Missionary to the New Hebrides

Full Name: John Gibson Paton
Birth: May 24, 1824
Birthplace: Scotland
Parents: James Paton and Janet Paton
Wife: English
Death: January 28, 1907
Age at Conversion: 12 years

Early Life and Calling

John Paton was born into a devout Christian family in Scotland. His father, a small businessman, lived a holy life and spent much time in prayer. Inspired by his father’s example, John accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at the age of 12. While helping his father in business, he studied Greek and Latin, and later pursued theological studies to serve God.

Missionary Vision and Preparation

Paton had a heart for the lost. He longed to take the Gospel to places where people had never heard of Christ. He prayed earnestly for guidance and became aware of the spiritual needs of the New Hebrides islands, where tribal cannibals lived. Though warned that the people might kill him, he boldly trusted God, saying that even if he died, his body would not matter as long as he lived for Christ.

Missionary Work in the New Hebrides

In 1857, at the age of 33, John Paton and his wife sailed to the Tana Island. The island was inhabited by many warring tribes who practiced cannibalism. Paton faced extreme danger but pressed on, showing Christ’s love with patience and courage.

The people followed many superstitions and practiced rituals, but Paton began to teach them about Jesus using gestures and simple communication since he did not know their language at first. Over time, he learned the local languages and continued his work. Many attempts on his life were thwarted, and God protected him repeatedly.

Later, he also went to Aneityum Island, learning the language and ministering diligently. The people there lived primitively, worshipped snakes, and offered their children as sacrifices. Through prayer, teaching, and patient service, Paton led them to accept Christ as their Savior. Even local chiefs, like Namakai, were converted, which influenced the entire community. Eventually, the whole island population embraced Christianity.

Challenges and Achievements

Paton faced personal tragedy when his wife and child died due to illness. Despite his grief and ongoing health struggles, he continued his work, translating the New Testament into the Aneityum language in 1899. Even in his later years, he traveled, wrote letters, visited homes, and worked on Bible translation tirelessly, often working late into the night.

John Paton’s life was marked by constant service to God. He continued his ministry until his final breath, leaving a legacy of courage, faith, and devotion. He passed away on January 28, 1907, at the age of 83.

---

Famous Saying:
“The Lord is supporting me; wherever His presence is not, my mind would falter.”

Missionary to North India

Birth: November 8, 1808
Home Calling: April 21, 1877
Birthplace: New Windsor, USA
Place of Vision: India

Robert Cotton Mather was a European missionary known for his work in North India and for revising the Urdu Bible translation. He completed his studies at Glasgow University and began ministering at a Congregational church in York. During this time, he received a call to serve in Banaras, India, through the London Missionary Society (LMS). Just a week after marrying Elizabeth Sewell, Mather set out for India in June 1833.

Mission Work in India

Mather first ministered at Union Chapel, Calcutta, for a few months before moving to Banaras in 1834. He worked there for four years and learned Hindustani and Urdu, which helped him communicate effectively with locals. In 1838, he established a new mission station at Mirzapur.

Although Mather struggled with India’s hot climate, he traveled extensively across Uttar Pradesh, preaching and serving many communities. He brought Mirza John and John Hussain, two Muslims, to Christ, who later became notable evangelists alongside him.

Literary Ministry

With the support of his wife Elizabeth, who also learned Hindustani and Urdu, Mather began a literary ministry. He published a vernacular newspaper that became an effective tool for spreading the Gospel. Inspired by its success, he undertook the revision of the Urdu Bible translation. To translate directly from the original Greek, he also studied Greek. By 1860, Mather had completed a major revision of both Urdu and Hindustani Bible translations. His Hindi commentary on the New Testament is still referenced today.

Social and Educational Contributions

Mather also established schools, churches, orphanages, and a printing press in Mirzapur. Mrs. Mather actively visited women in their homes, teaching and encouraging them in Christian faith. Even as his health weakened in the early 1870s, Mather remained in India to train younger missionaries before returning to England in 1873. He continued his literary work until his passing in 1877.

Afterward, Elizabeth Mather returned to Mirzapur in 1878 and continued serving the community until her death in 1879.

A Life Devoted to Christ

Full Name: William Ashley Sunday (Billy Sunday)
Parents: William Sunday and Mary John Sunday
Birth: November 19, 1862
Birthplace: Story County, USA
Wife: Helen Thompson Sunday
Death: November 6, 1935 (aged 71)

Early Life

Billy Sunday was born in Story County, USA. His father died when Billy was very young, and his mother, a devout Christian, raised him with discipline and faith. She taught him about Jesus daily and sent him and his siblings to an orphanage due to financial struggles. Even though education there was limited, Billy learned the value of hard work and self-reliance. By age 14, he understood that in life, one must work diligently and depend on oneself to succeed.

He became skilled in academics and later entered the workforce. Encouraged by friends, he participated in running competitions and became one of the fastest runners in the country, completing a 100-yard dash in just 10 seconds. His athletic talent led him to a career in baseball, where he gained national recognition.

Conversion and Spiritual Calling

One day, while out with friends, Billy noticed a group of Christians singing hymns in the street. The music reminded him of the songs his mother used to sing in the morning. When invited to join them, he accepted and openly told his friends, “I am following Jesus now,” even though they mocked him. At that time, he was already part of a baseball team but chose to dedicate his life to Christ.

Billy later joined the Presbyterian Church in Chicago and became active in the YMCA. Even during periods of unemployment and hardship, he prayed diligently and sought God’s guidance. One day, he received a telegram asking him to speak publicly, marking the beginning of his ministry.

Ministry and Achievements

Billy Sunday traveled tirelessly across the country, preaching to large crowds and emphasizing the urgency of accepting Christ. He helped establish prayer groups, held revival meetings, and reached thousands of people with the Gospel. Over his lifetime, it is estimated that he led over one million people to Christ.

His preaching style was powerful and personal. He often encouraged listeners to make a firm decision for Christ immediately. Billy would personally shake hands with those coming forward, showing equal respect to everyone. One observer noted that he shook hands with about 57 people per minute.

He often used simple illustrations to explain spiritual truths, saying, for example, that just as diamonds are found in mines in South Africa, eternal truths must be sought in the Bible. Prayer and devotion were central to his life, and he used all his energy to spread the message of Jesus Christ across America.

Legacy

Billy Sunday passed away on November 6, 1935, leaving behind a legacy of faith, dedication, and compassion. He famously said, “A man without money is poor, but a man with nothing but money is even poorer,” emphasizing the importance of spiritual wealth over material wealth.

A Life Dedicated to God’s Mission

William Goudie was born on May 6, 1857, in Channerwick, Scotland, to Christian parents. From his early childhood, he deeply loved the Holy Bible. The inspiring sermons of great preachers like D. L. Moody and Ira Sankey touched his heart and encouraged him to share God’s love with people around the world. One evening, during a revival meeting, young Goudie completely surrendered his life to Jesus Christ.

Early Life and Calling

To follow God’s calling, Goudie joined Richmond Bible College in 1879. After completing his studies and receiving ordination in London, he accepted the call to serve as a missionary in India.

Missionary Work in India

In 1882, William Goudie arrived in Chennai and began his ministry in George Town. Later, he served at the English Wesley Church in St. Thomas Mount. He quickly learned the local language and started preaching to the people in their own tongue.

In 1883, he moved to Tiruvallur, where he worked among the poor and the oppressed. His love and compassion for the downtrodden showed the true spirit of Christ’s ministry. Goudie cared for their spiritual, social, and economic well-being.

When he began to help the untouchables and lower castes, some higher caste groups opposed him. They even threw stones and spoiled food at him. But Goudie calmly replied, “You have thrown stones at me, but God will bless you with rice.”

Service During Hard Times

During the great famine and cholera outbreak (1889–1891), Goudie worked tirelessly to feed the hungry and care for the sick. He also started schools, hospitals, tailoring centers, and a lace industry in and around Ikkadu and Tiruvallur to support the poor and needy.

Final Years and Legacy

After 25 years of faithful service in India, William Goudie returned to England. He passed away on April 9, 1922, at the age of 65. People remembered him as the “Apostle of Ikkadu”, a true servant of God who lived and died spreading the message of Christ’s love.

---

Life Story

Full Name: William Franklin Graham Jr.
Birth: November 7, 1918
Death: February 21, 2018
Birthplace: Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Spouse: Ruth Bell
Salvation Experience: At the age of 16
Contribution: Preached the Gospel to millions around the world through crusades, radio broadcasts, magazines, and publications.

Early Life:
Billy Graham was born on November 7, 1918, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to Franklin and Morrow Graham. His family owned 200 acres of farmland and were deeply devoted to God. From a young age, Billy was active, disciplined, and encouraged by his parents to read the Bible, pray, and attend Sunday School. He loved reading, had friendships with African Americans, played baseball, and avoided bad habits. His parents prayed that he would grow up to serve God responsibly.

Salvation and Calling:
In 1934, Billy attended a 12-day revival meeting led by evangelist Mordecai Ham. He was deeply moved and at the age of 16, experienced a personal salvation, committing his life to Christ. In 1936, while visiting prisoners with evangelist Jimmy Johnson, he shared his faith, though initially shy and nervous.

He later studied at Florida Bible College for three and a half years, mastering Greek, church history, and public speaking. Billy practiced preaching outdoors, to children, and in small groups. His first sermon was delivered to a congregation of 30, and later, a sermon led to the salvation of 39 people. He was ordained as a Baptist pastor after completing his college education in 1940.

Ministry and Global Impact:
Billy married Ruth Bell, daughter of missionary Dr. Nelson Bell, and began preaching through the “Youth for Christ” organization on radio, gaining nationwide recognition. He traveled extensively across the United States, Canada, England, and other countries, reaching countless people through revival meetings and crusades.

He ministered to soldiers during the Korean War, preached in London, Scotland, and India, and held massive crusades in New York with millions attending. Over his lifetime, Billy Graham preached to over 100 million people globally and led millions to Christ.

He also founded the Evangelistic Association, trained hundreds of evangelists, published numerous books—including My Answer with over 1.75 million copies—and launched influential magazines like Christianity Today (1956) and Decision (1960). His ministry produced films, TV programs, and other media outreach, expanding the Gospel worldwide.

Even at 84, suffering from Parkinson’s disease, Billy Graham continued preaching and sharing the Gospel. He passed away on February 21, 2018. His children continue his legacy in Christian ministry.

---