Allen Gardiner – Life Story
Full Name: Allen Francis Gardiner
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Gardiner
Place of Birth: Basildon, England
Date of Birth: June 28, 1794
Spouse: Julia Susanna
Spiritual Conversion: At age 21
Date of Death: September 6, 1851
Contribution:
Allen Gardiner became a missionary in South America, spreading the message of Christ to people who had never heard the gospel. He founded the “Patagonian Missionary Society,” trained young missionaries, and brought spiritual revival to several regions in South America.
Personal Life:
Allen Gardiner was born in England in 1794. From childhood, he loved adventure and exploration. With this passion, he joined the Naval College at a young age and became a naval officer by age 16. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant by 20 and later became a ship captain.
His mother was a devout Christian, and inspired by her faith, Allen began reading the Bible. He understood God’s love through Jesus and accepted Christ as his personal Savior while serving in the navy. During his naval journeys, he observed the lives of the people wherever his ship docked. Once, while visiting Tahiti in the Pacific, he noticed children learning about Christ, which made him realize that God wanted him to share the gospel with those who had never heard it.
Missionary Work:
Allen left his naval career and initially prepared to serve as a missionary in Africa. He learned about the Zulu people, who were feared for their cruelty, and attempted to bring the gospel to them. However, soon after arriving, a war broke out, forcing him to leave.
Believing God was calling him to South America, he traveled there with his family in 1833. Despite many challenges, he built relationships with the local people and planned to establish a missionary society. He even returned to England seeking support but faced discouragement.
Nevertheless, within three years, he successfully founded the Patagonian Missionary Society. Attempts to set up mission stations in 11 villages in Bolivia were initially refused, and when permission was granted, war and theft caused further setbacks. Allen faced failures, disappointments, and extreme hardships. At times, he felt like giving up, but he resolved to continue sharing the gospel with the indigenous people of South America.
Tragically, repeated sea voyages and harsh conditions led to serious illness, and his companions died one by one. Alone and suffering from starvation, Allen Gardiner recorded his plans for the mission in his diary but passed away on September 6, 1851.
Legacy:
Although Allen Gardiner did not live to see his mission fully succeed, his vision inspired others. News of his life reached England, which revived support for the mission. The Patagonian Missionary Society eventually became established, and other missionaries, including Gardiner’s own son, carried on his work. Many young people volunteered to spread the gospel in regions that had never heard it. Through his unwavering dedication, Allen Gardiner’s mission brought spiritual life to South America, all sparked by his desire to serve God.