Mabel Francis, Part 1

Anne Huffman joined us in studio and delighted us with first hand stories of her time with "Teacher", as Henrietta Mears preferred to be called. Anne attended First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood during her college years and was asked by Teacher to serve as a leader in the college group. The role included greeting visitors at a welcome table where she got their contact info for follow up as well as participating in leaderships meetings. For three years Anne went to Henrietta's home at 7am every Saturday morning where the young leaders gathered to pray on their knees for the growing ministry. Anne shares details of the famous tea parties hosted by Teacher and the way she remained active and involved during the final years of her life.Anne went on to graduate from Fuller Seminary and do missions work in Cambodia and spent time living in Europe. Her husband, John, was the pastor of St. Andrews Presbyterian church for over thirty years where Anne served alongside him. She led Grief Groups and continues to be part of the leadership for the Women's Ministries at the church. Anne shared with us that she had just returned from a weekend Women's Retreat at Forest Home, the Christian Conference Center founded by Henrietta Mears in the 1930's.Documentary:www.mearsmovie.comArticle:Ambitious for God www.christianitytoday.com/history/issues/issue-92/ambitious-for-god.htmlBooks:Mother of American Evangelicalism: The Life and Legacy of Henrietta Mears by Arlin C. MigliazzoWhat the Bible is All About: Bible Handbook

Tim grew up in Hollywood and was part of the early beginnings of contemporary Christian music through a coffee house called “The Salt Company”, that started at the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood. He met Henrietta Mears during her final years and was deeply impacted by the visionary ministries.After graduating from Fuller Theological Seminary and becoming ordained, Tim went on to spend the next 40 years with his wife, Ruth, serving in churches from Seattle to southern California. He now ministers part-time with Shepherds Grove Presbyterian Church in Irvine, with a focus on serving pastors and churches in Syria and Lebanon.Tim is also the Associate Producer, working with Rob Loos, on a documentary film titled: “Mears: How One Woman Changed American Christianity”. For over two years he has gathered people who were connected to and/or impacted by the ministry of Henrietta Mears. Through many hours of interviews and conversations with past and current members of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, Tim has seen a remarkable, true narrative come together for the documentary. As someone who was personally influenced deeply by the ministry of Henrietta Mears, this film has been a labor of love for Tim and the team.Documentary:www.mearsmovie.comArticle:Ambitious for God www.christianitytoday.com/history/issues/issue-92/ambitious-for-god.htmlBooks:Mother of American Evangelicalism: The Life and Legacy of Henrietta Mears by Arlin C. MigliazzoWhat the Bible is All About: Bible Handbook

Billy Graham referred to Henrietta as “One of the greatest Christians I’ve ever known... after my wife and mother the most influential woman in my life.”Henrietta’s compelling and Bible-centered teaching at the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood is sited as the reason why their Sunday School grew from 450 to more than 6,500. Miss Mears founded both Forest Home Christian Conference Center and Gospel Light Publications in the 1930’s. Both ministries have had far-reaching impact locally and internationally for nearly a century.Henrietta’s influence changed the way many of us understand our faith and share it within our world today. It’s estimated that over 450 men and women were launched into various ministries around the world as a result of Henrietta’s teaching. One of the many couples impacted by her were Bill and Vonette Bright who founded Campus Crusade for Christ, which is now known as CRU. The international best-selling book, “What the Bible is All About” is a compilation of Henrietta’s teachings. It has sold millions of copies and continues to be a valued resource today.Our in-studio guest, Tim McCalmont, shares personal stories of his connection to “Teacher,” as Henrietta was called. Their stories and those of many others have been compiled in a new documentary film titled, “Mears: How One Woman Changed American Christianity.” www.mearsmovie.comDocumentary:www.mearsmovie.comArticle:Ambitious for God www.christianitytoday.com/history/issues/issue-92/ambitious-for-god.htmlBooks:Mother of American Evangelicalism: The Life and Legacy of Henrietta Mears by Arlin C. MigliazzoWhat the Bible is All About: Bible Handbook

Billy Graham referred to Henrietta as “One of the greatest Christians I’ve ever known... after my wife and mother the most influential woman in my life.”Henrietta’s compelling and Bible-centered teaching at the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood is sited as the reason why their Sunday School grew from 450 to more than 6,500. Miss Mears founded both Forest Home Christian Conference Center and Gospel Light Publications in the 1930’s. Both ministries have had far-reaching impact locally and internationally for nearly a century.Henrietta’s influence changed the way many of us understand our faith and share it within our world today. It’s estimated that over 450 men and women were launched into various ministries around the world as a result of Henrietta’s teaching. One of the many couples impacted by her were Bill and Vonette Bright who founded Campus Crusade for Christ, which is now known as CRU. The international best-selling book, “What the Bible is All About” is a compilation of Henrietta’s teachings. It has sold millions of copies and continues to be a valued resource today.Our in-studio guest, Tim McCalmont, shares personal stories of his connection to “Teacher,” as Henrietta was called. Their stories and those of many others have been compiled in a new documentary film titled, “Mears: How One Woman Changed American Christianity.” www.mearsmovie.comDocumentary:www.mearsmovie.comArticle:Ambitious for God www.christianitytoday.com/history/issues/issue-92/ambitious-for-god.htmlBooks:Mother of American Evangelicalism: The Life and Legacy of Henrietta Mears by Arlin C. MigliazzoWhat the Bible is All About: Bible Handbook

Pam Wing grew up in an atheistic home in Berkley, California. Though her father disparaged any talk of Jesus in their house, he was nevertheless a good father and encouraged Pam in her gift of music, and especially in her talent as harpist. Pam was broken hearted after her father died when she was 13. For a time, she thought she might give up the harp, but instead she found her only solace in playing. During her college years, Pam was hit with some severe trauma that she could not overcome. Having not slept for weeks, she called out to God to, if he was real, give her peace. That was the first night that Pam slept soundly in months. The next day, at her college campus she went in search of God. Having unsuccessfully sought for him through some of her dorm mates, she was approached by some Christian kids from Intervarsity Fellowship. This is how Pam came to find Jesus and receive Him into her heart. What followed was a journey of exciting discovery that Pam shares on the episodes. Join us and hear Pam talk about coming to know Jesus, and then learning of a rich and vast Christian heritage that was hidden from her for years.

Pam Wing grew up in an atheistic home in Berkley, California. Though her father disparaged any talk of Jesus in their house, he was nevertheless a good father and encouraged Pam in her gift of music, and especially in her talent as harpist. Pam was broken hearted after her father died when she was 13. For a time, she thought she might give up the harp, but instead she found her only solace in playing. During her college years, Pam was hit with some severe trauma that she could not overcome. Having not slept for weeks, she called out to God to, if he was real, give her peace. That was the first night that Pam slept soundly in months. The next day, at her college campus she went in search of God. Having unsuccessfully sought for him through some of her dorm mates, she was approached by some Christian kids from Intervarsity Fellowship. This is how Pam came to find Jesus and receive Him into her heart. What followed was a journey of exciting discovery that Pam shares on the episodes. Join us and hear Pam talk about coming to know Jesus, and then learning of a rich and vast Christian heritage that was hidden from her for years.

Pam Wing grew up in an atheistic home in Berkley, California. Though her father disparaged any talk of Jesus in their house, he was nevertheless a good father and encouraged Pam in her gift of music, and especially in her talent as harpist. Pam was broken hearted after her father died when she was 13. For a time, she thought she might give up the harp, but instead she found her only solace in playing. During her college years, Pam was hit with some severe trauma that she could not overcome. Having not slept for weeks, she called out to God to, if he was real, give her peace. That was the first night that Pam slept soundly in months. The next day, at her college campus she went in search of God. Having unsuccessfully sought for him through some of her dorm mates, she was approached by some Christian kids from Intervarsity Fellowship. This is how Pam came to find Jesus and receive Him into her heart. What followed was a journey of exciting discovery that Pam shares on the episodes. Join us and hear Pam talk about coming to know Jesus, and then learning of a rich and vast Christian heritage that was hidden from her for years.

Mabel was born in Massachusetts in 1880. Her father and all her uncles were pastors. She gave her life to Jesus when she was seven. At a Christian camp, as a young teen, she volunteered her life to Jesus to go wherever He would send her. The answer she received was Japan! Mabel went to Japan in 1909 and spent the next fifty-five years sharing the gospel and seeking to meet the spiritual needs of the people in Japan. She chose to remain in Japan during World War II even though it meant that she would be sent to prison. After the war ended, she remained in Japan helping rebuild the spiritual life of the people there. Her story is one of love, faith, and God’s abiding presence. One Shall Chase a Thousand by Mabel Francis Only One Life by Jean Vandervenne

Mabel was born in Massachusetts in 1880. Her father and all her uncles were pastors. She gave her life to Jesus when she was seven. At a Christian camp, as a young teen, she volunteered her life to Jesus to go wherever He would send her. The answer she received was Japan! Mabel went to Japan in 1909 and spent the next fifty-five years sharing the gospel and seeking to meet the spiritual needs of the people in Japan. She chose to remain in Japan during World War II even though it meant that she would be sent to prison. After the war ended, she remained in Japan helping rebuild the spiritual life of the people there. Her story is one of love, faith, and God’s abiding presence. One Shall Chase a Thousand by Mabel Francis Only One Life by Jean Vandervenne

Mabel was born in Massachusetts in 1880. Her father and all her uncles were pastors. She gave her life to Jesus when she was seven. At a Christian camp, as a young teen, she volunteered her life to Jesus to go wherever He would send her. The answer she received was Japan! Mabel went to Japan in 1909 and spent the next fifty-five years sharing the gospel and seeking to meet the spiritual needs of the people in Japan. She chose to remain in Japan during World War II even though it meant that she would be sent to prison. After the war ended, she remained in Japan helping rebuild the spiritual life of the people there. Her story is one of love, faith, and God’s abiding presence. One Shall Chase a Thousand by Mabel Francis Only One Life by Jean Vandervenne