An exciting,
easy–to–read biography of a preacher, scholar and educationalist whose impact on the religious and cultural life of Wales and other nations was immense.
Thomas Charles was a household name in Wales at least until the mid–twentieth century. The moving story of the young teenager Mary Jones walking twenty–six miles alone over the mountains to Bala to buy her copy of the Bible from him remains popular to this day, drawing attention to Charles’s work in obtaining copies of the Bible for people in Wales and other countries.
Enjoying an intimate relationship with Christ, Charles worked tirelessly preaching the gospel, educating the poor to read the Bible, then obtaining Bibles in Welsh and other languages for people to read. His extensive contacts with Evangelical Anglican clergy in England was a key in supporting and extending his influence in and beyond Wales.
There is much to learn from Charles’s commitment to Christ and His church, his love of the Bible and awareness of divine providence as well as his experience of genuine revivals. As we learn about Thomas Charles’ life and faith may we follow his example in communing intimately with our risen, exalted Lord and proclaim Him passionately to the whole world.
Endorsements
… charming, searching, and inspiring … Dr.
Davies’ compelling narrative not only aids the recovery of Thomas Charles, it strengthens hope that we might see a like movement of God’s grace and power.
Tim J. R. Trumper President of From His Fullness Ministries and Senior Pastor of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
May this highly readable biography encourage us to pray for the birth and growth of the Church amongst indigenous groups across the world today who are discovering that God speaks into their lives in the language of their heart too.
Eryl Davies not only shines a light on an undervalued hero of the faith; he lets the reader taste Thomas Charles’s own love for Christ and the Scriptures. May the Lord use this to raise up more like him.
Michael Reeves President and Professor of Theology, Union School of Theology, Bridgend, Wales
This is a brilliantly written little book about a person who deserves to be better known than he is today … The book will inform, challenge and encourage twenty–first century Christians and churches worldwide. Buy it, read it and see for yourself!
Philip H. Eveson Former principal of London Theological Seminary
In this heart–warming book on the life of Thomas Charles, Eryl Davies helps us get a glimpse into the providence of God that changed not only one life, but the lives of many, many others around the world. Exploring his conversion, lessons learnt at university, a romantic pursuit that lasted nearly a decade, opposition, struggles, loss, illness, and revival, this is a book that will encourage and challenge.
Jonathan Thomas Pastor, Cornerstone Church, Abergavenny, Wales; author, ‘Intentional Interruptions: Learning to be Interrupted the Way God Intended’
Throughout the book, there is a commanding plea for us today to acquaint ourselves with a new appreciation of what made Thomas Charles a person ‘who found no difficulties with God’. Read and be enthralled.
W. Bryn Williams Academic Director, Presbyterian Church of Wales
From North Wales, Eryl Davies was converted as a student and ordained into the Presbyterian Church of Wales, serving churches in South and North Wales. He was called to become the first principal of what is now Union School of Theology, serving now as a Research Supervisor. He is an elder in Heath Church, Cardiff. Married with two children, he also enjoys being with his young grandchildren, writing, reading theology, current affairs and, when there is time, sport !
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