Louise Vernon Biographies

Read the 16th century story of William Tyndale, who wants to translate the Bible into English. He feels that the common people of England should be able to read the Scriptures for themselves. The church and government violently disagree.

Collin Hartley, a boy and Tydale's helper, works with him on this dangerous project. Tydale has to flee to Europe for his life, and Collin goes along. Their enemies follow and try to capture them, but Tyndale manages to complete his translation work. Then, he mush smuggle the English-language Bibles into England. Along with Collin Hartley, you will participate in all the important events of this daring story. Recommended for ages 9 and up.

The author tells of John Wycliffe, the famous Oxford teacher, preacher who translated the Bible and made his translation available to the poor of the land.

Martin Luther's son has a problem. What should young Hans Luther do when he grows up? How can he ever do anything important when he is constantly overshadowed by his famous father? Hans struggles with his Latin lessons. He fights with a peasant boy in the marketplace, listens to the wise advice of his Aunt Lena, observes his father lecturing to university students. Hans plays with his brothers, little Martin and Paul, and has thoughtful conversations with Lenchen, his sister. Gradually he discovers who he is and how God want him to live. Through Hans' eyes you will learn to know Martin Luther--not only as the great Reformer-preacher, but also as a father with a sense of humor and as a friend.

"Erasmus laid the egg that Luther hatched" is what the people say. And that makes young Gerhard Koestler smile. He knows that Erasmus has influenced Luther's thinking. He also believes both men are tying to serve God according to the Scriptures. Young Gerhard Koestler lives in Germany in the 1500s. He inherits money and a castle when his rich parents die. His Uncle Frederic tries to talk Gerhard into becoming a monk so Frederic can claim the inheritance for his own. But Gerhard has other ideas. After a series of adventures and narrow escapes, Gerhard arrives in Basel, Switzerland. To his delight he is able to live in the same house as Erasmus. Although Erasmus' enemies accuse him of agreeing with Martin Luther, Erasmus says that the Bible is his guide. In the end, Gerhard returns to his castle. Not sure whether he want to be known as a Catholic or a Lutheran, Gerhard says, "Call me a Christian." No other name is necessary. Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

The author tells of Menno Simons, a Catholic priest who become an Anabaptist in the 1500s. The story of what happened as Menno went about preaching is seen through the eyes of his children, Bettje and jan. This story is one of suspense, action, and constant danger that Menno would be arrested. It tells how people lived in those days and how people began to read and study the Bible. It was the days of what we now know as the Reformation.

In sixteenth-century Moravia amid persecution of the Hutterites, a twelve-year-old boy influenced by the famous physician, Paracelsus, chooses his vocation. Tragedy strikes when the Bruhn household are arrested along with the Hutterites and their land is taken by King Ferdinand. Michael is put into chains with the Hutterites, doomed to become a galley slave. Join Michael as he tries to find his family again, listen for God's calling on his life and learn from the mysterious doctor in rags.

John Wesley is a fiery preacher who is stirring up the people on the streets of London. One day, while peddling his father's wares, young Robert Upton meets Wesley and his life is changed forever. At first Robert doesn't know what to think of Wesley and his fellow Methodists. He even helps some other boys break up an evening church meeting by beating loudly on old pots and pans. But soon Robert sees how Wesley's preaching changes the lives of many people. He hears people talk about being "converted," but isn't sure what it means. Robert and his father start going to Wesley's meetings whenever they can. Gradually, Robert begins to understand what Wesley's preaching is all about. As he allows God to work in his life, Robert finds that his own heart, like Wesley's, is strangely warmed.

This story takes place in Ulverston, England, about 300 years ago. George Fox, an English religious leader and the founder of the Society of Friends, also called Quakers, lived during that time. Tommy Stafford and his sister, Celia, witness the violence and persecution brought on by the words and ways of Fox. His courage, calmness, and power with God influenced the whole family.