A Few Heroes

Students need examples of people who have made a difference for Christ in the world. These examples should come from all walks of life. Here are a few examples and resources connected with them.

The Internet has some excellent resources but always take them with a grain of salt. Make sure you can back up claims made on Web sites. Wikipedia remains an excellent source for biographical information.

Vocational Ministry
J. Hudson Taylor - missionary to China.
Books: Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret, by Dr. And Mrs. Howard Taylor. Taylor's autobiography is available at amazon.com for digital download for $1.00.
William and Catherine Booth - founders of the Salvation Army. The founding of the Salvation Army is a story of faith and social justice. The couple realized that their evangelism trips into poverty ridden neighborhoods were ineffective. In order to minister effectively, they needed to share the lives of the people they hoped to reach. The result was an effective worldwide ministry. There are many surprises in this story. I found the Salvation Army's roll in World War I and India especially interesting. Catherine's work is a good example of women in ministry.

Science
Galileo Galilei - his story highlight the conflict between faith and science. While placed under house arrest for claiming that the earth orbited the sun (many theologians believed the earth was the center of the universe due to bad Bible study and the adoption of Aristotle's writings), he maintained his faith and described many features needed for a good relationship between faith and science. Amazingly the same mistakes that forced his house arrest still exist today.
Books: Science Held Hostage: The Galileo Connection, Charles E. Hummel
What's Wrong With Creation Science and Evolutionism by Howard J. Van Till, Davis A. Young and Clarence Menninga

Francis Collins - a good contemporary example of a healthy pursuit of faith and science. He headed up the Human Genome Project and is now the Director of National Institutes of Health as well as an outspoken believer.
Books: The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief, Francis Collins
Website: biologos.org

Miscellaneous:
John R. Mott - Involved in the early days of the Student Volunteer Movement and the YMCA (when it was still a Christian outreach), he gave his life to organizing world missions. He also used his contacts to help with relief work during and after World War I. He won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work for the gospel.
Resources: His Wikipedia entry is a good place to start. From there you can find entries concerning his Nobel Peace Prize. His Nobel Peace Prize speech is of special interest.

I'll add a few more next time.