Andrew Murray

Andrew Murray was a preacher and missionary with a very effective home life and public ministry. His life was not without problems however. As a young man, a lingering illness left him weak and exhausted. Later, at the prime of his ministry, he was struck down by a severe illness that kept him from the pulpit for two years.

He was born in South Africa in a home filled with prayer and worship, where his father, the Rev. Andrew Murray Sr. was ministering to Dutch settlers. When 10, he was sent to Scotland to go to school, and after college went to Holland to study theology. He was ordained when 20 years old.

Driven by a desire to see Africa won to Christ, he went to the most remote regions of South Africa. His home was always bustling with activities. He started a Huguenot Seminary for women, and was the first president of the Young Men's Christian Association. He wrote over 240 books. His life’s theme was always that of seeking a deeper relationship with God, and not one tied to emotionalism. He was always known as a man of prayer.

From 1871 to 1906 he served as the minister of the Dutch Reformed Church of Wellington, South Africa, and lived there until his death.

In 1882, he visited the Keswick Convention of England as a visiting student, but was unknown. He wrote extensively along the same themes of Keswick in the African language, and his writings were translated into English. He returned to the Keswick Convention for one year of ministry in 1895, and was a very keenly anticipated speaker. His ministry at Keswick was phenomenal and stands out as unforgettable. As he spoke, one in attendance said it was as if he had a vision of the Heavens opening up to reveal God. When he left the Bible Reading on Saturday morning to board the train, all those in attendance spontaneously rose and gave him a standing ovation, in high reverence of his message and the impact upon their lives.

Andrew Murray had eleven children that grew into adulthood. Five of his sons became ministers and four of his daughters became the wives of ministers. He had 10 grandsons that became ministers and thirteen became missionaries.

His favorite verse was II Corinthians 9:8 “God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” He added: “God enable us by His Holy Spirit to believe it and prove it true.”

Born May 9, 1828; Died January 19, 1917.