Catherine Booth co-founded the Salvation Army, along with her husband, William, in London’s Victorian era. Catherine was a shy girl who apparently read her Bible through eight times before she was 12 years old. Over time, this shyness was replaced with a growing boldness to address the social injustices of her day. In a radical move, Catherine became a preacher and ministry partner with her husband as they raised their eight children. Today, the ‘Salvos’ work in over 130 countries, continuing the Booth’s mandate to share the Good News of Jesus in practical ways to people in distress. We honour Catherine Booth and thank God for the courageous faith she inspires to generously step away from comfort to share his love with everyone who needs help.

After a long and dangerous journey, English born Gladys Aylward finally arrived in China where she laboured for decades to help others. Known for her work in helping to end the traditional practice of binding young girls’ feet, the small in stature Gladys became a giant of God’s compassion to people trapped in all kinds of evil bondage. She officially adopted five children, and unofficially many more. In 1940, brave Gladys miraculously helped over 100 children escape Japanese occupation, traveling for 27 days through perilous mountain trails. When the children were safe, Gladys collapsed, bullet scarred and desperately ill with typhoid, yet later reaffirmed her commitment to serve the children. We honour Gladys Aylward and thank God for the courageous faith she inspires to never retreat from darkness.

Fred McFeely Rogers was affectionately known as Mister Rogers to the millions of Americans who tuned in to his preschool television show. Mister Roger’s Neighbourhood aired from 1968 – 2001, and holds the record for the longest running program on US public television. A devout Presbyterian minister, Mister Rogers became a pioneer of positive media, creating over 200 songs, and 14 puppet characters, as he taught parents and children alike how to treat each other with kindness and compassion. His philosophy of care helped children to build self-worth, conquer their fears, and learn how to love each other well. We honour Fred Roger’s brave vision that created a life-giving community space, and thank God for the courageous faith he inspires to treat all people with dignity and respect.

Celebrated British politician, William Wilberforce, suffered chronic illness for much of his life. Yet, his Christian faith gave him passion to fight for social reform, because he believed in the inherent dignity of all human beings created in God’s image. Convinced to do more by other committed reformers, for over twenty years William battled within the English Parliament, working tirelessly with the support of his wife, Barbara, for the abolition of the slave trade. Finally, in 1833, the Slavery Abolition Act was passed. William died just three days later. We honour William Wilberforce and thank God for the courageous faith he inspires to fight for those still enduring various forms of slavery – and to stand against injustice with a willingness to pay the cost justice demands.

First arriving in Calcutta in 1793, pioneering Englishman, William Carey, is known as the ‘father of modern missions’ for his extensive contribution to the people of India. Carey invested his life into starting schools for impoverished children, and translating the Bible into various local languages, all of which led to several important social reforms. Remembering his humble beginnings as a cobbler, Carey served for decades through various trials – including the loss of several of his children – a sorrow from which his wife Dorothy never fully recovered. After her death, and the passing of his second wife, Carey lamented his less than perfect decisions and the cost to family life. We honour William Carey and thank God for the courageous faith he inspires to obey Jesus’ command to disciple people in all nations.

Biographical accounts of 18^th century American missionary, Adoniram Judson, read like a tragic failure. Yet, the growing church in parts of South East Asia traces its roots back to his faithfulness. Along with his first wife, Ann, Adoniram served cross-culturally for almost 40 years. Throughout his years of language learning and Bible translation, Adoniram experienced physical torture and imprisonment. With the fruit of his labours appearing sparce, and after the loss of Ann and several of their beloved children, Adoniram slipped into depression. But he continued to endure with the help of his second wife, Sarah, and after her passing, wife Emily. We honour Adoniram Judson and thank God for the courageous faith he inspires to endure through all manner of challenges for the love of Jesus.

Benedict was a disillusioned young man who lived in 5^th century decadent Rome. Abandoning his inheritance and studies, Benedict took refuge in a quiet cave in Subiaco, some 40 miles away. There, he lived alone, seeking God and learning gentle wisdom through silence and solitude. Soon, others asked to share his uncomplicated way of life and together they formed small communities. Later known as the ‘Father of Western Monasticism’, Benedict modeled a simple life, lived in love. He taught his followers a pattern of Christ-like holiness that can be found in the ordinary, every-day rhythms of life such as: planting, harvesting, cleaning, praying; baking and offering hospitality. We honour Saint Benedict and thank God for the Courageous Faith he inspires to work towards a simple life, lived in love.

Many church historians view St. Augustine of Hippo as the greatest theological influence on Western Christianity. Born in modern day Algeria in the middle of the 4^th century, Augustine rejected his Christian heritage, and became a teenaged father before repenting and living a transformed life as a devoted Christian minister. A profound thinker and prolific author, Bishop Augustine dedicated his life to the church, helping make theological scholarship more accessible to more people – especially through his study of the Apostle Paul’s doctrines of sin, salvation, and divine grace. His enduring work continues to inspire Christian scholars and spiritual seekers today. We honour St. Augustine and thank God for the courageous faith he inspires to dig deeply into eternal matters that enhance our life in Christ.

If you have seen the stage show Hamilton, you may be familiar with American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton’s wife, Eliza, who outlived him by half a century. Born in 1757, socialite and philanthropist Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton was mother to eight children, and co-founder of the first orphanage in New York City. Eliza’s upbringing instilled an unwavering faith in Christ – one she retained throughout all seasons of her remarkable life. After supporting Alexander’s political career, Eliza was widowed and experienced the loss of several close family members. Yet, in her sorrow, she began an enduring ministry that during her lifetime educated and cared for over 700 children. We honour Eliza Hamilton and thank God for the courageous faith she inspires to generously care for children in need.

The tormented heart of young Charles Wesley was healed by the love of Jesus at the age of 18, leading him to become one of the greatest hymn writers in history. Brought up by his poet and clergyman father, Samuel, and his brilliant and devoted mother, Susanna, Charles was the eighteenth of nineteen children. While his brother John became the founder of the Methodist Church, Charles was endowed with the creativity to write over 6,000 hymns – many of which are still sung 300 years later, including my favourite Christmas Carol, Hark the Herald Angels Sing. We honour Charles Wesley for using his creative talents to lift up the name of Jesus throughout the generations, and thank God for his courageous faith that continues to inspire our own creativity.