"James Pratt, born in north England in the late nineteenth century, spent much of his life working on the railway. But whilst he was a signalman by profession, he was a preacher of the Word by vocation. For seventy years, he served the Methodist Church as a local circuit preacher, and preached Christ not only with words but also by example, holding fast to the gospel and timeless Christian values. He also took these values into the local community, contributing for over 40 years to the National Union of Railwaymen, and serving as a parish councillor.

As you read this story of an ordinary man whom God used to have a great impact for his kingdom, you too will find yourself encouraged to remain faithful to Christ in your own life and, as the apostle Paul wrote, to 'run in such a way as to get the prize'."