Francis of Assisi was born Giovanni Francesco Bernardone. He was born of wealth, yet had very little formal training. When Francis was a young man, he lived a worldly life and fought in battles. It was not until he was captured and in prison for one year that he had a conversion experience. Although his life was short, from the onset of his conversion, he set out to help the destitute, lepers and preach the …showed first 75 words of 724 total…

…showed last 75 words of 724 total…a saving knowledge of Him. In some situations there are those who have the 'gift' of poverty and 'flourish' in the mission field. "For in a severe<Tab/>test of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their profound poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part." (2 Corinthians 8:2 NAB) <Tab/> Bibliography 1. New American Bible. New York: Oxford University Press, 1990. 2. Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 99, Francis of Assisi.