FAITH TODAY IN HISTORY - Edition 4

 

FAITH TODAY IN HISTORY October 1 Equipping messengers. Using new tools. Proclaiming one timeless gospel.

The gospel never changes, but faithful Christians have continually found new ways to carry it. October 1 brings together three remarkable beginnings: a school formed to prepare missionaries, a small television signal carrying a sermon beyond church walls, and an evangelistic ministry organized to reach cities and nations. Each story reminds us that God often begins large works through modest, obedient steps—and that every generation must decide how it will faithfully make Christ known.

OCTOBER 1, 1883 · NEW YORK CITY A. B. Simpson Opens a School for Missionaries A. B. Simpson formally opened the Missionary Training College to ground ordinary believers in Scripture and prepare them for practical gospel service. It grew from informal classes into the institution later known as the Missionary Training Institute and Nyack College. The following year, five missionaries sailed for Africa; by 1895, the Christian and Missionary Alliance movement had sent nearly 300 missionaries. Faith connection: Simpson saw training not as an end in itself but as preparation for obedience. Knowledge of Scripture was meant to produce witnesses who would cross streets, cultures, and oceans with the good news of Jesus. Date and sources: The event occurred October 1, 1883. Exact-date source: Ambrose University’s Alliance Studies timeline, an undated academic resource accessed October 1, 2026. Historical context: Boston University School of Theology’s History of Missiology, reprinted from the 1998 Biographical Dictionary of Christian Missions.

OCTOBER 1, 1961 · PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA A Snowy Picture and a Cardboard Cross The Christian Broadcasting Network made its television debut from WYAH-TV. The equipment was makeshift, the studio unfinished, and the early signal reportedly reached little more than the nearby corner. Viewers saw a snowy black-and-white image of Pat Robertson preaching in front of a deteriorated curtain and a cardboard cross. It was hardly impressive—but the gospel was on the air. Faith connection: God does not require polished beginnings before He can use willing obedience. A weak signal can still carry a strong message. What matters most is not the grandeur of the platform but the faithfulness of the witness. Date and sources: The first broadcast occurred October 1, 1961. Sources: CBN’s institutional account, “The Story Behind CBN’s Inaugural Broadcast”, an undated retrospective accessed October 1, 2026; and a CBN News historical retrospective published October 1, 2018.

OCTOBER 1, 1978 · PORTLAND, OREGON Luis Palau Steps Out in Worldwide Evangelism After years with Overseas Crusades International—and with encouragement and practical help from Billy Graham and his team—Argentine-born evangelist Luis Palau formed his independent evangelistic organization. The ministry went on to conduct hundreds of campaigns, festivals, and rallies across more than 80 nations, often partnering with local churches to present the gospel clearly and invite people to follow Christ. Faith connection: Palau’s life demonstrates multiplication: one converted young man became a street preacher, radio evangelist, international messenger, and mentor to another generation. God’s call is personal, but its fruit is rarely meant to stop with us. Date and sources: The organization was formed October 1, 1978. Exact-date source: Christian History Institute’s October 1 calendar, an undated reference page accessed October 1, 2026, citing Ellen Bascuti’s 2000 biography Luis Palau: Evangelist to the World. Context is corroborated by Wheaton College’s Evangelism and Missions Archives, published October 1, 2023, and the Luis Palau Association’s institutional biography, undated and accessed October 1, 2026.

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION “And how shall they preach, except they be sent? … How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:15, KJV A classroom, a television transmitter, and an evangelistic association became instruments for the same message: Jesus Christ saves. If you have never trusted Him, the good news is for you today. Turn from sin, place your faith in Christ, and receive the new life He freely gives. If you already belong to Him, ask what tool, relationship, or opportunity God has placed in your hands—and use it to make Jesus known. Grace and peace, Pastor Rick Carder

Faith Today in History · A weekly witness to the gospel through verified history Please feel free to forward this edition to someone who needs encouragement.