Albert Benjamin Simpson, born on December 15, 1843, in Bayview, Prince Edward Island, Canada, experienced a remarkable journey of faith that transformed not only his life but also the lives of countless others. Raised in a strict Calvinistic tradition, Simpson's early religious education was more intellectual than emotional. Despite this, at the age of 15, he encountered a revival led by the Irish evangelist Henry Grattan Guinness, which sparked the beginning of his faith journey.
Early Ministry and Growing Frustration
Simpson's commitment to God was formalized in January 1861, and he went on to graduate from Knox College, University of Toronto, in 1865. Ordained in the Canada Presbyterian Church, he served in various pastorates, including Knox Presbyterian Church in Hamilton, Ontario, and Chestnut Street Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Despite success in his roles, Simpson felt a deep frustration with the reluctance of churches to embrace broader evangelistic efforts.
Divine Healing of Heart Condition
In 1881, Simpson faced a turning point in his life. Suffering from poor health, he attended a convention at Old Orchard Beach, Maine, led by Dr. Charles Cullis. There, he experienced divine healing of a heart condition. Simpson pledged, "As I shall meet Thee in that day, I take the Lord Jesus as my physical life, for all the needs of my body until all my life-work is done." This profound healing experience led him to entrust his physical well-being to Christ.
Founding the Christian Missionary Alliance
Empowered by this transformation, Simpson embarked on a new path. He began an independent gospel ministry in New York City, addressing the needs of immigrants and the marginalized. He founded the Gospel Tabernacle and initiated missionary training, which eventually led to the establishment of Nyack College and the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA).
A Global Legacy of Faith
Simpson's ministry emphasized Christ as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King. He devoted meetings to teaching and praying for healing, and he passionately reached out to those overlooked by traditional churches. By 1919, his vision had led to 1,500 missionaries being sent to 40 countries. His legacy lives on through the C&MA's global impact, with thousands of churches and millions of members worldwide.
Simpson's life was a testament to the transformative power of faith in Jesus. His last words, a prayer for the missionaries he sent forth, encapsulate his life-long dedication to spreading the gospel.
