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.
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:
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 CourtSamuel Rutherford: The Law, the Prince and the ScribeFrancis & Edith Schaeffer: Taking on the WorldTitanic: The Ship of DreamsWilliam Tyndale: The Smuggler’s FlameWilfred Grenfell: Courageous DoctorDietrich Bonhoeffer: A Spoke in the WheelElisabeth Elliot: Do the Next ThingBetty Greene: Courage Has WingsUlrich Zwingli: Shepherd WarriorLilias Trotter: Daring in the DesertIsobel Kuhn: Lights in LisulandJim Elliot: He Is No FoolGeorge Müller: The Children’s ChampionAdoniram Judson: Danger on the Streets of GoldPatricia St. John: The Story Behind the StoriesHelen Roseveare: On His Majesty’s ServiceJohn Newton: A Slave Set FreeJohn Calvin: After Darkness LightJohn Knox: The Sharpened SwordBilly Graham: Just get up out of your SeatRichard Wurmbrand: A Voice in the DarkMary Slessor: Servant to the SlaveJoni Eareckson Tada: Swimming Against the TideHudson Taylor: An Adventure BeginsAugustine: The Truth SeekerPatrick of Ireland: The Boy Who ForgaveBrother Andrew: Behind Enemy LinesLottie Moon: Changing China for ChristD L Moody: One Devoted ManNate Saint: Operation AucaJohn Welch: The Man Who Couldn’t Be StoppedMichael Faraday: Spiritual DynamoWilliam Wilberforce: The Freedom FighterC. S. Lewis: The Story Teller: Trailblazers SeriesJonathan Edwards: America’s GeniusCharles Spurgeon: Prince of PreachersGeorge Müller: The Children’s ChampionGeorge Whitefield: Voice That Woke the WorldAmy Carmichael: Rescuer By NightMary of Orange: At the Mercy of KingsMartyn Lloyd-Jones: From Wales to WestminsterHannah More: The Woman Who Wouldn’t Stop WritingFanny Crosby: The Blind Girl’s SongPaul Brand: The Shoes That Love MadeFrances Ridley Havergal: The Girl Who Loved MountainsCorrie Ten Boom: The Watchmaker’s DaughterGladys Aylward: No Mountain Too HighJohn Bunyan: Journey of a PilgrimDavid Brainerd: A Love for the LostJohn G. Paton: South Sea Island RescueBilly Bray: Saved From the Deepest PitJohn Stott: The Humble LeaderBill Bright: Dare to be DifferentCharles Simeon: For Christ in Cambridge (Trail Blazers)William Carey: Expecting Great Things (Trail Blazers)Jack Turner: Truth in the Arctic (Trail Blazers)Elaine Townsend: At Home Around the World (Trail Blazers)Thomas Clarkson: The Giant With One Idea (Trailblazers)John and Betty Stam: To Die is Gain (Trail Blazers)Maud Kells: Fearless in the Forest (Trail Blazers)Jim Elliot: He Is No Fool (Trail Blazers)Elizabeth Prentiss: More Love (Trailblazers)Polycarp: Faithful unto Death (Trail Blazers)Thomas Cranmer: The King’s Ambassador (Trailblazers)Olaudah Equiano: A Man of Many Names (Trail Blazers)John Wycliffe: According to the Word (Trail Blazers)
Learn more about the Who What Why series and get your FREE Abolition Lapbooks here.
Bible Resources for Your Kids
Learn More HereLearn More HereLearn More HereLearn More HereLearn More HereLearn More Here
Christian Biographies for Kids | Christian History for Kids | Theology for Kids
Christian History Matters for Our Kids.
History matters. Now, more than ever, we see how important it is for our children to know and understand history and the Bible.
Here’s why:
- God is the sovereign ruler of all things. It’s important for our kids to see his hand in the history of nations and in the lives of both peasants and kings.
- Christian history is the story of our family history. Our kids get to see how people who love Jesus follow him.
- Understanding history can help our kids learn historic and biblical theology. They learn what the Bible says and what that means for us. They also see when the study of Scripture has taken important turns that have changed the Church.
- Reading Christian biographies and history can be a wonderful way for kids to think outside their own time and culture. God’s Church spans centuries and includes people from every nation.
- Christian biographies help kids consider their own faith, walk with Jesus, and the impact their witness may one day have on others–and on history.
Grab the autographed Reformation Family Bundle!
More Thinking Kids Posts You’ll Love!
Join the newsletter
Get the Family Prayer Box Project FREE!
Teach your children to pray with this fun project that includes 7 printable sets!
