Biography
Full Name: Allen Francis Gardiner
Birth: 28 June 1794
Death (Home Calling): 6 September 1851
Birthplace: Basildon, England
Parents: Samuel Gardiner & Mrs. Gardiner
Spouse: Julia Susannah Gardiner
Mission Field: South America
Known For: Founding the Patagonian Missionary Society
🌿 Early Life
Allen Francis Gardiner was born on 28 June 1794 in Basildon, England, into a Christian family. From childhood, he loved adventure and travel. He joined the Naval College at a young age and became a naval officer by 16. By the age of 20, he was appointed Lieutenant and later became a ship captain.
Gardiner’s mother was a devout Christian, which inspired him to read the Bible and learn about Christ. While serving in the Navy, he accepted Jesus as his personal Savior. During his naval travels, he observed the lives of people in different places and felt a calling to serve as a missionary. Visiting Tahiti in the Pacific, he noticed children learning about Christ and realized that God was calling him to share the Gospel with others in distant lands.
✝️ Call to Missionary Work
Allen left his naval career to serve God. He initially planned to serve in Africa and learned about the Zulu tribe, who were feared for their cruelty. Despite dangers, he attempted to bring the Gospel to them. Soon, a local conflict forced him to leave Africa.
Believing that God had a special calling for him, he received a vision to serve in South America. In 1833, he moved there with his family. Though he faced numerous challenges and dangers, he persisted in prayer and outreach. He also dreamed of establishing a society to send young missionaries to unreached regions.
🔥 Patagonian Missionary Work
Gardiner faced several obstacles in establishing a mission in South America. He requested permission to set up a base in 11 villages in Bolivia, but it was initially denied. Even when permission was granted, war, theft, and illness caused great setbacks. Many of his companions died due to harsh conditions, leaving Gardiner alone.
Despite repeated failures, he refused to give up. He committed himself fully to bringing the Gospel to various tribes across South America. During long sea journeys, harsh weather, and disease, he continued to plan missionary strategies and record them in his diary.
Unfortunately, due to famine, exhaustion, and disease, Allen Francis Gardiner passed away on 6 September 1851.
🌸 Legacy
Though he died before seeing the full success of his mission, Gardiner’s life was like a sown wheat grain. His vision inspired others:
- The Patagonian Missionary Society was established shortly after his death.
- His friends and family continued his work in South America.
- Many young missionaries, including his own son, went to unreached areas to spread the Gospel.
Gardiner’s dedication brought a lasting revival in South America. His perseverance, vision, and willingness to endure hardships laid the foundation for generations of missionaries.
❤️ Summary
- Name: Allen Francis Gardiner
- Born: 28 June 1794, Basildon, England
- Died: 6 September 1851
- Spouse: Julia Susannah
- Mission Field: South America
- Contribution: Founded the Patagonian Missionary Society; pioneered missionary work in unreached areas of South America
- Legacy: Inspired future generations of missionaries and brought the Gospel to many tribes
💬 Life Lesson
Allen Gardiner’s life teaches that faith, vision, and perseverance can overcome even the greatest obstacles. Even in apparent failure, God can use a life fully surrendered to create lasting impact.