History of The Navigators of Canada and how Dawson Trotman started an evangelical Christian ministry in evangelism and discipleship

History of The Navigators US Navy sailors

The time was 1933. The place: southern California.

A US Navy sailor by the name of Les Spencer was dissatisfied with his Christian walk. Spencer wanted victory over sin. Victory in his prayer life. Greater boldness in his witness for Christ. So he asked for help.

The person he went to for help was Dawson Trotman. Trotman was a Christian full of contagious zeal, drive and creativity. Dawson worked in a lumber yard 40 hours a week, and spent another 40 hours a week teaching Sunday school classes, evangelizing and exhorting every Christian he met to single-mindedly obey God.

“Dawson Trotman was one of the most unforgettable characters I have ever met in Christian work . . . He was on duty at all times, touching lives daily—and sometimes hourly—for Christ.”

— Billy Graham

The ship sank but the dream didn't
So Dawson took Spencer aside and began to mentor him in the Christian faith. He taught him how to pray, how to read his Bible, how to witness, and how to live an obedient life.

Soon Spencer found a sailor on his battleship whom he won to Christ and began to disciple. That sailor then found another, who found another, until 125 men had come to faith in Christ before their ship was sunk at Pearl Harbor. After the Second World War was over, men off that battleship were serving as missionaries on four continents.

From man to movement
From this experience, Trotman saw the enormous potential that one-on-one discipleship had for changing lives. So, in 1935, he formed The Navigators and adopted the motto "To know Christ and to make Him known."

Thousands responded to Trotman's challenge. Through their labours, Dawson has helped reclaim some forgotten biblical truths: the importance of follow-up with those new to the Christian life, one-on-one training, and the multiplication of disciples.

The Canadian Navigator ministry is today part of a world-wide network of 3,694 Christians representing 60 nationalities, serving in 104 countries, speaking 152 languages, including 1,079 cross-cultural missionary staff. Canadian Navigators minister on 19 campuses, in 20 community settings, and in 17 overseas locations.

The Canadian work starts
The early 1960s was the backdrop for the launching of a specifically Canadian-based Navigator ministry. Starting with campus ministry in Ontario and British Columbia, we have expanded to include over 200 staff serving coast to coast and around the world.

We strive to make a permanent difference in the lives of people around the world. We seek not just to reach people for Christ, but to equip them so that they, too, can fulfill Christ's great commission to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

You play a vital role in our continuing success

Go. Learn how you can get involved today. Click here

Give. Help others to know Christ and to make Him known by making a tax-deductible donation online now. Click here to: Send a Gift

Get. Purchase books, Bible studies, videos, and software
from the on-line Navigators Resource Centre. Go shopping.



	History of The Navigators The time was 1933. The place: southern California. A US Navy sailor by the name of Les Spencer was dissatisfied with his Christian walk. Spencer wanted victory over sin. Victory in his prayer life. Greater boldness in his witness for Christ. So he asked for help. The person he went to for help was Dawson Trotman. Trotman was a Christian full of contagious zeal, drive and creativity. Dawson worked in a lumber yard 40 hours a week, and spent another 40 hours a week teaching Sunday school classes, evangelizing and exhorting every Christian he met to single-mindedly obey God. “Dawson Trotman was one of the most unforgettable characters I have ever met in Christian work . . . He was on duty at all times, touching lives daily—and sometimes hourly—for Christ.” — Billy Graham The ship sank but the dream didn't So Dawson took Spencer aside and began to mentor him in the Christian faith. He taught him how to pray, how to read his Bible, how to witness, and how to live an obedient life. Soon Spencer found a sailor on his battleship whom he won to Christ and began to disciple. That sailor then found another, who found another, until 125 men had come to faith in Christ before their ship was sunk at Pearl Harbor. After the Second World War was over, men off that battleship were serving as missionaries on four continents. From man to movement From this experience, Trotman saw the enormous potential that one-on-one discipleship had for changing lives. So, in 1935, he formed The Navigators and adopted the motto "To know Christ and to make Him known." Thousands responded to Trotman's challenge. Through their labours, Dawson has helped reclaim some forgotten biblical truths: the importance of follow-up with those new to the Christian life, one-on-one training, and the multiplication of disciples. The Canadian Navigator ministry is today part of a world-wide network of 3,694 Christians representing 60 nationalities, serving in 104 countries, speaking 152 languages, including 1,079 cross-cultural missionary staff. Canadian Navigators minister on 19 campuses, in 20 community settings, and in 17 overseas locations. The Canadian work starts The early 1960s was the backdrop for the launching of a specifically Canadian-based Navigator ministry. Starting with campus ministry in Ontario and British Columbia, we have expanded to include over 200 staff serving coast to coast and around the world. We strive to make a permanent difference in the lives of people around the world. We seek not just to reach people for Christ, but to equip them so that they, too, can fulfill Christ's great commission to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). You play a vital role in our continuing success Go. Learn how you can get involved today. Click here Give. Help others to know Christ and to make Him known by making a tax-deductible donation online now. Click here to: Send a Gift Get. Purchase books, Bible studies, videos, and software from the on-line Navigators Resource Centre. Go shopping.