Life and Ministry
Stanley Jones was an American missionary and Christian thinker. He is best known for starting the Christian Ashram Movement in India. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior when he was just 17 years old. Later, he finished his Law degree at Asbury College, Kentucky. Even though he planned to work as a lawyer, he chose to follow God’s call and serve in ministry. In 1907, the Methodist Episcopal Church sent him to India as a missionary.
Biography:
- Birth: January 3, 1884
- Death: January 25, 1973
- Birthplace: Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Country: United States
- Place of Ministry: India
During one train journey in India, Jones met a Muslim man. Out of love and interest, he read to him from the Sermon on the Mount. The man replied, “Our Holy Book also says the same. All religions teach good things; only the paths are different.” This response made Jones think deeply. He wondered whether he should try to argue and prove Christianity right, or find another better way to share Christ.
After prayer and thought, he found a new way. He started the idea of a Christian Ashram — a place where people of all faiths could come together, discuss, and understand what each religion teaches. Through these discussions, Jones used a peaceful way to share the message of Jesus Christ.
Ministry in India and Beyond:
Stanley Jones used these meetings as an opportunity to tell others about Christ. His method of evangelism was simple — he presented Jesus as the Savior of all people, not tied to any culture or country.
His ministry grew far beyond India. He preached and taught in many countries like America, Canada, and Japan. Throughout his life, he gave thousands of sermons, encouraging people to surrender their lives to Jesus. Many were deeply changed by his words and faith.
Jones encouraged Indian Christians to follow Christ while keeping their own Indian culture. He believed Christianity could grow naturally in Indian soil without losing its true message.
He wrote over 30 books, which continue to inspire and guide people around the world. Jones once said about his mission:
“I realized that the Gospel is in the person of Jesus Himself. He is the Good News, and my only task is to live Him and show Him.”
At the age of 90, Stanley Jones peacefully went to be with the Lord, completing his life’s calling and leaving behind a great legacy of faith and love.