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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.
Albert Schweitzer and his Hospital
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Albert Schweitzer and his Hospital

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Albert Schweitzer was undoubtedly one of the most gifted men of his generation. His strong faith took him to Africa. His 1931 autobiography, 'Out of My Life and Thought' described much of his work in Africa. His musical talent as an organist, giving benefit concerts, paid largely for the founding and running of the hospital. He wrote many books in his lifetime on different themes - theological, the organ works of J.S. Bach, how an organ works and anti nuclear. Unfortunately, in today's culture, the comments he made then about those he treated are seen as racist and having a colonialistic view of Africans. In the 50 years he worked there he positively influenced the lives of those he cared for as a doctor, surgeon and pastor. The hospital continues to be the primary source of healthcare for the surrounding region and in 2011 an African, for the first time, leads the hospital..
Saint Mark Feast Day April 25th
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Saint Mark Feast Day April 25th

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I have put together some information about Saint Mark, the evangelist and writer of the Gospel of Mark. I have included all the scripture passages where he is named either as Mark or John Mark. He wrote the first of the three Synoptic gospels. He was the first bishop of Alexandria. He died a martyr 's death.
Alpha Course and Nicky Gumbel
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Alpha Course and Nicky Gumbel

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The Alpha course is a basic introduction to Christianity supported by churches of many Christian traditions. The Alpha course has been led by the clergy at Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) The Alpha course was started in 1977 by Charles Marnham, a curate at (HTB), a parish of the Church of England in London. It was a course a originally meant for church members to help them with the basics of belief commonly held by believers in Christ. It then developed into an introduction for those interested in knowing about Christianity. John Irvine in 1981, a curate at HTB, took over the course and developed it into the 10 week course which continues to this day. Nicky Lee in 1985 and then Nicky Gumbel (1990 - present) , then took over the reigns in the UK. In 1996 the Bishop of London appointed Nicky Gumbel as Alpha Chaplain. Nicky, at the time was still the curate at HTB. In 2005, when the previous vicar Sandy Millar retired, Nicky was installed as vicar of HTB. Under his leadership the course was transformed/developed from one designed for new Christians to one primarily for those outside the church who would not consider themselves Christians. Nicky has written a number of books related to The* Alpha* course. Questions of life - sold 1 million copies, published in 48 languages & voted Christian Book of the year 1994. Plus 7 more books. In the USA Gerard Bramwell Long was responsible for the Alpha course from 2006-14 -(resigned due to daughter drowning). The course grew rapidly in Britain in the 1990s. From 4 courses in 1991 to 2,5000 courses in 1995. In 1998, when it was at its peak, 10,500 courses. In 2001 it had fallen to 7,300. In 2018 the Alpha website described the course as running in over 100 countries, in 100 languages and with 24 million having taken the course. The courses, developed by Nicky Gumbel, are being run by most Christian denominations, throughout the world, with some variation in course material.
Four Wise Men Covers
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Four Wise Men Covers

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When I wrote Four Wise Men which looked at St. David(W), St. Patrick(I), St. Andrew (S) and St George(E) a number of different front covers were created. All four patron saint titles stand separately as individual sets of work on this web site. The Welsh flag is the red lion on a white/green back ground but the St. David flag is a gold cross on a black background. I also created several blanks which pupils could colour. I thought they would be useful if the pupils wanted to bring the four of them together in one booklet.
Helen Roseveare (1925-2016)
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Helen Roseveare (1925-2016)

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Helen Roseveare was an English Christian missionary, doctor and author who went to the Congo in 1953 with the Worldwide Evangelization Mission. She built a hospital/training centre in Ibambi in the early 1950’s. She then relocated to Nebobongo to build another hospital whilst living in an old leprosy camp. She returned to the UK in 1958 after disagreements with staff members. Helen returned to the Congo i 1960. She survived in 1964, over five months, beatings and rapes in the Congo and returned home. The villagers, who she had previously helped, intervened on her behalf. She then, unbelievably, went back to the Congo in 1966 and stayed until 1973 to help rebuild the hospitals destroyed in the conflict Her life then took on a different dimension. On her return from Africa she became widely sought after as a speaker on both sides of the Atlantic. On her 1975-6 tour of North America she addressed 400 meetings in 9 months. She spoke with passion of her love for Christ. Helen has also published 11 books (see list of publications below.) Helen died on December 7th 2016, aged 91, in Northern Ireland. Helen is widely recognised as one of the most courageous and influential women of the 20th century. Sources used Evangelicals Now, wikipedia and Ambassadors for Christ -John Woodbridge general editor
Saint Anselm -  Archbishop of Canterbury (1093- 1109)  Feast day 21st April
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Saint Anselm - Archbishop of Canterbury (1093- 1109) Feast day 21st April

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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
Cliffe Knechtle and Grace farm
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Cliffe Knechtle and Grace farm

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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 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
Christian Astronauts
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Christian Astronauts

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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
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)
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 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.
Frederick W. Baedeker    (1823-1906)  Bibles to Russia
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Frederick W. Baedeker (1823-1906) Bibles to Russia

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Frederick W. Baedeker life changed dramatically for him and his second wife Harriet, in 1866 following a Brethren meeting held in Western-super- Mare lead by Lord Radstock. He was 42/3 years of age. Frederick reluctantly attended a meeting in the Assembly Rooms. For the first few meeting he attended he managed to slip away. The day came when the preacher ‘caught’ him. Lord Radstock laid his hand on his shoulder and said , My man, God has a message through me for you tonight. Frederick and his wife left the meeting converted. He was introduced to the Brethren net work. He spent a year with George Muller in Bristol. Soon after his conversion he began to preach. he was invited to conduct his own evangelistic tour. Lord Radstock introduced him to his life’s work in Russia. Frederick began by evangelising the aristocracy mixing with princesses, counts and barons. generals and ambassadors. Meetings were held in noble households. He stayed with Princess Nathalie Lieven. The palatial country homes of the nobility were open to Frederick, Harriet and adopted daughter. This kept him occupied between 1875 and 1887. For the next 18 years he preached to prisoners. His first epic trip, covering 1000s of kilometers, took him across Russia and Siberia… Through the influence of an unnamed countess he obtained a special command from the director of prisons to visit prisons and hand out Holy scriptures. He had a renewable 2 year permit, with enlarged privileges which gave him permission to visit prisoners in their cells. To reach these prisons he travelled by boat and by tarantass - an old fashioned coach. Frederick seemed to be able to communicate with the prisoners as well as he had the nobility.* He was moved by a compelling desire to proclaim Christ to Russians, whether they were in a prison house or in an aristocrat’s reading room. Harold Rowdon Sources used *Ambassadors for Christ * contribution by Harold Rowdon Gospel Hall Biography 65
Mel  Trotter  (1870-1940)
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Mel Trotter (1870-1940)

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Melvin Ernest Trotter was a former alcoholic who founded and directed the Grand Rapids Michigan City Rescue Mission. Today it is flourishing and called Mel Trotter Ministries. In 1897, a bedraggled,drunk, suicided minded Mel, was invited into a Pacific Garden Mission by Harry Monroe. Harry, the mission superintendent said ’ Jesus loves you and so do I.’ He then gave a personnel testimony about his own troubled life. At the close of the message Harry gave an altar call. Mel, aged 27, walked forward and gave his life to Christ. It was the beginning of a new life and career. He was on his way to becoming an evangelist. For the next 40+ years he worked as a rescue worker, mission superintendent and evangelist. He devoted his energy to redeeming lives of men and women who fought the same demons he once knew. He became known as ’ the man who raved about Jesus.’ Mal helped supervise 68 rescue missions. Many of these were founded by former alcoholics. He remained a simple person . He believed God’s love had the power to change even the most ruined life. In my research I found his own testimony -it’s a very power read. The Mel Trotter Ministries (MTM) he founded is flourishing. Their statement of intent reads MTM exists to demonstrate the compassion of Jesus Christ through rescue and restoration for anyone experiencing hunger of homelessness. I also decided to have a look at The Pacific Garden Mission where it all started for Mel. It is still flourishing. I also found a 12 page history of the mission written in 1942 about the* The Great Triumvirate* - Harry Monroe, Mel and Billy Sunday. The first 7 pages look at the whole of Mel’ s life association with the Rescue Mission. Sources used Ambassadors for Christ contribution from Margaret Bendroth Wikipedia Pacific Garden Mission A testimony of Mel Trotter
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
Josef Tson
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Josef Tson

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Josef, aged 14 , in 1948, stopped going to church . In 1950 he met some Christian intellectuals. June, 1951 he was baptised. For 4 years , while at Cjuj University, several students met secretly each week. At the Baptist seminary in Bucharest he lost his bearings . He left the seminary and taught for 10 years. He left Romania. He went first to Austria and then Oxford University in England. He discovered Theologically, Oxford is whatever you look for. In 1972 he left Oxford with an M.A. and began teaching in Bucharest Baptist Seminary. He went back to Romania in 1972 knowing he could face martyrdom. He formulated a doctrine called ‘sufferology’. ( See notes) From 1974-81 Josef pastored Baptist churches in Pioesti and Second Baptist Oradea - the largest Baptist church in Europe with 1,400 members. He was threatened. In 1977 arrested several times and told he would be shot. (Read ’ to die is gain ’ and the Baptist Press article). 1981 he left Romania for the USA. While in exile from Ceauscu he became president of the Romanian Missionary Society. He wanted to translate 70 Christian books - he translated 60. ( unable to find list of books). While in the USA America Radio Free Europe (RFE) approached him. He began with a 10 minute ministry slot which soon became 50 minutes. 1990 returns to Romania to find many officials, as well as the local people, had been listening in to his radio slot for the last 9 years. They recognized his voice before he mentioned his name! 1991 he becomes chancellor at Oradea Bible Institute . They start a school of Theology. Asked if they could add a Christian teacher-training college. June, 1993 establishes Christian radio station at Suceava in Romania. He founded the Emmanuel Bible institute, built a Christian publishing company and established the Christian Radio Voice of the Gospel. My passion is to take young people and put wings on them and help them to fly. Josef Tson. In 2010 Tson was excluded from the Baptist Union and revoked his ordination for his deviation from the Baptist Confession of Faith. Sources Ambassadors for Christ contribution from David Fisher Baptist Press A young Theologian;s letter to Joseph Ton
Blaise Pascal (1623-1662)
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Blaise Pascal (1623-1662)

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Blaise Pascal is held in high esteem in France. The Biblotheque nationale in Paris guards none of its manuscripts more jealously than those of Blaise. Though he died before he was 40, and suffered continually from ill health, he won fame in the 17th century that is still increasing today. At the age of just 16 he began contributing to geometry, physics, applied mechanics and mathematical theory that were of great importance. By some he is regarded as the ‘father’ of computers! Blaise became a devout and committed Christian. (Read Conversion 1 and 2). He was always aware of his sinful nature and knew he needed the grace of the Jesus. He wrote * L*es Provinciales** which Voltaire described as the work of genius. 18 essays regarded as brilliant irony and satire He planned to write an* Apology of the Christian Religion*. He had prepared all the notes- there were nearly 1,000 fragmentary writings, but he died. It was published as* Pensees . Apparently it is such high quality that it can be placed alongside such great works as Augustine’s Confessions. In his youth he proved to be a a genius in scientist. As a born again Christian Blaise , who loved the truth above all else, looked beyond truth to the source of truth, even to God himself, the source of wisdom and truth. Sources used Great Leaders of the Christian Faith editor Woodbridge contribution from Peter Toon Christianity Today
Thomas Cranmer     (1489-1556)
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Thomas Cranmer (1489-1556)

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Thomas Cranmer was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1533- 1556. He was the archbishop responsible for successfully getting HenryV111 's divorce from his first wife , Catherine of Aragon. (He also married his next 5 wives.)Henry then declared himself Supreme head of the English church- Thomas became the first Protestant Archbishop of England. (For this piece of work iI have used two main sources Great Leaders of the Christian Church (GL of CC) Britannica Online Encyclopedia (B.O.E) Thomas was born on 2nd July 1489 in Nottinghamshire. He went to Jesus college, Cambridge and received a fellowship in 1523. Early on he rejected the claims that the Pope had supremacy over the ruler of each country. (read Cranmer the Erastian - GL of CC). In August 1529 a plague known as the sweating sickness swept the country and Thomas went to stay at his father’s house in Waltham, Essex. HenryV111 was visiting the area and two of the king’s councillors met Thomas - they discussed the future divorce. The king called Thomas for an interview. Thomas agreed to create a treatise. (Read* Entry into Royal Service* - B.O.E.) When William Warham, the aged archbishop of Canterbury died in August 1532, a replacement was needed. Stephen Gardiner, the obvious candidate was out of favour. Thomas, now chief adviser on ecclesiastical matters, was chosen. In March 1533 he was consecrated and instituted at Canterbury. In May he declared the marriage to Catherine of Argon void and pronounced the marriage to Anne Boleyn valid. He did as he was told with regards to the other marriages that followed. With regard to church matters he created the Book of Common Prayer in the language of the people - English replaced Latin. He provided the church with one book containing all services for daily, Sunday and occasional use, as well as a Book of Psalms. In the year Henry V111 died, 1517, and Edward V1 became king,Thomas published a Book Of Homilies which was designed to meet the notorious grievance that the unreformed clergy did not preach enough. He was also influential in fixing the doctrinal anchors of the reformed Church of England. The 42 articles of !553 became the 39 articles in 1571. These articles anchor the church in the scriptures , the creeds and Reformed catholicity. On the death of Edward V! and the short 9 day ‘reign’ of Lady Jane Grey - who Thomas had supported Mary1 became queen. Mary was Roman Catholic and wanted Thomas to recant his beliefs on oath. Refusal meant he would be martyred. He briefly agreed but was still burnt at the stake- March 21st 1556 - he made sure his right hand which had signed the paper was first in the fire. Thomas was the leader of the English Reformation and was responsible for establishing the basic structures of the Church of England. He died as a martyr for the English form of R The Britannica Online Encyclopedia article on Thomas Cramner is excellent. .
Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) and the Jesuits
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Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) and the Jesuits

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Ignatius was born Inigo Lopez to a noble and wealthy Basque family. He went to the Spanish court to become a page. He joined the army. In the battle with the Frehch for the town of Pamplona, Spain, he was hit by a cannon ball the size of a fist. The 5 feet 2 inch Inigo five was helped back to Loyola by French soldiers. he underwent surgery but he was left with a limp in his right leg. During the 7 weeks of recovery he began reading spiritual books and visions. By the time he had recuperated he had resolved to live a life of austerity to do penance for his sins. In February 1522 he left for Montserrat, a pilgrim site in N.E. Spain. He confessed his sins and hung up his sword and dagger, donned sack cloth and lived like a beggar. He attend mass daily and spent 7 hours in prayer, often in a cave near Manresa. There he sketched the fundamentals for Spiritual Exercises - a guide to convert the heart and mind to a closer following of Jesus Christ After a pilgrim a to the Holy Land he headed for Europe. He went to Alcala (now Barcelona) to study for 12 years where he acquired followers. Still not ordained he became distrusted by the church hierarchy. 1534 Ignatuis and his followers took vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. 1537, in Venice, they were ordained. 1540, gained Pope’s approval and named Society of Jesus. 1541 Ignatius, aged 50, elected superior general of his new order. The vision and disciplines of the * Jesuits* caught the imagination of Europe. These zealous monks were successful in checking the forces of Protestantism in parts of Europe. They gained a wide spread reputation for their fanatical willingness to do almost anything to advance the cause of the Roman Catholic church. Ignatius’s Spiritual Exercises have been in constant use for nearly 500 years. The Constitution of the Society of Jesus was probably the most important work of his later years. There is no doubt that friend and foe alike saw Ignatius and the Jesuits as a key factor in reviving and strengthening the Roman church after 1550. In 2013 Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina became Pope Francis, the first Jesuit to be elected pope. Sources used Christianity Today Great Leaders of the Christian Church Woodbridge contribution from Robert D. Linder Britannica Online Encyclopedia wikipedia
Saint Thomas  (1st century AD)   Feast Day  21st December
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Saint Thomas (1st century AD) Feast Day 21st December

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Saint Thomas, the twin, was one of Jesus’ 12 original disciples/apostles. Saint Thomas is mentioned three times by name in St. John’s Gospel. He speaks after the resurrection of Lazarus when Jesus talks about going to Jerusalem. Let us also go, that we may die with him John 11 v16 After Jesus has spoken about preparing a place in heaven he says Lord, we know not whither thou goest;and how can we know the way? The third time, the most best known time is after Jesus’ resurrection. This is where he is referred to as ‘doubting’ Thomas. He makes a comment that he will not believe Jesus is alive unless he puts his hands physically into the injured holes in the hands,feet and side of his Lord. Jesus appears and invites Thomas to touch him. My Lord and my God . (He is the first to acknowledge his divinity.) Jesus goes on to say, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed; blessed are they that have not seen, and yet believed. Saint Thomas was presumably at both the Ascension and Pentecost. Thomas’ subsequent history is uncertain. Tradition holds that he took Christianity to Parthia. The existence of an ancient Christian community on the Malabar Coast of India suggests that he converted their ancestors but was martyred and buried at Mylapore (now part of Madras) Another story suggests he converted ruler in the Punjab and was by killed in accident by an archer shooting at peacocks. Sources used The Church’s Year Charles Alexander wikipedia Britannica Online Encyclopedia The Encyclopedia of Saints by Howard Loxton