Biography

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A Life of Faith and Miracles

Full Name: Smith Wigglesworth
Birth: July 10, 1859
Birthplace: England
Wife: Polly
Death: March 12, 1947
Age at Salvation: 8 years

Early Life and Salvation

Smith Wigglesworth was born in a poor family in England. Because of his family’s financial situation, he could not attend school regularly, though he learned to sign his name as he grew older. At the age of eight, he attended a Gospel meeting with his grandmother and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. From that moment, he felt a strong desire to lead others to Christ, starting with his own mother.

In 1882, he married Polly, a devoted Christian. Through her, Smith learned to read the Bible properly. Despite having a stammer, which sometimes made it difficult for people to listen to his preaching, he faithfully began teaching children and families, sharing Bible stories and leading them to salvation.

Ministry and Miracles

Smith prayed earnestly, asking God to use him despite his speech difficulty. God answered, filling him with the Holy Spirit and empowering him to preach boldly. Many witnessed miracles through his ministry. People were healed of sickness, and those possessed by evil spirits were set free.

Once, while traveling on a bus, he loudly preached the Gospel. Everyone listening was deeply moved, some even weeping in repentance. He would pray for them personally, showing God’s love and compassion. Smith lived simply, giving up worldly comforts to serve God fully.

He was deeply disciplined in prayer and Bible reading, saying that he could not survive even 15 minutes without reading the Bible or 30 minutes without praying. On one journey, he met a sick mother and her child. When they asked for medicine, he took out his Bible, read Scripture, and prayed for them. They were instantly healed, and he continued leading many to Christ in similar ways.

Faith and Longevity

In 1913, his wife unexpectedly passed away while preaching at a New Year’s service. Smith prayed earnestly, submitting her life to God, and peacefully continued his ministry. Even in his 72nd year, he asked God for more time to serve, and God granted him 15 more years of fruitful ministry.

Smith Wigglesworth devoted himself to spreading the Gospel, teaching believers, and encouraging unity among Christians. His life was marked by faith, prayer, and miracles, and he relied entirely on God rather than his own strength.

He lived a long and victorious life of 88 years, serving God faithfully until March 12, 1947, when he went to be with the Lord.

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Famous Saying:
“Faith in God and obedience to His Word can move mountains and bring miracles.”

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Missionary to the New Hebrides

Full Name: John Gibson Paton
Birth: May 24, 1824
Birthplace: Scotland
Parents: James Paton and Janet Paton
Wife: English
Death: January 28, 1907
Age at Conversion: 12 years

Early Life and Calling

John Paton was born into a devout Christian family in Scotland. His father, a small businessman, lived a holy life and spent much time in prayer. Inspired by his father’s example, John accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at the age of 12. While helping his father in business, he studied Greek and Latin, and later pursued theological studies to serve God.

Missionary Vision and Preparation

Paton had a heart for the lost. He longed to take the Gospel to places where people had never heard of Christ. He prayed earnestly for guidance and became aware of the spiritual needs of the New Hebrides islands, where tribal cannibals lived. Though warned that the people might kill him, he boldly trusted God, saying that even if he died, his body would not matter as long as he lived for Christ.

Missionary Work in the New Hebrides

In 1857, at the age of 33, John Paton and his wife sailed to the Tana Island. The island was inhabited by many warring tribes who practiced cannibalism. Paton faced extreme danger but pressed on, showing Christ’s love with patience and courage.

The people followed many superstitions and practiced rituals, but Paton began to teach them about Jesus using gestures and simple communication since he did not know their language at first. Over time, he learned the local languages and continued his work. Many attempts on his life were thwarted, and God protected him repeatedly.

Later, he also went to Aneityum Island, learning the language and ministering diligently. The people there lived primitively, worshipped snakes, and offered their children as sacrifices. Through prayer, teaching, and patient service, Paton led them to accept Christ as their Savior. Even local chiefs, like Namakai, were converted, which influenced the entire community. Eventually, the whole island population embraced Christianity.

Challenges and Achievements

Paton faced personal tragedy when his wife and child died due to illness. Despite his grief and ongoing health struggles, he continued his work, translating the New Testament into the Aneityum language in 1899. Even in his later years, he traveled, wrote letters, visited homes, and worked on Bible translation tirelessly, often working late into the night.

John Paton’s life was marked by constant service to God. He continued his ministry until his final breath, leaving a legacy of courage, faith, and devotion. He passed away on January 28, 1907, at the age of 83.

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Famous Saying:
“The Lord is supporting me; wherever His presence is not, my mind would falter.”