Christians

At some time during their lives, the following people have publicly identified themselves as Christian.   Inclusion in this list does not indicate approval or disapproval of the person, of their orthodoxy or lack of it, or of their actions.  Readers are encouraged to suggest persons who should be included on this list.  This is a recurring segment in this blog.

Richard Christopher Wakeman: (b. 1949, England) Keyboradist in the following musical genres: rock, pop, electronica, jazz fusion, classical, and Christian.  He is most well known as the keyboardist for the near-legendary rock book Yes.  He studied at the Royal College of Music.

Matthew: (fl. 1^st century – d. 60; believed to be also known as levi, son of Alphaeus, and the writer of The Gospel According to Matthew)  Matthew was one of the first twelve apostles, the original inner circle of Jesus Christ.  He was a customs collector at Capernaum (Kepher Nahum, Israel).  Matthew 9:9, 10:3; Mark 2:14, 3:18; Luke 5:27, 6:15; Acts 1:13.  Tradition says that Matthew was killed by an axe in 60 AD/CE near Hierapolis, Ethiopia.

Fred McFeely Rogers: (b. 1928, Pennsylvania, USA – d. 2003) Educator, Presbyterian minister, songwriter, children’s television host, author.  He hosted mr. Roger’s Neighborhood (1968-2001) on the Public Broadcasting System (USA).  Mr. Roger's middle name was the source of the character, Mr. McFeely, on the television show.  Roger's trademark sweater from the television program is on permanent display at the Smithsonian Institution Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.

Gabriel Leon M’ba: (b. 1902, Gabon – d. 1967) First Prime Minister (1959-1961) and first President of Gabon (1961-1967). Roman Catholic.  His brother was the first Roman Catholic priest in Gabon.

John Brown: (b. ca 1940, Jamaica; aka: The Jesus Man) Brown came to the United States in 1963.  He is a weekly street preacher in Birmingham, Alabama (USA) on the side of a busy highway.  One of his many signs says, “Honk if you know Jesus, pull over if you don’t.”  Brown has not missed a Saturday in over ten years, regardless of the weather or his health.  “The grass is my carpet, the streets are my walls, and the wind is my air conditioner … It’s about holy boldness – it comes form fasting and prayer.”