missionary

C. S. Durand

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Missionary Doctor in India

Birth: –
Home Calling: 1908
Homeland: United States of America
Place of Vision: India

Dr. C. S. Durand dedicated himself to missionary work even before completing his medical studies. After finishing his post-graduate medical training in New York, he and his wife went to India under the Disciples of Christ mission. Although their profession was medicine, they fully engaged in all aspects of the mission, serving both spiritually and physically.

Medical Ministry in India

Dr. Durand was assigned to Harda in Central India. At first, he did not know the local language, but he opened a small dispensary and began treating patients immediately while learning Hindi.

As the number of patients grew, Dr. Durand planned to build a hospital. After trying to find land with no success, he prayed for God’s guidance. The very next day, a man offered a piece of land, and Dr. Durand accepted it and began constructing a hospital. Though small and simple, the hospital became a center for missionary work.

He also worked with leprosy patients, studying remedies to help them. While another missionary, Wharton, preached the Gospel among the lepers, Dr. Durand provided medical care and comfort. He also established a leper asylum on the outskirts of town, giving them a home and care while sharing Christ’s love.

Mrs. Durand’s Ministry

Mrs. Durand managed the boys’ school, teaching for several hours each day. She particularly loved her Sunday school classes for low-caste children and adults. She also visited women and girls in their homes, teaching and encouraging them in Christian faith. When Dr. Durand was away, she sometimes managed the dispensary herself.

After years of fruitful service in India, the Durands returned to the United States, continuing their ministry until the end of their lives.

Smith Wigglesworth

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A Life of Faith and Miracles

Full Name: Smith Wigglesworth
Birth: July 10, 1859
Birthplace: England
Wife: Polly
Death: March 12, 1947
Age at Salvation: 8 years

Early Life and Salvation

Smith Wigglesworth was born in a poor family in England. Because of his family’s financial situation, he could not attend school regularly, though he learned to sign his name as he grew older. At the age of eight, he attended a Gospel meeting with his grandmother and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. From that moment, he felt a strong desire to lead others to Christ, starting with his own mother.

In 1882, he married Polly, a devoted Christian. Through her, Smith learned to read the Bible properly. Despite having a stammer, which sometimes made it difficult for people to listen to his preaching, he faithfully began teaching children and families, sharing Bible stories and leading them to salvation.

Ministry and Miracles

Smith prayed earnestly, asking God to use him despite his speech difficulty. God answered, filling him with the Holy Spirit and empowering him to preach boldly. Many witnessed miracles through his ministry. People were healed of sickness, and those possessed by evil spirits were set free.

Once, while traveling on a bus, he loudly preached the Gospel. Everyone listening was deeply moved, some even weeping in repentance. He would pray for them personally, showing God’s love and compassion. Smith lived simply, giving up worldly comforts to serve God fully.

He was deeply disciplined in prayer and Bible reading, saying that he could not survive even 15 minutes without reading the Bible or 30 minutes without praying. On one journey, he met a sick mother and her child. When they asked for medicine, he took out his Bible, read Scripture, and prayed for them. They were instantly healed, and he continued leading many to Christ in similar ways.

Faith and Longevity

In 1913, his wife unexpectedly passed away while preaching at a New Year’s service. Smith prayed earnestly, submitting her life to God, and peacefully continued his ministry. Even in his 72nd year, he asked God for more time to serve, and God granted him 15 more years of fruitful ministry.

Smith Wigglesworth devoted himself to spreading the Gospel, teaching believers, and encouraging unity among Christians. His life was marked by faith, prayer, and miracles, and he relied entirely on God rather than his own strength.

He lived a long and victorious life of 88 years, serving God faithfully until March 12, 1947, when he went to be with the Lord.

Famous Saying:
“Faith in God and obedience to His Word can move mountains and bring miracles.”