7. The Rise of Islam and St. Boniface

The religion founded by Mohammed spread rapidly during the seventh century, finally reaching Spain and threatening Christian Europe and the Frankish kingdom. At the Battle of Tours, the Christian leader, Charles Martel, withstood the invasion and pushed the Islamic forces back into Spain where they remained for several hundred years. At about the same time, the missionary Boniface brought the gospel to Frisia and Saxony, regions of Gaul as yet untouched by the good news of Christ, and the same Charles Martel provided sustained support for Boniface's ministry for many years.