Susanna Wesley (1669-1742): Few people make a name for themselves because of their parenting, yet today we will be talking about a woman who is best known as the “Mother of Methodism:” Susanna Wesley, the mother of the great 18th century evangelists, John and Charles Wesley. A brilliant and godly woman, this mother of sixteen left a powerful legacy through her child-rearing, educational methods, and (most importantly) her deep spirituality. It is easy to recognize that her influence on the lives of her sons, John and Charles, laid the groundwork for the great Methodist Revival that rocked Great Britain and the American Colonies. Susanna Wesley is certainly a testament to the profound influence of motherhood!

Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672): H.L. Mencken once said that Puritanism is “the haunting fear that someone, somewhere might be happy.” But is this characterization of the Puritans as stern and joyless really true? Anne Bradstreet’s life would indicate otherwise! As a member of the English Puritans who settled the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the 1630s, Anne gained notoriety as America’s first poet–an incredible accomplishment for a wife and mother of eight in the American wilderness! Yet she also gives us a window into Puritan colonial life–its joys, sorrows, trials and blessings–all undergirded by a radiant, confident faith in God and His Word. Truly, her poetry is a celebration of God’s goodness in every area of life! The Puritans were anything but dull and dour, as Anne Bradstreet’s life so beautifully demonstrates!

Sarah Edwards (1710-1758): Join us today as we continue the story of Sarah Edwards, wife of the great theologian Jonathan Edwards. As the Great Awakening swept through the American Colonies, Jonathan and Sarah found themselves right in the middle of this great move of God’s Spirit. Later, they took a remarkable step of faith to minister to Native Americans on the frontier. Through it all, Sarah’s spirituality and hospitality enhanced the effectiveness of her husband’s ministry, and her parenting made an indelible impact not only on her eleven children, but on American history! Her legacy alone makes Sarah a remarkable woman worth knowing!

Elizabeth Bunyan (c.1641-1691) & Sarah Edwards (1710-1758): John Bunyan and Jonathan Edwards are two of the most famous and important figures in Church History–one as the author of Pilgrim’s Progress, and the other as America’s first and arguably greatest philosopher and theologian. Yet as with many Christian leaders, they would not have been as influential as they were without their wives! Elizabeth Bunyan’s commitment to the cause of Christ enabled her husband to fulfill his ministry despite frequent imprisonment, and Sarah Edwards’ hospitality and deep spirituality made a profound impact on both her husband and community. When you hear their stories you will agree that these are certainly women worth knowing!

Lady Jane Grey (1537-1554): We continue today with the poignant story of England’s “Nine Day Queen,” Lady Jane Grey. Although used as a political pawn by unscrupulous members of the aristocracy (including her own parents!), Jane maintained her ardent, radiant faith in Christ to the very end of her life, serving as an inspiration to the Protestant cause in England. We close this episode with another story sent in by one of our listeners, the incredible testimony of missionary Phyllis Sortor. You won’t want to miss it!

Lady Jane Grey (1537-1554): One of the most tragic figures in English history is Lady Jane Grey, the “Nine Day Queen of England” whose lineage and outspoken Protestant faith put her in the crosshairs of political intrigue around the throne. Today we will talk about Lady Jane’s early life and how her faith in Jesus carried her through a turbulent and difficult childhood. We know you will find this brave young girl as fascinating as we do!

Anne Askew (1521-1546): Join us today as we continue with the story of Anne Askew, the fearless English noblewoman who was willing to endure persecution for the sake of the supremacy of God’s Word and the Reformation cause. Though tortured and martyred for her beliefs, Anne’s radiant testimony has lived on to inspire believers for generations.

Anne Askew (1521-1546): That’s right, it’s time for another woman from Tudor England! Today we discuss the life of Anne Askew, a bold, outspoken woman of the English nobility whose stand on the Scriptures and support for the Reformation put her in hot water with the “powers that be.” But before we get into her story, we start out with some “worthy mentions,” lesser known English women connected to Anne who also supported the Reformation. You’ll be amazed at the diverse women who the Lord used at this critical point in English history!

Katherine Parr (1512-1548): Today we finish the story of Katherine Parr, Queen of England and sixth wife of Henry VIII. Like Queen Esther in the Bible, God raised up Katherine “for such a time as this” to protect and preserve the Reformation cause and the furtherance of the Gospel in England. We wrap up this episode with the rest of Lois Landis’s wonderful story as told by one of our listeners, so be sure to join us!

Katherine Parr (1512-1548): As many people know, King Henry VIII was one of England’s most notorious kings, partly because he was married six times! Yet what is not commonly known is the fact that his sixth wife, Katherine, was a devout Protestant who believed God had called her to marry Henry for the furtherance of God’s Word and the Reformation cause in England. So join us today for the fascinating story of God’s work through one of the Tudor Queens of England!