David Nasmith
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David Nasmith (March 1799-25 December 1839) founded The City Mission Movement in the UK, the US and in Europe.
Biography
Born in Glasgow Scotland in March 1799, Nasmith commenced working in manufacturing as an apprentice. Nasmith set up the Glasgow City Mission (1826), Edinburgh City Mission (1832), and London City Mission (1835). He "died poor" at the young age of 40 on Christmas Day 1839 at Guildford, Surrey, England.
Influence
The many City and Gospel Missions around the world are testimony to his work. He inspired others to set up City Missions around the world. These are also known as Gospel Rescue Missions in the USA. City Missions are practical religion outside the walls of the church and an example of Evangelical parachurch organisations.
"David Nasmith originated the Young Men’s Christian Association in Glasgow, and set the institution at work in other cities and around the world. His life work was noted for being instrumental in welding the various denominations together for useful purposes. In 1821 he became secretary of the “Religious Societies of Glasgow” at the “Institution Rooms,” 59 Glasswork Street. Nasmith possessed a marvelous power of organization and capacity for work. He was a true reformer, and thoroughly sincere in his endeavors to benefit others. He founded City Missions and Young Men’s Christian Associations". (A. G. Callant, author of Saint Mungo Bells)
"Clubs and associations, missions and societies were in his blood. So many of them could claim him as founder that it is doubtful whether, at the age of thirty-six, he could have kept an accurate record of them all. As a founder of missions, it would be hard to find his equal." (Phyllis Thompson, author of To the Heart of the City)
Unlike other reformers, no church or college has been named after Nasmith. It would be preposterous that an image of him would be enshrined on a water pitcher or in a church window. No church doctrine or point of theology is attributed to him. What can be found all over the world is the fruit of his vision in the form of City Missions, practical religion outside the walls of the church. Today, across the world tens of thousands of needy people will be helped by City Missions. Within different cultures, languages, and governments committed Christians provide physical and spiritual help to the most needy. It is important to reform society and to take His message of love and personal salvation to those who do not come into the doors of the church. As we enter the new millennium, City Missions are large, effective Christian ministries. God has blessed many missions with beautiful buildings.
External links
City Missions worldwide
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Source: Wikipedia
