Brother Andrew

Eric's (1902-1945) refusal earlier that week to run on Sunday in the Olympic 100-meter race had stunned the world. Now his incredible victory in the 400-meter race further strengthened his believe in God's promise, "He who honors Me, I will honor." Years later, Eric Liddell would be tested far beyond mere physical ability as a missionary to China. His character, perseverance, and endurance are a challenging example for all who would obey the call to bring the gospel to the nations.

Born into a loving family, Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) pursued a life as a pastor, teacher, theologian - and spy. He spoke out about the trouble in Germany when Adolph Hitler came to power, urging the Christian church to rescue disparaged people groups and resist Hitler’s evil empire. Accused of being a troublemaker, Dietrich continued on fearlessly in the midst of wickedness. His work as a spy in the German resistance and participation in a plot to assassinate Hitler led to imprisonment and eventual execution.

As a 14-year-old intent on living a "modern" life, the last thing Isobel Kuhn (1901-1957) wanted to grow up to be was a missionary. But as it turned out, this young agnostic's life was redirected - from crisis and doubt to hope and strength. Convinced that God wanted her to preach the gospel as a China inland missionary, Isobel bravely served among the Lisu people in remote mountainous regions of China and Thailand. After 20 years of ministry Isobel returned to the United States, writing stirring stories of faith and inspiring generations of listeners.

Missionary trio Mildred Cable and Evangeline and Franscesca French were the first Englishwomen to cross the infamous Gobi Desert, living for years among the diverse peoples of northwestern China in places few Europeans ever reached. Educated and rich, Mildred Cable (1878-1952) once planned to be a concert pianist. Instead she served the people of China through wars and revolutions. Mildred followed Jesus with grit, determination, intelligence, and faith.

With the heart of an explorer and the passion of an evangelist, David Livingstone mapped vast, unexplored areas of Africa, sharing the gospel with whomever he encountered. His stamina, perseverance, and dogged determination created the legacy of a trailblazing explorer with an undying hunger to make Christ known wherever his steps led him. David Livingstone's captivating adventures and tireless zeal continue to inspire countless men and women to bring the gospel message of God's love to those souls who have never heard.

Unless God helps us, there is no hope, Captain Morris yelled over the roar of the storm. Hudson Taylor had to agree. Indeed the Dumfries might sink this very day and he would never live to see the shores of China, a land whose people he was certain God had called him to. Hudson survived his perilous maiden voyage to his beloved China. With his heart set in determined obedience to God, Hudson overcame persecution and almost overwhelming personal losses to bring God's truth to the "ripe harvest fields" of China.

Ida had never forgotten the faces of starving Indian children. She hated India - it was full of horrible situations she could do nothing about. Ida Scudder was sure she would never follow in the footsteps of her medical missionary father. But when she witnessed Indian women dying because their religious beliefs didn't allow male doctors to treat them, Ida heard herself pray, "God, if you want me to, I will spend the rest of my life in India trying to help these women."

Betty Greene coaxed her Grumman seaplane to 2,000 feet.... Suddenly, silence - total silence. The plane engine had stopped! Her passengers gasped, but Betty knew she must remain calm. They had only one slim chance for survival: The twisting jungle river below them. As a young girl growing up on the shores of Lake Washington, Betty Greene had two passions: A love for Christ and a love of flying. As a young World War II WASP pilot, Betty dreamed of combining her two passions by using wings to serve God.

Ever since he was a young boy dreaming of writing "God Is Love" on the moon so that all the world's people could see it, Loren Cunningham has committed his life to reaching the whole world with the good news of Jesus Christ, ministering in every nation on earth. Through his unswerving belief that nothing is impossible for God, Loren's vision of waves of young people became the reality of Youth with a Mission, unleashing young Christians in missionary service when that was unheard of.

Amy Carmichael's (1867-1951) life was one of simple, determined obedience to God, regardless of the consequences. Her service in India is a vivid example of the impact one person who will fear God and nothing else can have. Driven by love, sustained by faith and determination, this young woman from Northern Ireland defied the cruel barriers of India's caste system.

Aboard the Aquitania, Rachel became aware of something strange happening to her. It was as if she were not on the deck of the ship anymore but was instead in a jungle clearing, looking at a group of brown-skinned, half-naked people. The people beckoned her to come. Suddenly the scene vanished, and Rachel fell to her knees and prayed.

Without formal education or a missionary organization to back her, Gladys (1902-1970) raised her own finances for the overland trip that would bring her to the country and people that God had etched so deeply on her heart...China! What follows is an amazing adventure of faith and determination. Gladys Aylward, a housemaid from England, dared to trust God in the face of dire and seemingly hopeless circumstances. Her life is one of the truly great missionary stories of our era.

It was totally dark. The lights in the city were turned off, and there were no streetlamps, no neon signs, and no extra glow in shop windows. Klaus noticed that theirs was the only car on the road. How would they slip by the checkpoint? Klaus glanced at his wife, Tina, whose eyes were shut in prayer. Suddenly he heard a thunderous crash, then saw a bright flash of light. Klaus-Dieter John dreamed of becoming a medical missionary in the developing world. He would do whatever it took.

During WWI, Cameron Townsend (1896-1982) was told, "You'll do more good selling Bibles in Central America than you would shooting Germans in France." Cameron began by translating the Bible into the language of his Guatemalan friends. Then he started Wycliffe Bible Translators with the dream of making the Good News available in every language. Since 1942, Wycliffe has translated Scripture into hundreds of languages, spreading God's Word to people everywhere.

William's amazing journey to India would prove to be just the beginning of a missionary quest filled with hardship and heartache as well as tremendous victories. Often referred to as "the father of modern missions", William Carey displayed a single-minded determination to set his face like a flint to the task of bringing the gospel to those lost in darkness. His life of service and sacrifice is a guidepost to Christians of all generations.