1
The global spread of the gospel has made a remarkable dent in human history, faith, and culture.
Through a historical lens, we seek to understand the influences, past and modern that have
contributed to the Christian faith movement. The global spread of the gospel encompasses the
journey of Christianity from its origins in the Middle East to its influence across continents and
cultures, signifying the ongoing process of sharing Christian beliefs, values and teachings with
communities worldwide. Each of the men spoken about, William Carey, D.L. Moody, and
Samuel Zwemer were very influential in the working and beginning of the spread of the gospel.
William Carey was born the year, 1761. Carey was raised in a small village in the middle
of England. 1 He learned the trade of a cobbler but learned about faith as well within his
apprenticeship. William endured the death of his son and 2 separate wives while in ministry. He
learned Hebrew and Latin as well as learned to speak the gospel. William conformed with the
Moravians (people who had a heart for missions). Carey went to India to evangelize, while
sharing the gospel Carey realized they needed different languages and translations. While in
India, he helped translate the Bible into major languages. He soon became known as “The Father
of the Modern Missionary Movement.” One quote to learn from William would be, “Expect
great things from God, attempt great things for God.” 2 While being a missionary William Carey
scribes his whole journey to be able to share it to the nations, this book is called “An Enquiry”. 3
We can learn from Careys example that pure desire to share the gospel is a pure life after Gods
heart. He endured many trials but continued to live for the Lord even in his dying.
1 “William Carey Father of modern Protestant missions”, Christianity Today,
https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/missionaries/william-carey.html
2 GLST Class Notes
3 William Carey, “An Enquiry,” in Perspectives on the World Christian Movement, edited by Ralph D.
Winter and Steven C. Hawthorn (Pasadena, CA; William Carey Library, 2009), 312-318
2
Dwight L. Moody was born the year 1837. Growing up his family was a group of nine
with his father dying with him at a young age. Despite Moody’s life and Christian influence, he
was never encouraged to read the bible and only started to in his later years of life. 4 At 18
Moody started a church in Chicago, after it landed Moody went international. From places like
Germany and Scandinavian countries he evangelized and connected with children through
something as simple as pony rides or parent with language classes. After meeting his wife
through ministry, they went back to the states and spread the gospel even at Cambridge
University to speak to students. 5 Moody spent a lot of time in Chicago, even started his own
institute, Bible Work Institute of the Chicago Evangelization Society, aka the Moody Bible
Institute. Something to learn and take away from Dwight Moody’s influence would be the value
of time and how you spend it honoring God and making time for him.
Samuel Zwemer was born the year 1867. Samuel also didn’t grow up being encouraged
but when he was in college a man by the name Robert Wilder shared with him how to volunteer
with organizations to do ministry work in Arabia. In Arabia is where Samuel find a passion for
mission and evangelical work. 6 Zwemer was able to do mission and evangelical work in the
Africa and Middle East, and was one who focused on spreading the gospel globally. Samuel also
was gifted to be able to teach Americans how to bring the gospel globally and present them to
people like Muslims. Throughout his life and ministry he writes over 50 books and they had tons
of information about sharing Gods word to the nations. The major takeaway from Samuel
4 “Dwight L. Moody Revivalist with a common touch”, Christianity Today
https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/evangelistsandapologists/dwight-l-moody.html
5 David M. Howard, “Student Power in World Missions,” in Perspectives on the world Christian
Movement, edited by Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorn (Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 2009), 306
6 Samuel Zwemer,” Samuel Zwemer,” The Glory of the Impossible,” in Perspectives on the World
Christian Movement, edited by Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorn (Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library,
2009), 329-334.
3
Zwemer would be his heart for the nations as God tells us to have. being able to place the
importance on vulnerability and willingness to follow what God Has for your life.
Concluding there have been many who have served exponential roles in the global
sharing of the gospel and too many to be recognized but it was all through the movement of God.
God has a heart for sharing to the nations and getting His word to ALL his people, and if we
have a heart for God we should have a heart for his mission as well.
4
Bibliography
Person. “William Carey.” Christian History | Learn the History of Christianity & the Church.
Christian History, August 8, 2008.
https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/missionaries/william-carey.html.
Hawthorne, Steven C., and William Carey. “An Enquiry.” Essay. In Perspectives on the World
Christian Movement: Study Guide, 312-318. Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library,
2009.
Person. “Dwight L. Moody.” Christian History | Learn the History of Christianity & the Church.
Christian History, August 8, 2008.
https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/evangelistsandapologists/dwight-l-
Akin, Paul. “Missionaries You Should Know: Samuel Zwemer.” IMB, May 7, 2019.
https://www.imb.org/2019/04/30/missionaries-you-should-know-samuel-zwemer/.
Samuel Zwemer,” The Glory of the Impossible,” in Perspectives on the World Christian
Movement, edited by Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorn (Pasadena, CA: William
Carey Library, 2009), 329-334.
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
