Author Archives: Lyn Wake

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 radicalContinue reading “Catherine Booth (1829-1890)”

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 kindsContinue reading “Gladys Aylward (1902-1970)”

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,Continue reading “Mister Rogers (1928-2003)”

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 withinContinue reading “William Wilberforce (1750-1833)”

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. RememberingContinue reading “William Carey (1761-1834)”

Biographical accounts of 18th 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 experiencedContinue reading “Adoniram Judson (1777 – 1850)”

Benedict was a disillusioned young man who lived in 5th 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 lifeContinue reading “Saint Benedict (480-540 AD)”

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 4th 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 prolificContinue reading “Saint Augustine of Hippo (354 – 440)”

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 anContinue reading “Eliza Hamilton (1757 – 1854)”

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. WhileContinue reading “Charles Wesley (1707 – 1788)”