Join us on a captivating journey through the life of Billy Sunday, a man who transitioned from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential evangelists in American history. Born William Ashley Sunday in 1862 to a German immigrant family, he faced hardship and adversity from an early age. Abandoned by his father shortly after birth and left to the care of his widowed mother, Billy's childhood was marked by poverty and instability. Despite the challenges, Billy's tenacity and determination shone through. From working as a stable hand on a farm to playing professional baseball, he carved his path with resilience and grit. But a chance encounter with the gospel would change his life forever. Discover how Billy Sunday's journey took a dramatic turn when he encountered the transformative power of faith. From his conversion experience to his decision to leave behind a lucrative baseball career to pursue ministry, his story is one of courage, conviction, and unwavering faith. As Billy embraced his calling as an evangelist, he captivated audiences with his dynamic preaching style and unapologetic message. He challenged societal norms with a unique blend of humor, passion, and sincerity and called people to repentance and faith. Follow Billy's rise to prominence as a household name, drawing massive crowds to his evangelistic campaigns across America. From the bustling streets of New York City to the heartland of the Midwest, his message resonated with people from all walks of life. But Billy's impact extended beyond the pulpit. As America entered World War I, he rallied support for the war effort and championed causes like temperance and social reform. His influence was felt far and wide, shaping the moral fabric of society and leaving a lasting legacy that endures to this day. Episode Sponsor: • Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off • My book “The church is born” is available! Order the book today! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1 Canadian Link: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09BGLZ7C1 Links: https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well: The Start of the YMCA and the Early Life of D.L. Moody https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34685328/the-start-of-the-ymca-and-the-early-life-of-d-l-moody Charles Darwin: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-17500307/charles-darwin Müller - A life changed: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-17890883/muller-a-life-changed