Missionary to North India

Birth: November 8, 1808
Home Calling: April 21, 1877
Birthplace: New Windsor, USA
Place of Vision: India

Robert Cotton Mather was a European missionary known for his work in North India and for revising the Urdu Bible translation. He completed his studies at Glasgow University and began ministering at a Congregational church in York. During this time, he received a call to serve in Banaras, India, through the London Missionary Society (LMS). Just a week after marrying Elizabeth Sewell, Mather set out for India in June 1833.

Mission Work in India

Mather first ministered at Union Chapel, Calcutta, for a few months before moving to Banaras in 1834. He worked there for four years and learned Hindustani and Urdu, which helped him communicate effectively with locals. In 1838, he established a new mission station at Mirzapur.

Although Mather struggled with India’s hot climate, he traveled extensively across Uttar Pradesh, preaching and serving many communities. He brought Mirza John and John Hussain, two Muslims, to Christ, who later became notable evangelists alongside him.

Literary Ministry

With the support of his wife Elizabeth, who also learned Hindustani and Urdu, Mather began a literary ministry. He published a vernacular newspaper that became an effective tool for spreading the Gospel. Inspired by its success, he undertook the revision of the Urdu Bible translation. To translate directly from the original Greek, he also studied Greek. By 1860, Mather had completed a major revision of both Urdu and Hindustani Bible translations. His Hindi commentary on the New Testament is still referenced today.

Social and Educational Contributions

Mather also established schools, churches, orphanages, and a printing press in Mirzapur. Mrs. Mather actively visited women in their homes, teaching and encouraging them in Christian faith. Even as his health weakened in the early 1870s, Mather remained in India to train younger missionaries before returning to England in 1873. He continued his literary work until his passing in 1877.

Afterward, Elizabeth Mather returned to Mirzapur in 1878 and continued serving the community until her death in 1879.

A Life Devoted to Christ

Full Name: William Ashley Sunday (Billy Sunday)
Parents: William Sunday and Mary John Sunday
Birth: November 19, 1862
Birthplace: Story County, USA
Wife: Helen Thompson Sunday
Death: November 6, 1935 (aged 71)

Early Life

Billy Sunday was born in Story County, USA. His father died when Billy was very young, and his mother, a devout Christian, raised him with discipline and faith. She taught him about Jesus daily and sent him and his siblings to an orphanage due to financial struggles. Even though education there was limited, Billy learned the value of hard work and self-reliance. By age 14, he understood that in life, one must work diligently and depend on oneself to succeed.

He became skilled in academics and later entered the workforce. Encouraged by friends, he participated in running competitions and became one of the fastest runners in the country, completing a 100-yard dash in just 10 seconds. His athletic talent led him to a career in baseball, where he gained national recognition.

Conversion and Spiritual Calling

One day, while out with friends, Billy noticed a group of Christians singing hymns in the street. The music reminded him of the songs his mother used to sing in the morning. When invited to join them, he accepted and openly told his friends, “I am following Jesus now,” even though they mocked him. At that time, he was already part of a baseball team but chose to dedicate his life to Christ.

Billy later joined the Presbyterian Church in Chicago and became active in the YMCA. Even during periods of unemployment and hardship, he prayed diligently and sought God’s guidance. One day, he received a telegram asking him to speak publicly, marking the beginning of his ministry.

Ministry and Achievements

Billy Sunday traveled tirelessly across the country, preaching to large crowds and emphasizing the urgency of accepting Christ. He helped establish prayer groups, held revival meetings, and reached thousands of people with the Gospel. Over his lifetime, it is estimated that he led over one million people to Christ.

His preaching style was powerful and personal. He often encouraged listeners to make a firm decision for Christ immediately. Billy would personally shake hands with those coming forward, showing equal respect to everyone. One observer noted that he shook hands with about 57 people per minute.

He often used simple illustrations to explain spiritual truths, saying, for example, that just as diamonds are found in mines in South Africa, eternal truths must be sought in the Bible. Prayer and devotion were central to his life, and he used all his energy to spread the message of Jesus Christ across America.

Legacy

Billy Sunday passed away on November 6, 1935, leaving behind a legacy of faith, dedication, and compassion. He famously said, “A man without money is poor, but a man with nothing but money is even poorer,” emphasizing the importance of spiritual wealth over material wealth.