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Reckless Abandon: A Gospel Pioneer's Exploits Among the Most Difficult to Reach Peoples
Reckless is right when the cause is Christ. God catapulted 20-year-old David Sitton from the beaches of south Texas to the stone-aged tribes in Papua New Guinea. Sitton traded sand and surf for cannibals, giant mosquitoes, crocodile-infested swamps, malaria, and a hostile sorceress in order to advance the Good News of Jesus among unreached peoples. Reckless Abandon is a bare-knuckled dare to count the cost and seize the privilege of working with Christ in His worldwide mission.
237 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2011
8 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
David Sitton
6 books4 followersDavid Sitton is passionate for unreached tribes in Papua New Guinea and beyond. He is the Founder/President of To Every Tribe missionary organization.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 8, 2012
. . . unless you want to be challenged, encouraged, convicted, and moved to rejoicing in a great God with great plans for his people! I can't remember how I saw this book, but I bought it on my Kindle and now I'll be buying a copy for our church library as well as a copy for a guy I know is thinking about missions as vocation. Sitton, while theologically orthodox, is probably clinically insane for the way he throws himself into the maelstrom of pioneer church planting. His Paul-like abandonment of safety and comfort for the unpredictability of risking his life to bring the gospel into tribal areas of Papua New Guinea and Mexico will blow you away and probably leave you a bit unsatisfied with your comfortable, respectable, small-God-big-Man lifestyle. I know it did that to me. Oh to live with the reckless abandon Sitton speaks of! BUY. THIS. BOOK.
November 12, 2014
Reckless Abandon, by David Sitton, is a memoir of a frontier missionary. In it, Sitton takes the reader with him as he blazes a trail to people who have never even heard the message of the Gospel, many who have never even seen a white man. This book is an engrossing read and I would not be surprised that if you sat down to read it that you did not arise until three or four hours later after completing it.
The most endearing part of this book is what I perceive to be the most endearing part of David Sitton, his ever-present focus on the Gospel of the crucified and resurrected Messiah, the Gospel of our King Jesus. All throughout the book, as Sitton tells of dangerous encounters with hostile tribes, predators stalking his home, hardships limiting his work in an area, theological convictions causing intramural persecution, or the tribulation of speaking in front of thousands of pastors, Sitton is consistent in his Gospel focus and persistent in his efforts to proclaim the Gospel message.
This is a book that God will use in the life of anyone who reads it, primarily because of how saturated it is with the Word of God. In it you will encounter the Holy Spirit working mightily in the lives of many people, and you will see the opposition that is faced when the Gospel message goes forth. It will encourage the believer to know that, while our mission may not be cannibalistic tribal chiefs who throw coconuts at us and threaten our life, the opposition found within them is the same opposition we find in our agnostic co-worker or our “I'm a good person” neighbor or our religious, “Christian” relative.
This is a book that brings the reality of what it means to be a Christian to the forefront of our thinking. Our culture has indoctrinated us with health and wealth prosperity teaching (or the evangelical form of it, the “God's ultimate desire is for you to be happy” gospel). For so many, throughout history and throughout the world today, to follow Jesus is what Bonhoeffer equated to a “call to come and die.” For most of us in the West, this call is simply a spiritual one. Very real, but not bleeding into our physical safety and comfort to a great degree. But for many still, this “call to come and die” is a literal, physical call that will cost them their property, their safety, and ultimately their physical life.
Throughout this book, I found myself getting angry. I found myself weeping in misery and weeping in joy. I was sad, mad, but ultimately greatly encouraged (that the Gospel will go forth to the ends of the earth) and challenged (because God has blessed me and every believer with the burden/opportunity to be the one to take it). It is not just the frontier missionary who has been called to live a life of reckless abandon, but everyone who claims the blood of Jesus as his righteousness and bears the name Christian
The most endearing part of this book is what I perceive to be the most endearing part of David Sitton, his ever-present focus on the Gospel of the crucified and resurrected Messiah, the Gospel of our King Jesus. All throughout the book, as Sitton tells of dangerous encounters with hostile tribes, predators stalking his home, hardships limiting his work in an area, theological convictions causing intramural persecution, or the tribulation of speaking in front of thousands of pastors, Sitton is consistent in his Gospel focus and persistent in his efforts to proclaim the Gospel message.
This is a book that God will use in the life of anyone who reads it, primarily because of how saturated it is with the Word of God. In it you will encounter the Holy Spirit working mightily in the lives of many people, and you will see the opposition that is faced when the Gospel message goes forth. It will encourage the believer to know that, while our mission may not be cannibalistic tribal chiefs who throw coconuts at us and threaten our life, the opposition found within them is the same opposition we find in our agnostic co-worker or our “I'm a good person” neighbor or our religious, “Christian” relative.
This is a book that brings the reality of what it means to be a Christian to the forefront of our thinking. Our culture has indoctrinated us with health and wealth prosperity teaching (or the evangelical form of it, the “God's ultimate desire is for you to be happy” gospel). For so many, throughout history and throughout the world today, to follow Jesus is what Bonhoeffer equated to a “call to come and die.” For most of us in the West, this call is simply a spiritual one. Very real, but not bleeding into our physical safety and comfort to a great degree. But for many still, this “call to come and die” is a literal, physical call that will cost them their property, their safety, and ultimately their physical life.
Throughout this book, I found myself getting angry. I found myself weeping in misery and weeping in joy. I was sad, mad, but ultimately greatly encouraged (that the Gospel will go forth to the ends of the earth) and challenged (because God has blessed me and every believer with the burden/opportunity to be the one to take it). It is not just the frontier missionary who has been called to live a life of reckless abandon, but everyone who claims the blood of Jesus as his righteousness and bears the name Christian
December 14, 2011
A great book on missions. Very radical and there is no sugar coating but only pure truth of the Gospel. Starting with David's early life and what drew him to Christ and to the mission field. A surprising turn when faced with pre-destination theology. A great book to read on that is one that I am currently reading by RC Sproul Chosen by God. David's stand and faith is inspiring and refreshing. He shares also his stragedy in missions which one story told by about a tribe that over generations knew the story of Babel. It was interesting how David was attuned and shared with the tribe what had happened and the tribe received it. It has many disappointments however, the disappointments always turned into opportunties for the Gospel to go forth. Jesus is worth it. Something this reader needs to be reminded.
July 5, 2013
I love that the stories in this autobiography are peppered with simple but important missions theory. His personal account is fascinating and encouraging, but Sitton goes beyond telling inspiring stories and challenges the reader to action. He doesn't just want us to like missions or become missionaries, but to become the right kind of missionaries that will most effectively bring the word of Christ to the unreached.
Sitton isn't a professional writer, but he is definitely an authority on his subject and I enjoyed his straightforward approach. The book could be improved by better organization or smoother transitions from point to point. Regardless, I'm eager to read "To Every Tribe with Jesus."
Sitton isn't a professional writer, but he is definitely an authority on his subject and I enjoyed his straightforward approach. The book could be improved by better organization or smoother transitions from point to point. Regardless, I'm eager to read "To Every Tribe with Jesus."
December 24, 2013
We've heard the stories of the great missionaries of past generations, men like William Carey and Adoniram Judson. But what about the missionaries of today? Where are the stories of the men and women who are going into the most difficult places with the gospel of Jesus? Well, here is one of those stories.
I first heard about David Sitton through a Desiring God Pastor's Conference. He is a consistently courageous, no-holds-barred gospel pioneer who has worked among some of the most difficult people in Papua New Guinea and Mexico. His story is compelling (I read most of the book in less than 24 hours)and will likely continue to be told beyond his own generation.
If you're looking for some fuel to put on the fire of your passion for missions, grab a copy of this book and let the fire grow!
I first heard about David Sitton through a Desiring God Pastor's Conference. He is a consistently courageous, no-holds-barred gospel pioneer who has worked among some of the most difficult people in Papua New Guinea and Mexico. His story is compelling (I read most of the book in less than 24 hours)and will likely continue to be told beyond his own generation.
If you're looking for some fuel to put on the fire of your passion for missions, grab a copy of this book and let the fire grow!
June 19, 2017
I really enjoyed the story of David Sitton's work with unreached people in Papua, New Guinea. His willingness to bring the Gospel at the risk of his own life and to bear beatings and other persecutions is inspiring in a world where Christians care far too much for our own comfort. Sitton's theology is sound and he was able to see God's power among the demonic forces with which the natives conspired. This is a great book for parents to read to or have their older children read to encourage them to be mission-minded.
February 6, 2023
Sitton does storytelling so well in this book. It's engaging enough to feel almost like fiction, yet all the stories are true events from Sitton's own life. I would recommend this to anyone who is curious about Christian missions, especially to the unreached. It's well written, encouraging, and powerful.
June 5, 2025
This book will open your eyes and burden your heart for the 7,000+ people groups who’ve never heard the Gospel. I especially recommend it to those who are active in ministry, considering the mission field, or interested in missions. David shows the Biblical model of missions in action. I was thrilled as he trained the tribal believers from the moment of their conversion to gradually take on responsibility as spiritual leaders!
Although there were several confusing spots, times when I wanted him to share more of the story, and some punctuation/grammar errors, it’s a good book overall that will give you a vision for the unreached. You won’t forget David’s stories, for sure! And if you aren’t fully convinced that Jesus is worth the cost of being “recklessly abandoned” to Him, you will be after reading this book!
Although there were several confusing spots, times when I wanted him to share more of the story, and some punctuation/grammar errors, it’s a good book overall that will give you a vision for the unreached. You won’t forget David’s stories, for sure! And if you aren’t fully convinced that Jesus is worth the cost of being “recklessly abandoned” to Him, you will be after reading this book!
August 8, 2012
Inspiring challenge to not put personal safety over the salvation of souls. David Sitton's desire to bring the gospel to unreached people is relentless. He chronicles his experiences in Papua New Guinea and Mexico. Many times his life was in danger, once ducking and dodging a machete wielding man.
The only reason I did not give it five stars is that the writing is not that great. If some of the stories were written with more detail and more skillfully communicated the drama of the situations this could have been a missionary classic.
The only reason I did not give it five stars is that the writing is not that great. If some of the stories were written with more detail and more skillfully communicated the drama of the situations this could have been a missionary classic.
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April 22, 2012This book is about a Papua New Guinea Missionary. It talks about his life before he decided to go and his experiences while he was in Papua New Guinea. The book empowers others to be outwardly strong in their faith. It speaks to everyone to take what they believe in and fallow their heart. It also speaks to taking advantage of every situation. This book talks mostly about speaking to others about Jesus, which I felt inspired me to love more deeply and tell people about Jesus.
January 16, 2014
It is my conviction as a mission leader, rather than encouraging this generation of young believers to pad their IRA retirement accounts, we should be pointing them towards packing their own coffins with a few belongings as they set sail for the strongholds of Satan in the 10 / 40 Window countries. (201)
November 26, 2019
This was such a powerful read for me, and really challenged me to consider what it looked like for me to live with Reckless Abandon for Christ! This year has felt like the darkest valley I have ever walked through, and this book constantly pointed me to Christ and renewed my zeal for pursuing and living for Christ. I highly recommend this book and will def be reading it again!
July 4, 2014
I have found that the best missionary auto-/biographies are the ones that leave me restless with where I am and challenge me to think about where God might send me...this is one of those books. Read at your own risk!
August 13, 2013
A great little biography of the way David Sitton has been on mission to the least-reached peoples of the world, particularly in PNG and Mexico. It is an overview of his ministry and passion for seeing people everywhere know Jesus.
June 29, 2012
A great little account of David Sitton's journeys as a pioneer church planter. Inspiring and to the point.
April 18, 2013
An amazing book that testifies of our amazing God!
June 22, 2013
This book made me want to sell my belongings, buy a one-way ticket to Papua New Guinea and spread the Gospel. David Sitton is one of the most inspiring Christians of our time.
September 27, 2013
Let my love flow from you
Let it spill over to all you think
You are precious in my eyes
Love others because I love you
Look towards me and let go
Let it spill over to all you think
You are precious in my eyes
Love others because I love you
Look towards me and let go
November 19, 2013
A great story of transformation and how God uses us when we feel inadequate to accomplish amazing things for His kingdom. I know the author.
February 27, 2014
could be life changing! Read it
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews