God's Generals - Saint Boniface

SAINT BONIFACE(675-754)

Christianity first reached Germany in the 4th century but it didn't take root until towards the end of the 6th century when missionaries from England went on missionary journey to Germany. Chief among them was Boniface. Boniface's missionary activities in Germany resulted in thousands being converted to Christianity ll-land many churches built for God.

EARLY LIFE AND CALL

Boniface, whose original name was Wynfrith, was born to Christian parents. At age 35, he felt the call of God on his life to go on missionary duties overseas. He met with Pope Gregory II at Rome where the Pope renamed him "Boniface" and appointed him missionary Bishop for Germainia.

MISSIONARY WORK

In his early missionary work at Germainy, people responded well to his messages. Lots of people gave their lives to Christ and churches were built. Christianity was taken root in Germany.

However, people of the Borthan tribe still worshipped their pagan god Thor under an ancient oak tree which was dedicated to the god. This was hindering the spread of the Gospel. Boniface decided to fight this god.

In front of the pagan worshipers, Boniface struck the tree with an axe once and the tree fell down. When the pagan crowd realized that their god didn't strike down Boniface, they were amazed and gave their lives to Christ. Later, pieces of the tree were used to construct a church on the same spot.

THE MARTYDOM OF BONIFACE

Boniface's work had by now spread through the Germainic land and many churches were built. At age 74, he gathered some Christians and went on a missionary tour. One night, they were attacked by some pagan worshipers. Boniface encouraged his followers to stop fighting back. In few minutes, all of his 50 followers were killed. Boniface(who was by now an archbishop) himself was struck with a blow to his skull and died. This was how this God's General died on the missionary field.

In church history, Bishop Boniface is known as the "Apostle of Germany" because of his immense missionary work in establishing Christianity in Germany.

SOURCE: "70 GREAT CHRISTIANS". GEOFFREY HANKS