George Charles Smith of Penzance: From Nelson Sialor to Mission Pioneer

Product Description In the two previous books of his trilogy, Seamen?s Missions (1986) and The Way of the Sea(2008), the author researched how the seafarers? mission movement began and expanded. This third volume traces the captivating human drama surrounding the origins. In fifteen fascinating chapters the book presents, for the first time ever, the embattled life of George Charles Smith-today recognized worldwide as the founder of the Maritime Mission Movement. Here, the reader can follow the turbulent career of this man of extremes: his humble origins; his harrowing years in a ?floating hell? in Nelson?s navy; his relentless war with the ?Sodom and Gomorrah? of London?s Sailortown; his dogged pursuit of a ?Marine Jerusalem?; his survival of heartless debtors? prisons; his feting throughout America; and his ?last watch? in his home port, Penzance, in southwest England. Perhaps the most powerful affirmation of the lasting legacy of George Charles Smith is how also non-Western participants in today?s maritime mission readily discern in him the profile of a prophet. Review Far from home, seafarers face natural dangers, social mistreatment, and loneliness even in cramped quarters. Yet ever since Christ rode the waves, his followers have blessed seafarers. Read this book for a stirring true account written by the leading historian of maritime missions. You will never look at the ocean in the same way. Miriam Adeney, PhDworld mission professor at Seattle Pacific University and Regent College, Vancouver BC