As servants of God we commend ourselves in every way; in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love.
2 Corinthians 6:4-6
Charles Garnier (1649)
Faithful Missionary
Charles was born in Paris in 1606, and in 1636 he went to Quebec to work among the native Americans as a missionary. He was stationed at a Huron tribal village, Saint-Jean, which was attacked by the Iroquois Indians, an association of several tribes, in 1649. Other missionaries fled but Charles stayed; at the time of his death, he was the only one left at the mission station.
On 7 December 1649 the enemy attacked as he was instructing his congregation on how to defend themselves and escape. Charles was shot down by musket fire but struggled to his feet and tried to reach a Huron who was dying. As he moved forward, an Iroquois killed him.
Charles’ colleague wrote of him that “his very laugh spoke of goodness”.
Lord, here I am, do with me as seems best in your own eyes; only give me, I beseech you, a penitent and patient spirit to expect you. Make my service acceptable to you while I live, and my soul ready for you when I die.
William Laud (1573-1645)