John G. Lake

(1870–1935)

         John Graham Lake could be compared to Jacob, the biblical character and schemer. He was ordained in the Methodist Church after claiming to have graduated from a seminary that did not exist. Even so, his passionate desire to serve the Lord would, like Jacob, be changed to make him “a prince with God.”

         Born in St. Marys, Ontario, Canada, Lake’s family moved to Michigan in 1886. As a young man, he moved to Chicago and worked in construction. After six years, he returned to Michigan where he claimed to have started several newspapers. He...

Maria Woodworth-Etter
(1844–1924)

     The short list of extraordinary Christians should include Maria Woodworth-Etter. Her radical obedience to Christ challenged some of the most powerful religious prejudices and traditions of her day. She did this not by preaching against them, but by demonstrating their folly through her powerful Christian life. While leading countless multitudes to Christ, she redefined evangelism for the modern age. This positioned the advancing church for the biggest ingathering of new believers of all time. 

     Born and raised in New Lisbon, Ohio to a non-Christian family, Maria was ten years old when her parents experienced...

     My purpose in sharing these brief biographies of great Christian lives is to encourage you to go deeper in study of the lives of those who especially inspired you. Their stories can influence us in a way that is like being one of their disciples. The stories of those who walked with God still have power and an impartation, as do many of the biblical accounts.

     Studying the history of those who walked with God is one way we obey the commandment to “Honor your fathers and mothers.” This is the only commandment with a promise, and it...

Smith Wigglesworth

1859 – 1947

     British evangelist Smith Wigglesworth had one of the most extraordinary ministries of the 20^th century. He continues to be a great inspiration to evangelists and believers around the world who believe the Lord still heals and delivers.

     Born into poverty in Yorkshire, England, Wigglesworth worked in the fields and factories as a youth. Ultimately, he became a plumber. Illiterate until he married Polly Featherstone in 1882, his wife used the Bible to teach him to read. They resolved it would be the only book they would read.

     While not considered a man...

George Whitefield
1714-1770

     For a time, George Whitefield was one of the most widely recognized names in the world. He was certainly the best-known religious leader of his time and is credited with the spread of the First Great Awakening. This Awakening not only brought profound changes to Christianity, but to Western civilization as well. It is hard to imagine what the world would be like today without Whitefield’s contribution.

     Whitefield was born in in 1714 in Gloucester, England. He later attended Oxford University where he met the Wesley brothers, John and Charles. The three joined “The...