History of Capernwray Torchbearers ..History - WHAT IS TORCHBEARERS? Capernwray Torchbearers was established in England after World War II under the direction of Major Ian Thomas. The spiritual vacuum in the lives of those affected by war, both English and German, was very apparent. This need led to the purchase of "Capernwray Hall" in 1946 in the famous Lakes District of northern England. It was a desolate ruin, yet became a centre for short term Bible Schools for laymen in the winter and a Bible conference programme in summer. (Since that time Capernwray Hall has been restored to its former glory as a 19th century mansion set in 175 acres of parkland). Thus in 1947, "Torchbearers" began! The ministry extended to Europe and now operates in 18 countries around the world, including England, Germany, Austria, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, U.S.A., Canada, Indonesia, India, New Zealand, Japan, Costa Rica, Phillipines, Malaysia and Australia. Each of the 22 centres already established is a base centre for evangelistic outreach, intensive short-term Bible School, conferences and camps. Torchbearers is international and interdenominational, and is supported and endorsed by all major denominations and church groups throughout the world. The founder, Major Ian Thomas, was reared in a "respectable" home but learned little, or nothing of the Bible. He became a Christian at the age of 12. At 15, convinced he should devote himself to the service of Christ, his life became full of "Christian Activity". Major Thomas says, "Out of sheer desire to win souls, to go out and get them, I was a windmill of activity. Every moment of my day was packed tight with doing things...thus by the age of 19, I had been reduced to spiritual exhaustion, with no hope or reason for going on..."Then" Major Thomas explained, "God gave me a message through Galatians 2:20 that Christ was my life! I got up next morning to an entirely different Christian life...but I want to emphasize this: I had not received one iota more than I already had for 7 years." "Christ gave Himself for us to give Himself to us! His presence puts God back into the man! He came that we may have life - God's life...!"