Geoff Benge

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.

George Washington Carver, un esclavo al que secuestraron siendo nio, encontr la libertad aprendiendo todo lo que poda del mundo a su alrededor. Sobreponindose a la pobreza y el racismo, se transform en un cientfico brillante y talentoso profesor, que dedic su conocimiento a ayudar a los granjeros negros a salir de la pobreza. Su creatividad no conoci lmites. El doctor Carver imparti generosamente su talento sin ms recompensa que el simple gozo de ayudar a los dems. (1864-1943)

The spiritual needs of the Muslim world, long neglected by Christian missionaries, came to the world's attention again when Samuel Zwemer dedicated himself to the advancement of the gospel in Arabia. It was a tremendous task, but a pledge the young American kept despite opposition, difficulty, and death. Zwemer founded the Arabian Mission in Bahrain to serve Muslims through medical care, Christian literature, and the preaching of the gospel. With a heart on fire for Muslim people, he was relentless in sharing a vision worldwide, calling many to action. Zwemer's legacy of opening a long-closed door is a challenge for Christians today, inspiring us to love and respect Muslims and to proclaim Jesus' name in the homeland of Islam. (1867-1952)

Frank felt his heart beat fast. At that moment he was certain God was calling him, asking him to give up his ties to his homeland and set out across the Atlantic Ocean. He did not hesitate to stand when John Wesley asked preachers to walk forward if they felt God was calling them to the American colonies. One of the first Methodist bishops in America, English-born Francis Asbury devoted his life to ministry, traveling on horseback to preach and teach to those living on the vastly isolated American frontier. Alone in a new country, with no home of his own, Asbury rode over 300,000 miles-across rivers and through rocky, overgrown roads-shining God's light on the fledgling colonies. When many Methodist clergy left America during the Revolutionary War, Asbury stayed. His tireless leadership sawthe movement grow from 5,000 members in 1776 to 214,000 at the time of his death in 1816, fulfilling the great destiny of his call and inspiring future generations.

Whether masterminding strategy and fighting on the front lines to secure Allied victory in World War I and World War II or guiding war-torn nations to recovery in peacetime, five-star General Douglas MacArthur faced every challenge with unwavering courage and resolve. The general began his honored army career by leading his fellow cadets at West Point and ultimately commanded all U.S. forces in Asia. Remembered especially for directing the fight against Japanese expansion during WWII and later governing the defeated Japanese people with grace and wisdom, General MacArthur won the respect of millions, both allies and enemies. (1880-1964)

George's mother panicked when she heard the thunder of horses and the whooping of men. Bushwhackers She pulled her baby close to her chest and stood rooted to the dirt floor in fear. A man stumbled through her doorway. "We got us one, boys " he yelled, waving his rifle in the air and dragging his captives into the cold night. "Once a kidnapped slave baby, George Washington Carver found freedom in learning everything he could about the world around him. Overcoming poverty and racism, George became a brilliant scientist and a gifted professor who dedicated his expertise to helping black farmers escape the devastating grip of poverty. George's scientific creativity knew no limits. His ingenious experimentation with peanuts and other plants helped rescue the failing Southern economy. Still remembered for his far-reaching and diverse achievements, Dr. Carver generously shared his talent simply for the reward of helping others."

Three thousand feet above China, it was Jake's turn to jump. He slid his pistol, knife, and ration packets into the pockets of his leather jacket and edged toward the open hatch of the B-25 bomber. He checked the tension on the harness of his parachute, made sure the handle of the ripcord was free, and then began lowering himself out of the hatch and into the darkness. One of the famous Doolittle Raiders who first attacked Japan after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Jacob DeShazer knew this one-way mission was dangerous. Indeed, it led to his capture as a prisoner of war. Beaten, malnourished, and alone in his cell, Jacob was given a Bible - and far away from home, this American soldier became a Christian. After the war, Jacob returned to japan and served his former enemy for thirty years as a missionary. His testimony of forgiveness and reconciliation - of love over hate - inspires a powerful gospel message for our lives today.

Cuando se transform en un contrabandista de Dios, el intrpido Andrs van der Bijl ya estaba familiarizado con el riesgo. Siendo an un nio, colabor con la resistencia holandesa frente a la ocupacin nazi; y de joven, luch con entusiasmo en las Indias Orientales Holandesas, hasta que los horrores de la guerra transformaron su sed de aventuras en una pesadilla de alcohol y desesperacin. Una vez redimido por Dios, se transform en un audaz mensajero de esperanza, logrando pasar de contrabando las Escrituras a travs de fronteras cerradas y colaborando en la formacin de los cristianos perseguidos que vivan tras el teln de acero. Hoy, el hermano Andrs y el ministerio de Puertas Abiertas continan con su labor de hacer brillar la luz de Cristo en los lugares ms tenebrosos de la Tierra. (1928-)

"Do you mean to say you have no food for tomorrow?" the Egyptian man sputtered. "Well, yes," Lillian replied. The man exclaimed, "How awful Will you be able to sleep tonight?" One of the orphan girls laughed out loud and said, "Why, Mama never has any food for tomorrow, and she never loses sleep over it " "When Lillian Trasher founded Egypt's first orphanage, others thought that a lone American woman with no means of support would surely be killed or starve to death. But Lillian - certain of God's guidance - stood by her earlier promise to Him, 'If ever I can do anything for You, just let me know - and I'll do it.' In the midst of poverty, war, and deadly epidemics, Lillian faced each day with a heart of trust, modeling the life she hoped her children would someday live in their own homes. During fifty tumultuous years, the Mother of the Nile cared for thousands of desperate children, with unwavering faith that God does indeed look after the orphans."

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) As Dietrich sang the German national anthem, he contemplated the devastation Hitler and the Nazis were perpetrating on Europe. Dietrich would do whatever he could to stop them, even if it meant pulling the trigger on the f hrer himself. He had thought about it from every angle, and his conscience was clear. Born into a loving family, Dietrich Bonhoeffer 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. But the lesson of his life story remains: "Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act."

When Milton Hershey's famous Hershey Bars debuted in 1905, few people knew of the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice preceding the triumph. Debt, lack of support, and fatigue had been constant companions for the famous chocolatier and philanthropist - a man with a fourth-grade education. Despite comparisons to his wandering father, Milton never gave up. Learning from his mistakes, he spent a lifetime creating sweet things to eat - first caramel, then chocolate. As his company soared, Milton used his wealth to care for others, founding a town for Hershey workers, a school for children in need, and a foundation dedicated to education, culture, and health care (1857-1945).

From his early days living in small-town poverty, young Dutch Reagan's thoughts were always on the future. Whether helping his family through financial hard times or doggedly pursuing opportunities reserved for the few, Dutch knew that all the knowledge that he had absorbed over the years was waiting inside of him for a chance to come out. Achieving success as an athlete, sports announcer, and actor, Ronald Reagan discovered his greatest role late in life"€"as the fortieth president of the United States and "The Great Communicator," a man with the ability to reach out to the American people and leave a lasting legacy. (1911-2004)

Born into a loving family, Dietrich Bonhoeffer 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. But the lesson of his life story remains: "Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act."

George Muller stared at the beggar girl. She was no older than five and was piggybacking her little brother. Her mother had died in the cholera epidemic sweeping England. Her father had never returned from the mines. Standing in the muddy street, this little girl gave a face to Bristol's countless orphans. With scarcely enough food or money for his own family, George Muller opened his heart and home. Sustained by God's provision, the Muller house "Breakfast Club" of thirty orphans grew to five large houses that ultimately over ten thousand children would call home. George Muller trusted God with a depth rarely seen. His faith and generosity set a standard for Christians of all generations.

Growing up in Greene County, Tennessee, Davy Crockett's education came from the toil of hard labor. Working as a farm hand and wagon driver, he learned about the people and the land of the West -- and he was captivated. The untamed wilderness, the sound of wild animals, and the roar of the river would be his destiny. One of America's best-known folk heroes, Crockett served as a frontiersman, a scout, a soldier, and a politician in the U.S. Congress. He died defending the Alamo, a steadfast citizen and heroic leader to the very end.

A los seis aos, el ltigo enseo a Harriet lo que significaba ser una esclava. Cuando dijo que escapara al norte, los dems esclavos se burlaron de ella. No imaginaban que aquella chica acabara liderando a los esclavos hacia la libertad a travs del Ferrocarril Subterrneo. Ni las recompensas ofrecidas por su captura impidieron que arriesgase su vida luchando por la libertad, mientras el pas caminaba hacia la guerra civil. Harriet adems fue consejera de generales, mejor las condiciones de los hospitals de guerra, y lucho por la dignidad de los esclavos. (1820?-1913)

Seventeen-year-old Dwight Lyman Moody changed his name, moved to Boston, and began pursuing dreams of becoming a wealthy businessman. But God had other plans for him. Instead of business, evangelism would be his life's work. D.L. devoted his life to proclaiming the gospel, serving the poor, and mentoring fellow ministers. A leader of great vision, D.L. Moody served his fellow man through Civil War outreach, his Sunday school and church, and revival campaigns in America and abroad. His passion for bringing souls to Christ continues to be felt today in Christian education and ministry everywhere. (1837-1899)

Ida Scudder estaba segura de nunca seguir las pisadas de su padre, mdico misionero. Pero cuando vio que las mujeres indias moran porque sus creencias religiosas no les permitan ser tratadas por mdicos varones. Ida se sorprendi elevando una oracin: "Seor, si as lo deseas, pasar el resto de mi vida en la India para intentar ayudar a estas mujeres". En una vida de servicio de casi sesenta aos, la doctora Ida Scudder encarn la verdad y la compasin que se hallan en Cristo. Fund una facultad de medicina y un hospital prestigiosos, proporcion asistencia sanitaria que salv la vida de muchos campesinos y dej un hermoso legado que sigue beneficiando a millones de personas cada ao y repartiendo salud y esperanza.

Since she was young, Elisabeth Elliot had been intrigued by missionaries who gave up so much to tell others about God's love. With a passion to translate the Bible into new languages, she followed God's call to work among tribes in Ecuador, including the Waorani (Auca), who had killed her husband and four others. Elisabeth kept a detailed journal of her life and missionary service. She returned to the United States after many years in South America, becoming one of the most influential Christian women of our time. A prolific author, speaker, and radio host, she passes on a message of joyful surrender to the world. (1926-2015)

As a fourteen-year-old intent on living a "modern" life, the last thing Isobel Kuhn 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 twenty years of ministry Isobel returned to the United States, writing stirring stories of faith and inspiring generations of readers. (1901"€"1957)