John Welch | A Reformation Biography for Kids

An inattentive student and disrespectful son, John Welch ran from his home and joined a band of thieves living on the border of Scotland. Just like the prodigal son in Luke chapter 15, Welch spent time living in the muck before realizing he would be better off begging his father’s forgiveness.

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He returned home to become a Protestant pastor, marrying Elizabeth Knox, the daughter of the famed Reformer John Knox.

John Welch

John Welch: The Man Who Couldn’t Be Stopped (Christian Focus 4 Kids, 2004) is extremely well-written for 8-14 year olds, and a fascinating story. I read the story to my boys when they were 7 and 8—and the last time we studied the Reformation. They remember well the story, and were excited to see the book on their reading shelf each assigned year.

What child wouldn’t love the story?

John Welch was a man of prayer, praying through each night, and the events of his life were extraordinary.

He was imprisoned for his Protestant faith, exiled from Scotland to France, and his home city was twice attacked by the king of France because of his Protestant preaching. Friends, a cannonball went through the wall of his bedroom and landed on his bed, splitting it–while he was in the bed!

From near-misses with cannonballs to breaking up sword fights, praying for a “dead” student for days until he woke up, and his keen sense of foreboding when a tragic event approached, John Welch’s story is a fascinating read. It’s the story of a man committed to the gospel, prayer, and faith in Christ.

There is a heavier dose of emphasis on the Holy Spirit, prophecy, and extraordinary events in John Welch than in most of the Trailblazers books. Perhaps that is because he prayed so much, or because he resided in medieval times (and the history we have comes from that time as well). The book might present a good opportunity to discuss the Doctrine of Providence. However you approach the story with your children, I think it’s valuable historically and to help their understanding of God’s care for His servants, and the importance of prayer.

I love the Trailblazers series, and John Welch is a great read!

John Welch: The Man Who Couldn’t Be Stopped coordinates with studies involving:

• The Late 16th Century and Early 17th Century
• Prayer
• Faith
• Preaching
• Scotland
• France
• John Knox
• The Reformation

I’d like to thank Christian Focus Publications for giving me a copy of John Welch by Ethel Barrett in return for my honest review, and a copy for a giveaway!

Purchase John Welch: The Man Who Couldn’t Be Stopped 

John Welch: The Man Who Couldn’t Be Stopped (Trailblazers) by Ethel Barrett (2015-08-20)

OR, at Christian Book:

• John Welch: The Man Who Couldn’t Be Stopped
• Christian Focus Trailblazers

More Christian Focus Trail Blazers Books for Your Kids

Our family loves the Christian Focus Trail Blazers books. They’re perfect for ages 7-14. We read them as we studied history! Check them out.

Eric Liddell: Finish the RaceJohn Chrysostom: The Preacher in the Emperor’s Court Samuel Rutherford: The Law, the Prince and the ScribeFrancis & Edith Schaeffer: Taking on the World Titanic: The Ship of Dreams William Tyndale: The Smuggler’s Flame Wilfred Grenfell: Courageous Doctor Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Spoke in the WheelElisabeth Elliot: Do the Next Thing Betty Greene: Courage Has Wings Ulrich Zwingli: Shepherd WarriorLilias Trotter: Daring in the Desert Isobel Kuhn: Lights in Lisuland Jim Elliot: He Is No Fool George Müller: The Children’s Champion Adoniram Judson: Danger on the Streets of Gold Patricia St. John: The Story Behind the Stories Helen Roseveare: On His Majesty’s Service John Newton: A Slave Set Free John Calvin: After Darkness Light John Knox: The Sharpened Sword Billy Graham: Just get up out of your SeatRichard Wurmbrand: A Voice in the Dark Mary Slessor: Servant to the Slave Joni Eareckson Tada: Swimming Against the Tide Hudson Taylor: An Adventure BeginsAugustine: The Truth SeekerPatrick of Ireland: The Boy Who ForgaveBrother Andrew: Behind Enemy LinesLottie Moon: Changing China for Christ D L Moody: One Devoted ManNate Saint: Operation Auca John Welch: The Man Who Couldn’t Be StoppedMichael Faraday: Spiritual Dynamo William Wilberforce: The Freedom Fighter C. S. Lewis: The Story Teller: Trailblazers SeriesJonathan Edwards: America’s GeniusCharles Spurgeon: Prince of Preachers George Müller: The Children’s Champion George Whitefield: Voice That Woke the WorldCorrie Ten Boom: The Watchmaker’s Daughter Amy Carmichael: Rescuer By NightMary of Orange: At the Mercy of KingsMartyn Lloyd-Jones: From Wales to WestminsterHannah More: The Woman Who Wouldn’t Stop Writing Fanny Crosby: The Blind Girl’s Song Paul Brand: The Shoes That Love MadeFrances Ridley Havergal: The Girl Who Loved Mountains Corrie Ten Boom: The Watchmaker’s Daughter Gladys Aylward: No Mountain Too High John Bunyan: Journey of a PilgrimDavid Brainerd: A Love for the Lost John G. Paton: South Sea Island RescueBilly Bray: Saved From the Deepest Pit John Stott: The Humble LeaderBill Bright: Dare to be Different

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