C.T. Studd: No Retreat

Christian Heroes: Then & Now #26

by Janet Benge, Geoff Benge

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).

Genres: Biography, Christian, Nonfiction, Africa, History, Faith, Audiobook

192 pages, Paperback

First published April 4, 2005

About the author

Janet 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.

Reviews

[Daniel Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Debbie Channell · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Caroline Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Melissa B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kylie Skaar · Rating 3 out of 5]

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?

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 🤷‍♀️

[Yibbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[Bud Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Shea Stacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Chris Townson · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Dan Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Nia · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sarah K · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.”

[Heather Low · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!

[Caleb · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Tawnda Andrews · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Isabella McHugh]

Love this boooookkkkk get itttt nowwwwww and Love God bc He is awesome and perfectttt

[Cheney Hanken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Priscilla is a Studd

[lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievably inspiring story of a soldier for Christ. Wow! Am I humbled in my 21st century American comfort. Thankful for this book.

[Kyle Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Jeffrey Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

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. 🥰

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book discusses the life of C.T. Studd, a missionary in Africa. Being a well-known British rugby player, he decided to become a missionary.

The audiobook narrator was read by Tim Gregory.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this together with my kids and all of us loved it! They did not want me to stop when our chapter was finished for the night.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The more books I read in the series, Christian Heroes: Then & Now, I see more and more patterns in these individuals' lives:

1. Many people do not receive the support or encouragement by those that they love (and are oftentimes christians) when they decide to follow the Lord's leading into the mission field.

2. A few people leave their spouse and/or children to enter the mission field.

I'm not sure how I feel about point #2. We are to go where the Lord leads us, but is it common for the Lord to separate a marriage in order to achieve this? I suppose Peter did. Perhaps that makes Paul's point more clear that it may be better to do the Lord's work if you aren't married. ??? Something to think about.

[A Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star cricket player from England comes to a faith in God and ventures out to China, then India and finally Africa. He had a huge trust in God. At one point he needs dental surgery and refuses to go back to England for the procedure. He tells the person pleading with him to get the surgery that if God wanted him to have the surgery he would send a dental surgeon to him. And, before long, that's what happens.

Great faith and commitment to God. His wife and children are often left behind due to health issues.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy the Chrisitian Heroes: Then & Now series. Great books for family read-a-loud time. Inspiring stories of those who serve Jesus. Notable quotes from C.T.Studd "We can trust Him too little, but we can never trust Him too much." "If Jesus Christ be God and died fro me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for HIm!"