February 10

John Townsend was born into a well-to-do family in Exeter, England. At the age of 20, while studying to become a clergyman, he realized to his shock that he was an unconverted man himself. He abandoned the ambition of his life which he had chosen, feeling he could not lead others to Christ until he himself was a believer. One day he noticed a Bible in a shop window and, inquiring further, was lead to Christ by the woman who would become his wife. His parents became so distressed and angry at the step he had taken, that they disinherited him. For 25 years he sought reconciliation with them, but to no avail. But one day he was informed by J.N. Darby that “his parents were in need of help.” John discovered that through poor investments they had lost everything. Taking them into his home, John had the joy of seeing both his parents trust Christ when they were both past 80 years of age. Thus is the servant of God described, “as poor, yet making many rich” (2 Cor 6:10).