Evangelical Free Church of America

Tom Cairns

Tom Cairns is the archivist for the EFCA. A physician who worked for 19 years in Congo, Tom later served as director of international ministries for the EFCA mission, now known as ReachGlobal. Since retirement, Tom enjoys sharing stories about the history of the EFCA, answering questions from our churches and helping the churches with their own stories. He also uploads our historical books, photos and documents to our archive website. Tom’s great desire is to bring glory to God as we celebrate the history we have in the EFCA.

Post List

Viewing 12 of 15 posts
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Von Qualen in Canton

This year, we celebrate 135 years of global EFCA missionaries.

  • Tom Cairns

November 03, 2022
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125 Years of Our EFCA School

This week is the 125th anniversary of the first classes at Trinity International University in Illinois.

  • Tom Cairns

September 29, 2022
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Our First Mission Leader

Hugo Rodine survived typhoid before antibiotics to become the leader of our mission.

  • Tom Cairns

July 28, 2022
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The Impact of Confirmation

For decades, confirmation classes were a significant element of church life for young people.

  • Tom Cairns

June 23, 2022
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A Significant Guide

Erick Anton Halleen was the first president of the merged Free Church movement.

  • Tom Cairns

May 26, 2022
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The Swedish Songbird

Winifred Larson didn't begin singing in ministry until age 23, but she had a significant impact on our musical heritage.

  • Tom Cairns

March 03, 2022
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Decades of Partnership, A Century of Ministry

This year, the Free Church of Congo, known by the acronym CECU (Evangelical Community of Christ in the Ubangi) will celebrate its 100-year anniversary. Their history is our history, too.

  • Tom Cairns

February 22, 2022