“During his lifetime, John Wesley (1703-1791) dedicated his well- ordered intellect, self-discipline and high energy to intense religious activity aimed at renewing the Church of England. A man far ahead of his time in his thinking, Wesley acted on the conviction that the Gospel is for the whole person and the whole human race, a vision that resulted in preaching in fields and town squares, the visitation of prisoners, the opposition of slavery, the founding of dispensaries for the sick, homes for orphans, and schools for persons who were poor. He published materials on topics theological and secular, and organized regular people into what was to become a global movement. Wesley traveled over 250,000 miles in his lifetime as he spread the Gospel. The influence of his persuasive preaching and organizational abilities lead in his lifetime to the creation of Methodist bands, classes, and societies in England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and the American colonies.”
— from the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministry website