Missionaries

This category shares the inspiring life stories of great Christian missionaries who left behind wealth, fame, and comfort to take the Gospel to the ends of the world. Through their sacrifices and obedience, countless souls came to know Jesus Christ.

Volbrecht Nagel Biography

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Volbrecht Nagel Biography

Volbrecht Nagel (1867–1921) was a German missionary, church pioneer, and hymn writer who deeply influenced Christian life on the Malabar Coast, especially among Malayalam-speaking believers. His story brings valuable lessons for Christian communities and churches seeking authentic outreach and worship.

Early Life and Calling

Born on November 3, 1867, in Stammheim, Germany, Nagel grew up in a Christian family but lost both parents by age eight. At eighteen, he heard the gospel from a humble cobbler turned preacher, and this moved him to accept Jesus Christ and dedicate his life to serving others. His conversion was marked by a deep personal faith and a passion for sharing God’s love with different cultures.

Missionary Training: Preparation for Service

Nagel attended the Basel Mission Training Institute in Switzerland from 1886 and graduated six years later. He was ordained as a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Mission. Motivated by the verse 1 Chronicles 16:24—“Declare His glory among the nations”—Nagel was ready to travel far and declare God’s glory, a desire that resonates with every Christian longing to reach more people with the gospel.

Ministry in Kerala: Church Planting and Selfless Service

Nagel arrived in Kerala, India, in December 1893 as a Basel Missionary, taking charge of the mission center in Vaniankulam. Realizing that administrative work did not fulfill his calling, Nagel left the Basel Mission in 1896, risking his livelihood for the sake of authentic ministry. He moved to Kunnamkulam, where he became deeply involved in building up the local church. By learning Malayalam, Nagel broke barriers and connected with believers at a personal level, an approach essential for churches today when engaging with their communities.

Key Achievements: Worship, Teaching, and Social Outreach

  • Hymn Writing: Nagel composed many beloved hymns in Malayalam, such as “Snehathin Idayanam Yesuway” and “Jayam Jayam Kollum Naam.” These songs brought hope and encouragement, and are still sung in congregations throughout Kerala, uplifting church gatherings and home fellowships.

  • Church Planting: He founded new churches and facilitated undenominational worship, stressing simplicity and unity. His teachings on believer’s baptism transformed local faith practices.

  • Orphanage and Humanitarian Service: Nagel established the Rehoboth Girls’ Orphanage in Nellikunnu, offering care, education, and shelter to hundreds of children. This legacy of compassion remains a model for present-day church outreach programs.

Family and Personal Life

Nagel married Harriet Mitchell, an Anglo-Indian teacher, in 1897. Together, they raised five sons and two daughters, though they endured the pain of losing two children in infancy. Harriet was a driving force alongside Nagel, supporting his dedication to mission and ministry.

Challenges: Faith Amid Difficult Times

After World War I began, Nagel was unable to return to India from Germany. Despite being separated from the community he loved, Nagel continued encouraging the Kerala believers through letters, expressing his deep longing for them and for his mission. His heart always remained with the people of Kerala, an attitude familiar to church leaders and members who serve faithfully even during challenges.

Lasting Legacy

Nagel passed away in 1921 after a life of service, leaving an indelible legacy in Kerala. His hymns echo in church services, his orphanage continues to bless children, and his story inspires many believers to live with love, humility, and faith.

Why Does Nagel’s Life Matter for Us Today?

  • Worship Unity: His hymns connect generations and denominations in worship.

  • Selfless Service: Nagel’s decision to prioritize mission work over security encourages us to serve sacrificially.

  • Community Focus: The orphanage and his advocacy for inclusive local ministry demonstrate how churches impact lives.

  • Faithful Leadership: Nagel’s life reminds leaders and pastors to remain faithful, even when separated from their work by obstacles—trusting God with every step.

Quick Facts

Fact Details
Birth Date November 3, 1867
Birth Place Stammheim, Germany
Mission Field Kerala, India
Main Languages German, Malayalam
Major Hymns Malayalam praise songs
Church Impact Kerala Brethren movement
Orphanage Built Rehoboth Girls’ Orphanage
Died May 12, 1921

Conclusion

Volbrecht Nagel’s passion for Jesus, creativity in worship, and years of service show how one person can inspire generations. His story teaches the power of faith-driven outreach, music, and humility in leadership. May his legacy encourage all to care for others and lift each other in prayer and song, just as Nagel did for Kerala.

CT Studd Biography

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CT Studd Biography

Early Life and Family

Charles Thomas Studd, known around the world as C.T. Studd, was born on December 2, 1860, in Wiltshire, England. He was the son of Edward Studd, a wealthy landowner. Charles grew up in comfort, surrounded by luxury, sports, and the privileges that came with wealth.

From a young age, Charles had a strong interest in sports. He became an expert in cricket, hunting, and horse riding. By the age of sixteen, he was already recognized as a skilled cricketer. With his tall and handsome figure, he quickly gained fame and admiration. Many hours of his youth were spent in front of a mirror, proud of his strength and appearance.

Influence of His Father’s Conversion

Charles’ father, Edward, was a wealthy man but did not know Christ personally. This changed when he attended revival meetings led by the great evangelist D.L. Moody. Edward gave his life to Jesus, and this decision transformed his home. From that point on, Edward began to pray earnestly that his sons too would follow Christ.

Though Charles listened to the gospel through Moody’s preaching, he hesitated to fully surrender his life to Jesus. His heart was divided between worldly fame and eternal truth.

A Turning Point: His Brother’s Illness

The real breakthrough came when Charles’ brother George became seriously ill and nearly died. Watching his brother suffer deeply shook Charles. He began to realize that wealth, beauty, and worldly pleasures were temporary, but spiritual life and eternity were far more valuable. This event opened his eyes and prepared his heart to receive God.

Full Surrender to Christ

Later, when Charles attended one of D.L. Moody’s student meetings, he was moved to give his life completely to God. He stopped chasing personal dreams of becoming a successful lawyer. Instead, he decided to dedicate himself to spreading the gospel.

Charles often said to himself:
“How can I waste my life chasing fame, when thousands of souls are perishing without Christ?”

At that point, he made the courageous choice to leave behind cricket, his education plans, and even the comfort of his family, in order to follow Jesus.

Fame as a Cricketer

Before leaving everything, Charles was already a famous cricketer in England. Many people admired him for his sports skills. His decision to give up cricket for Christ shocked the public. He became a living testimony of how Jesus could transform even the most ambitious and proud young man. Wherever Charles went, people wanted to hear his story of how Christ had captured his heart.

Call to China

While praying about where he should serve as a missionary, Charles often remembered the words from Psalm 2:8:
“Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.”

He felt a strong call from God to go to China, where millions had never heard the gospel. Though his parents and friends begged him to stay in England, Charles obeyed God’s call.

On April 1, 1885, Charles sailed to China. He landed in Shanghai and immediately began learning the Chinese language, working hard for many hours a day. He often walked nearly 40 miles daily to preach the gospel in villages, despite facing sickness, hardships, and opposition.

Giving Away His Wealth

While in China, Charles received news that his father had died and that he was entitled to inherit great wealth. But Charles had already decided that he would not let riches control his heart. Instead, he gave away his fortune.

  • A large portion went to D.L. Moody’s ministry.
  • Another part was given to George Müller, who ran orphanages.
  • Some went to William Booth’s Salvation Army, which served the poor.
  • The rest was distributed among other Christian workers.

Charles chose to live by faith, trusting that God would always provide for his needs. Remarkably, throughout his ministry, he never lacked anything necessary for the work of God.

Marriage and Family

During his time in China, Charles met Priscilla Stewart, an Irish missionary. They married, and God blessed them with five children. Together they endured many struggles but also saw the fruit of their labor. After seven years of service in China, around 800 people had come to know Christ through their efforts.

However, Charles’ health began to fail due to the harsh conditions. Weak and sick, he returned to England for six years, focusing on prayer and recovery.

Mission in India

Once his health improved, Charles traveled to South India as a missionary. There he preached the gospel with zeal. But again, opposition, challenges, and health struggles forced him to eventually return home.

The Call to Africa

Even while weak and sick, Charles never lost his passion for lost souls. One day he read about how many Europeans were going to Africa for business and government work, but very few were going there to preach the gospel. This deeply stirred his heart.

He prayed and once again heard God’s call:
“You must go to Africa.”

At first, Charles hesitated. He had been sick for nearly 15 years and felt unfit for such a journey. But God assured him: “I will heal you. You are the one who must go.”

Though he had no wealth left and his body was frail, Charles decided to give his life for Africa. He famously declared:
“If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.”

Service in Africa

Charles went to the dark continent of Africa and remained there for nearly 20 years. He preached the gospel tirelessly, winning many souls for Christ. His life was marked by sacrifice, endurance, and deep faith.

Even when his health was broken, his determination never weakened. He inspired countless others to follow his example of total surrender to Christ.

Death and Legacy

On July 16, 1931, at the age of 69, Charles Thomas Studd passed away in a small hut in Africa. He had given his entire life for the sake of the gospel.

Though he began life as a wealthy young man and a world-famous cricketer, he chose to lay down everything for Jesus. His story continues to inspire Christians around the world to live fully for Christ and to take the gospel to the nations.

His Famous Saying

Charles often said:
“Just as a gambler gives up everything for his game, so must we be willing to give up everything for Jesus.”

This simple yet powerful statement reflects the essence of his life: total surrender to Christ, no matter the cost.

Reflections on His Life

C.T. Studd’s story is not just about one man. It is about the call of God that can change any life. He was born into privilege, but he did not cling to it. He had fame, wealth, and success, but he counted all of it as loss compared to knowing Christ.

  1. His Sacrifice: He gave up sports, money, and comfort.
  2. His Faith: He trusted God completely for provision.
  3. His Passion: He cared deeply for lost souls in China, India, and Africa.
  4. His Legacy: His example continues to encourage Christians to live boldly for Jesus.

Conclusion

Charles Thomas Studd lived a life that looked foolish to the world but was precious in the eyes of God. He exchanged cricket fields for mission fields, earthly glory for eternal rewards, and wealth for spiritual riches.

He showed that true greatness is not found in fame or fortune, but in following Jesus Christ wholeheartedly.

His life can be summed up in one powerful truth:
When Christ is everything, nothing else matters.