John and Betty Stam

Women of Faith

by Kathleen White

The dramatic account of one couple's courage and commitment in the face of communism. More than seventy-five years after Hudson Taylor's pioneer missionary work in China, two young Americans, John Stam and Elizabeth Scott, set out for China as missionaries. Bound for work with Taylor's China Inland Mission, they were married after arriving in the country. Taylor had been threatened by the infamous Boxer Rebellion, but the young couple faced a new threat at the hands of Communist soldiers. Bravely witnessing for Christ in spite of the violence and fear, they were accused of sedition and cruelly murdered at the ages of 27 and 28. Their courage in the face of death set an unforgettable standard for Christian martyrdom in the twentieth century. Inspiring and challenging reading about true heroes of the faith.

Genres: Biography, Christian, China

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Mandy J. Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY REVIEW:

While slightly difficult to read - and probably not best for readers under 12 - this book is a short biography of John and Betty Stam. It begins with an introduction to the history of missions in China and ends with the legacy their lives left behind. This book is a brief 128 pages, but filled with their short and impacting testimony of God's goodness and faithfulness in all things.

I was significantly blessed by their continuing trust in God in all things - small and large. Their lives - as short as they were - were such bright lights for Christ and truly brought glory to God both in life and in death.

This book is a great overview of their lives and an encouraging testimony of God's work in the lives of those who have gone on before us. You will be encouraged by their faithfulness and challenged by their dedication.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This biography of the missionary martyrs brought tears to my eyes when I finished the book. I did not see the need for all the minor details about dates and cities and people interacted with but I realized it was important to show how much the Stams devoted their lives to ministry in their short term. God worked through their lives and deaths and continues to use their lives as examples of dying to self and living for Christ no matter the earthly cost.

[Thomas Wayne Broyles · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read half the book in 2019 and finished it today. The writing is nothing spectacular, but the story is.

It is challenging to read about the faith of these young missionaries, and we are left to wonder if we could remain as faithful as they did.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is always good to be reminded of the faith of those who have gone before us. It is helpful to inspire us, to give us an example to follow, to spur us on to deeper devotion and obedience to Christ. John and Betty Stam's story does this.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover portrait drew me in, with their earnest, sweet faces. A courageous couple, I found this to be interesting and informative. I wish I could believe that I would be able to be 1/2 as much a stalwart defender of my beliefs as they were.

[Mathias Seiwert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful book about two people’s love for the Chinese people and Jesus and their decision to live all-out for Him!

[R.J. Kottke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book did a good job of describing the lives of John and Betty Stam. Well written and easy to read.

[Reuben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenging life story of aa godly couple