Some people have a romanticized idea of missionaries where everything goes well. Meeting personally with Jim and Dawn Sawatsky was a reminder that the missionary life is no bed of roses. While they have seen many miracles and breakthroughs, the Sawatskys have also experienced much suffering, persecution, betrayal, and setbacks. Spiritual warfare is key in any missionary … [Read more...] about Jim & Dawn Sawatsky: Maverick missionaries in the Congo
Biography
Dr. James Naismith: Basketball Missionary
Few people realize that Dr James Naismith, a YMCA worker from Canada, invented basketball in order to reach young people for Christ. Who would have imagined that a missionary would create basketball? Born in 1861, James Naismith had a very rough life growing up. When he was only eight, both of his 37-year-old parents, John and Margaret, died from typhoid … [Read more...] about Dr. James Naismith: Basketball Missionary
RG LeTourneau: Missionary generosity
In reading many missionary biographies, we have noticed that missions and financial provision are closely connected. Even when missionaries do not share their needs with others, they pray much about God’s providing their daily bread. While they appreciate letters from home, they greatly value the generosity when a cheque is included (or nowadays perhaps an … [Read more...] about RG LeTourneau: Missionary generosity
Chief Joseph Brant: Indigenous missionary who rescued Canada
Unlike our neighbours to the south, we Canadians do not always remember our heroes. In 2007, the Canadian Royal Mint produced a Canadian loonie with the imprint of Chief Joseph Brant (1742-1807). Born near present-day Akron, Ohio, and raised in his ancestral lands in New York, he is Canada’s most famous Mohawk. Through the tragedy of war, Chief … [Read more...] about Chief Joseph Brant: Indigenous missionary who rescued Canada
Louis Riel and Nicholas Flood Davin: Complicated pioneers
Nicholas Davin and Louis Riel were two of our most famous, or I should say infamous, and complicated, Canadian pioneers. Their two lives were deeply entangled in a life-and-death battle for the soul of Canada. Born in 1844, Riel, who had trained to be the first Metis priest, was very Christ-centered, praying in his diary: “Lord Jesus, I love you. I love everything associated … [Read more...] about Louis Riel and Nicholas Flood Davin: Complicated pioneers