SHELDON JACKSON

          In Fairplay, Colorado, there is a church named after a remarkable man, Rev. Sheldon Jackson (1834 – 1909). As a Presbyterian missionary, Jackson travelled a half million miles and established over a hundred missions and churches mostly in the Western United States.
          Jackson wanted to become an overseas missionary, but his church board told the five foot tall man that his weak eyesight and ill health made him be better suited for ministry in the USA. Thus, he began work in the central and western states until after the Civil War. Jackson's first assignment was at the Choctaw mission in Oklahoma Territory. From there he was a missionary to natives in Minnesota and Wisconsin, where he organized or assisted in establishing 23 churches.
          With the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, Jackson went on an ambitious missionary tour that often resulted in establishing a church in a day. He soon became the Missions Superintendent for Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, publishing a denominational newspaper and supervising the building of churches in 22 Colorado towns.
          The continental US was not his only mission ground. In 1877, Jackson began working in Alaska among the native peoples by founding schools and training centers. He even made two trips into Russian Siberia to help bring reindeer to some of its native people. Though he discouraged the use of indigenous cultures and religions, he still collected artifacts so their cultures would not be lost. He became the First General Agent of Education in Alaska and died in 1909 at age 75 while attending a conference. Many churches in Alaska, Colorado and other states are named after him still today.
          Rev. Sheldon Jackson’s incredible ministry was to do one thing: to teach people about Jesus. Apostle Paul wrote of the same purpose in 1 Corinthians 2:2, “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” I’m sure Jackson and Paul have much to discuss in eternity.

Isn’t it amazing what some people can accomplish in their lifetime?