Introduction

When I was almost twelve years old, the Lord appeared to me in a vision. In
this vision, He told me to study the lives of the great preachers, to learn of their
successes, and of their failures. From that day on, I gave a large portion of my
life to the study of church history.

When prominent people in the secular world die, people begin to look at their
natural accomplishments. But when leaders in the body of Christ die, I believe
Jesus would have us look at not only what was accomplished in the natural
world through their lives, but at what they also accomplished within the body of
Christ. The purpose of their remembrance is not to praise or criticize the leaders,
but to see him or her as an example for our own lives.

The "Generals" that are written of in this book were human. Their stories
represent a collaboration of the way life is. I have not made anyone out to be
superhuman or bionic. I have told of their tears, their laughter, their successes,
and their failures. They were all persecuted, lied to, betrayed, slandered, as well
as honored, adored, and supported.

But most importantly, I have attempted to reveal the secrets of the power in
their individual calls to the ministry—how they operated, what they believed,
and what motivated them to change each of their generations for God.
The failures that took place in the lives of these great men and women will
attempt to take place again. But their successes also challenge us, and are
waiting to be grasped again. There is nothing new under the sun. If there is
something new to you, it is because you are new under the sun.

It takes more than a desire to fulfill the will of God. It takes spiritual strength.
As you read these chapters, allow the Spirit of God to take you on a journey that
points out the areas in your life which need to be focused or subdued. Then,
determine that your life and ministry will be a spiritual success in this generation
that will bless the nations of the earth to the glory of God.