faith

Lucile Geneva Ford – Biography

Birth: May 12, 1883
Death: May 25, 1973
Native Place: Nebraska
Country: United States of America
Place of Service: India

Lucile Geneva Ford was born in 1883 in a devoted Christian family in Nebraska. Her father, Fredrick Ford, served as a Sunday School superintendent in their local church. When Lucile was born, her mother, Mary Salina, dedicated her to God’s service. From a young age, Lucile dreamed of becoming a missionary in a foreign country.

While studying at Cotner College, Nebraska, she worked hard toward her goal. However, during her graduate studies, she suffered from serious health problems. Because of her weak health, she was advised not to go for foreign mission work. Instead, she served faithfully at a Christian hospital in St. Louis for some time.

Most people would have settled into a comfortable life after that, but Lucile was different. Once her health improved, she joined the College of Missions for further training to prepare herself for missionary service.

In 1915, Lucile received a call to serve in India through the United Christian Missionary Society. After arriving in India, she took charge of the Mahoba Girls’ Orphanage, which at that time cared for 95 girls. Under her leadership, the orphanage quickly grew, and within four years it became home to about 200 girls. Lucile was known for her compassion and care—she was like a loving mother to all the children. She made sure that every girl received both a proper education and spiritual guidance.

After several years, Lucile served for a short time in Harda and later moved to Kulpahar. There, she managed a charitable home for women and started a training center for girls. She firmly believed that women could earn respect in society only when they became independent and self-reliant.

During a severe plague epidemic, Lucile’s orphanage provided shelter to hundreds of people from all castes and backgrounds. She used that time to teach everyone that death does not show favoritism and that Jesus gave His life for all people equally, without caste or class.

Lucile retired in 1948 but continued to serve God faithfully. Even after returning to California, she remained active in ministry through her local church until she passed away in 1973. Lucile Ford’s life remains a strong example of dedication, love, and faith in service to God and humanity.

Johann Zacharias Kiernander – Biography

Birth: 1710
Death: December 29, 1799
Country: Sweden
Place of Service: India

Johann Zacharias Kiernander was born in Sweden in 1710. He was one of the first Christian missionaries to begin work in Bengal, even before William Carey and Henry Martyn arrived. He studied theology at Halle University and later worked as a teacher of Latin.

In 1739, Kiernander felt God’s call to serve in India. He first arrived at Tharangambadi (Tranquebar) and served as a missionary in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. When the French captured Cuddalore in 1758, he had to leave the city and move to Calcutta.

Kiernander reached Calcutta in 1759 and began his ministry there. His love for teaching the Bible, his passion for sharing the Gospel, and his honest character drew many people to him. He held Sunday services in a rented room and preached both to English people and the local community in their own languages. Many non-Christians accepted the faith and were baptized through his work.

Kiernander’s marriage brought him financial stability, and he used his wealth to help poor Christians. He built several schools and founded the Old Mission Church in Calcutta, along with housing for missionaries.

He also established one of the first printing presses in Calcutta, which helped spread Christian teachings. Though he lost his wife to cholera, he continued his mission faithfully despite many challenges. Kiernander remained true to his calling until his death in 1799, completing his life’s purpose in service to God.