Episode Details

You can buy a Bible for less than ten dollars and still miss the weight of that privilege. We live with preaching on demand, churches within driving distance, and Scripture in our hands, yet whole communities across history and around the world have had little to no access to clear gospel teaching. That’s where missions stops being a slogan and becomes a calling, and that’s why the life of William Bagby deserves your attention.

We trace the surprising, specific story of William and Anne Bagby, a couple shaped by prayer, personal conversion, and a growing burden to take Jesus Christ to Brazil. From early providential open doors in Rio de Janeiro to the first fragile Baptist work in Bahia, we talk about language learning, the importance of faithful native coworkers like Antonio de Albuquerque, and what real church planting looks like when you start with almost nothing. Along the way, we keep the gospel front and center: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, and each person must personally receive Him.

Then the story widens. As Brazil shifts politically toward religious freedom and the separation of church and state, new opportunities emerge for public preaching and wider evangelistic campaigns. We follow the growth from small meetings to lasting institutions: cooperative Baptist associations, publishing, training, and Anne’s girls’ school in Sao Paulo that influences generations. The final challenge is simple and searching: one surrendered life can still make a difference.

If this challenged you, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review so more listeners can hear these mission stories and the unchanging gospel.

Church Website — BibleBaptistDeLand.com

Ministry Website — JamesWKnox.org 

YouTube Channel — YouTube.com/JamesWKnoxSermons

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Web Store — Store.JamesWKnox.org