A storm at sea
John and Charles Wesley set out for America in 1735, enthused at the idea of preaching the Gospel to Native American people.
During the voyage the ship was struck by a terrifying storm. John was afraid. He prayed with the English passengers, one of whom brought him a baby to baptise in case they were all about to die.
Shortly afterwards he was at another service with a group of German Moravians when a huge wave engulfed the ship and water poured down into the cabins.
While the English passengers screamed in terror, the Moravians continued singing - men, women and children seemingly untroubled.
This was the most glorious day that I have yet seen
John Wesley, Journal 25 January 1736.
Later he asked one of the Moravians if they hadn't been afraid. He replied that not even the women and children had been afraid. None of them were afraid to die.
John knew that they had something he didn't, an absolute trust in God. They were prepared to lose their lives because they knew that God was never going to let them go.
John was deeply impressed. His time in America was unsuccessful in many ways, and he and Charles returned home after two years.
All the time John was nagged by the thought that he did not have full faith in God. But this was about to change.