As Francis Ridley Havergal gazed thoughtfully at the painting (whose depiction was of Pilate presenting Christ to an angry mob), her eyes fell to an inscription below it. The inscription reads, “I have done this for you; what have you done for me?”

Seventeen-year-old Havergal was so profoundly moved that she went straight home and began writing a poem. She spent quite some time trying to write out her thoughts.

Eventually, Francis gave up and threw her paper into the fire…or so she thought...

Hear the story in today's Traveler's Tales. 

Read this true story HERE.

Browse more Hymn Histories HERE

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1. I gave My life for thee,

2. My Father's house of light,

3. I suffered much for thee,

4. And I have brought to thee,

The wonderful hymn, Near to the Heart of God, was born during a time of tremendous human suffering and sadness. Cleland McAfee found that unexpected problems or crises may come into our lives.

Often, we cannot escape the pressures and shadows that accompany those problems. However, these can be faced with spiritual strength, which God faithfully provides. This is the message expressed in this song: There is a place of quiet rest...Near to the heart of God.

Hear the story in today's Traveler's Tales. 

Read this true story HERE.

Browse more Hymn Histories HERE

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​​1. There is a place of quiet rest

Refrain: O Jesus, blest Redeemer,

2. There is a place of comfort sweet

3. There is a place of full release

“I didn’t go to your colleges and seminaries. They wouldn’t have me….but I’ve been to the feet of Jesus, where the only true scholarship is learned. The way to Jesus is not by Cambridge and Oxford, Glasgow, Edinburgh, London, Princeton, Harvard, Yale, Socrates, Plato, Shakespeare, or the poets… It's over an old-fashioned hill called Calvary. I’m God’s messenger from the gypsy tent. It’s the message that’s important, not the messenger."

In the latter years of his life, Vance Havner said to him: "Gypsy, I heard you preach... over fifty years ago--my, how you blessed my heart then. I have never forgotten it - but again tonight, how my heart was warmed and thrilled! Gypsy, tell me - what's the secret?" Gypsy answered, "Sir, I have never lost the wonder of it all." It was this simple statement that gave birth to the wonderful hymn written by Al Smith. Listen to this true story of Gypsy Smith and the story behind "I Have Never Lost the Wonder of It All."

Read this true story HERE.

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"No Reserve! No Retreat! No Regrets!"

These words have been etched in the heart of millions of people through the years, but they are no mere words. They were penned by a young man whose life illustrated true consecration to the Lord Jesus - William Borden. Learn more on today's Traveler's Tales. 

Read this true story HERE.

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C.T. Studd was a strong leader, gifted athlete, and bold missionary. While no man is perfect, God delights in using vessels that desire His blessing and power upon their lives. Studd was one such man. C.T. was born into considerable wealth, a household name in England, and one who enjoyed tremendous publicity and pleasure.

The Lord used the serious illness of his brother to awaken Studd to spiritual realities he had ignored. As he sat hour by hour with his sick brother, a strange thing happened. His dear brother (G.B.) began caring nothing for fame or fortune - he cared only for the things of God. C.T. recalled that time this way: "Now what is all the popularity of the world worth to George? What is all the fame and flattery worth? What is it worth to possess all the riches in the world, when a man comes to face Eternity?" And a voice seemed to answer, 'Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.'"

This was the beginning of Studd's surrender to God's will in his life.

Read this true story HERE.

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Richard Wurmbrand was imprisoned for 14 years in Communist Romania for his unwavering faith in Christ. In this episode of Traveler's Tales, discover the powerful story of a man who endured torture and solitary confinement yet never ceased preaching the gospel—even to his captors. His testimony (and that of his wife) challenges every believer to stand boldly for Christ, no matter the cost.

Read this true story HERE.

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Susannah Spurgeon was a remarkable woman. A true servant of the Lord and helper to her husband - the Prince of Preachers. Susannah believed strongly in what God had called Charles Spurgeon to do. She wanted his preaching to be preserved and used for generations to come.

She accomplished this work through her famous Book Fund. Richard Day records that she "saved every five-shilling piece got." Upon the publishing of Lectures to My Students, Susannah had saved enough to purchase 100 copies of it and send them to various ministers at no charge - this was the start of the Book Fund. Ultimately, due to Mrs. Spurgeon's work, the Book Fund mailed over 250,000 volumes to thousands of ministers around the world. 

Read this true story HERE.

Read more about Charles Spurgeon HERE

Browse more Traveler's Tales HERE

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Greg Dowdy gives us the amazing true story behind the famous hymn, Count Your Blessings.

It is estimated that Oatman wrote around 200 hymns a year throughout his ministry. In all, he penned a staggering 5,000 hymns of the faith. 

In 1897, Oatman’s most influential hymn, Count Your Blessings, was published in the hymnal Songs for Young People. It became an immediate sensation. For this hymn served as a mighty reminder to think about all God has done. The impact of this hymn cannot be overstated. 

Its words, sung by a sick young person made a lasting impact on the great preacher, Gypsy Smith. Hear the story in today's Traveler's Tales. 

Read this true story HERE.

Browse more Hymn Histories HERE

Visit enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel/ to learn more about knowing Jesus.

To support this ministry visit enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

1. When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,

Refrain: Count your blessings, name them one by one;

2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,

4. So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,

Behind today’s hymn is a fascinating tale of how our God is always at work among His people. Wales in the early to mid-18th century was a very dark place. But God was at work, stirring His people. 

William Williams traversed over 100,000 miles in his ministry. We can easily imagine the many times he had to stop to ask for guidance and direction from others.

As he traveled on horseback for 43 years, he surely experienced many difficulties and hardships. Thankfully, his deep faith in God is what brought him to write the mighty prayer/hymn that we know and love today. Based heavily upon God’s guidance to the children of Israel, William’s words capture the cry of a searching heart.

“Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” – Psalm 107:6-8

*Learn more about trusting Christ at enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel

Read this true story HERE.

Browse more Hymn Histories HERE

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A gifted musician, an elderly patient in the heart of China, a pastor, and a missionary were the instruments that brought us the treasured hymn, Jesus is the Sweetest Name I Know. Join Greg Dowdy for the remarkable true story behind this famous hymn. 

Read this true story HERE.

Browse more Hymn Histories HERE

Visit enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel/ to learn more about knowing Jesus.

To support this ministry visit enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

1. There have been names that I have loved to hear,

Refrain: Jesus is the sweetest name I know,

2. There is no name in earth or heav’n above,

3. And some day I shall see Him face to face