missionary

Henry Martyn

by

A Messenger of Hope

Henry Martyn was an Anglican priest and missionary who served in India and Persia (modern-day Iran). He was born on 18 February 1781 in Cornwall, England, and passed away on 16 October 1812 at the young age of 31.

After the death of his mother soon after his birth, Henry was raised by his father, John Martyn, who worked as a miner. During his childhood, Henry was known for his quick temper and aggressive nature. Once, in anger, he threw a knife at a friend and almost killed him.

However, after the death of his father, Henry’s heart completely changed. He joined St. John’s College, Cambridge, and became excellent in Mathematics. While at college, he came into contact with Charles Simeon, a godly and evangelical leader in the Church of England. Through this fellowship, Henry’s faith in Christ grew deeper.

He was inspired by the missionary stories of David Brainerd and William Carey, and he decided to give up his personal dreams of fame and become a missionary to the nations.

Ministry in India and Persia

In 1806, Henry accepted a position as a chaplain with the East India Company and sailed to India. He first reached Serampur and later moved to Dinapur. He quickly learned Hindi, Urdu, and Bengali, and began preaching the Gospel in those languages. With great passion, he started translating the Bible and the Anglican prayer book into Urdu, so that the message of Jesus could reach the local people, especially Muslims. He also started schools for the education of children.

In 1810, Henry traveled to Persia (Iran) to continue spreading the Gospel among the Muslim people. Even though he was weak and often sick, he translated the New Testament into Persian and Arabic.

In 1812, while traveling to Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) with the hope of working among the Armenians, he fell gravely ill. After a long journey of more than 1300 miles, he passed away peacefully, trusting in the Lord till his last breath.

Henry Martyn was a man of prayer, completely devoted to God’s Word. His deep love for Jesus, his dedication to mission work, and his zeal for souls made him one of the most outstanding missionaries of his generation.

D.L. Moody Biography 

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D.L. Moody Biography

 

Early Life and Family

Dwight Lyman Moody, known as D.L. Moody, was born on February 5, 1837, in Northfield, Massachusetts, USA. He belonged to a simple farming family. His father, Edwin Moody, died suddenly when Dwight was only four years old. His mother was left to raise nine children alone. The family lived in poverty and struggled for survival.

Because of these hardships, young Dwight could not get much formal education. Instead, he worked in the fields and later took a job as a shoe salesman. His main desire was to earn money and build a better life. But God was preparing him for something greater.

Salvation Experience

At the age of 17, D.L. Moody came to know Christ in a personal way. He was invited to a Sunday School class by Edward Kimball, a faithful teacher. Kimball later visited the shoe shop where Moody worked and shared the Gospel with him. That day, Dwight accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior.

Moody later described that day:
“The morning I was saved, everything looked new. The sun was brighter, the birds seemed to sing sweeter, and I felt as if the whole world was rejoicing with me.”

This moment changed his life forever.

Early Ministry Work

After his conversion, Moody began to share the Gospel with others immediately. He focused especially on children living in poor neighborhoods. He would gather them every Sunday and take them to church.

He also reached out to drunkards, gamblers, and broken families, telling them about Jesus and praying for them. Within three years, Moody gathered over one thousand children into Sunday School.

Finally, he left his shoe business and gave his whole life to ministry.

Marriage and Family

In 1862, Dwight Moody married Emma Revell. She was a strong supporter of his ministry. God blessed them with three children. Even though Moody traveled often, he never neglected his family.

Spiritual Growth and Revival Ministry

Moody was a man of prayer. He spent many hours in God’s presence, asking for wisdom and strength. In 1871, he began praying for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Soon, he received a powerful touch from God that transformed his ministry.

He started preaching with great boldness. Thousands of people came to his revival meetings. In some gatherings, more than 50,000 people attended.

Moody also traveled to England, where he met great preachers like Charles Spurgeon and George Müller. His simple but powerful messages touched hearts, and many came to Christ.

Character and Humility

Even though D.L.Moody became one of the most famous evangelists of his time, he remained humble. Once, someone asked him how many people were saved through his preaching. Moody smiled and said:
“I don’t know. The Lamb’s Book of Life is not in my keeping.”

His humility and sincerity made him a respected leader around the world.

Educational Institutions and Social Work

D.L. Moody strongly believed in training future leaders. In 1879, he opened a Bible College for women. In 1881, he started Mount Hermon School for Boys. In 1894, he launched a Christian magazine.

He personally helped poor students by paying their school fees. He also cared for the sick and the needy. His ministry touched not only spiritual lives but also social needs.

Faith During Difficult Times

D.L . Moody’s faith remained strong during crises. Once, he was traveling on a ship with 700 people when it faced a serious accident. While everyone was afraid, Moody prayed and encouraged them. Soon, another ship came and rescued them safely.

Final Years and Death

Moody continued preaching until the last years of his life. His ministry brought revival to America, England, and many other countries. Thousands of churches were strengthened. Millions heard the Gospel through his work.

On December 22, 1899, Dwight Lyman Moody passed away at the age of 62. His final words showed his strong faith and love for heaven.

Famous Quote

Moody once said:
“If God offered me the whole world, I would reject it and choose to be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

This statement reveals his heart and priorities.

Legacy

D.L. Moody’s life is a testimony of God’s power. From a poor farm boy, he became one of the greatest evangelists of the 19th century. His schools, writings, and ministry still influence millions today.

His life reminds us that God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things if they surrender completely to Him.