They Took John's Torch

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” – Mark 16:15, KJV



When the Romans ended their occupation of Britain in A.D. 410, four hundred years after the conquest of the island, they left behind them three things of value: the old city of London, the Roman roads, and Celtic Christianity.  


The story of those early Christians of the British Isles has been all but lost to the modern church.  An account of the lives of these men is actually a continuation of the story of the Acts of the Apostles.  It is a vivid portrayal of Christ’s great commission.  These men knew this was the part they must play in bringing about the longed-for return of Christ—and they played it well.


This book recaptures the stories of the early Celtic missionaries who represented Christianity in its most beautiful form. Wherever they went, they showed no selfish ambition. Simple in habit and frugal in living, their concern as they traveled from village to village, from queen’s palace to shepherd’s hut, was to preach the simple gospel of love toward God and men.