In the 1700s, John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, lived and taught the message of hope in Jesus Christ. He viewed both his congregation and the whole world as his parish. The lives of hundreds of thousands in England were transformed by the life-giving power of faith in Jesus Christ. Slavery was abolished. Hospitals were founded. Child labour reform was enacted and schools were established. Wesley's message proved that God could turn self-centered people into self-sacrificing servants. In 1860, a group of North American Methodists renewed Wesley's vision to transform the world, person by person through the message of God's saving grace, calling themselves Free Methodists. This life of love for God and all people, also known as holiness, was a key message of B.T. Roberts, an early Free Methodist Leader. One of our most important beliefs is that Jesus' resurrection means more than just eternal life after death. Eternal life really begins at that moment when we actively receive Christ's promise of salvation. more... See more text