The Torchlighters Tournament is Here!
Two years ago our Christian History Institute office held a March Madness contest just for fun. Since I know next to nothing about college basketball, I filled out my bracket based on superficial metrics like: cities I wanted to visit, team colors I liked, or mascots that seemed fun. Not surprisingly, I “lost” the pool […]
Partner and Pray, this Valentine’s Day!
This Valentine’s Day, I’m reflecting on the unparalleled blessings of a godly marriage. Torchlighters William and Catherine Booth were the faith-filled power couple who started the Salvation Army in London in the 19th century. While they had unique gifts, they were united in their love for God and their passion for people! They worked hard […]
A Difficult Childhood Prepared Mary Slessor for Difficult Mission Work
Mary Slessor didn’t let a harsh childhood discourage her or hold her back. She made the best of her trials, and eventually they prepared her for greater challenges ahead. Born in Scotland in 1848, Mary Slessor was one of the best-known missionaries of the nineteenth century. By eleven-years old she was working in a mill […]
The Richard Wurmbrand Story: not just for kids!
Compelling. Captivating. As a ten-year-old Torchlighter fan, I was riveted watching Olympian Eric Liddell race along a dirt path towards the missionary compound with yet another critically injured Chinese civilian on a makeshift cart, while blasts from the Japanese dive-bombers strike all around him. Fast-forward to 2020: I am now a college intern reviewing the […]
Torchlighters’ Sacrifical Wartime Service
On Wednesday, September 2, 2020, the world will mark the 75th anniversary of the official end of World War II. This is a perfect time to honor the Torchlighter heroes whose witness for Jesus shone a bright light during that dark era. The Japanese invasion of China forced Gladys Aylward to flee the village where […]
The 5 qualities all Torchlighters must have
Inquiring Torchlighters fans always want to know: “Who is the next Torchlighter?” Choosing our next hero from our long list of excellent suggestions is a decision our team takes very seriously. Let’s take a look behind the curtain and find out how Torchlighters are selected. One of our goals is variety: we try to introduce […]
How this Torchlighter Mom is Surviving Quarantine
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” -2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV) My life as pastor’s wife, magazine editor, author, and mom was […]
St. Patrick, the runaway slave who brought the Gospel to Ireland
If you live in a city or town with a strong Irish heritage, you know that March 17th won’t be just like any other day. Shamrocks, leprechauns, parades and celebrations sporting green everything will flood the streets. In the United States, we call this day St. Patrick’s Day, in honor of Ireland’s most famous saint. […]
Finding St. Patrick in Ireland
Before I went to Ireland for the first time in 2009, I knew exactly two things about St. Patrick: he had a day named after him that was celebrated by many Americans and he was supposed to have driven all the snakes out of Ireland. (Actually, given Ireland’s climate and geological history, there probably never […]
Harriet Tubman: The Moses of Her People
Harriet Tubman was a slave in Maryland who escaped to freedom in Pennsylvania. She could have fled to safety in Canada, but after years of enduring harsh treatment, she was determined to help other slaves to freedom. Becoming a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad, she delivered over 300 runaway slaves. Infuriated by her success, slave […]