Victory In Christ

Many of us who were born and raised in what used to be called “The Midwest”  or rather “The Upper Great Lakes Region” have grown-up knowing all about Johnny Appleseed. He is more than a legend. His real name was John Chapman, a well-known businessman, land owner, developer, and nurseryman in American history who planted hundreds of thousands of fruit trees all across Ontario, Maine, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Have you heard of him?

Lakewood, Ohio, where I lived was Johnny Appleseed territory. Every homeowner’s backyard had at least one apple tree and usually another fruit tree. In our case, we had a Mulberry tree in addition to the apple tree. Every year our family (like many others) made apple cider from the abundant fruit.  During the prohibition years many city fathers ordered the destruction of these trees because so many made the outlawed hard cider. 

But did you know that Johnny Appleseed was a Christian too. He walked barefooted, carried a Bible, and a knapsack filled with apple seeds and tracts everywhere he went. Because of his travels people of his day thought of him as a happy wanderer. But he evangelized and shared his faith — as much as he knew about God. 

We can learn valuable lessons from his life that mirror biblical principles of love, charity and even stewardship of the land. John Chapman never married. He lived long ago —dying in 1845; but his life and wonderful accomplishments are so inspiring to me; because in addition to his ministry as a missionary who helped and prayed with many pioneer families, his life was one of unbounded adventure. 

“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to every person” ~~ Mark 16:15. 

Read about his story and adventures online.