Biography

Life Story

Full Name: Arumugam Pillai (later renamed Aaron)
Birth: 1698
Death: 1745
Place of Birth: Cuddalore, India
Country of Ministry: India

Early Life:
Aaron Arumugam Pillai was born into a wealthy upper-caste family in Cuddalore, India. His father, Chokkanatha Pillai, was a trader with the East India Company, but after facing significant losses, he moved the family to Arasapuram. When the Tranquebar Lutheran Mission started a school in their neighborhood, young Arumugam enrolled and began learning from the Tamil books printed by the missionaries.

At the age of 19, a teacher named Savarimuthu introduced him to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Inspired by this, he accepted the faith and was baptized in 1718 by Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg in Tranquebar, receiving the Christian name “Aaron.”

Faith and Ministry:
Despite opposition from his family, Aaron remained steadfast in his faith. He studied the Bible at the Tamil Theological School and soon became an assistant catechist at New Jerusalem Church in Tranquebar.

Aaron felt a deep calling to serve the people around him. He traveled long distances, preaching the Gospel in towns such as Poraliar, Sirkali, and Sandirpadi in Tamil Nadu. His dedication impressed the German Lutheran missionaries, who ordained him as a pastor in 1733. With this, he became the first non-European to be ordained in the Lutheran Church.

Character and Achievements:
Aaron was a gifted communicator and used his skills to provide spiritual guidance to both local Tamil people and European missionaries. He became a vital link between the local communities and the foreign missionaries. Known for his courage, integrity, and wisdom, he did not avoid conflict but faced challenges directly and resolved them peacefully.

He also worked to educate local people and discourage harmful social practices. Though his ministry was relatively short, his impact was profound. He earned respect and admiration from both Hindus and Christians in the regions he served, leaving a lasting legacy of faith, leadership, and service.

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Life Story

Full Name: Samuel Rutherford
Parents: William Rutherford and family
Birthplace: Nisbet, Scotland
Year of Birth: 1600
Date of Death: March 30, 1661
Contribution: Served as a church pastor, theology professor at a Bible college, and author of the famous book The Law, The King.

Early Life and Personal Background:

Samuel Rutherford was born in 1600 in Nisbet, Scotland, to William Rutherford and his wife. Little is known about his childhood or family life. Some say his father was a farmer or worked in a mill. In 1627, Rutherford earned his M.A. from Edinburgh College and was appointed as a professor of Humanity at the same institution. Later, he became the pastor of a church in Anwoth.

Rutherford was known for his dedication, honesty, and love for the people he served. He worked tirelessly for the church, teaching, guiding, and caring for the congregation. People described him as someone who prayed constantly, preached whenever possible, visited the sick, wrote books, and read extensively. He was known to rise as early as 3 a.m. for prayer and study.

Trials and Service:

Rutherford’s early years in Anwoth were marked by sorrow. His wife suffered from illness for several years and eventually passed away, and his two children also died. Despite these personal tragedies, he continued to serve God with a devoted heart.

His teachings were unique and impactful, helping people see their spiritual errors and leading them toward repentance. One elderly listener remarked, “Through his words, he revealed the condition of my heart to me.”

In 1636, Rutherford published a book defending the principles of grace, which sharply criticized the doctrines of the Church of England. This led to charges of sedition, and he was brought before the court. As a result, he was exiled and imprisoned in Aberdeen. Even while separated from his congregation, Rutherford continued to write letters encouraging and guiding his church members. These letters became widely influential.

Later Life and Legacy:

In 1638, amid political conflicts between the English Parliament, the King, and the reformers, Rutherford gradually returned to his beloved Anwoth. The Scottish Presbyterian Church recognized his service and appointed him as a theology professor at St. Andrews College. During his time, he authored the well-known book The Law, The King. This work later caused him legal troubles, including accusations of treason, but he remained steadfast in his faith, famously responding that he was accountable first to God’s judgment.

Samuel Rutherford passed away on March 30, 1661, leaving behind a legacy of faith, courage, and theological scholarship that continues to inspire Christians worldwide.

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