DR. FREDA LINDSAY PROMOTED TO THE HALL OF FAITH

Wherever she went, she made a difference. That briefly describes Rev. Freda Lindsay, who was promoted to Glory on March 25, 2010 at 95. Passionate service to her Savior was the purpose of her existence. Courage was her defining characteristic. Obedience to the vision, her husband, the late Gordon Lindsay initiated was her impetus.

Born in Canada, into a migrant family from Belarus, she was one of 12 siblings. The family having relocated to Oregon when she was a child, she had the opportunity to attend a revival meeting in Portland at the age of 18. As she was leaving, the evangelist, Gordon Lindsay, stopped her and said,

“Freda, I thought this would be your night.”

 Convicted, she rushed to the altar. There the Lord spoke to her that night saying,

“Freda, if you follow Me, obey Me, walk faithfully in pureness, you will one day marry this evangelist.”

In 1937, she married Gordon Lindsay. Together they launched an evangelistic ministry and publishing house, which was the precursor to Christ for the Nations Institute which became the teaching center of the charismatic renewal. They travelled in missions around the world, distributing Lindsay’s discipleship books.

In 1970, the vision was to train Christians to “do exploits for God” around the globe.

In 1973, Mrs. Lindsay assumed leadership as President after Gordon Lindsay’s death. She would joke that the ministry would not last six months without her husband, but instead it expanded and attained greater success under her leadership. CFNI now reaches 120 nations and distributes literature in 82 languages. The ministry has planted more than 12,000 churches worldwide and established 48 Bible Schools in 33 nations. With skill and dedication she continued in the vital mission entrusted to her. After handing over the reigns of leadership to Dennis Lindsay in 1985 she remained active in ministry until 2008.

Generally on campus, she was referred to as “Mom Lindsay” and was known for her frugality and strong work ethic. She made perhaps her greatest contribution to the student body with her care and concern for foreign students and her fervent prayer life.

Dr. Freda Lindsay was named “Christian Woman of the Year” and was inducted into the “International Christian Women’s Hall of Fame” in 2009. Throughout the years and to the end of her life, Mom Lindsay continued to be a strong supporter of Israel and instilled a love for the Holy Land into her students. Anytime a Jewish melody was sounded, she could be observed with her toes tapping.

Rev. Freda Lindsay is one of the most prominent Christian leaders in the past century who has left an indelible impact on the world through missions. Her example is indeed one to be emulated. She will be remembered with respect, affection and that special kind of gratitude reserved for those who have left a mark on our lives for Christ’s sake. I am one of the grateful recipients that Mrs. Lindsay has influenced and challenged to a life of devoted service for the Master.  

Nita Edwards

International Director,

ALIVE GLOBAL MINISTRY