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Charles E. Cowman

Charles Elmer Cowman (1868 - 1924). American missionary and co-founder of the Oriental Missionary Society (now One Mission Society), born in Toulon, Illinois. Raised Methodist, he worked as a telegraph operator from age 15, rising to a high-paying role in Chicago by 19. Converted in 1894 after hearing A.B. Simpson at Moody Church, he married childhood friend Lettie Burd in 1889. In 1901, they moved to Japan, co-founding the society with Juji Nakada and Ernest Kilbourne, establishing Bible training institutes in Tokyo by 1903. Cowman led the Great Village Campaign (1913-1918), distributing Gospels to 10 million Japanese homes across 161,000 square miles. Known for holiness preaching and organizational zeal, he authored no books but inspired Streams in the Desert by Lettie. They had no children. Health issues forced his return to Los Angeles in 1917, where he continued guiding the mission. His work sparked revivals and trained thousands of native evangelists.
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Charles E. Cowman preaches about the unwavering presence and care of God in our lives, emphasizing the need to trust in His guidance and provision. He encourages believers to hold fast to God's hand, knowing that He will lead them safely through all circumstances and provide strength when needed. By focusing on the present moment and entrusting tomorrow to the faithful Father, we can find peace and rest in His constant shepherding. The sermon highlights the assurance that God, as our loving Shepherd, is with us every day, in every situation, and will intricately plan and unfold His purposes for our lives with love and care.
Hope vs. Fear
"Lo, I am with you all the appointed days" (Matt. 28:20, Variorum Version). Do not look forward to the changes and chances of this life in fear. Rather look at them with full hope that, as they arise, God, whose you are, will deliver you out of them. He has kept you hitherto; do you but hold fast to His dear hand, and He will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand, He will bear you in His arms. Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow. The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow, and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations. --Frances do Sales "The Lord is my shepherd." Not was, not may be, nor will be. "The Lord is my shepherd," is on Sunday, is on Monday, and is through every day of the week; is in January, is in December, and every month of the year; is at home, and is in China; is in peace, and, is in war; in abundance, and in penury. --J. Hudson Taylor HE will silently plan for thee, Object thou of omniscient care; God Himself undertakes to be Thy Pilot through each subtle snare. He WILL silently plan for thee, So certainly, He cannot fail! Rest on the faithfulness of God, In Him thou surely shalt prevail. He will SILENTLY plan for thee Some wonderful surprise of love. Eye hath not seen, nor ear hath heard, But it is kept for thee above. He will silently PLAN for thee, His purposes shall all unfold; The tangled skein shall shine at last, A masterpiece of skill untold. He will silently plan FOR THEE, Happy child of a Father's care, As though no other claimed His love, But thou alone to Him wert dear. --E. Mary Grimes Whatever our faith says God is, He will be.
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Charles Elmer Cowman (1868 - 1924). American missionary and co-founder of the Oriental Missionary Society (now One Mission Society), born in Toulon, Illinois. Raised Methodist, he worked as a telegraph operator from age 15, rising to a high-paying role in Chicago by 19. Converted in 1894 after hearing A.B. Simpson at Moody Church, he married childhood friend Lettie Burd in 1889. In 1901, they moved to Japan, co-founding the society with Juji Nakada and Ernest Kilbourne, establishing Bible training institutes in Tokyo by 1903. Cowman led the Great Village Campaign (1913-1918), distributing Gospels to 10 million Japanese homes across 161,000 square miles. Known for holiness preaching and organizational zeal, he authored no books but inspired Streams in the Desert by Lettie. They had no children. Health issues forced his return to Los Angeles in 1917, where he continued guiding the mission. His work sparked revivals and trained thousands of native evangelists.