God gave a former streetcar conductor a vision that would
transform the heart of Africa. As a
young man he accidentally killed a woman who walked into his streetcar in
Philadelphia. Deeply affected, he entered
a church where Jacob Cassel had been a member. He found Christ and left for Africa with the Africa Inland Mission.
One night in Africa, during an attack of blackwater fever, he had a vision. “I saw pass before me a panorama of the tribes of central Africa, and heard a voice saying, ‘Thou shalt be instrumental in carrying the gospel to these people.’” Later he married Florence Newberry, a fellow missionary, who shared his vision. In 1918, along with two single women, they sailed back to Africa.
Their dreams were quickly shattered, for the French government, fearing loss of control of the native populations, refused to allow them to enter the place of God’s calling. It took three long years until permission was given for them to enter what is now the Central African Republic. What followed became of the great sagas of mission history.
Around 200 Brethren missionaries have served in that country. The rapid development of the church in Africa is a testimony both to the grace of God and the wisdom of the pioneers. Churches have been planted in most towns and villages, Bible Institutes have been organized, hospitals and medical centers have been created, and the list goes on and on. One mission research center listed the Central African Republic as the most evangelized country on the planet.
One night in Africa, during an attack of blackwater fever, he had a vision. “I saw pass before me a panorama of the tribes of central Africa, and heard a voice saying, ‘Thou shalt be instrumental in carrying the gospel to these people.’” Later he married Florence Newberry, a fellow missionary, who shared his vision. In 1918, along with two single women, they sailed back to Africa.
Their dreams were quickly shattered, for the French government, fearing loss of control of the native populations, refused to allow them to enter the place of God’s calling. It took three long years until permission was given for them to enter what is now the Central African Republic. What followed became of the great sagas of mission history.
Around 200 Brethren missionaries have served in that country. The rapid development of the church in Africa is a testimony both to the grace of God and the wisdom of the pioneers. Churches have been planted in most towns and villages, Bible Institutes have been organized, hospitals and medical centers have been created, and the list goes on and on. One mission research center listed the Central African Republic as the most evangelized country on the planet.
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