Another legend suggests he was martyred by beheading in the city of Hierapolis. Sources used wikipedia and The Chuch’s year by Charles Alexander

I started to look at the life of Guy S, Garner. I found a lot about information about him as an astronaut but not very much about what happened after he left the United States Air Force except to say as a veteran astronaut he speaks in churches on the reality of God. I decided to broadened my research. 17 of the NASA astronauts were committed Christians (see list). Four died during the Columbus Shuttle disaster. Frank Borman, commander of the first space crew to travel beyond the Earth’s orbit, quoted Genesis 1 * In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. * I had idea no idea that Buzz Aldrin, on landing Apollo II on the moon, celebrated the landing by having communion with Neil Armstrong on the surface of the moon. Charles Duke, another moon ‘lander’, became a missionary. * I make speeches about walking ON the moon and walking WITH the Son of God.* Read Guy Gardner’s thoughts (See information from* Ambassadors for Christ). Guy went on to become first of all a teacher and eventually became President of the Williamson College of the Trades who also did a lot of voluntary work for the church. Sources wikidedia, Astronauts who found God, God,the Bible and the space Race

Catherine of Siena is one of the outstanding figures of Medieval Catholicism She was the youngest of 25 children. She was a nun and a mystic. She was both clever and good so even popes sought her advice. She is remembered for her role in encouraging the Pope Urban V to return to Rome and for her letters. She never actually learnt how to write- dictated letters to secretaries. She died at the young age of 33 through exhaustion. She remains a greatly respected figure for her spiritual writings and political boldness to ’ speak truth to power ’ - it being exceptional for a women in her time period (Middle Ages) to have such an influence in politics and on world history. There were two tasks she set herself to accomplish. She wanted the Popes to move from Avignon, in France back to Rome so that ancient tradition was restored. Secondly she wanted peace between the pope and the people of Florence. She accomplished both of those aims/tasks. Her ’ Dialogue ’ , 100s’ of letters and dozens of prayers also gives her a prominent place in the history of Italian literacy. Pope Urban V1 celebrated her funeral in the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome. She was the first woman to be declared ’ doctor of the church ’ by Pope Paul V1 in 1970. Sources used wikepedia, The Church’s Year by Charles Alexander, Historicas Women and Encyclopedia of Saints by Howard Loxton

Saint Anselm was born at Aosta in northern in c1033 and died in 1109. Aged only 15 he decided he wanted to become a monk. After his mother died he and a friend made their way to a monastery in Bec ,Normandy where Lanfranc was Prior. There he stayed for the next 37 years. After 4 years he became a Benedictine monk. He then became the Prior and eventually the Abbot. By the Catholic church he is recognised as both a philosopher and theologian. He came to England in c1085 to visit his friend Lanfranc who was now Archbishop of Canterbury. Here in England he was respected for his powers of thought - he knew Christianity could stand up to any inquiry. He used all his powers of mind to make its truths clearer. Lanfranc died in1089. King William Rufus delayed appointing a successor for 3 years until he became ill in Gloucester. He pressed Ansel to become the next Archbishop but he wanted 2 points cleared up first - revenue to be restored to the see of Canterbury and that he would be invested with the pall. ( The pall - a special scarf/cloak which Roman Catholic archbishops are invested by the Pope). A compromise was reached and Ansel became archbishop in 1093.They then disagreed . On the death of William Rufus in 1100 Henry1 became king - more disagreement and Ansel spent time in exile. He was in exile twice from 1197-1100 and 1093- 1109 (Read notes ) In the history books it is known as the* Investiture Controversy*. Today he is remembered more for his writings then the controversy. (see list). I have included a list of editions of Saint Anselm’s works Sources used - wikipedia and The Church’s Year by Charles Alexander Wikipedia has pages of information

Tom Mahairas (1949 to present) was born in Greece but aged 8 moved with his parents to New York City. Just two months short of graduating from George Washington school he was a expelled for having a fist fight with the principal - he was a fully fledged rebel. He was into flower power and a hippie life style. He with his girlfriend Vicky, who he later married, considered themselves seekers of the truth. He then met Bruce. After two hours of questions and answers Bruce invited him to Word of Life Island. On their trip to the island Tom, who was hallucinating, met Robbie Robertson, a white haired man carrying a Bible. Within two days both Tom and Vicky gave their lives to Jesus. ( read note on looking for Jesus) For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life John 3v16. Since 1968, over 50 years, Tom has never stopped sharing that the gospel is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. I have included his testimony story , the growth of the church in Manhattan and the list of Church organisations he has founded. Sources * Ambassadors for Christ****** John Woodbridge -general editor Citivision

The L’Abri Fellowship was founded in 1955 by Francis and Edith Schaeffer in Switzerland. They ran the centres together until Francis death, through cancer, in 1984 - nearly 40 years. L’Abri communities are study centres where individuals have the opportunity to seek answers to honest questions about God and the significance of life.are communities. L’Abri is the French word for shelter. Edith was born In China. Her parents gave her a Chinese name Mei Fuh which means beautiful happiness. Both Francis and Edith were missionaries and also recognised as authors. They met at Beaver College in Glenside, Pennsylvania, USA. (see short note). Dr.Francis Schaeffer was an American evangelical theologian, philosopher and Presbyterian minister. His complete set of books are still available. Few Christians have had a greater impact during the last half of the 20th century (See information sheet on Francis The Time magazine recognised Edith as the world famous missionary to the intellectuals. She wrote numerous books . Her book The Hidden Art of Homemaking (1971) has been influential among women in the Christian Patriarchy movement. In 2000 Edith was listed in Helen Koolman Hosiier’s **** 100 Christian women who Changed the Twentieth Century***. She died, aged 98 at home in Gryon, Switzerland. Sources used Wikipedia, L’Abri Fellowship International and Ambassadors for Christ - John D. Woodbridge (Editor) - author - Frank Schaeffer (son)

Alphage was born in the village of Weston near Bath. He became a hermit, then a monk, then an abbot. Saint Dunstan appointed him abbot of Bath. He later became Bishop of Winchester (984) and then Archbishop of Canterbury (1005-12. He lived when England was invaded by the Vikings/Danes. He was sent by King Ethelred in 994 to seek peace with Anlaf and Swein. Anlaf became a Christian and kept his promise not to invade England again. In 1011 the Danes overran much of southern England although the tribute had been paid . Canterbury was captured and prominent persons were held for ransom. Alphage refused to pay the £3,000 - fortune in those days, for his own release. ( Following a drunken feast the Danes threw bones etc, at Alphage and an axeman delivered the death blow. Thorkell the Tall, the Danish leader had tried to save his life.On his death Alphage became a national hero. He was originally buried in St. Pauls London . King Canute, in 1023 , had his body transfered to Canterbury. His martyrdom took place in Greenwich, London, where there is now a church dedicated to him. Alphage was declared a saint in 1078. but there were doubts whether he had died for exercising his Christian virtue of of justice rather than professing his Christian faith Sources used Canterbury history, justus. anglican and The Church’s Year by Charles Alexander

Josh McDowell is an Evangelical Protestant Christian apologist and evangelist. He is a living power house for Jesus Christ. Josh has probably spoken to more high school and college students than anyone else in history. Over the years he has talked to more than 7,000,000 young people in 84+ countries including 700 universities and college campuses. He is also author, or co-author, of over 150 books. His book * Evidence That Demands a Verdict* was listed 13th in Christianity Today in list of most influential evangelical books published after World War 11 Not bad for someone brought up by an alcoholic father and someone who as a child/teenager was abused. He went to college to study law. He went to college an agnostic and decided to write a paper examining the historical evidence of the Christian faith in order to disprove it. He found evidence for it and it changed his life. Instead of studying law he studied theology. In 1964 he became a travelling representative of Campus Crusade for Christ International. He continues to have close affiliation with the organization. In 1983 the Josh McDowell Ministry headquarters moved to Richardson and moved to Plano, Texas in 2009. He is also the founder of Josh.org and Operation Carelift. Sources used Wikipedia and Ambassadors for Christ - John D. Woodbridge -general editor