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Christian Heroes: Then & Now #26
C.T. Studd: No Retreat
Endowed with rare determination and a wry sense of humor, C.T. Studd unceasingly pursued a life devoted to God. A star English cricket player in his youth, C.T. did nothing halfway. When challenged by near tragedy and the words of an atheist, the wealthy young man became a missionary of extreme devotion.
Serving in China, India, and finally Central Africa, C.T. Studd was the first missionary to reach numerous tribes deep in the Congo. Together with the mission he founded, Worldwide Evangelization Crusade, this man who refused to retreat opened a way for Africans to hear the gospel for years to come (1860-1931).
Serving in China, India, and finally Central Africa, C.T. Studd was the first missionary to reach numerous tribes deep in the Congo. Together with the mission he founded, Worldwide Evangelization Crusade, this man who refused to retreat opened a way for Africans to hear the gospel for years to come (1860-1931).
192 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2005
About the author
Janet Benge
147 books326 followersJanet and Geoff Benge are a husband and wife writing team with twenty years of writing experience. They are best known for the books in the two series Christian Heroes: Then & Now series and Heroes of History. Janet is a former elementary school teacher. Geoff holds a degree in history. Together they have a passion to make history come alive for a new generation. Originally from New Zealand, the Benges make their home in the Orlando, Florida, area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 9, 2024
Unfortunately, I have less respect for CT Studd after having read this book with my kids.
When we finished the book one of my kids said, “He did a lot of things that I don’t agree with.”
While he made great sacrifices in his life to spread the gospel to those who had not heard it, it seems like he had some glaring blind spots.
-He completely separated himself from his wife for decades while he was living in Africa as a missionary and she was living in London trying to recruit new missionaries and raise support. It seemed that they viewed their tasks entirely separate and independent. This does not seem like a Biblical view of marriage.
-He had trouble working with any other missionaries, because it seems like he could not overlook even small matters of disagreement in belief or practice.
Eventually he even demanded that his daughter and son-in-law not rejoin him in his work, as they were trying to still work with some missionaries that he had decided he could not work with.
-He went against counsel from leaders in the mission group who told him to come home for a time.
Etc.
There is not doubt that CT was willing to sacrifice literally every physical thing for people to hear the gospel for the first time, but I don’t really feel like he has left a great model for people to emulate.
When we finished the book one of my kids said, “He did a lot of things that I don’t agree with.”
While he made great sacrifices in his life to spread the gospel to those who had not heard it, it seems like he had some glaring blind spots.
-He completely separated himself from his wife for decades while he was living in Africa as a missionary and she was living in London trying to recruit new missionaries and raise support. It seemed that they viewed their tasks entirely separate and independent. This does not seem like a Biblical view of marriage.
-He had trouble working with any other missionaries, because it seems like he could not overlook even small matters of disagreement in belief or practice.
Eventually he even demanded that his daughter and son-in-law not rejoin him in his work, as they were trying to still work with some missionaries that he had decided he could not work with.
-He went against counsel from leaders in the mission group who told him to come home for a time.
Etc.
There is not doubt that CT was willing to sacrifice literally every physical thing for people to hear the gospel for the first time, but I don’t really feel like he has left a great model for people to emulate.
June 7, 2025
Missionary to China with his wife when they were young. Left wife in England at age 50 for a missionary into the Congo, Africa. Spent next 20 years in the Congo. Died in 1931 at age 70. His faith was extremely strong but the book wasn’t all that interesting for me.
August 7, 2018
one of the best books that I could recommend within the entire book series! well written, interesting, and moves more steadily than some of the other books. left inspired by C.T.'s boldness, sacrifice, and dedication showing what God is willing to do through just one willing person! would definitely read again and would place this book in the Top 5 of the "Christian Heroes: Then and Now" series!
October 1, 2020
I had never of C.T. Studd before this book, and by the end, I didn't really care for him. C.T. comes from a rich family. He is a star cricket player and is planning on an easy life being an athlete. While he's in school, his father becomes a Christian. When C.T. and his brothers are home from school, their father constantly bothers them to also become Christians. Eventually, C.T. does, as do his brothers.
He becomes more devout through the years and eventually abandons his cricket career to become a missionary. When his father dies, he inherits a great deal of money, which he promptly gives away.
While there's no doubt of C.T.'s impact on the mission field, by the end, I found him extremely annoying and hard headed. He was continually ready to sacrifice his family, his time with them, and his relationships with them for his own beliefs.
He becomes more devout through the years and eventually abandons his cricket career to become a missionary. When his father dies, he inherits a great deal of money, which he promptly gives away.
While there's no doubt of C.T.'s impact on the mission field, by the end, I found him extremely annoying and hard headed. He was continually ready to sacrifice his family, his time with them, and his relationships with them for his own beliefs.
December 13, 2022
This book tells the story of a man who sacrificed everything to serve God. It’s a quick and inspiring read that does not idolize C.T. but tells the story of the man with all his human shortcomings as well as his zeal and faith. Christians today can learn a lot about priorities from C.T. who was no chocolate soldier.
September 6, 2024
I enjoyed this book quite a bit up until he goes off to Africa and leaves his family. Just wrestling with the fact he left them for 10+ years. No doubt God used and blessed him abundantly during his time in Africa, but my brain can’t seem to wrap the leaving part. I know it was a different time period and they made it clear when they married, but ahhhh I don’t know about it. But who am I to doubt this faithful man of God?
May 6, 2025
Well written but this just wasn’t my favorite missionary to learn about. We listened on audiobook and 3 of my kids (on their own accord) asked why he had left his wife behind in London for basically the entirety of their marriage (with the exception of when they were starting a family.) They asked this at the point where he decided that he just would never go back and see his wife again in London because he thought earthly desires (such as having a wife and family) would pull him from the mission field in the Congo. So he reasoned that instead of visiting her he just wouldn’t ever travel to see her again. He also didn’t want to tell her this himself so he asked someone else to relay the message. This was when he was in his 70s and she was in her late 60s.
At one point she surprises him in the Congo (she’s in her 60s at this point) and their interactions are so strange and cold… I just did not like it at all. I didn’t express any of this to my kids and yet they still noticed it as being weird, too!
At first his reasons for living apart from her seemed valid (she was sick) but then he kept justifying why they needed to live apart (he was sick at many points yet continued to stay in the Congo) and it just made me think ill of him in that way.
The kids and I actually used this as an opportunity to briefly discuss that missionaries are not superhuman and that they still make choices that can hurt people and hurt family members, and I think that’s important to remember because sometimes Christian “celebrities” (missionaries, authors new and old, mega-church pastors and pastors of old, influencers, etc) are only portrayed for their strengths and ordinary people who are struggling feel like they don’t measure up or that God can’t use them.
With that being said, I think God still used him regardless, absolutely. I think he was a brave man who did what most would not. I also love some of CT’s quotes. I just think he should have taken his wife with him or never married 🤷♀️
At one point she surprises him in the Congo (she’s in her 60s at this point) and their interactions are so strange and cold… I just did not like it at all. I didn’t express any of this to my kids and yet they still noticed it as being weird, too!
At first his reasons for living apart from her seemed valid (she was sick) but then he kept justifying why they needed to live apart (he was sick at many points yet continued to stay in the Congo) and it just made me think ill of him in that way.
The kids and I actually used this as an opportunity to briefly discuss that missionaries are not superhuman and that they still make choices that can hurt people and hurt family members, and I think that’s important to remember because sometimes Christian “celebrities” (missionaries, authors new and old, mega-church pastors and pastors of old, influencers, etc) are only portrayed for their strengths and ordinary people who are struggling feel like they don’t measure up or that God can’t use them.
With that being said, I think God still used him regardless, absolutely. I think he was a brave man who did what most would not. I also love some of CT’s quotes. I just think he should have taken his wife with him or never married 🤷♀️
December 7, 2025
God uses deeply flawed men. God can use them if they are pig-headed, argumentative, and even unforgiving. Maybe their ministry isn't what it could have been if they were more mature Christians, but He can and still does use those willing to work for Him. C.T. Studd was one of those men who have a single focus and struggle to follow anyone else's advice. Early in his life, that meant he became an athletic hero to a nation. After he was convinced of God's call to missions work, that meant he suffered all privations gladly, but didn't work well with just about anyone not willing to comply instantly and completely with his wishes and foibles. Saddest of all, it meant he self-imposed cruelly long separations on himself and his wife. Even when other mature Christians he had picked to manage his mission counseled him to come back to his family for even a short visit, he refused. It was heartbreaking and exhibited a terrible understanding of Christian marriage. Because of that, I wouldn't really recommend this one.
August 22, 2025
Recognized the name. For me, the story of his conversion was more intrresting than the story of his ministry. Overall.... Meh
Studd’s fierce independence and uncompromising drive often came across as self-centered, especially when viewed through a modern lens of collaboration and emotional sensitivity. For instance -----
* He was laser-focused on his mission, sometimes to the exclusion of others’ needs or perspectives. He famously said, “I don’t care a damn for anything but Christ,” which, while passionate, could feel dismissive or arrogant.
* His decision to live apart from his wife for nearly two decades—despite her illness—has led some to question whether his devotion to the mission eclipsed his responsibilities as a husband.
* In the Congo, he ran his mission with strict control, often rejecting advice and alienating fellow workers. Some accounts describe him as difficult to work with, more concerned with obedience than mutual respect.
Studd’s fierce independence and uncompromising drive often came across as self-centered, especially when viewed through a modern lens of collaboration and emotional sensitivity. For instance -----
* He was laser-focused on his mission, sometimes to the exclusion of others’ needs or perspectives. He famously said, “I don’t care a damn for anything but Christ,” which, while passionate, could feel dismissive or arrogant.
* His decision to live apart from his wife for nearly two decades—despite her illness—has led some to question whether his devotion to the mission eclipsed his responsibilities as a husband.
* In the Congo, he ran his mission with strict control, often rejecting advice and alienating fellow workers. Some accounts describe him as difficult to work with, more concerned with obedience than mutual respect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2025
While inspirational in many ways CT Studd's life was a mess. I struggle with many of the "great" missionaries in similar ways. They either neglect their family, don't have the authority of the church backing them, or simply have some wacky theology. Judging by this biography alone it seems that Studd at least has the first two. He consistently neglected his wife and encouraged others in his partnership to neglect their children.
Despite these things God used a crooked stick to draw a straight line and glorify himself through Studd's life. It truly is remarkable the amount of work he did in pioneer missions. But I don't think he should be a prime example of how to do it for the next generation.
Despite these things God used a crooked stick to draw a straight line and glorify himself through Studd's life. It truly is remarkable the amount of work he did in pioneer missions. But I don't think he should be a prime example of how to do it for the next generation.
January 9, 2021
C.T. Studd was a star English cricket player who walked away from fame and wealth to become a devout Christian missionary. He served in China, India and at the end of his life in Central Africa. His unquestionable devotion to God challenged many others to live on mission for Christ, and cleared a path for his and future generations to share the gospel in Africa.
Part of the Christian Heroes: Then and Now series, this book for those 10 and older is worthy of a read for readers of any age who are looking for inspiration from a man who gave his all in all that he did. Those who read may discover that Studd’s life was lived for the most worthy cause.
Part of the Christian Heroes: Then and Now series, this book for those 10 and older is worthy of a read for readers of any age who are looking for inspiration from a man who gave his all in all that he did. Those who read may discover that Studd’s life was lived for the most worthy cause.
May 27, 2026
The "Christian Heroes: Then & Now" series continues to be sweet and easy read-alouds for our family. Was really excited to read this one as C.T. Studd has long been one of my favorite missionaries and this chapter book increased that opinion! He was a determined man who counted the cost of following Christ and took up his cross daily. He was truly a soldier for the kingdom of God. I did learn some new things about some stubborn choices (if not altogether unwise) which made near the end of his life. However, there is no denying he loved Jesus, worked hard to train up local leaders on the mission field, and inspired many to join him in being bold in sharing their faith.
November 27, 2024
I guess it was just a different time. I think CT spent more years away from his wife and children than with them. He was obsessed, kind of like Livingstone. They were pretty similar. I have kind of mixed them up. David L. pretty much wandered around Africa. CT was in China, India and Africa. He was one of the Cambridge 7. This was a time when going to be a missionary was an honorable profession! He gave up his cricket career and his inheritance. He gave a lot to DL Moody and that was the seed money for Moody Bible Institute.
June 4, 2026
Interesting, at times shocking. CT gave up a career in cricket and a massive inheritance to do what he believed God called him to—mission work in Africa. He made mistakes and learned from them. It’s always sad to hear missionaries leaving behind their families. Still, CT is one of the clearest examples of Christian commitment, bravery, and toughness I’ve ever heard. He was willing to make any sacrifice and stick it out to the end.
July 31, 2023
What a great historical look at a man who gave himself completely to spreading the Gospel of Jesus. God used CT Studd to have a kingdom impact on the lost. This story also shows a marriage that was focused completely on God. CT and his wife spent many years apart but always vowed to never get in the way of God working in each of their lives. I definitely recommend this book
January 26, 2024
C. T. Studd: No Retreat is enjoyable and informative. I was so invested that I listened to the entire book in one afternoon. Many parts of this book, (testimonies and sermons,) caused me to inwardly praise God and say amen. The “Some wish to live within the sound of church and chapel bell. I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell!” quote was one such part.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2025
I like that the Benges don’t leave out the failures and flaws of people in their biographies. Favorite quotes-
“Some want to live within the sound of a church or chapel bell. I want to run a rescue shop a yard from hell”
“Only one life will soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.”
“Some want to live within the sound of a church or chapel bell. I want to run a rescue shop a yard from hell”
“Only one life will soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.”
February 10, 2026
Born 1860 in England to a wealthy family. Part of the Cambridge 7 who joined Hudson Taylor in China, before health problems forced him to leave. Married an Irish missionary and had 6 children. At 53, he began missions work in the Congo, founding the heart of African mission. Died 1931 in Congo.
March 10, 2019
It was a joy to read of this man’s undying passion to spread the good news of Jesus to those who had never heard. He lived a life of total submission to God and great sacrifice. What an inspiration!
April 29, 2020
Well written and interesting. I hadn’t read anything about C.T. Studd beforehand, this is a great intro for those interested in learning about him.
November 3, 2020
So many good things about C.T.’s story. However, the end of his life was not my favorite...even if he had an excuse of his mission for Christ. The story was well written by the Benges as always.
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May 12, 2023Love this boooookkkkk get itttt nowwwwww and Love God bc He is awesome and perfectttt
April 11, 2024
Priscilla is a Studd
August 7, 2024
Unbelievably inspiring story of a soldier for Christ. Wow! Am I humbled in my 21st century American comfort. Thankful for this book.
October 20, 2024
I found out there is like 50 of these in a series so expect there to be one on my goodreads for the next year.
August 13, 2025
I love this entire series! This specific one is a favorite of mine. A man who gave up a fortune to follow the Lord. Powerful life!
August 14, 2025
3*
Something to think about. He prayed to wake up knowing Chinese and was challenged to learn it the hard way so he would better understand the people. This changed his heart. 🥰
Something to think about. He prayed to wake up knowing Chinese and was challenged to learn it the hard way so he would better understand the people. This changed his heart. 🥰
May 23, 2026
Amazing and inspiring story of someone driven to sacrifice for God. Spreading the gospel far and wide. Inspiring stories of miracles spreading the gospel in the Congo.
June 22, 2026
C. T. Studd has a powerful story, and this book does a good job of making it accessible in a couple of hours. Worth a read.
October 14, 2024
No one is without fault or sin, and there may be debate on some of his choices, especially in regards to his family, but CT Studd might be one of the most definitive examples of “forsaking all for Christ”.
The books in this series don’t have high quality writing, but are an excellent way to be introduced to the heroes of the faith. That said, this one flowed faster than most.
The books in this series don’t have high quality writing, but are an excellent way to be introduced to the heroes of the faith. That said, this one flowed faster than most.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews