John G Paton's Father: A Key to His Courage
Author: John Piper

John G. Paton was a missionary to the New Hebrides, today called Vanuatu, in the South Seas. He was born in Scotland in 1824. I gave my Pastors' Conference message about him because of the courage he showed throughout his 82 years of life. When I dug for the reasons he was so courageous, one reason I found was the deep love he had for his father.

Lessons from the Friends of William Cowper
Author: Susan Verstraete

Any way you look at it, the poet William Cowper (pronounced "Cooper") had a difficult life. . . . But Cowper was blessed with friends.

Little Means Much: Laboring Like the Ant
Author: C. H. Spurgeon

C. H. Spurgeon "Zealously, in dependence upon God, do the little you can do; do it well, and keep on doing it. You and I are not called upon to regulate the world nor to stay the raging sea of human sin. Let us not attempt to wield the divine scepter; it befits us not."

Marching on to a Better Land
Author: Susan Verstraete

The Story of Charlotte Brooks and Octavia Albert

"La, me, child! I never thought anybody would care enough for me to tell of my trials and sorrows in this world!" That was Charlotte Brooks' response when she heard that her friend, Octavia, planned to write the story of Aunt Charlotte's life for publication.

Methodical Love
Author: Susan Verstraete

They loved her. The rest of the world remembers Frances Ridley Havergal for writing such great hymns as “Take my Life and Let it Be,” “Like a River Glorious” and “Count Your Many Blessings,” but to her fourteen students, she was just Miss Havergal, the dear woman who taught their Sunday school class. 

Mingling Groans of Pain and Songs of Hope - Charles Haddon Spurgeon on Depression
Author: Susan Verstraete

He did not consider it an illness, a sin, or surprising condition, but an inevitable season in the life of a Christian and an opportunity to demonstrate trust in the God who will one day wipe away every tear.

October 31, 1517
Author: Jim Elliff

It was October 31st, 1517 in Wittenburg, Germany.

Martin grasped a hammer and a long piece of paper covered with his writing. He walked out into the street and straight over to the castle church door. It was here that community messages were often posted.

Patrick, Missionary to Ireland
Author: Susan Verstraete

As Attila the Hun prepared his first attack on Roman provinces and Augustine secluded himself in his study writing The City of God, Patrick's parents worried about their son. At almost 16 years old, he hadn't professed faith in Christ, even though his father Calpornius was a deacon and his grandfather Potitus was a pastor in the church. Something of a rebel, Patrick had already committed a serious sin that would haunt him for the rest of his life.

Remembering a Christian: The Story of Yu Kuliang
Author: Susan Verstraete

Robert Chapman: Famous for Love
Author: Steve Burchett

Early in Robert Chapman's ministry, his friends were not impressed with his preaching. They told him to give it up. Chapman replied: "There are many who preach Christ, but not so many who live Christ. My great aim will be to live Christ."¹ Chapman did become known as a highly regarded preacher in 19th century England,² but he is most remembered for fulfilling his life goal: He lived Christ, evidenced most clearly in his love for others. Consider the following people who experienced Chapman's love.