“Our Gilmour”

2 Kings 2:14, “And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.”


James Gilmour (1843-1891), Scottish missionary to Mongolia was born today (12th June) at Cathkin near Glasgow. He laboured among nomadic Mongols on the plains of Mongolia in the summers and wintered with them in Peking. It was 14 years before he saw his first convert. He was only 47 when he died. He saw few conversions in his lifetime‚ but many were converted by his influence after his death. He was lovingly referred to by the Mongolians as "Our Gilmour." Though he suffered loneliness and immense trials he never ceased to encourage himself in the Lord.


“Do not we rest in our day too much on the arm of flesh? Cannot the same wonders be done now as of old? Do not the eyes of the Lord still run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those who put their trust in Him? Oh, that God would give me more practical faith in Him! Where is now the Lord God of Elijah? He is waiting for Elijah to call on Him.” (James Gilmour).