faith

Dr. Alexander Duff

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Biography

Full Name: Dr. Alexander Duff
Birth: April 15, 1806
Death: February 12, 1878
Native Place: Perthshire
Country: Scotland
Place of Vision: India

Early Life and Calling

Dr. Alexander Duff was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in a humble farming family. From childhood, he displayed an excellent academic mind and a deep love for God. He pursued Arts and Theology at St. Andrews University, where he not only excelled in studies but also founded a student missionary society — an early sign of his passion for world missions.

After completing his studies, Duff accepted the call from the Church of Scotland to serve as their first missionary to India. His missionary journey to India was marked by faith and courage — he survived two shipwrecks before finally arriving in Calcutta (Kolkata) in 1830, along with his wife.

Ministry in India

Upon arriving in India, Dr. Duff realized that education was one of the most powerful means to reach the people, especially the higher castes of Hindus and Muslims. He believed that education, when combined with the Gospel, could transform hearts and minds.

He therefore devoted his life to establishing Christian educational institutions that taught both Biblical truth and modern scientific knowledge. His vision was clear — to challenge ignorance and superstition through learning rooted in Christ.

He introduced a Western system of education within a Christian framework, where subjects like science, history, and philosophy were taught alongside Bible studies. Through this approach, Duff gained respect among intellectuals and opened new doors for the Gospel in India.

Educational Legacy

Dr. Alexander Duff founded several important institutions, among which the Scottish Church College (established in 1830) stands as his most enduring legacy. This college later became one of the foundations for the University of Calcutta.

These institutions not only provided education but also produced leaders, reformers, and preachers who influenced India’s spiritual and social awakening. Duff’s method — preaching Christ through education — became a model for future missionaries and educators across Asia and Africa.

Heart for Missions

Dr. Duff’s passion for missions was unquenchable. After years in India, he often traveled across America, Europe, and Africa, stirring churches to support missionary work.

One powerful moment from his life shows his heart for India:

Once, during an appeal in Scotland for missionaries to India, no one responded. Suddenly, Dr. Duff collapsed from a heart attack. Doctors urged him to rest, but he stood again at the pulpit, weak yet determined, and said:

“When Queen Victoria calls for volunteers to India, hundreds of young men respond. But when King Jesus calls, no one goes.”

Then he added with tears,

“Very well, then aged though I am, I will go back to India. I can lie down on the banks of the Ganges and die there, so that the people of India may know there was one man in Scotland who loved them.”

At that moment, the congregation broke down in tears, and many young men cried out, “I will go! I will go!”

This single moment inspired an entire generation of missionaries.

Later Life and Legacy

Before his home call in 1878, Dr. Duff had earned thousands of souls for Christ and trained hundreds of ministers for the mission field. His influence extended far beyond India — across continents, he awakened the global Church to the urgency of missions.

He was not only a missionary but also a visionary educator, reformer, and pioneer who showed that true transformation begins with the renewal of the mind through the truth of God’s Word.

🕊️ “Education without Christ is like light without the sun.”
Dr. Alexander Duff lived and died proclaiming that Christ-centered education is the key to transforming nations — a legacy that still shines bright in India and beyond.

Lars Peter Larsen

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Biography

Full Name: Rev. Lars Peter Larsen
Birth: November 8, 1862
Death: June 23, 1940
Native Place: Barse
Country: Denmark
Place of Vision: India

Early Life and Education

Lars Peter Larsen was born on November 8, 1862, in Barse, Denmark. From his early years, he showed a deep love for knowledge and faith. He was known for his disciplined mind, humble heart, and desire to study the Scriptures.

As he grew up, his interest in theology and languages deepened. He later joined the Danish Mission Society, preparing himself for missionary service. His heart was moved by the need to share God’s Word with the people of India.

Missionary Work in India

In 1889, Rev. Larsen came to India under the Danish Mission Society. He served faithfully for over 40 years, becoming one of the most respected missionaries of his time.

Larsen was not only a missionary but also a scholar, theologian, linguist, and teacher. He was known for his balanced character — an intellectual thinker, a pietist devoted to holy living, a liberal evangelical open to learning, and a faithful Lutheran Christian.

He mastered several Indian languages and became a Tamil pundit (scholar of Tamil language). His linguistic talent made him an important figure in Bible translation and theological education.

Service in Education

Rev. Larsen served as the Principal of the United Theological College in Bangalore, one of India’s most prestigious seminaries. There, he taught Old Testament Studies and Comparative Religion.

He encouraged his students not to learn theology mechanically, but to study it with understanding and devotion. He believed that the purpose of learning Scripture was not just knowledge, but transformation of the heart.

Tamil Bible Translation Work

One of Larsen’s greatest contributions was his involvement in the translation of the Tamil Bible.

After discovering many errors in the Bower Version of the Tamil Bible, a team was formed to correct and simplify the translation. Rev. Larsen led this team and worked diligently to make the Tamil Bible clear, accurate, and faithful to the original Hebrew and Greek texts.

His translation was published in 1928. Although it was not universally accepted at the time, his insightful corrections and deep understanding of Scripture had a lasting influence.

Later, the Bible Society decided to produce another Tamil Bible translation that combined the simplicity and clarity of Larsen’s work with the style of the older Bower Version. Rev. Larsen also participated in this final translation project, which was completed in 1949, after his death.

Character and Legacy

Rev. Lars Peter Larsen was a man of great knowledge and deep humility. Despite being a scholar and intellectual, he lived a simple and prayerful life, walking humbly before God and man.

His life’s mission was to make the Word of God understandable to the people of India. Through his work, countless Tamil-speaking believers could read and understand the Bible more clearly.

Larsen’s passion for truth, his love for India, and his dedication to God’s Word remain an inspiration for missionaries, translators, and theologians even today.

🕊️ “The Bible became living and clear to many hearts because of one man’s faith and labor.”
Rev. Lars Peter Larsen’s life reminds us that true greatness lies not in fame, but in faithful service to God and His Word.

Herman Reynolds

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Biography

Full Name: Herman Reynolds
Birth: – (Date not recorded)
Home Calling (Death): – (Date not recorded)
Native Place: West Virginia
Country: United States of America
Place of Vision: India

Early Life and Calling

Herman Reynolds was an American missionary who dedicated his life to serving God among the people of Central India. He was born in West Virginia, USA, and from a young age felt a deep desire to serve God in ministry.

He completed his education at Lynchburg Christian College, and later pursued ministerial training at Vanderbilt University. During his time of preparation, Herman’s heart was burdened for missions and reaching those who had not yet heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

He married Mildred Pritchett, a woman who shared the same spiritual vision and passion for missionary service. Together, they joined the College of Missions, where they not only received practical training for missionary work but also served as pastors in Yale, ministering to local congregations while preparing for their overseas calling.

Missionary Journey to India

Led by the Holy Spirit, Herman and Mildred answered God’s call to India. In 1927, they joined the Indian Mission and arrived in Jabalpur, located in Central India. After spending some time learning the local language and culture, they were appointed to serve in a new mission station at Kotmi, in the present-day Chhattisgarh region.

The people of Kotmi were simple, tribal, and largely uneducated, making it challenging to communicate the Gospel effectively. However, Herman approached them as a friend, living among them and sharing the message of Christ through love and service rather than through words alone.

Ministry and Service in Kotmi

Herman and Mildred settled near the village in a small tent, choosing to live close to the people they served. Herman ministered among the men, preaching the Scriptures, teaching practical skills, and helping them improve their daily lives. Mildred, with a compassionate heart, reached out to the women and children, teaching them domestic skills, hygiene, and literacy.

Together, they established a school and a small dispensary, which helped improve education and healthcare in the area. Their ministry soon bore fruit — many villagers experienced God’s love and came to faith in Christ.

For a brief period, Herman moved to Mungeli, where he carried out intensive evangelistic work among the Satnami people, a large community group in that region. Later, he returned to Kotmi to continue his missionary activities, strengthening the local believers and training new disciples.

A Life Compelled by Christ’s Love

The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:14, “For the love of Christ compels us.”
Herman Reynolds truly lived by this verse. His deep love for God and for people drove him to serve tirelessly, both in India and in America.

Even during his short furloughs back in the United States, Herman continued to serve the Lord. He worked as a chaplain in Minnesota, sharing God’s Word and inspiring believers at the Church of America with his faith-filled sermons and humble spirit.

Legacy

Herman Reynolds’ life stands as a testimony of faith, courage, and obedience. Together with his wife Mildred, he helped transform lives in remote parts of India through education, medical care, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Their work among the tribal communities of Central India laid a strong foundation for future Christian missions in that region. The seeds they planted in love continue to bear fruit even today, reminding us that when God calls, He also equips and sustains His servants.

🕊️ “The greatest call in life is to serve others in the name of Christ.” — The life of Herman Reynolds beautifully reflected this truth.

George Williams

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Life Story

Full Name: George Williams
Parents: Amos Williams and his wife
Birthplace: Somerset, England
Born: September 11, 1821
Salvation Experience: Accepted Christ at the age of 16
Died: October 6, 1905

Service and Ministry:

While working in the clothing business, George Williams was deeply concerned about the moral and spiritual life of young men around him. Out of this burden, he founded the “Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA)”, which became one of the largest youth organizations in the world. Through this, he worked to improve the spiritual and moral lives of young people, giving them a place for prayer, fellowship, and godly guidance.

Personal Testimony:

George Williams was born into a well-to-do farming family in Somerset, England. He received his early education for a few years and then began working on his family’s farm. Though hardworking, he lived without a personal relationship with God in his early years.

Later, he went to work as an assistant in a clothing business. His employer encouraged him to attend morning church gatherings, and through these meetings, his heart began to change. One Sunday evening in 1837, George was deeply moved by the Gospel message. He realized that Jesus Christ had died for his sins and surrendered his life fully to the Lord.

Speaking about that experience, George later wrote:

“When I first saw that Jesus Christ had died for my sins, I cannot describe the joy and peace that filled my heart.”

From that day onward, his entire life became a testimony for Christ.

As he continued working in the clothing trade, George moved to London to grow in his profession. There, he was saddened by the ungodly lifestyle of the young men working with him. Feeling a heavy burden for their souls, he and one of his Christian friends began to pray earnestly for them and made plans to reach them with the message of salvation.

Soon, God answered their prayers — several young men joined them for prayer meetings. Their workplace slowly turned into a place of spiritual fellowship and transformation.

Determined to expand this spiritual impact to other businesses as well, George started a small fellowship group in his own bedroom, with just 12 members. This small beginning led to the birth of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) — a movement that soon spread across the world, helping millions of young men grow in faith, character, and purpose.

The YMCA began organizing Bible studies, prayer gatherings, and moral training programs, focusing on the complete development of body, mind, and spirit.

George Williams always believed that,

“No work is small — what matters is how much we do for others in love.”

He lived as a humble, compassionate Christian and remained a faithful witness to Christ until his last breath in 1905.

🌿 George Williams’ life is a shining example of how one person’s faith and compassion can touch the entire world. Through prayer and dedication, he became the instrument God used to transform countless young lives.

Munganda Shantharao

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Life Story

Full Name: Munganda Shantharao
Birthplace: Tummalapalli village, Amalapuram Taluka, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh
Parents: Munganda Narasayya and Manikyamma
Year of Birth: Around 1956
Salvation Experience: Accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour at the age of 7
Divine Vision: At a young age, he saw angels in the sky writing the Word of God.

Personal Testimony

Munganda Shantharao was born in Tummalapalli village, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, to Narasayya and Manikyamma, who were members of the C.S.I. Church. He was the fifth child among seven children. From his childhood, he attended Sunday School and learned about Jesus. At the age of seven, he accepted Christ as his personal Saviour.

One day, young Shantharao saw a heavenly vision — angels were writing the Word of God in the sky. Later, while studying in 10th standard (around 1972), he saw a bright divine light inside his classroom.

In 1975, while studying at the Manna Bible Institute, he was inspired by the life story of Purushotham Choudary, a man of God. This deeply touched his heart, and he decided to dedicate his life completely to serving God. Remembering his childhood vision, he made a special vow: to write the Word of God on walls and pillars everywhere, so that all people could read and come to know Christ.

He began by writing verses in his own village and nearby areas using paint and brushes. After completing his Bible training in 1978, he joined the Full Gospel Church of India at Machilipatnam and was sent as a pastor to Nagayalanka, in the Diviseema region (covering Avanigadda, Nagayalanka, and Koduru).

As he preached the Gospel in surrounding villages, he also continued writing Bible verses on walls. He decided to travel across the entire state of Andhra Pradesh by bicycle, trusting only in God’s provision.

Many times, he had no food or place to sleep. Once, when a pastor refused to give him shelter, he slept on a school veranda, hungry. Yet, he woke up the next morning and continued his work joyfully, painting Bible verses again.

When he was extremely hungry one day in Prakasam district, he prayed, “Lord, please give me something to eat.” While he was still writing a verse on the wall, a woman saw him, spoke kindly, took him home, and served him a meal.

Every day before beginning his work, he would pray for food, shelter, and paint. Miraculously, God always provided through unknown people. He experienced God’s care in every small detail of his ministry.

Later, he continued his Gospel mission in Kadapa, where a believer working in a government job gave him money to support his ministry. With that help, Shantharao travelled through many towns, writing God’s Word on walls and pillars.

He travelled throughout Andhra Pradesh, covering all major towns and villages by bicycle. Then, with a strong desire to continue his mission, he moved on to Maharashtra.

There, he faced many oppositions. A newspaper once published a warning saying that anyone writing Bible verses on walls would be arrested. Because of that threat, he moved to Madhya Pradesh and then continued his journey to Bhopal, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Goa, Dadar-Haveli, Karnataka, Odisha, West Bengal, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh.

In every state, he would first learn how to write the local language by copying verses letter by letter onto paper, and then he would paint those same verses on walls. He wrote verses in Telugu, Hindi, English, and many other Indian languages — on bridges, pipelines, government buildings, and electric poles.

Because he wrote on government property, he faced legal issues and public opposition. To continue safely, he made a shirt printed with Bible verses on both front and back, and wore it while travelling.

In Haryana, some young men attacked him with bicycles, injuring him badly. Yet, with God’s healing and strength, he recovered and continued his journey.

He faced hunger, sickness, and rejection but never gave up. When he reached Madras (Chennai), he fell ill due to lack of food. A Christian nurse who noticed the verses he had written came to meet him, cared for him, gave him food and medicine, and regularly helped him.

Even when he had nothing but two boiled potatoes to eat, he kept writing God’s Word on walls across the city. His only goal was to make sure everyone could read the Word of God wherever they went.

After travelling across all of India, writing thousands of verses on walls, pillars, and bridges, Munganda Shantharao continued this divine calling until his last breath. He remained faithful to the end and finally entered into the presence of the Lord, completing a life fully dedicated to the service of God.

🕊️ Munganda Shantharao’s life stands as a shining example of faith, sacrifice, and tireless devotion — a man who literally covered India with the Word of God.