One Who Plants

In the early 300's, a Christian hermit came up with a revolutionary idea. One that would change the church forever as he gives birth to a new way to live together as people of Christ. This is the story of Pachomius.

On Christmas Eve in 1818, a young priest scrambles to put together a new piece of music for that evening's service. The end result gives us one of the greatest songs ever written. This is the story of Joseph Mohr.

To boldly go where no one had gone before. To journey into unknown regions of Africa in order to bring them Christ. In doing so, he becomes one of the most famous explorers of his age and opens up Africa in a way never done before. That was the passion of David Livingstone, and this is his story.

A French peasant encounters mysterious new knowledge through which he gains access to the heights of power in medieval Europe. Sounds like a movie plot, but it was the life of a real person. An innovator and scholar who impressed kings and emperors alike. Yet, the legends that emerge paint him as a practitioner of the dark arts in league with the Devil. Who was this man really? This is the story o...

Charlamagne was one of the most important kings in all of history as he ruled over a vast and powerful empire. Yet, one of the most important achievements to come from that time was not from Charlamagne but a educator and scholar. A man whose impact was so large that it is still felt today. This is is the story of Alcuin of York.

A Roman soldier defies his emperor to leave the military and become a soldier for Christ. Through his devout faith and endless service to the church he establishes multiple Christian communities and becomes one of the best known figures in all Christendom. Along the way he performs some pretty amazing miracles as well. This is the story of Martin of Tours.

Amid the Middle Ages, a man's search for spiritual meaning drives him to a life of poverty and service. Soon others join him and a movement begins. In the face of opposition from the Pope and Catholic authorities, they refuse to back down. Hundreds of years before the Reformation began, they formed a new church built on the authority of scripture alone. This is the story of Peter Waldo and the Wal...

In the early days of Christianity a Roman soldier is martyred for his faith. Years later legends begin to emerge about this man and his life. Legends which include a dragon! This is the story of St. George

In the 14th century a young woman rises from poverty and obscurity to become one of the most important voices in Christianity. Through her acts of service and amazing visions of Christ she becomes respected many of the leading powers of her day, including the Pope himself. This is the story of Catherine of Siena.

In a time when interior China was closed off to foreigners, this man learned and embraced their language and beliefs in an effort to bring Christ. His efforts were rewarded as he was welcomed in by the Chinese people taking the Christian message to places it had never been before. This is the story of Matteo Ricci.

Prone to wander as a youth he lived a reckless life with no thought of God. Yet, Jesus sought him and brought him home. He devotes the rest of his life to sharing the good news and declaring God's praises. In doing so he leaves behind one of the greatest hymns ever written. This is the story of Robert Robinson.

Throughout his life he faced more than his share of grief and sorrow. In the midst of his hurt he clung to Christ as a source of comfort. His trust in God lives on through the words of a poem he wrote. A poem turned into a hymn that still inspires many to this day. This is the story of Joseph Scriven.

Blind her entire she refused to let her disability define her. Instead she used her amazing talent with words to inspire millions with her songs and poetry. This is the story of America's most prolific hymn writer. This is the story of Fanny Crosby.

Amazing Grace is one of the most beloved hymns in Christian history. The man behind the song was a living testament to God's grace and forgiveness. He went from a life of sin out on the seas to becoming a humble preacher obsesses with sharing the gospel. He was lost but Christ found him. This is the story of John Newton.

It Is Well With My Soul has become a favorite hymn for many Christians. A hymn written in the midst of immense pain and hurt from a man facing unimaginable sorrow. This is the story of its author, Horatio Spafford.

His day is known for love and romance. Yet, who was the real man behind the day and why do we connect him with love? This is the story of St. Valentine.

In the early 1800's American Lutheranism was almost entirely white. This man strove to change that. He became the first African-American Lutheran pastor and worked tirelessly to establish black Lutheran churches in America. This is the story of Jehu Jones Jr.

In an age where being a black woman gave you little voice, she refused to be silenced. Her message of equality for both blacks and women became a rallying cry for many. A message centered in her belief in Christ and the freedom he brings. This is the story of Sojourner Truth.

In 1492 Columbus discovers a new world and new people who have not heard of Jesus. As Spain brings civilization and Christ to these people through conquest one man stands up to speak against the wrongs he has seen. In the midst of grave injustices he fights for the rights of the native peoples he has come love. This is the story of Bartolome de Las Casas.

Jan Hus has been labeled a heretic and killed. His ideas live on though through people now called the Hussites. Their refusal to back down leads to all out war. The Hussites are outmanned and under armed, yet they have a secret weapon. A former mercenary who has been hardened by battle and is loyal to the Hussite cause. His tactical brilliance gives their reform movement a chance. This is the stor...

100 years before the Reformation a man stood up in Prague and openly defied the Church and the Pope as he called for a return to scripture and true Christianity. For his efforts he was labeled a heretic and killed. His ideas lived on though as his teachings inspired others to also stand up and call for reform of the church. This is the story of Jan Hus.

Although living an all too short life one man left us with some of the most brilliant philosophical and theological writings the world has ever seen. Writings which came from places of pain and hurt as he was filled with anguish caused by the world around him. Writings which strove to bring meaning and change to a world and a religion he saw as broken. Writings which still inspire and speak to us...

Christ called his followers to be willing to lose their lives. A task that requires self-sacrifice and service to others. One woman in the middle ages took this to the extreme. She lived a life of not only service but also suffering that she believed would bring her closer to the God she dearly loved. This is the story of Elizabeth of Hungary.

In a time when slavery was simply an accepted part of life, one man dared to speak out. In radical and often outlandish ways he challenged the powers that be and stood up for the plight of African slaves. His refusal to be silenced inspired others and helped begin the abolitionist movement. This is the story of Benjamin Lay.

Growth of Christianity into barbarian Germany was difficult and dangerous. The churches that emerged were filled with heresy and corruption. They needed a leader to solidify and grow the church. That leader came from the shores of England. A monk who was as relentless as he was fearless. This is the story of Boniface, the patron Saint of Germany.