Walter Ian Thomas was born in London, England. At the age of 12, he was invited by a friend to spend a week at a Christian camp for boys that was a part of the ministry of the “Crusaders Union.” On hearing the Gospel clearly explained, Ian gladly accepted Christ as Saviour and Lord. Later, preparing for the possibility of becoming a missionary doctor, Ian felt called as an evangelist to minister Christ throughout the British Isles. Six years later he served his country as an army officer in WW2. On his release, and deeply concerned for the effect of the war years on our youth, Ian established, in 1947 at Capernwray Hall, a Christian Youth Centre. Soon visited by British and other nationalities, including Germans, it was the latter, many of whom became true Christians, who called themselves “Torchbearers.” There are now 26 Torchbearers Centres including Bible Schools worldwide.