Biography

Read inspiring Christian Biography in Telugu & English. Discover life stories of pastors, missionaries, and believers who lived with faith, dedication, and courage.

Mary Graybiel

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– A Faithful Missionary to India

Birth: –
Home Calling: 1935
Native Place: New York
Country: United States of America
Place of Vision: India

Early Life and Call

Mary Graybiel was one of four young women who, in 1882, sailed to India to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Her interest in missionary work began when she was a young girl reading the life story of Ann Hasseltine Judson, one of the first American women missionaries. That story touched her deeply and made her long to serve God in the same way.

While attending a Sunday School institute in Buffalo, she found a pamphlet from the Christian Woman’s Board of Missions inviting young women to apply for missionary work in India. Mary prayed about it and sought God’s guidance. The Lord spoke to her through the Bible verse:

“Behold, I have set before thee an open door.”

Feeling that this was God’s call, she wrote to the Mission Board expressing her desire to go to India as a missionary.

Journey and Early Ministry in India

In 1882, Mary arrived in Bombay (now Mumbai) and later moved to Central India. She first served in Ellichpur, then in Harda, Mungeli, and finally in Bilaspur.

Mary began her ministry among women and children, visiting homes, schools, and marketplaces to share the message of Christ’s love. She often worked with another missionary, Ada Boyd. While Ada focused on women, Mary’s heart was drawn especially to children.

Building Schools and Orphanages

In 1886, Mary used her own savings to start a school for girls. Later, she opened an orphanage to care for the children who had no family. She personally oversaw the construction of the school and orphanage buildings in Bilaspur.

In 1894, she started another mission station at Mahoba, a place with no Christian presence at that time. During a severe famine, Mary rescued about 800 children from starvation and gave them food, shelter, and education.

Her Character and Legacy

Mary Graybiel was a woman of many talents — an architect, builder, teacher, leader, and mother to hundreds of children. She never wanted rest; instead, she always searched for new ways to serve Christ. Her strong faith, love, and sacrifice brought hope to many poor and suffering lives in India.

After more than 50 years of tireless service, she was called home to her eternal rest in 1935.

Summary

  • Missionary to: India
  • Year of Arrival: 1882
  • Special Focus: Women and children
  • Major Work Areas: Bilaspur, Mahoba, Harda, Mungeli, Ellichpur
  • Legacy: Built schools and orphanages, saved hundreds of children, inspired many missionaries

Samuel Kaboo Morris

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– The African Missionary Boy

Full Name: Samuel Kaboo Morris
Birth: 1873
Home Calling (Death): May 12, 1893
Birthplace: Liberia, South Africa
Saved at Age: 15

Early Life

Samuel Kaboo Morris was born in Liberia, Africa, in 1873. His real name was Kaboo. He was the son of a tribal chief and was a prince of his people. But his tribe lost a war, and Kaboo was taken as a hostage by the winning tribe. His father had to pay a large fine to free him. The first time, his father paid and saved him. The second time, it took many years, and Kaboo was beaten every day.

One day, while being tied to a wooden post, he saw a bright light from heaven and heard a voice telling him, “Run!” Kaboo obeyed the voice and escaped. The light led him safely to another village where Christian missionaries lived.

Finding Jesus

In that village, Kaboo met African Christians who told him about Jesus Christ. When he heard that Jesus is the Light of the World, he understood that the light which saved him was from Jesus Himself. Kaboo accepted Jesus as his Savior, and his life completely changed.

Later, when he was baptized, he was given the name Samuel Morris. From then on, his one desire was to tell others about Jesus’ love and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Journey to America

Samuel wanted to learn more about the Holy Spirit, so he decided to go to America to study at Taylor University. He had no money, but he trusted God completely. He joined a ship to America, where all the other sailors were white men who hated him because he was black. They beat him and insulted him, but Samuel never fought back. He prayed for them every day.

Soon, the sailors saw his kindness and faith. They began to change and accepted Jesus through Samuel’s prayers. By the end of the journey, the whole crew respected and loved him.

Ministry and Death

When Samuel reached New York, he went to meet Stephen Merritt, a Christian leader. Even though Samuel could not speak English well, people felt God’s presence when he prayed. Many rich and educated people were deeply touched by his simple faith. He told everyone about Jesus and inspired many to become missionaries to Africa.

But Samuel’s health was weak. After living only five years outside the jungle, he became sick and went to be with the Lord on May 12, 1893, at just 21 years old.

Legacy

Though Samuel Morris lived only a short life, his faith, prayer, and humility changed thousands of lives. His story has been translated into many languages and continues to inspire Christians around the world.

He is remembered as a young man full of the Holy Spirit, who trusted God for everything and lived only to glorify Jesus Christ.