Francis Asbury (12) 'Stories of Great Christians'

FRANCIS ASBURY; (1745-1816), the "Father of American Methodism", was born near Birmingham, England. His parents were poor, and Francis was apprenticed to a maker of "buckle chapes" after a short period of schooling. This hard work provided a better foundation than a great education, when one considers the work Francis was to do in America. Francis' parents were probably converts under the Wesleys, and Francis accepted Christ at thirteen. He soon becme active in the ministry and at sixteen became a local preacher. In 1767 John Wesley recognized his ability and made him an itinerant minister. John Wesley spoke at the annual conference in 1771 and remarked, "Our brethren in America call aloud for help," and then he inquired (perhaps rhetorically), "Who will go?" Immediately a young man of twenty-six sprang to his feet. The following year, Asbury was appointed by Wesley as "general assistant" in charge of the work in America.