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Teach Your Kids the Bible and Christian History

John Welch | A Reformation Biography for Kids

April 22, 2023 By Danika 11 Comments

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John Welch by Ethel Barrett is a great Reformation biography the Christian Focus 4 Kids Trailblazers series of Christian biographies!


John Welch Biography for Kids
John Welch (c.1570-1622) was a problem child.

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.


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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!


When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin Luther for your teens.


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

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

Wonderfully Made by Danika Cooley


Four reasons to teach Christian history to your kids!


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 RaceEric Liddell: Finish the RaceEric Liddell: Finish the RaceJohn Chrysostom: The Preacher in the Emperor’s CourtJohn Chrysostom: The Preacher in the Emperor’s CourtJohn Chrysostom: The Preacher in the Emperor’s CourtSamuel Rutherford: The Law, the Prince and the ScribeSamuel Rutherford: The Law, the Prince and the ScribeSamuel Rutherford: The Law, the Prince and the ScribeFrancis & Edith Schaeffer: Taking on the WorldFrancis & Edith Schaeffer: Taking on the WorldFrancis & Edith Schaeffer: Taking on the WorldTitanic: The Ship of DreamsTitanic: The Ship of DreamsTitanic: The Ship of DreamsWilliam Tyndale: The Smuggler’s FlameWilliam Tyndale: The Smuggler’s FlameWilliam Tyndale: The Smuggler’s FlameWilfred Grenfell: Courageous DoctorWilfred Grenfell: Courageous DoctorWilfred Grenfell: Courageous DoctorDietrich Bonhoeffer: A Spoke in the WheelDietrich Bonhoeffer: A Spoke in the WheelDietrich Bonhoeffer: A Spoke in the WheelElisabeth Elliot: Do the Next ThingElisabeth Elliot: Do the Next ThingElisabeth Elliot: Do the Next ThingBetty Greene: Courage Has WingsBetty Greene: Courage Has WingsBetty Greene: Courage Has WingsUlrich Zwingli: Shepherd WarriorUlrich Zwingli: Shepherd WarriorUlrich Zwingli: Shepherd WarriorLilias Trotter: Daring in the DesertLilias Trotter: Daring in the DesertLilias Trotter: Daring in the DesertIsobel Kuhn: Lights in LisulandIsobel Kuhn: Lights in LisulandIsobel Kuhn: Lights in LisulandJim Elliot: He Is No FoolJim Elliot: He Is No FoolJim Elliot: He Is No FoolGeorge Müller: The Children's ChampionGeorge Müller: The Children’s ChampionGeorge Müller: The Children's ChampionAdoniram Judson: Danger on the Streets of GoldAdoniram Judson: Danger on the Streets of GoldAdoniram Judson: Danger on the Streets of GoldPatricia St. John: The Story Behind the StoriesPatricia St. John: The Story Behind the StoriesPatricia St. John: The Story Behind the StoriesHelen Roseveare: On His Majesty's ServiceHelen Roseveare: On His Majesty’s ServiceHelen Roseveare: On His Majesty's ServiceJohn Newton: A Slave Set FreeJohn Newton: A Slave Set FreeJohn Newton: A Slave Set FreeJohn Calvin: After Darkness LightJohn Calvin: After Darkness LightJohn Calvin: After Darkness LightJohn Knox: The Sharpened SwordJohn Knox: The Sharpened SwordJohn Knox: The Sharpened SwordBilly Graham: Just get up out of your SeatBilly Graham: Just get up out of your SeatBilly Graham: Just get up out of your SeatRichard Wurmbrand: A Voice in the DarkRichard Wurmbrand: A Voice in the DarkRichard Wurmbrand: A Voice in the DarkMary Slessor: Servant to the SlaveMary Slessor: Servant to the SlaveMary Slessor: Servant to the SlaveJoni Eareckson Tada: Swimming Against the TideJoni Eareckson Tada: Swimming Against the TideJoni Eareckson Tada: Swimming Against the TideHudson Taylor: An Adventure BeginsHudson Taylor: An Adventure BeginsHudson Taylor: An Adventure BeginsAugustine: The Truth SeekerAugustine: The Truth SeekerAugustine: The Truth SeekerPatrick of Ireland: The Boy Who ForgavePatrick of Ireland: The Boy Who ForgavePatrick of Ireland: The Boy Who ForgaveBrother Andrew: Behind Enemy LinesBrother Andrew: Behind Enemy LinesBrother Andrew: Behind Enemy LinesLottie Moon: Changing China for ChristLottie Moon: Changing China for ChristLottie Moon: Changing China for ChristD L Moody: One Devoted ManD L Moody: One Devoted ManD L Moody: One Devoted ManNate Saint: Operation AucaNate Saint: Operation AucaNate Saint: Operation AucaJohn Welch: The Man Who Couldn't Be StoppedJohn Welch: The Man Who Couldn’t Be StoppedJohn Welch: The Man Who Couldn't Be StoppedMichael Faraday: Spiritual DynamoMichael Faraday: Spiritual DynamoMichael Faraday: Spiritual DynamoWilliam Wilberforce: The Freedom FighterWilliam Wilberforce: The Freedom FighterWilliam Wilberforce: The Freedom FighterC. S. Lewis: The Story Teller: Trailblazers SeriesC. S. Lewis: The Story Teller: Trailblazers SeriesC. S. Lewis: The Story Teller: Trailblazers SeriesJonathan Edwards: America's GeniusJonathan Edwards: America’s GeniusJonathan Edwards: America's GeniusCharles Spurgeon: Prince of PreachersCharles Spurgeon: Prince of PreachersCharles Spurgeon: Prince of PreachersGeorge Müller: The Children's ChampionGeorge Müller: The Children’s ChampionGeorge Müller: The Children's ChampionGeorge Whitefield: Voice That Woke the WorldGeorge Whitefield: Voice That Woke the WorldGeorge Whitefield: Voice That Woke the WorldAmy Carmichael: Rescuer By NightAmy Carmichael: Rescuer By NightAmy Carmichael: Rescuer By NightMary of Orange: At the Mercy of KingsMary of Orange: At the Mercy of KingsMary of Orange: At the Mercy of KingsMartyn Lloyd-Jones: From Wales to WestminsterMartyn Lloyd-Jones: From Wales to WestminsterMartyn Lloyd-Jones: From Wales to WestminsterHannah More: The Woman Who Wouldn't Stop WritingHannah More: The Woman Who Wouldn’t Stop WritingHannah More: The Woman Who Wouldn't Stop WritingFanny Crosby: The Blind Girl's SongFanny Crosby: The Blind Girl’s SongFanny Crosby: The Blind Girl's SongPaul Brand: The Shoes That Love MadePaul Brand: The Shoes That Love MadePaul Brand: The Shoes That Love MadeFrances Ridley Havergal: The Girl Who Loved MountainsFrances Ridley Havergal: The Girl Who Loved MountainsFrances Ridley Havergal: The Girl Who Loved MountainsCorrie Ten Boom: The Watchmaker's DaughterCorrie Ten Boom: The Watchmaker’s DaughterCorrie Ten Boom: The Watchmaker's DaughterGladys Aylward: No Mountain Too HighGladys Aylward: No Mountain Too HighGladys Aylward: No Mountain Too HighJohn Bunyan: Journey of a PilgrimJohn Bunyan: Journey of a PilgrimJohn Bunyan: Journey of a PilgrimDavid Brainerd: A Love for the LostDavid Brainerd: A Love for the LostDavid Brainerd: A Love for the LostJohn G. Paton: South Sea Island RescueJohn G. Paton: South Sea Island RescueJohn G. Paton: South Sea Island RescueBilly Bray: Saved From the Deepest PitBilly Bray: Saved From the Deepest PitBilly Bray: Saved From the Deepest PitJohn Stott: The Humble LeaderJohn Stott: The Humble LeaderJohn Stott: The Humble LeaderBill Bright: Dare to be DifferentBill Bright: Dare to be DifferentBill Bright: Dare to be DifferentCharles Simeon: For Christ in Cambridge (Trail Blazers)Charles Simeon: For Christ in Cambridge (Trail Blazers)Charles Simeon: For Christ in Cambridge (Trail Blazers)William Carey: Expecting Great Things (Trail Blazers)William Carey: Expecting Great Things (Trail Blazers)William Carey: Expecting Great Things (Trail Blazers)Jack Turner: Truth in the Arctic (Trail Blazers)Jack Turner: Truth in the Arctic (Trail Blazers)Jack Turner: Truth in the Arctic (Trail Blazers)Elaine Townsend: At Home Around the World (Trail Blazers)Elaine Townsend: At Home Around the World (Trail Blazers)Elaine Townsend: At Home Around the World (Trail Blazers)Thomas Clarkson: The Giant With One Idea (Trailblazers)Thomas Clarkson: The Giant With One Idea (Trailblazers)Thomas Clarkson: The Giant With One Idea (Trailblazers)John and Betty Stam: To Die is Gain (Trail Blazers)John and Betty Stam: To Die is Gain (Trail Blazers)John and Betty Stam: To Die is Gain (Trail Blazers)Maud Kells: Fearless in the Forest (Trail Blazers)Maud Kells: Fearless in the Forest (Trail Blazers)Maud Kells: Fearless in the Forest (Trail Blazers)Jim Elliot: He Is No Fool (Trail Blazers)Jim Elliot: He Is No Fool (Trail Blazers)Jim Elliot: He Is No Fool (Trail Blazers)Elizabeth Prentiss: More Love (Trailblazers)Elizabeth Prentiss: More Love (Trailblazers)Elizabeth Prentiss: More Love (Trailblazers)Polycarp: Faithful unto Death (Trail Blazers)Polycarp: Faithful unto Death (Trail Blazers)Polycarp: Faithful unto Death (Trail Blazers)Thomas Cranmer: The King’s Ambassador (Trailblazers)Thomas Cranmer: The King’s Ambassador (Trailblazers)Thomas Cranmer: The King’s Ambassador (Trailblazers)Olaudah Equiano: A Man of Many Names (Trail Blazers)Olaudah Equiano: A Man of Many Names (Trail Blazers)Olaudah Equiano: A Man of Many Names (Trail Blazers)


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Christian Biographies for Kids | Christian History for Kids | Theology for Kids

Douglas Bond Endorsement
“As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.” – Psalm 16:3, ESV  

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. 

Elementary-aged kids need middle grade resources that are fun, a little sassy, and that teach valuable lessons. 

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The Who What Why Series is the perfect resource to teach your kids about history, while helping them apply biblical truths to their lives today.


Bible Resources for Your Kids

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Reformation Family Book Bundle
Your kids will love the Who What Why Reformation series with illustrated narratives for 8-11 year olds.
And, Martin Luther’s young adult historical fiction story makes the perfect family read aloud!
Grab the autographed Reformation Family Bundle!


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John Welch Biography for Kids

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Filed Under: Confessions of a Bibliophile Tagged With: biography, Christian, Church, history, middle grade

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Comments

  1. bowie7 says

    October 9, 2015 at 4:31 am

    I would love to read this out loud with my family!. He was quite the prayer warrior and that to me is very exciting! Thanks for the chance to wi this book!

    Reply
    • Lois says

      October 9, 2015 at 5:44 am

      We always look forward to reading new biographies in our house! I didn’t know anything about John Welch before reading this blog. The fact he was John Knox’s son in law makes me more eager to read about him.

      Reply
  2. saleago says

    October 9, 2015 at 9:08 am

    I find these type stories fascinating to read. It is a subject which I enjoy.

    Reply
  3. judyg says

    October 9, 2015 at 1:35 pm

    History books are always fascinating.

    Reply
  4. courtneyc says

    October 9, 2015 at 1:44 pm

    I first heard about the Trailblazers biographies on your blog and have bought several for our family. This one sounds great!

    Reply
  5. Jew4Jesus says

    October 9, 2015 at 4:18 pm

    My son loves history and he would love, love, love this book. My daughter and I would enjoy reading this book. I believe my son would love to have it on HIS bookshelf.

    Reply
  6. DollsandBooks says

    October 9, 2015 at 4:49 pm

    Any book that deals with history are always a good and exciting read!
    Marilyn

    Reply
  7. Ticia says

    October 9, 2015 at 8:58 pm

    It’s a fun book series, that’s what I like.

    Reply
  8. L says

    October 10, 2015 at 2:43 am

    Sounds like great book to enjoy with our children.

    Reply
  9. judith martinez says

    October 12, 2015 at 2:46 pm

    I’m excited about this book because I’ve never heard of John Welch and I love learning new things about history.

    Reply
  10. Teamallen says

    October 15, 2015 at 5:53 am

    Thank you so much for the wholesome Christian books for kids. I have two avid readers, and I am looking forward to reading together!
    Lori Allen

    Reply

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photo credit: @billdjohnson

Welcome to Thinking Kids!

My name is Danika Cooley, and I’m glad you’re here. This site exists to help equip you to teach your kids the Bible and Christian history. I’m an author, a homeschool mom, and a curriculum developer. Pull up a chair and stay awhile.

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