TRUE STORIES OF FAITH, COURAGE, AND CHANGED LIVES
Faith Today in History
Here are three verified stories connected to this day in history.
September 17, 1179 — Hildegard of Bingen’s Courageous Witness
Hildegard of Bingen died on September 17, 1179, after an extraordinary life of Christian leadership. A Benedictine abbess, writer, composer, and theological teacher, she began preaching publicly later in life—an unusual role for a woman in the twelfth century. Her preaching tours challenged church leaders who had grown spiritually sluggish and called Christians back to Scripture and a more faithful life.
Her work was not limited to criticism. Through sacred music, theological writing, correspondence, and leadership, she sought to direct attention toward Christ and the renewal of the church. Her example reminds us that age does not end our usefulness: she undertook preaching journeys beginning around the age of sixty.
Faith connection: Spiritual renewal often begins when someone loves the church enough to speak truth with courage. God can use every season of life when we remain willing to serve.
Date note: September 17, 1179 is the historical date of her death; the linked pages are later historical retrospectives.
Christian History Institute: Hildegard of Bingen
The New Yorker, January 30, 2023: Hildegard of Bingen Composes the Cosmos
September 17, 1833 — An Open Door for a Woman Leaving Prison
On September 17, 1833, a woman identified in historical accounts as Minnie walked several miles after her release from prison to seek help from Lutheran pastor Theodor Fliedner at Kaiserswerth, Germany. With the planned refuge not yet available, Fliedner gave her shelter in a small garden house.
That simple act helped inaugurate a ministry for women leaving prison. Christian History Institute reports that by 1867 more than five hundred former prisoners had passed through Kaiserswerth, with many becoming Christians and finding constructive places in society. Fliedner’s wider ministry eventually included schools, prison reform, care for neglected children, and the pioneering deaconess nursing work that later influenced Florence Nightingale.
Faith connection: The gospel offers more than release from yesterday; in Christ, there is a new identity and a new direction. Sometimes a transformed future begins because one believer opens one door.
Date note: The shelter was offered on September 17, 1833; the linked account is a later history based on nineteenth-century records.
Christian History Institute: Fliedner’s Vision Prospered Kaiserswerth Spiritually
Encyclopaedia Britannica: Theodor Fliedner
September 17, 1913 — Gospel Rescue Missions Unite
On September 17, 1913, leaders of urban rescue missions formally established the International Union of Gospel Missions under Sidney Whittemore’s leadership. The organization brought gospel-centered ministries together so they could strengthen one another while serving people facing homelessness, poverty, addiction, and other life-controlling struggles.
Known today as Citygate Network, the movement continues to equip rescue missions, recovery ministries, food programs, and outreach centers. Its history reflects a conviction that Christian witness should address both spiritual and practical need—proclaiming hope in Christ while offering food, shelter, recovery support, dignity, and compassionate care.
Faith connection: Christians accomplish more when we serve together. The gospel is proclaimed not only through our words but also through love that enters difficult places and remains long enough to help rebuild lives.
Date note: The union was established September 17, 1913, and incorporated by New York State on October 14, 1913; the linked source is the organization’s current historical record.
Citygate Network: Movement History
Christian History Institute: September 17 in Christian History
— Luke 4:18 (KJV)
A Word for Today
These stories span more than seven centuries, but they share one message: the hope of Christ moves outward. It calls the church to renewal, welcomes people who need a new beginning, and brings believers together to serve those the world can easily overlook.
The same Jesus who proclaimed good news to the poor and freedom to the captive is still changing lives. No past is beyond His forgiveness, no broken heart is beyond His healing, and no faithful act of compassion is wasted.
May we receive His grace for ourselves—and then carry that grace through an honest word, an open door, and a helping hand.
In Christ,
Pastor Rick Carder
Historical dates identify when the featured events occurred. Supporting articles and institutional histories were published or updated later. Links are included so readers can review the sources directly.
