They were 2 Christian workers from the same country - China. Both were brilliant students with promising futures. Both were dynamically saved as teenagers and became diligent students of God’s word and zealous gospel preachers. Both were prolific speakers and writers. Both were persecuted for their ministry. Both changed many lives. The ministries of Watchmen Nee and Witness Lee have brought a treasury of spiritual truth and life to the Body of Christ. Tom Smith Watchmen Nee was a Seer of the Divine Revelation in the Present Age -the title of the biography written by his fellow worker Witness Lee. In the span of his 30 years of public ministry he made an indelible mark on the face of Christianity in China. He was saved aged 17. His mentor was Margaret E. Barber ( See TES for more more info.). Nee was both a zealous preacher and a diligent student of the Bible. His most widely recognized and appreciated books are The Normal Christian Life and The Normal Christian Church Life Persecution resulted in Nee being imprisoned for 20 years (1952-72). This was his final note Christ is the Son of God who died for the redemption of sinners and resurrected in 3 days. This is the greatest truth in the universe. I die because of belief in Christ. Watchmen Nee Witness Lee was born in 1905 in th Shantung Province of China. He was saved aged 15. His dynamic salvation put him on a pathway of pursuit for the Lord did not stop until his death in 1997. Nee (1903) and Lee (1905) were born only 2 years apart but Lee regarded Nee to be his spiritual father. In 1932 Nee asked Lee to overseer of Shanghai Gospel Bookroom. For 17 years years they laboured together. In 1949 Nee realized that the new Communist Government would try to end their ministry. Lee reluctantly agreed to leave China for Taiwan. Lee continued to labour in Taiwan through the 1950s, He saw the church grow over the next 5 years from 350 to 20,000. After 9 years he started to make visits to the West. He conducted conferences in London and Copenhagen. Between 1958-61 he visited the USA 3 times. Lee moved to the USA in 1962. In the USA he presented the riches of Christ from the whole Bible. He continued to travel and speak in conferences and annual trainings. in 1965 establshed The Stream Publishers which became * Living Stream Ministry*. His most notable publication was* Life-Study of the Bible*. It took 20 years to complete (1974-95). Lee died in June 1997. To date over 3, 000 churches on 6 continents. *Watchman Nee and Witness Lee taught the same thing, were of the same spirit, and ministered with the same goal - to minister Christ for the building up of the Body of Christ in oneness, expressed in local churches all over the earth Tom Smith Sources used Contending for the Faith Two ministers one ministry

Margaret Emma Barber was born in Peasenhall, Suffolk. The family moved to Norwich in 1879. The family home was opposite St.Martins parish church which was intensely evangelical in the 1880-90s. must have had an influence on the Barber Family. During the course of her life she lived twice in China. On her first visit as a missionary she went as an Anglican. On her second visit she went as an independent missionary with informal ties to the Plymouth Brethren. She was an Anglican missionary sent out by the Church Missionary Society (CMS) to the city of Fuzhou, Fujian. There she taught in a the Tau Su Girls’ High School- founded by the Church of England for 7 years. She was regarded as an excellent missionary but her co-missionaries became jealous. They fabricated a serious charge against her and she was sent home to Great Britain. She was known for her faith and decided not to vindicate herself. Years later the chairman of CMS board became aware of the case. He persuaded her to tell the truth. She told him the whole story and was fully vindicated. While in England she came in contact with D.M. Panton, editor of the Christian magazine The Dawn. 1907 Margaret became a member of Surrey Chapel and was baptized by full Immersion. Margaret resigned from CMS. In 1909 with Miss Ballard, a Surrey Chapel member she returned to China, settling in Fuzhou. They rented a house in Pagoda . She stayed there until her death in 1930 of Crohn’s disease. She lived by faith. According to Chinese customs all bills had to be paid in full by the end of the year. With only 2 days remaining she found herself $120s short. On the last day of the year D.M. Panton, in London, through the British bank in Foochow, sent exactly $120s! Margaret lived with little travelling and no publicity. She was content to remain at home and pray. She helped those who sought her counsel. She, with others, regularly taught a Bible class at ‘white teeth rock’. There she had contact with Watchmen Nee while he was studying at Anglican Trinity College. Through their relationship Watchman Nee was greatly edified and perfected. If he had a problem or needed spiritual instruction he would go to her. She treated him as a young learner and frequently administered strict discipline. At that time over 60 young brothers and sisters received help but after awhile most stopped going to see her except Watchmen Nee. When Margaret died she left all her belongings - an old Bible and her notes - to Watchmen Nee. In the March 1930 issue of his periodical The Present Testimony he wrote She was one who was very deep in the Lord, and in my opinion, the kind of fellowship she had with the Lord and the kind of faithfulness she expressed to the Lord are rarely found on this earth. In 1972 Watchmen Lee was martyred for his faith. Sources used Living Stream Ministry Christian web sites Contending for the Faith American Society of Church History 1955 wikipedia

Gabriel Salguero is the President of the national Latino Evangelical Coalition. Rev. Dr. Gabriel and Rev. Jeanette Salguero are the Senior Pastors of the multicultural Lamb’s Church in New York City. Gabriel has a B.A., M.Div and a PhD and a Dr.DIv. The Lamb’s Church worships in 3 languages- English, Spanish and Mandarin. Much of their work work focuses on racial reconciliation… Gabriel is the founder of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition (NaLEC) which offers an important leadership voice for the near 8 million Latino evangelicals in their country. They have ministered extensively in Europe, Latin America and Africa… Gabriel has been named as one of the most influential Latino Evangelical leaders by a number of different media and been featured on radio and TV. programmes… He has served as an adviser to the White House on issues of immigration and health-care and the faith community. He has served as the Director of the Institute of Faith and Public Life and Hispanic Leadership programs at Princeton Theological Seminary Gabriel is recognized as one of the emerging national leaders among among Latino faith leaders.

Theodore was a British Christian evangelist and author. He was known as Mr. Sparks or TAS. He was born in London but at a young age moved to Scotland to live with his father’s relatives. Aged 17 he decided to become a Christian having listened to a group of young street preachers in Glasgow. He saw the truth of believer’s baptism and as a result got baptized and left the Church of Scotland. Theodore, at the age of 24, was ordained a Baptist and Congregational minister. He became one of Dr. Campbell Morgan’s young men. For 14 years (1912-26) he led 3 congregations in Greater London. During this time he saw a tremendous change in his congregations. The nominal Christians became ‘born again’ -one after another found the Lord and this turned the church inside out. Theodore had established himself as a conference speaker especially on teaching the Bible, but a tension was building up inside . He said to his wife, ‘’ I’m going to my study _ _ _ _ .’’ He read Romans chapter 6 - a chapter he knew well-** but this time it was as if heaven opened, and light shone into his heart and for the first time he understood that he was crucified with Christ and the Holy Spirit was within and upon him.** He emerged from his study a changed man. He began to preach Christ, he began to magnify the Lord Jesus, and the church came into an altogether new experience. He soon began to preach ‘the way of the cross.’ The new experience instead of opening every pulpit, closed them. The authorities thought he was dangerous/unbalanced. The Baptist Federation, in 1926, wanted a ‘Make More Baptist Year’. Theodore’s church wanted to ’ bring more people to the Lord’ and would not take part. The Federation had the title deeds to the church and house and within a week Theodore was out! A titled lady, who was a missionary in India, and in England at the time, came to his rescue… A local boys’ school had become vacant and she bought the whole property and gave it to the church. Honor Oak became his family’s home and later became the Honor Oak Christian Fellowship and Conference Centre. Theodore resigned his baptist ordination. The congregation at Honor Oak all agreed to leave the Baptist denomination. With like-minded Christians he established a conference and training centre at Honor Hall. Theodore’s ministry went from local , to national, to an international ministry. In the early days of the conferences people had tremendous experiences of the Spirit of the Lord and of the cross of Christ. A Witness and a Testimony a bi-monthly magazine was published (1923-1971). He published most of his messages in the magazine. His speaking ministry took him around the world. His Christian Fellowship Centre was international. Many trained under his ministry became missionaries and Christian teachers. At the end of his life he was a lone, prophetic voice in a spiritual wilderness Sources used The Life and Ministry of TAS Wikipedia

Dorothy Ripley was a British evangelist who went to the USA in 1801 and died in 1831 in Virginia. By confession she was a Quaker but she had been raised a Methodist. Dorothy was born in Whitby. Her father, William was a close associate of John Wesley. Wesley encouraged women to preach and William wanted his child to be a preacher. When Wesley visited he brought his group of women preachers with him. Her father, who died while she was still a teenager, encouraged her toward that vocation. On his death there were financial problems and other set backs which profoundly impacted on her . Dorothy believed she was called to Christian ministry and decided not to marry. She went to the USA on at least 9 occasions, most times travelling alone. She spent time as an itinerant preacher in New York, South Carolina and Georgia. She faced many challenges especially that she was a female preacher. To live she relied entirely on donations from people who believed in her ministry. The title of her second book The Bank of Faith and Works United explained her perseverance and the fact that her preaching won over her opponents since she continue to preach to large crowds. On her first trip in 1801 she gained an audience with President Thomas Jefferson. She rebuked him for his slave ownership but secured the ‘approbation’ to minister to slaves and slave owners. She founded a school to educate freed slaves. Dorothy preached in many African-American churches. Some male preachers were hesitant to let her preach but she won them over. 12 th January, 1806, she was the first woman to speak at USA capital. (Read D R 1st woman to preach sheet) In the UK she assisted Hugh Bourne in starting Primitive Methodism. With Lorenzo Dow the 3 of them conducted revival services and many people were brought into Primitive Methodist circles. One tour included a stay in prison for a night when she and the eccentric Dow were arrested. Dorothy wrote 6 books in total. Rose Butler had 11 editions published . In 1827 she had published in Philadelpia *Memoirs of William Ripley * (See Publishing career and WorldCat Identities) At her death in 1831, aged 64, one newspaper wrote in her obituary that she was perhaps the most extraordinary woman in the world. Sources used History.House. GOV WorldCat identities wikipedia

David Christopher Knight Watson was an English Anglican priest, evangelist, author and a captain in the Royal Artillery. David was born in Scotton, Yorkshire. He was educated at Bedford School (1940-6), Wellington College (1946-51) and St. John’s College, Cambridge. He converted to Christianity while at Cambridge. Undoubtedly the most formative influence on my faith during the 5 years at Cambridge was my involvement with the boys’ house parties or ‘Bash camps’. He became a priest in the Church of England began his ordained ministry among dock workers in the parish of St. Mark’s Gillingham, Kent. His second curacy was at the Round Church in Cambridge. While there he was encouraged by Martyn Lloyd Jones to seek the experience of baptism in the Holy Spirit and he began to speak in tongues. In 1965 he became curate-in-charge at St. Cuthnert’s Church York. The church was 12 months away from redundancy and congregation of 12 when he took over. 8 years later the congregation had out- grown St. Cuthberts and he moved to St. Michael le Belfry, York. The congregation grew to many 100s in only a few years. As David’s ministry progressed he became involved in missionary enterprises throughout the world. He became a high profile advocate of reconciliation and ecumenism in Northern Ireland. He was one of the first people to welcome John Wimber, the leader of Vineyard to the UK in 1980. He became a regular contributor to* Renewal* magazine, a publication of the interdenominational charismatic movement which had started in the 1960s. He left St. Michael le Belfrey for London in 1982. In his book Fear No Evil he records his fight with cancer. David was only 50 when he died on 18th February 1984. A major, sad loss, to the Christian community, around the world. Is it doubtful whether any other English Christian leader has had greater influence on this side of the Atlantic since Second World War John Gunstone one of the best-known clergymen in England J. I. Packer Sources used wikipedia Amazon.co.uk

Enoch Adejaje Adeboye (born 2nd March 1942) is a Nigerian pastor, General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Worldwide. Enoch came from a very poor family. His teachers recognized he was cut out for academia. His parents sold some cherished possessions and borrowed from friends so his dream was not held back. In 1956 he was admitted to one of Nigeria’s foremost secondary schools,Ilesha Grammar School. Enoch went to the University of Nigeria in Nsukka but because of the Nigeria Civil War (1967-70) he completed his degree at Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). MA (1969) PhD (1975). His degrees were in hydrodynamics and Applied Mathematics. He holds a position as professor of Mathematics at Lagos University In 1973 he joined the RCCG. He began by interpreting Yoruba into English the sermons of Pastor Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi, the founder of RCCG. Josiah had recognized, in the Spirit, that Enoch, a young university lecturer, was to be his successor. Enoch was ordained a pastor of the church in 19 77. Enoch found it hard to fully contemplate being the Oversee. Josiah, shortly before his death, shared the details of the covenant and the plans of the Lord for the church with Enoch. Josiah died in 1980 aged 71. Enoch became General Overseer of the church in 1981. For 3 years he filled the role part-time at Unilorin before giving up his university position to preach full time. He continues to be the General Overseer. He set his heart on taking RCCG to the next level of ministry, where all strata of society could be involved without compromising the true worship of God. Prior to Enoch becoming the General Oversee at RCCG was not well known. It now has branches in about 196 nations (March 2017)and 14, 000 churches - grouped into 25 regions, in Nigeria. Since 1981 RCCG, under Enoch’s leadership, has exploded across the world. In 1990 the RCCG Bible School was founded. The numbers are phenomenal Holy Ghost Services (HGS) in the mid 1980s - now millions EACH month Holy Ghost Congress 1998 - 7 million 1999 - 12 million It constituted the largest mobilization of people in one spot on the surface of the earth never before recorded. At each and every one of these events many souls are won for Christ. The Holy Spirit moves freely to heal, anoint and empower. Open Heavens his daily devotional manual - 1 million published annually He has written 60 books and broadcasts on numerous T.V. channels. Enoch has received honours across the world ( See Recognitions include the following) His trade mark of humility is disarming and endearing, enabling him to easily share his testimony of the gospel. I have included information about:- the Nigerian Civil War 1967 - 1970. Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi - founder of RCCG History and Beliefs of RCCG Prosperity Theology Sources Dict, of African Christian Biography wikipedia

Leonard was an English Christian evangelist and author who focused on the subjects of prayer and evangelism. Aged 20, while working as a tailor, he answered of God to the ministry. Leonard was born in Leeds. England. He came to Christ at the age of 15 after the conversion of his father. He went to Cliff College, in the UK. Samuel Chadwick was one of his lecturers. In 1939 he married Martha (1912-2001). They had 3 sons -all became ministers. His evangelistic meetings during WW11 drew large crowds, Many converts devoted themselves to Christian ministry and foreign missions. His burden to save souls took him all over the United Kingdom. In 1950 he and his family moved to the USA. In the 1960s they travelled through the USA holding revival tent revivals and evangelistic meetings In the 1980s, Leonard by now is over 70, moved to Lindale Texas. This was close to the Last Days Ranch where he regularly taught classes and mentored the late Keith Green. His book *Why Revival Tarries * sold 1 milion copies world wide Through his teaching and books Leonard he addressed the differences he perceived between the New Testament Church of the first century and the Church of his time and called for the following of the principles of biblical revival. Leonard loved to use quotes -( See list supplied by wikipedia) A ‘new’ biography of his life is now available *In Light of Eternity: The life of Leonard Ravenhill * by Mack Tomlinson published in 2011 *Leonard Ravenhill is one of the few men I’ve ever known who was a true prophet. I am delighted someone is finally writing this book. * David Wilkerson His life was characterized by a deep life of prayer, passionate evangelistic zeal and a powerful preaching gift. Leonard died on 27th November 1994, aged 87. Sources used ravenhillbiography.com wikipedia

Michael is the founding publisher and executive editor of the Preaching magazine ( 2006-present). He is also the Dean of the new College of Christian Studies and Professor of Christian Ministry at Anderson University, Anderson, South Caroline (2008-present). He has a BA (1975), MDiv. (1979 and Dr.Phd (1983) Michael’s first pastoral ministry was at Union Flatrock Baptist Church, Osgood, Indiana (1976-8). Since then he has served a number of churches as interim pastor, and speaks regularly at churches, colleges and conferences. ( For full list of roles see Professional Experience) Michael has taught and served on the administrative staff of several educational institutions. At Union University (1996-2002) he was Executive Vice-president and Associate Professor of Communication Arts and Christian Studies. He is an author and editor of several books. *Handbook of Contemporary Preaching, Joy to the Ministry, Preaching with Power and Communicate with Power. From 1996-2000 he was editor of the Abingdon Preaching Annual series. His email newsletter, PreachingNow is read each week by more than 40,000 pastors and church leaders in the USA and around the world. He is a former President of the Baptist Communicators Association. He is founder and director of National Conference on Preaching and the International Congress on Preaching which have met in London (1997), Edinburgh (2002) and Cambridge (2007). Michael is listed in a recent issue of Who’s Who in America Sources used Michael Duduit

David O. Oyedepo is the founder, senior pastor and presiding Bishop of the megachurch Faith Tabernacle in Ota, Ogun State. Nigeria. It is also known as Winners’ Chapel International. It is the largest church in the world with regard to a seating capacity of 50,400. ( The Basilica of of Our Lady of Peace, in Rome, is a bigger building .) David comes from a mixed religious family. His grandmother introduced him to the virtues of Christian life via early morning prayers which she attended with him. She taught him to tithe. In 1969 he was ‘born again’ through the influence of his teacher, Betty Lasher. He studied to be an architect and briefly worked with the Federal Ministry of Housing. He resigned to concentrate on missionary work. He received a PhD i Human Development from Honolulu University, Hawaii, USA. He says In May 1981 he received a mandate, through an 18 hour vision from God, to liberate the world from the oppression of the devil by preaching the word of faith. As a result he founded Liberation Faith Hour ministries, which later became Living Faith Church World Wide (LFCWW) . 17th September 1983 David and his wife Florence (now known as Faith) were both ordained pastors by Pastor Enoch Adeboye , the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. 1988 David is ordained bishop. The church was founded on the 11th of December 1983. Cannanland was procured in 1983 and was initially 560 acres. The foundation laying took place on 29th August 1998. The church’s international headquarters , Faith Tabernacle was built in Cannanland between 1998- 9 and took 12 months to complete. It was dedicated in September 1999. David’s church runs its own publishing company- Dominion Publishing House. It was commissioned on 5th December 1992. It has published 70 Christian, inspirational and motivational books, magazines and other resources. It has over 4 million prints in circulation to date (See* Book Publishing* ) Cannanland is turning into Cannan City. It has Covenant university, Faith Academy secondary and Kingdom heritage model schools, plus shops, restaurants and housing. In 2012 it was proposing to build a 15,000 housing estate on the 17,000 acres. ( See Place of worship) The church owns 4 private jets and several buildings in London and USA. The Chapel International network of churches is now located in over 300 cities, in all states in Nigeria, and in several cities in 45 African nations, the UK and USA. David had been recognized as one of the pioneers of the Christian charismatic movement and exponent of prosperity theology in Africa. He is one of the most powerful preachers in Nigeria and is Chancellor of both the Covenant and Landmark University. In March 2020 he opened his church during the COVID -19 pandemic (Read Sunday service after backlash) Sources used Oyedepo speaks on Sunday after backlash wikipedia

Selwyn was a Welsh Christian minister . He is best known for writing the daily devotional Every Day with Jesus. He founded the Christian ministry Crusade for World Revival and wrote over 50 Christian books. He was born in Fochriw, near Caephilly, in Wales. As a child he was surrounded by a particular brand of Christianity, that of fervent Welsh Valleys 1920s revivalism. For a number of years he was a miner in the Welsh coal mining industry. He became convinced that he was called by God to work as a Christian minister so he left his job to study Theology at Bristol. After his ordination he spent 18 years ministering in Pentecostal churches in Cornwall, Wales, Essex and London Every Day with Jesus started off as brief daily Bible reading note on postcards for his congregation to use in the 1960s. When demand increased he published them regularly - he kept this up for the next 40 years. In 1965 he founded Crusade for World Revival which he built into a successful Christian training and publishing ministry in Farnham, Surrey. In 2005 he published his autobiography My Story. ( I have included Robin Brace’s review of the book) *there is no doubt that God used this worthy man to glorify Christ Robin Brace ‘giant in the faith’ George Carey, former Archbishop of Canterbury Source used UK Apologetics - Selwyn's Story wikipedia

Time in 2004 named Warren as one of the *leader who mattered most Time in 2005 named him as one of the *100 Most influential People in the World * U.S. News and World Report 2005 named him as one of America’s Top 25 leaders Newsweek in 2006 named him one of 15 people who make America Great Richard Duane Warren is an American Baptist evangelical Christian pastor and author. He has a B.A., M.D., and DrM. In November 1973, aged 19, he and a friend skipped classes to drive 350 miles to hear W.A. Criswell preach. Rick waited to shake Crisell’s hand. Instead Crisell I feel led to lay hands on you and pray for you. He was then called to full time ministry. Rick founded Saddleback Valley Community Church in 1980 when he was just 26 years of age. To many he is Papa Rick - a voice of wisdom, hope, encouragement and vision. Saddleback , which is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention in Lake Forest, California. is the sixth largest megachurch in the USA and regularly has nearly 20,000 people in attendance each week Rick has published a number of Christian books. *The Purpose Driven Church and The Purpose Driven Life *. The second book sold 30 million copies . What followed was the Purpose Driven Network, a global alliance of pastors from more than 160 countries and 100s of denominations who have been trained to be purpose driven churches. Following a trip to Rwanda he changed his trajectory. God gave him a vision for the PEACE plan - a mission to fight the 5 giants of spiritual emptiness, self-serving leadership, poverty, pandemic disease and illiteracy. that has devastated the lives of people around the world. During the 2008 presidential elections Warren hosted the Civil Forum with John MvCain and Barack Obama. Warren gave the invocation at the presidential inauguration in January 2009. Rick and Kay, his wife, consider it is their life’s work to empower local churches and local leaders to create sustainable change that gives voice to the voiceless and help to the helpless. Sources used Saddleback church wikipedia

Delman having graduated with BA (1995), M.Div. (1998)- the year he was also ordained, MPhil (2002) and Ph,D (2006) has been honoured by many magazines since. In 2008, TAAP honoured him as one of the 20 to watch In 2012 The Root named him as one of of their 100 African American achievers and influencers In 2013 The American Civil liberties Union honoured him for his commitment to advancing civil rights and liberties for all In 2013 the Ebony magazine selected Delman as one of their *Power 100 * Delman has been the senior pastor at Mt. Ennon Baptist Church since 2004. It is a megachurch located in Clinton, Maryland. In these 16 years the congregation has grown to nearly 10,000. October 2009 Outreach magazine named Mt. Ennon as one of the fastest growing congregations in the USA. It has grown so fast because Delman has initiated and revitalized ministries, expanded the church’s ministry campus and land holdings, and incorporated the Mt. Ennon Development Corporation. Delman is founder of the New Abolition Campaign . He is founder and president of the Black Church Center for Justice and Equality. (BCC). He is a board member of the Parents Television Council and the National Action Network. He is a member also of other organizations. He’s had a number of a large number of articles, plus sermons published. ( See* Career* and published articles) His ministry, messages, and social activism spans a variety of media platforms. He has appeared on and been profiled in the national media. He is featured in the documentary The New Black. Rev, Dr. Delman L, Coates obviously lives an extremely busy, rewarding life serving our Lord. He is obviously a man to watch. Where will the magazines place him in 2020? Sources used Meet Our Pastor/ mt Ennon Baptist Church wikipedia

Deborah in i2018 became the Executive Director of the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity (IM4HI). IN4HI is a Californian organization that connects clergy and people of faith to the work of social justice. From 2009 until 2018 she served as the Program Director for the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity. In that role she built up the immigrant Justice program of the organization, engaging dozens of congregations in Northern California to become Sanctuary congregations to respond to the wave of migrant youth and families and the detention and deportation crisis. Deborah has worked at the intersection of faith and social justice in many areas for over 25 years. She has consistently sought to strengthen the voice and role of faith communities in today’s social movements. She has been part of the founding, development and running of numerous organizations:- Women for Genuine Security Network for Religion and Justice for API- LGBTQ people Institute for Leadership Development and Study of Pacific Asian North American Religion Pilgrimages to Manzanar and the Sacramento River Delta Her work has been recognized as innovative and impactful. In 2019 she received the Yuri Kochiyama Impact Award from Advancing Justice -Asian Law Caucus. She has received recognition from other organizations. Deborah sees the task of IM4HI to make the criminal justice system more just and the immigration system more fair and humane. Sources used Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity

Pastor Michael Mcbride is known as Pastor Mike.He has been active in ministry for early 20 years. In 2013 he was in a group of 13 Faith Leaders to Watch. In 2000 graduated from Bethany College with a double B.A. in Addition Studies and Theology. In 2005 he graduated with a M.A. from Duke University Divinity School. In June 2005 he launched a new ministry, The Way Christian Center in West Berkeley where he currently serves as pastor. Over the past 10 years he has been committed to a holistic ministry through his leadership roles in both church and community. ( See 2 lists of positions held). Berkeleyside, an American ‘paper’ on June 5th, 2020. published Pastor Michael McBride’s thoughts on the present unrest in the USA - *The brutality of policing is reaching a breaking point in the social consciousness * He spoke to Berkeleyside about reasons for hope, Berkeley’s role and what can be done to effect meaningful change. I have enclosed the article Sources Huffpost Berkeleyside

Sister Simone is an American Roman Catholic Religious Sister, lawyer, lobbyist and executive director of NETWORK.She belongs to the Sisters Social Service (SSS). She is known as as an outspoken advocate for social justice. Sister Simone was born in Santa Monica, California. She was given the first name of Mary after her paternal grandmother. She was the eldest of 4 siblings. Sister Simone took her religious vows in 1967 (first) and 1973 (final) after joining the SSS in 1964 and adopted the name Simone. In 1969 she received a B.A from Mount St. Mary’s College, Los Angeles and a doctorate in law from the University of California, Davis in 1977 where she was editor of the UC Davis Law Review. Positions held Founder and lead attorney for the Community Law Center in Oakland, California (1978-95) . She practiced family law and worked on the needs of the working poor of her county in Probate Court. General director of SSS (1995-2000) and saw activities in the USA, Mexico, Taiwan and the Philippines Executive director of Jericho (2002-4) Network (2004- ) Informal role with Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) Took part in religious delegations in Mexico, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon 2010 saw the healthcare reform debate. Sister Simone wrote the ‘nuns’ letter. She was invited by President Obama to the signing ceremony of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The Network group were credited for helping to get the law passed. (Read paragraph which starts with* In 2010*) In 2012 she became one of the main public figures to disagree with the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) hierarchy on the issues of same-sex marriages and abortion. ( Read paragraph which starts * In 2012*) Pope Francis brought to an abrupt end the Vatican investigation. The summer of 2012 saw her lead Nuns on the Bus. a 2 week tour across the USA. A small group of nuns travelled on a dedicated bus inside the USA publicizing different issues. The aim was to draw attention to nuns’ work with the poor and to protest against planned cuts. 2013 NETWORK partnered with ‘Faith in Public Life’ to promote the theme of immigration reform. In 2014 she was the recipient of the Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom award in recognition of her advocacy work. 2017 she spoke out against the Republican tax plan , arguing that it would cause wealth inequality to widen. For over 40 years Sister Simone Campbell has been a champion of those seeking social justice. Sister Simone Campbell memoir * A Nun on the Bus* was published in 2014. Sources used Britannica Online Encyclopedia wikipedia

James Innell Packer is known by his initials and surname across the world - J.I. Packer. He must be the most influential English evangelical theologian of the 20th century. J.I. Packer was born in Twyning, Gloucestershire, England. He went up to Oxford in 1944 and the same year became a Christian following a Oxford Christian Union Meeting at the college. He won a scholarship to Corpus Christi College at Oxford - B.A. (1948), M.A. (1952) Dr Ph (!955). C.S.Lewis ,of Narnia fame was one of his professors. Martyn Lloyd-Jones treated me like in the way that I imagine Paul treated Timothy. In 1949 he entered Wycliffe Hall, Oxford to study theology. He was ordained a deacon (1952), and a priest (1953) in the Church of England, in which he became recognized as a leader in the evangelical movement. He started off as a curate in Birmingham but he soon became the Librarian of Latimer House, Oxford (1961/2) and then principal (1962-9). In 1970 he became principal at Tyndale Hall Bristol and then Associate Principle of Trinity College, Bristol (1971-9). In 1978 he signed the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, which affirmed a conservative position on Biblical Inerrancy. !979 he moved to Vancouver, Canada. where he eventually became at Regent College the first Sangoo Youtong Chee Professor of Theology. In 1996 he was named as Regent College Board of Governor’s Professor of Theology until his retirement. He served as the general editor of the * Revised Standard Version of the Bible* RSVB) and theological editor of the study Bible version. Knowing God (1973) was a Christian best seller considered by many as the definitive classic evangelical book of the 20th century -sold over 1 million copies in North America alone. In Finishing Our Course with Joy (2013) he offers us a model of what it means to grow in grace and grow older gracefully. Over the years he trained, face to face, and continues to train through his many books, countless leaders of the church. J.I.Packer is associated with St. John’s Vancouver Anglican church and since 2009 has been the theologian emeritus of the Anglican Church in North America, He was involved with Texts for Common Prayer (2013) and general editor of the task force which wrote *To be a Christian: An Anglican Catechism *(2014) He is in favour of the ecumenical movement but not at the cost of abandoning orthodox Protestant doctrine i. On 27th June 2014 he was awarded the St. Cuthbert’s Cross for his* unparalleled contribution to Anglican and Global Christianity * by retiring Archbishop Robert Duncan. Aged 89 he was diagnosed with macular degeneration which meant he could no longer preach, write or travel - a disease which had started in his left eye 10 years earlier. J.I. Packer is England’s and Canada’s greatest living theologian. On 26th July 2020 he will be 94. Sources used wikipedia Christianity - interview with Krish Kandish in 2015 monergism.com Christian News

The famous hymn *What a friend we have in Jesus was written by Joseph Scriven -read the story below Sunday 15th September, 2019 Banbridge , in County Down, celebrated the bi-centenary of Joseph’s death. The Anglican Bishop Henry Scriven, the great-great nephew attended the 6.30.pm service and a stained glass window dedicated to Joseph. Joseph was born in Banbridge, County Down, Ireland. He graduated from Trinity College Dublin in 1842. In 1843, the day before he was due to marry, his fiancee accidentally drowned. He migrated to Canada in 1845 to escape from the religious influence of the Plymouth Brethren who were estranging him from his family. He became ill and returned to Ireland to join the Royal Dragoons and spent time in the Middle East. He returned to Canada in 1947. In 1855 he received news that his mother was seriously ill. He wrote her a poem to comfort her Pray Without Ceasing. It was later set to music and renamed by Charles Crozat Converse and became the hymn What a friend we have in Jesus. Joseph had no idea when he wrote it that it would be published and become a favourite among millions of Christians. In 1857 he moved to Port Hope, Ontario, Canada. He again fell in love. He became engaged to Catherine Roche but in August 1860 she died of pneumonia. She had contracted it after a baptism in icy waters. They were due to get married in a few weeks time. Joseph devoted the rest of his life to tutoring, preaching and helping others. In 1869 he published a collection of 115 hymn sand other verses. In 1886 Joseph, aged 66, died by drowning. It is not known whether it was accidental or suicide since he was in a serious depression at the time. We left him about midnight. A friend found his room empty and with other friends went to search for him. It was not until the afternoon that his body was discovered in the water nearby, lifeless and cold in death, He was buried with Catherine in Bewdley. Ontario In many respects he led a tragic life. His many hymns will continue to be sung. What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bare! What a privilege to carry everything to God in Prayer. Amen Memorials tall obelisk over his grave, a plaque on the POrt Hope-Peterborough Highway, a monument on Downshire place and a stained glassed window in Banbridge church. Lucas media L.L.C, released a full length documentary Friends in Jesus, The Stories and Hymns of Cecil Francis Alexander and Joseph Scriven, in 2011. Lasts 45mins. - details his life and influence on popular hymns. Sources used BelfastTelegraph.co.uk Hymnary.org wikipedia

Nathan Bangs was an American Christian theologian in the Methodist Tradition and a very influential leader in the methodist Episcopal Church before the 1860s. Nathan received a limited education, taught school and in 1799 went to Upper Canada in search of work as either a teacher or a land-surveyor. !800 he was converted to Methodism and worked for 8 years as an itinerant preacher in the wilderness of the Canadian provinces. He took responsibility for organizing the first camp held in Upper Canada. in 1805. In 1805 he also married Canadian Mary Bolton of Edwardsburgh Township. They had 11 children After a brief stint in Lower Canada he was transfered back to the USA in 1808 - first in Albany then New York 1810. 1812 made presiding Elder of the Lower Canada District, also riding the Montreal Circuit Today he would be equivalent to a district superintendent. With war brewing between Britain and the USA he ended up becoming Presiding Elder of the Croton Circuit in Delaware. 1820 he was transferred from a pastorate in New York to become the Senior Book Agent of the Methodist Book Concern . Founded in 1798 by John Dickins it was the publishing arm of American Methodism. Under Nathan the establishment was provided with its first press, binary, official premises and weekly newspaper. He paid off the Concern’s debts and was the first editor of the Methodist Magazine. In 1828 he officially became editor also of the Christian Advocate. When the Methodist Quarterly Review replaced the Methodist Magazine in 1832 he stayed editor. In 1836 Nathan became the principal founder and secretary of the Methodist Missionary Society. He devoted his chief energies to its service. (1836-41. In 1841, aged 62, he left the Society and was appointed president of the Wesleyan University of Middletown. His skills unfortunately did not far well in higher education. He returned to New York where he spent the next 20 years devoting his time to writing and pastoral work. He did stay on the Wesleyan board until his death. His most important piece of writing was History of the Methodist Episcopal Church from its Origins in1776 to the General conference of 1840 (4 volumes, New York, 1839-42) ( See list at end of wikipedia entry) Unfortunately his reputation suffered when he failed to support Methodist abolitionists at The General Conference in 1844. Nathan died on 3rd May 1862 in New York City. He had an illustrious career. During his time the Methodist Episcopal Church (MEC), in both the USA and Canada, was transformed from an alternative society into a middle class, main stream denomination. Jared Maddox’s book Nathan Bangs which came out for the bi-centenary of the MEC in 2019 revises our estimates of the man who played Wesley-like roles in refashioning post Asbury American Methodism for the print age. Sources Britannia Online Encyclopedia Methodist mission Bicentenial wikipedia

Menno Simons, in full Menno Simonszoon, was born in Witmarsum, Friesland (Netherlands). He was a Dutch priest and an early leader of the peaceful wing of Dutch Anabaptism. His followers formed the Mennonite church. At an early age Menno was enrolled in a monastic school. He learned Latin and some Greek. In March 1524 , aged 28, he was ordained at Utrecht and assigned a parish at Pingjum. 7 years later he became the village priest in his home parish at Witmarsum. In his first year he questioned the presence of Christ in the bread and wine of the Eucharist. Up to this point he had avoid reading the Bible for fear he would be adversely influenced by it. He started to read both the Bible and writings of Martin Luther. By 1528 he was known as an evangelical preacher, but he had continued as a parish priest. He began to question infant baptism. He came to the conclusion that only persons of mature faith should be baptized. The experience of conversion came to be central to all of Menno’s life and theology. On 7th April, 1535 Olde Klooster near Bolsward , fell to the onslaught of the State Militia. Munster then fell on 25th July. In January 1536 he went into hiding after a spiritual struggle of 11 years. He spent a year in hiding, seeking to find a sense of direction for his future work. He wrote *The Spiritual Resurrection, THe New Birth, and Meditations on the 25th psalm *. Late 1936/early 1937 he received a believer’s baptism and ordained. He was called to leadership by the peaceful Anabaptist group founded by Obbe Philips in 1534. Menno married Gertrude - they had at least 3 children From this time in his life he was in constant danger as a heretic. 100 guilders reward for his arrest. 1543/4 he worked in East Friesland. 1544/6 spent in the Rhineland. 1546/61 he travelled from his home base in Holstein, near north east of Hamburg. 25 years after his renunciation of Catholicism Memmo died on31st January 1561. He was buried in his garden in Wustenfelde, Holstein. Menno’s influence on Anabaptism was so great in the low countries- Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg that William Estep, a Baptist historian, said that their history was divided into 3 parts - before Menno, under Menno and after Menno. He established a viable Radical Reformation movement. Included definition of Anabaptism and where it ‘sits’ with other Christian faiths. Sources used Britannica Online Encyclopedia wikipedia Great Leaders of the Christian Church