Saturday, March 17, 2007

Francis Asbury


Today Aneta and I were able to visit today the original site of the George Arnold House located just twenty minutes from our home. The house itself is no longer there, but there is a marker on the exact spot where the house once stood. You may be wondering what is so special about this former house. Firstly it is the house where Francis Asbury passed away on March 31, 1816. Secondly, George Arnold was an ancestor on my mom’s side of the family. We’re scouring documents to try to determine if he is indeed a direct forefather or if he is the brother of our forefathers. Nonetheless, I’m awed that this man – Father of American Methodism – died in the home of my ancestors here in Spotsylvania County. Needless to say, this visit was very special to me.

It was a two years ago when I learned this information, which impacted me deeply. Francis Asbury is considered to be the father of American Methodism, sent to the colonies by John Wesley. Bishop Asbury was instrumental in raising up a whole generation of circuit riders who greatly influenced the newly formed Nation. I don’t think it was an accident that this mantle came to rest in the home of my ancestors here outside Fredericksburg. I’ve been to Baltimore twice over the past two years where they reburied Asbury to learn more about this apostolic vessel. I’ve also have been fervently crying out for the apostolic mantle to train and release a new generation of circuit revivalists who are completely set apart unto the Lord.

Are you called to be a part of this emerging generation of circuit revivalists to change the world as we know it today?

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