50 years after *The Chronicles of Narnia *by C.S. Lewis were published Natalie Gillespie wrote her book Believing In Narnia. Believing in Narnia is the author’s interpretation of and commentary on the C.S. Lewis’s set of 7 books. The author’s audience is meant to be older children/ young teenagers but all those interested in the Christian faith will find the commentary useful and thought provoking. The book has been divided into 7 keys. Key 1 shows the symbols she has used for the book. Key 2 is a two page summary of each of the 7 books - excellent Key 3 looks in detail at many of the good and bad characters (80 pages) Aslan, the lion is compared to the life of Jesus (7 pages) Each of the Pevensie children are given several pages) (see contents page) Key 4 looks at the props and their meaning (36 pages) - excellent Key 5 looks at the places visited (8 pages) Key 6 looks at further reading Key 7 is a brief biography of C.S. Lewis’s life The 7 books make more sense when the commentary is also used. The book gives you the impression that Natalie Gillespie first of all enjoyed reading the books as a child, then enjoyed sharing them with her children. The book is dedicated to Joshua and Justin, two of her children, and there are passages where they ask questions and Natalie gives them an explanation. The opening chapter This Book is for Brave Kids ONLY! (see contents) explains the book beautifully. Other authors have also written about the Chronicles

Eric Liddell (1902-1947), an outstanding Olympic athlete over 100/200/400m, is remembered for refusing to race on a Sunday at the 1924 Olympic Games because of his Christian beliefs. He was born in China to his Scottish missionary parents the Rev and Mrs James Dunlop Liddell. He was educated at Eltham College, Blackheath (1908-1920). Through time it has been forgotten that he was also a missionary in China for 18 years- his life was cut short by an inoperable brain tumour which he suffered while interned at the Chines Weishein camp.

Evangeline Booth, born in 1865, was the seventh of eight children to be born to William and Catherine Booth. William founded the Christian Mission in 1865 which was renamed the Salvation Army in 1878. In 1934 she became the first female international Salvation Army chief. She showed signs of being a gifted public speaker and preacher at an early age. In 1887, aged 21 she became the officer of the corps in Marylebone , West London. She appointed Field Commissioner in Great Britain from 1888 - 1891. In 1896 she was appointed Commander of the Salvation army in Canada. In 1904 she returned as Commander of the USA an held the post for 30 years Having been elected General in 1934 she travelled extensively during her five years in office but never lost the zeal or enthusiasm of the early years. The salvation Army greatly prospered under her leadership. She retired in 1939 back to America but continued to be a public servant. She died aged 1949 aged 84… Evangeline Booth’s father, William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, put Evelyne on her birth certificate. Her mother, Catherine Booth wanted Evangeline. Only years later, when in the USA, that she was called Evangeline.

She was born Francecesca Cabrini in a village near Milan in Italy. She was a sickly child and had frail health for the rest of her life. She found disappointment and difficulties with every step. She wished to join the Daughters of the Sacred Heart but was told she was too frail for their life style. But this did not deter her from founding 67 institutions ( orphanages/schools/hospitals) all over the world over a period of 35 years. In 1877 she went to Rome to seek permission to work in China instead Pope Leo XIII sent her to America. In 1909 she became a naturalized American citizen As a child she was frightened of drowning but she crossed the Atlantic 30 times. There is a great deal of information on the wikipedia web site. I have chosen to include work from Historica’s Women, Church Pop and 8 interesting facts plus franciscanmedia.

On 11th of October 1998 Pope John Paul II canonized Teresa Benedicta of the cross. She is canonized as both a martyr and saint of the Catholic church Edith Stein took this name when she became a novice nun in 1933/4 when she entered the Discalaced Carmel of Cologne. Edith was the youngest of 11 children .She was brought up in a Jewish family Her father died when she was only 2. She became an atheist ( other sources say agnostic) in her teenage years. In1915 she took lessons to become a nursing assistant. She completed her doctoral thesis at the University of Gottengen in 1916 and obtained an assistantship at the University of Freiburg. She was drawn in 1921 towards the Catholic faith after reading the autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila. The next year, 1922, she was baptised a Catholic In 1938 Edith, and her sister Rosa, were sent to the Carmelite monastery in Echt, Netherlands, for their safety, from the Nazi invasion. On August 2nd 1942 the two sisters, along with many others, were arrested and sent to the Auschwitz concentration camp. On the 9th of August they died in the gas chamber. A woman of singular intelligence and learning she left behind a body of writing notable for its richness and profound spirituality. www.carmelitedcj.org I have included the letter she sent to Pope Pius XI. I have used information from wikipedia, carmelite and Historica’s Women

Saint Agnes of Bohemia (1205 - March 6th 1282) was born a princess. Her parents were queen Constance and King Ottakar I of Bohemia When she grew up she decided she wanted to live a religious life. She could have been queen of either of Germany or England , or empress of Rome. With the help of Pope Gregory IX she was allowed to choose marriage to God, the King of heaven. She built a hospital for the poor and a residence for the friars… She financed the construction of a Poor Clare monastery in Prague. She lived a life of piety. She was appointed abbess of the convent. She inspired other privileged women to become Poor Clares Devotion to her happened soon after her death. She was finally canonized in 1989.

George Haliburton Hume- better known as George Basil Hume. He took the name Basil, when aged 18, he took his final vows as a monk in1945 He was a surprise choice to be named a cardinal in 1976. He proved to be** an outstanding popular Archbishop of Westminster whose sincerity and expertly judged public pronouncement strengthen both the reputation and the self confidence of Roman catholics in England and Wales** Daiiy Telegraph.

Donald Oliver Soper, nicknamed Dr. Soapbox became a peer of the realm in 1965- Baron Soper. Donald was a methodist minister who loved to preach to large congregations - he preached in the open air. From 1926 until well into his 90s he preached at London’s centres of free speech - Tower Hill, and from 1942 Speaker’s corner in Hyde Park His combination of’modernist theology, high sacramentalism, and Socialist politics, expressed with wit and unapologetic elan, thrilled his audiences (congregations!), delighted admirers and greatly annoyed his opponents. What he said was often controversial. He was a pacifist - he did not agree with wars. He was lead campaigner against nuclear disarmament. In his last years, when crippled with arthritis, and in a wheelchair, he continued to preach and make public appearances. He died on 22 December 198, aged 95.

She was named Charlotte Digges Moon but everyone called her Lottie. Initially she was indifferent to her Christian upbring but following a revival meeting in 1858 she experienced an awakening. She spent nearly 40 years as a Southern Baptist missionary in China. She wanted to go out and evangelis on the streets but initial she spent her time in the classroom. female missionaries realised that they could communicate with the Chinese women better than the men She was impatient with the usual restraints and deliberately moved her Chinese mission out of reach of male authority. She asked for missionaries. Woman’s Missionary Union collected the Christmas offering to give to the Foreign Mission Board. She wanted more than anything to have gender equality. In 1893 she wrote, ’ What women have a right to demand is perfect equality’.

Karl was born in Pyritz, a province of Pomerania in Prussia. His first job was as an apprentice saddler in Stettin. He was one of the first Protestant missionaries in Bangkok, Thailand (1828) and Korea (1832). He was the first Lutheran missionary to China and he also wore Chinese clothing. He wrote a number of books and served as interpreter for British diplomatic missions. In Macau and later in Hong Kong he worked on a Chinese translation of the Bible. He also published Chinese language magazine* Eastern Western Monthly Magazine.* In 1840, he was one , of a group of 4, who translated the Bible into Chinese. The Bible translation was a version in High Wen-Li - correct and faithful to the original. He also founded in 1844 a school for ‘native’ missionaries when the Chinese government were unwilling to allow foreigners into the country. Nearly 50 were trained during the first four years. His book **** Appeal to the churches of Britain and America on behalf of China**** influenced Dr. David Livingstone to become a medical missionary but David ended up in Africa rather than China, because of the First Opium War in China. He founded the Chinese Evangelization Society. Hudson Taylor said Karl was the grandfather of the China Inland Mission. Source used : wikipedia

St. Cecilia lived during the 3rd century AD in Rome, Italy. She is one of the most famous Roman martyrs of the early church and historically most discussed. When she was forced to marry her husband Valerian, a pagan nobleman, she sat apart singing to God - for that she was later declared the saint of musicians. She retained her virginity by telling her husband that an angel of the Lord was watching over her. The husband asked to see the angel. She told him to be baptised by Pope Urban I. After the baptism he saw an angel standing beside her. She suffered martyrdom along with her husband and his brother Tiburtius, at the hands of prefect Turcius Almachius in the reign of emperor Marcus Aurelius between 176-180 AD. The legend about her death is that she was struck on the neck by a sword three times and lived for three days. She asked the pope to turn her home into a church. She was later beheaded. Her body when moved in 1599 from the Catacomb of Callixtus to the church of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere was found to be still incurrupt, seemingly to be a sleep. Over the years a lot of music has been dedicated to her name by many famous composers - see list enclosed. *A Song for St. Cecilia’s Day * by John Dryden included My source for information was Wikipedia - a very well thought out source. Point of information Cecilia can also be spelt Cecity

Saint Catherine of Alexandria is one of the most popular Christian martyrs. Her feast day is November the 25th. She is also remembered on November 5th, Firework Night, because one of the fireworks - the Catherine Wheel - has been named after her. Very little is actually known about her. She is not mentioned in writing, until the 9th century, so it is only through memory and traditional stories, that we know anything about her. It is believed she was born of noble birth, probably a princess. She became a Christian aged 14 years old following amoving vision of Mary and the infant Jesus. She spoke to emperor Maxentius about his cruelty to Christians. Initially, rather than her executed, he summoned 50 orators and philosophers to debate with her. She was so eloquent in her defence of her faith that several pagans were converted. Unable to intimidate her to give up her faith he ordered her to be tortured and imprisoned. He decided to have a killed. She was tied to a water wheel fitted with spikes. Somehow she survived this form of torture. Eventually he had her beheaded. I have included pictures of Saint Catherine and listed meaning of her name. Sources used The Church’s Year, britannica, catholic org/saints and nameberry.

St. Clements of Rome was born shortly after the death of Jesus. He became either the third or fourth Bishop or Pope. It is possible that he heard Saint Paul preach. He wrote a letter to the Corinthians after Saint Paul wrote his letters. It is regarded as the most important first century document after the New Testament. According to apocryphal* acta * he was banished from Rome and sent to work in a stone quarry. He was later martyred by being tied to an anchor and thrown from a boat into the Black Sea. I found my information about St. Clements from wikipedia, Britannica and The Church’s Year by Charles Alexander. I have included information about Domitian, the Roman emperor.

Charles G. Trumbell was a key factor in the formation of the Victorious Life Testimony which sponsors the American Keswick in New Jersey, USA. he was a spirit filled Christian journalist and leader. His testimony is retained in an excellent pamphlet The Life That Wins. He grew up in New Mexico and was educated at Yale and Notre Dame University. He held editorial and publishing positions at the National Academy of Science, Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty and Encyclopedia Britannica. I have included sections from V. Raymond Edman’s book They Found the Secret**** to illustrate how the Holy Spirit had a profound effect on his life His dates are born February 20th 1872; died January 13th 1941, aged 68.

Robert E. Nicholas was a twentieth century Saint Nicholas. He was a successful businessman who used his wealth to help others .Combining wealth and consecration he generously donated funds, usually anonymously to churches, philanthropic activities and mission agencies. He contributed money towards the building of Wheaton College. In 1967 the library was named after him. In V. Raymond Edman’s book They found the Secret, chapter fourteen entitled ‘The Satisfying Life’ we find that God had an appointment with Him. (See and read pages 122-125 ). R.E., as he was called, found his Model ‘T’ would only go in one direction! He missed a train and ended up going back to a church he had tried to avoid! He had to hear the wonderful sermon by Dr, W. B. Riley about the Second Coming of Christ. He began to learn that ’ our disappointments are God’s appointments.’ When he returned home his wife immediately noticed a change. In a few words he gave his testimony. Together they knelt in prayer and she also realised the fullness of the Holy Spirit. For 10 years he was president of the building and loan association. He helped to such a degree, during the depression, that they pulled though without a single default.

Handley Carr Glyn Moule was a former Bishop of Durham. He became the the first principle of Ridley Hall, Cambridge. Although he was ordained in 1867 it was not until 1884, after he had become principle at Ridley college, that he received fully the gift of the Holy Ghost. ( See and read pages 104/5 from V. Raymond Edman’s book They Found the Secret. ) Following on from his ‘crisis’ the enrollment at Ridley hall was augmented and with the increase there came problems that were triumphantly faced. His principalship started in 1880 continued until 1899. In his lifetime he wrote over 60 theological books and pamphlets,he also published at least two volumes of poetry.plus a number of hymns. (see incomplete list)

Dwight L. Moody (1837-1899), was an evangelist and publisher, who has had a stunning impact stretching across generations and classes. He had boundless energy, natural shrewdness, self-confidence and eternal optimism. Reading his school report it is hard to believe the person he became. he was a young shoe clerk in Boston when he was converted. I have include a number of extracts from V. Raymond Edman’s book They Found the Secret. From humble beginnings he presented the claims of the Gospel to large audiences in both America and the UK. Early in his ministry he was told to honour the Holy Spirit in all his preaching. Two old ladies, who prayed for him said, ’ You need power’. he received the full measure of the Holy Spirit. The great fire of Chicago changed his sermons - originally it was his personal drive now it was the dynamic of the Holy Spirit. He talks about three classes of Christian- makes interesting reading. He remained a humble man. Read about his five secrets as described by Dr. C. L. Scofield at his funeral.

Richard C. Halverson was a minister of the former United Presbyterian Church in the USA. He served as the chaplain of the United States Senate for 13 years. He had originally hoped to make it big in Hollywood but instead following his conversion he became a pastor. I have taken quotes from V. Raymond’s book They Found a Secret (pages 78-86) to show what the ‘three crisis’ - his words - had on his life. They about the growing influence of the Holy Spirit on his life

Saint Bernadette of Lourdes, original name Marie-Bernarde Saubirous, a miller’s daughter, was the eldest of nine children. Her visions led to the founding of the shrine at Lourdes which today has 5 million visitors and tourists every season. I have included some brief information about Saint Bernadette and the shrine at Lourdes found on wikipedia and britannica websites.

John Allen Wood’s teaching and testimony have been retained for us in his writings. Principally in the volume entitled Purity and Maturity, also Perfect Love. He was converted at the age of 10 but It was not until the tenth year of his ministry that he received the Second Blessing. I have concentrated on the Second Blessing- the blessing of the Holy Spirit and how it changed his life. V. Raymond Edman in his book They found the Secret in detail looks in detail at the blessing and the results of having the blessing.