faith

Biography

David Brainerd was a brave missionary from America who dedicated his short life to bringing the message of Christ to the Native Americans, known as the Red Indians.

Full Name: David Brainerd
Birth: April 20, 1718
Place of Birth: Haddam, Connecticut, United States
Parents: Hezekiah and Dorothy Brainerd
Salvation Experience: At the age of 21
Death: October 9, 1747

David Brainerd was born in a Christian family. From his childhood, he often thought deeply about the soul, heaven, and eternal life. He desired to live a pure life and wanted to reach heaven when he died. He lost his father when he was nine and his mother when he was fourteen, which made his early life full of sorrow. Yet, he stayed away from bad friendships and spent much of his time in secret prayer and Bible reading.

At the age of 21, he experienced true repentance and declared that he was saved — not by his own works, but only by the grace of God.

David was a man of prayer and great spiritual zeal. Many churches invited him to become their pastor, but he refused because he had a burden to preach the Gospel to the Native Americans. With strong determination, he entered the dense forests of America (the wilderness of Kaika) to share the love of Jesus with the Red Indians, even though they were known as fierce and wild people.

Although he didn’t know their language, and they didn’t know his, he kept praying with tears. God provided him with a translator — a drunkard and idol worshipper. As Brainerd preached, that man was soon touched by God, repented of his sins, and was transformed. Later, many others in that tribe accepted Christ, leaving behind their cruel habits and sinful ways.

Brainerd’s life in the forest was extremely difficult. Often, he had to travel 10 to 15 miles on horseback just to get a piece of bread. Sometimes, the bread was old and hard, yet he thanked God and ate it. He drank dirty water from pits, slept on grass laid over wooden boards, and had no friends or comforters. Many nights he spent weeping and praying alone in the presence of God.

Despite all these hardships, his ministry bore great fruit — many souls were saved. In his personal diary, he recorded his struggles, prayers, and the miracles God performed through him. That diary later inspired countless missionaries, including Jonathan Edwards, who said:

“For anyone desiring to serve God successfully, David Brainerd is a perfect example.”

David’s mission was like a spiritual battle. He fought against sin and darkness like a soldier, determined to win souls for Christ. He never gave up, even when he was weak, hungry, or sick. He often said,

“If I can bring even one soul to the Lord before I die, that will be worth ten thousand worlds to me.”

Because of his continuous hardships and lack of rest, he fell seriously ill with tuberculosis. Yet, even in weakness, he continued his ministry, praying for the salvation of others. He once wrote in his diary,

“If I had a thousand lives, I would gladly give them all for God.”

Finally, on October 9, 1747, at the age of 29, David Brainerd passed away peacefully. His last words were:

“Jesus has come; He will not delay. I shall soon be in glory, praising God with His angels.”

Though he lived only 29 years and served as a missionary for just 4 years, his impact was far greater than that of many who served for a lifetime. David Brainerd remains an inspiring example of dedication, prayer, and love for lost souls.

Legacy:

• A man of deep prayer and faith
• Missionary to Native Americans
• Wrote a life-changing diary that inspired generations
• A model of sacrifice, humility, and love for Christ

Biography

Isaac Yesuvadiyan Iyadurai was one of the well-known pioneer missionaries sent by the Indian Missionary Society. He was born on May 19, 1890, in Idayankulam, India. Before entering ministry, he worked as a teacher. His deep passion to spread the Gospel led him to leave his teaching job and follow God’s calling.

In 1912, he began his missionary work along with Bishop V.S. Azariah. Isaac travelled to many villages, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Often, he stayed in villages for several days to serve the people. When he couldn’t find a place to rest, he would sleep on a bullock cart.

Even though he faced many challenges and hardships, nothing stopped him from doing God’s work.

Isaac was also a talented writer and evangelist. He wrote a one-page message called “The Salvation Pilgrimage”, which he shared wherever he went. He used pictures and drawings to explain Bible stories such as the birth of Jesus, His resurrection, and the story of the prodigal son.

He composed many Tamil hymns and encouraged people to live in Christ. Being a lover of music, he wrote several spiritual songs to strengthen believers’ faith. One of his most famous Tamil hymns is “Jepattai Kekum Eka Devaa” (“The Lord Who Hears Our Prayers”). The tune he gave to this hymn is still sung joyfully by thousands of Christians today.

Isaac also started primary and secondary schools to promote education among children. Later, he served as an honorary magistrate, helping families solve disputes peacefully.

In 1941, through his faithful ministry, an entire village accepted Christ, and about 88 people were baptized.

People admired his commitment, simplicity, and love for God. Isaac Yesuvadiyan Iyadurai lived a humble life as a true witness of Jesus Christ and went to be with the Lord on February 4, 1973.

Summary:

• Born: May 19, 1890
• Died: February 4, 1973
• Birthplace: Idayankulam, India
• Ministry started: 1912 with Bishop V.S. Azariah
• Notable Works: Hymns, “The Salvation Pilgrimage”, evangelism, education, peacemaking
• Legacy: A faithful servant of God whose life inspired many to follow Christ.

– Medical Missionary to India

Arabella Merrill was an early medical missionary sent to India by the Disciples of Christ mission. She studied medicine at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and graduated in 1887 with top honors. After graduation, she worked as a doctor in hospitals in Chicago and Michigan. During this time, she learned about the inspiring work of Pandita Ramabai in India, which deeply encouraged her.

Biography:

• Born: Around 1865
• Home Calling: –
• Birthplace: Illinois, USA
• Mission Field: India

The story of Pandita Ramabai inspired Arabella and her close friend Olivia Baldwin to serve God as medical missionaries. They traveled together to India in 1889 and began their work in Bilaspur, Central India. They cared for the sick in towns and nearby villages, focusing not only on physical healing but also on the spiritual well-being of the people.

Bible teaching was always included with their medical care. Even though language was a challenge, they shared Christ’s message with all they met. Arabella worked with deep compassion, patience, and full dedication, showing Christ’s love through her service.

Her kindness and devotion attracted many people, and her care often brought comfort to those who were suffering. Due to illness, Arabella had to leave India before the end of 1894. After her recovery, she continued her missionary work in Alaska and Klondike, Canada. She also helped organize and guide activities for the Christian Woman’s Board of Missions.

Arabella traveled across the United States, visiting churches and inspiring young men and women to dedicate themselves to missionary work. She remained a humble, faithful servant of God, bringing hope and encouragement to countless lives throughout her life.

– Missionary to East Bengal (Now Bangladesh)

Ellen Arnold was one of the five young Australian Baptist women who served as missionaries in East Bengal (present-day Bangladesh) during the British rule in India. All five were single and in their twenties, and their mission was to share the message of the true God with the people of India, especially women.

Biography:

• Born: 1858
• Died (Home Calling): 1931
• Birthplace: Warwickshire, England
• Mission Field: India

Although Ellen was born in England, her family moved to Adelaide, South Australia, in 1879. She worked as a teacher there. Around that time, Punchanon Biswas from the Faridpur Mission in East Bengal visited South Australia. He encouraged the churches to send women missionaries to India, believing that Indian women needed guidance and care from other women. His visit deeply inspired Ellen to dedicate her life to missionary work.

Ellen Arnold’s Ministry in India
After receiving short medical training, Ellen traveled to Faridpur, India, in 1882 and began learning the local language. However, due to serious health issues, she had to return to Australia in 1884. Her strong desire to serve God led her back to Bengal in 1885, accompanied by four other women missionaries.

These five women were lovingly called “The Five Barley Loaves,” symbolizing the miracle of Jesus feeding thousands with five loaves and two fishes — as they too brought spiritual nourishment to the people of India.

Ellen managed medical, educational, and construction projects in Faridpur before moving to Cumilla in 1886, where she started a new mission station. Later, she served in Pabna and Ataikola, preaching the Gospel and setting up schools and small health centers to help the community. The local people admired and respected her for her love and dedication.

After a short visit to Australia in 1930, Ellen returned to Ataikola. She continued her mission work faithfully until her passing in 1931.

Ellen Arnold’s life was a beautiful example of faith, courage, and selfless service to God and people.

– The Father of Lepers

Wellesley Bailey was a young Irish man who came to India in 1869, looking for a job and a new beginning. During his training as a teacher, he saw for the first time how terrible leprosy could be. Until then, he had only read about leprosy and “lepers” in Bible stories. Seeing the suffering, poor living conditions, and loneliness of people with leprosy deeply touched his heart.

Biography:

• Birth: 28 April 1846
• Death: 1937
• Country: Ireland
• Place of Vision: India and many other nations

Bailey once wrote, “If there was ever a Christ-like work in the world, it was to go among these poor sufferers and bring them the comfort of the gospel.”

At that time, there was no cure for leprosy. So, Wellesley and his wife, Alice, went back to Ireland to tell people about the painful lives of those suffering in India. They raised awareness and encouraged others to pray and give financial support.

In 1874, with the help of supporters, they started “The Mission to Lepers”, now known as The Leprosy Mission, to help those affected by the disease in India. By the end of the 1870s, their mission cared for about 100 people suffering from leprosy. Bailey also helped other missionaries by guiding them in administration and financial work.

As his ministry grew, letters came from other parts of the world—places like China, New Zealand, and Australia—asking for help. His compassion and service inspired many, and the mission spread globally, bringing healing, dignity, and love to leprosy-affected people.

Wellesley Bailey strongly believed in the power of prayer. He said that prayer was the foundation of his mission and the reason for its success. His lifelong dream was to care for those suffering from leprosy. Because of his love, dedication, and faith, he is lovingly remembered as “The Father of Lepers.”