Francis Asbury

“Our brethren in America call aloud for help. Who are willing to go over and help them?”

Asbury was. When he set sail for America his devout Methodist father wept openly, fearing he would never see his son again. His insight proved to be prophetic.

During the voyage, Asbury recorded in his journal why he was going to America, “I am going to live to God, and to bring others so to do.” When he arrived in America there were four Methodist ministers and about 300 Methodists. Forty-five years later there were over 2,000 ministers and 214,000 Methodists.

During those 45 years, he rode more than 250,000 miles on horseback and crossed the Allegheny Mountains 60 times. He visited nearly every state once a year, ordained over 4,000 ministers, and preached at least 17,000 sermons. 

Asbury was the only English preacher to support the American cause in the War of Independence. Although every other preacher left for England, he stood, determined to stand or fall with the cause of independence.

His incessant travels put a terrible strain on his health. But he labored on despite the cost. He described in his journal a typical winter trip,

“The water froze as it ran from the horse’s nostrils. I have suffered a little by lodging in open houses in this cold weather; but this is a very small thing when compared to what the dear Redeemer suffered for the salvation of precious souls.”[1]

He died at 71, still attempting to mount his horse for another circuit ride. The passion of his life is evident in one of his journal entrries,

"My consolations are great. I live in God from moment to moment."