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Men of Faith
Samuel Morris: The African Boy God Sent to Prepare an American University for Its Mission to the World
The extraordinary story of the young African who came to be called "The Apostle of Simple Faith."While most missionary biographies detail the lives of Western missionaries, this is the story of the African missionary that God called to the United States when slavery and segregation were a way of life. Previously published under the title The March of Faith, this book details the moving life story of Samuel Morris.After a miraculous escape from certain death during the ravages of intertribal warfare in Liberia, Africa, Kaboo was converted to Christ by Methodist missionaries and baptized under the name Samuel Morris. Traveling to America for pastoral training in the late 1880's, his trip was a missionary voyage in itself when several seamen were lead to Christ through his godly life. At Taylor University his example of faith made him a leader among the students and a challenge to the faulty.An unforgettable biography which shows Christ's love felling all racial barriers.
96 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1969
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 2, 2020
This was a short little read. Samuel Morris’ story is amazing!
November 5, 2020
Fabulous, short lil 90-pager over a well known missionary - from West Africa to the US - named Samuel Morris (aka Prince Kaboo).
This book shares the background & life story of a pivotal person in the Kingdom of God. It talks about the horrors he endured through childhood, his journey into the Christian Faith, and the miracles that followed his conversion & deep faith in God. It capitalizes on his personal experience / encounters with the Holy Spirit & personal prayer life, and how that impacted his life so greatly. Through his own faith & trust in the Lord, we get to see the huge ways the Lord used him to bring others to Himself.
What an encouraging read! I read this book for a class, but it challenged me in ways that I really needed. This short read is great and will push you to love God, grow in your prayer life, and trust God in ways you’ve never imagined.
This book shares the background & life story of a pivotal person in the Kingdom of God. It talks about the horrors he endured through childhood, his journey into the Christian Faith, and the miracles that followed his conversion & deep faith in God. It capitalizes on his personal experience / encounters with the Holy Spirit & personal prayer life, and how that impacted his life so greatly. Through his own faith & trust in the Lord, we get to see the huge ways the Lord used him to bring others to Himself.
What an encouraging read! I read this book for a class, but it challenged me in ways that I really needed. This short read is great and will push you to love God, grow in your prayer life, and trust God in ways you’ve never imagined.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2017
I read this book after Elijah read it and then asked me to. Samuel Morris was an amazing man with an inspiring and somewhat hard to grasp life. However, I do not love the way this book was written and think I would get more out of reading a more recently written account of his life. The vocabulary and tone of the author was a little distracting to me.
August 9, 2021
Es una gran biografía, un testimonio de como Dios no tiene acepción de personas.
Una historia inspiradora.
Una historia inspiradora.
December 28, 2020
As usual, the mighty simple work of God misunderstood by pride.
December 14, 2024
Honestamente parece más una obra de ficción y una historia exagerada…
January 5, 2021
Simple man, a light sent by God
November 15, 2025
Liberia was once a place to send freed slaves as part of the American Colonization Society. Decades after this idea proved a failure, there were still tribal wars in West Africa. Prince Kaboo was the young son of a tribal leader, and when his tribe was conquered by another tribe, the enemy held him hostage until a ransom was paid. They resorted to torture by beatings, and he was tied to a wooden structure that resembled a cross. When no amount of money was deemed acceptable, his father offered his sister intead, fearing that Prince Kaboo would die from the beatings, but Kaboo refused to allow his sister to suffer, preferring to take the beatings himsef. The conquerers decided to execute him by burying him up to the neck in the dirt next to an ant hill and letting the ants eat honey off of his face. But before the execution could take place, a bright light shined down from above and he heard a voice telling him to free himself. He made it through dangerous African forests at night, guided by a light until he reached the town of Monrovia, where he worked for Christian missionaries. One day he was taken to church and through a translator, heard the story of the apostle Paul, who also saw a bright light and had heard the voice of Jesus. After discovering that Jesus also suffered on a wooden cross as a ransom for others, Prince Kaboo converted to Christianity, and his name was changed to Samuel Morris.
His interest in the gospel was so intense that soon the missionaries told him that he knew as much as they did. He learned about the Holy Spirit and wondered why they didn't put more emphasis on the Holy Spirit's power to work miracles. When he found out the the person who had taught the missionaries was Stephen Merritt who lived in America, he wanted to go to America and preach what little of the gospel he knew. Without any money, this seemed impossible. He went to the ocean and prayed for a way to America, believing that his father (God) would provide a way. He saw a ship approach, but the captain refused to take him aboard. As he pleaded with God to change the captain's mind, two shipmen left their posts, and the captain decided to let him aboard if he worked for his passage.
While there were sailors from many different countries on the ship, he was the only person of color in the entire crew and many made fun of him when he prayed and beat him. When a drunken brawl broke out between a giant Malay sailor and another crew member, the Malay sailor pulled out a large cutlass, and Samuel Morris got between them to break up the fight. The giant man had already talked about killing Samuel, but as he raised the cutlass to kill him, he miraculously changed his mind. Soon Samuel told the entire crew about his faith, and many, including the hedonistic captain, converted to the Christian faith. There were even healings of the sick and wounded. When the ship approached New York, they were sad to see him go.
Samuel had no money and did not know anyone in New York, but he found a beggar who knew Stephen Merritt, and would take him to his house for the fee of one dollar. Stephen Merritt was puzzled at the idea of a random African boy coming all that way just to tell him about God and the power of the Holy Spirit, but he paid the dollar and let Samuel stay in his guest room. Samuel found an African church in New York and shared his testimony there, bringing many to the altar. When Stephen had to preach at funeral service, he took Samuel along and people flocked to the altar there too. Everyone Samuel met was astounded at the power of his faith and the realization that the Holy Spirit still worked miracles in their day in age. Samuel still needed a formal education, and a mission fund was formed to send him college in Indiana, at what is now Taylor University.
Like Stephen Merritt, the president of the University was also baffled that a poor African boy would come all that way just to share his faith and go to college. Samuel was by then in his late teens, yet had only the education of a boy of seven. He requested to stay in whatever room no one wanted, and was known to shut himself in and pray, even refusing to open the door until he was finished. While the other students engaged in leisure, he studied just to keep up. When he was around other students, all he was concerned about was the gospel and he came off as no-nonsense. Yet his peers were all influenced by his faith, sometimes being brought to tears. He went to every church service he could, and through his prayers, people would flock to the altars there. The frigid American winters soon payed a toll on his health, and he deteriorated to the point that there was nothing doctors could do. His death at age 20 shocked the campus, because he had dreamed of returning to Africa and telling his own people the gospel message. Many missionaries started going to Africa to finish the work that Samuel had started.
To a critical historian, some of the miracles in this story sound too fantastic to be true- yet if you do an internet search, there are multiple links and books about the life of Samuel Morris. The success of Taylor University is largely credited to the prayers and influence of Samuel Morris, who proved that miracles were not dead, nor was the Holy Spirit inactive. In our society there are different theological extremes on the idea of miracles and the work of the Holy Spirit. Cessationists believe that certain gifts and miracles have ceased entirely, while name it-claim it theology tends to make God out to be a genie in a bottle, with no will of His own. Not everything people ask for is good for them, and God does not have to answer every prayer exactly the way we want them answered. Yet when you talk to missionaries overseas, they will tell stories that can only be described as miracles. It seems disheartening when we hear of God using someone in a mighty way and we can't seem to repeat their success. The truth of the Bible is often described as a "sword," but there is an interesting passage in Ephesians about putting on the full armor of God. The sword mentioned in Ephesians is not just portrayed as the truth, but also as "The Spirit." All the Biblical truth in the world will not penetrate a heart with the gospel if the Holy Spirit is not involved. Whether the Holy Spirit works the way we want Him to work or not, He is still alive and well.
His interest in the gospel was so intense that soon the missionaries told him that he knew as much as they did. He learned about the Holy Spirit and wondered why they didn't put more emphasis on the Holy Spirit's power to work miracles. When he found out the the person who had taught the missionaries was Stephen Merritt who lived in America, he wanted to go to America and preach what little of the gospel he knew. Without any money, this seemed impossible. He went to the ocean and prayed for a way to America, believing that his father (God) would provide a way. He saw a ship approach, but the captain refused to take him aboard. As he pleaded with God to change the captain's mind, two shipmen left their posts, and the captain decided to let him aboard if he worked for his passage.
While there were sailors from many different countries on the ship, he was the only person of color in the entire crew and many made fun of him when he prayed and beat him. When a drunken brawl broke out between a giant Malay sailor and another crew member, the Malay sailor pulled out a large cutlass, and Samuel Morris got between them to break up the fight. The giant man had already talked about killing Samuel, but as he raised the cutlass to kill him, he miraculously changed his mind. Soon Samuel told the entire crew about his faith, and many, including the hedonistic captain, converted to the Christian faith. There were even healings of the sick and wounded. When the ship approached New York, they were sad to see him go.
Samuel had no money and did not know anyone in New York, but he found a beggar who knew Stephen Merritt, and would take him to his house for the fee of one dollar. Stephen Merritt was puzzled at the idea of a random African boy coming all that way just to tell him about God and the power of the Holy Spirit, but he paid the dollar and let Samuel stay in his guest room. Samuel found an African church in New York and shared his testimony there, bringing many to the altar. When Stephen had to preach at funeral service, he took Samuel along and people flocked to the altar there too. Everyone Samuel met was astounded at the power of his faith and the realization that the Holy Spirit still worked miracles in their day in age. Samuel still needed a formal education, and a mission fund was formed to send him college in Indiana, at what is now Taylor University.
Like Stephen Merritt, the president of the University was also baffled that a poor African boy would come all that way just to share his faith and go to college. Samuel was by then in his late teens, yet had only the education of a boy of seven. He requested to stay in whatever room no one wanted, and was known to shut himself in and pray, even refusing to open the door until he was finished. While the other students engaged in leisure, he studied just to keep up. When he was around other students, all he was concerned about was the gospel and he came off as no-nonsense. Yet his peers were all influenced by his faith, sometimes being brought to tears. He went to every church service he could, and through his prayers, people would flock to the altars there. The frigid American winters soon payed a toll on his health, and he deteriorated to the point that there was nothing doctors could do. His death at age 20 shocked the campus, because he had dreamed of returning to Africa and telling his own people the gospel message. Many missionaries started going to Africa to finish the work that Samuel had started.
To a critical historian, some of the miracles in this story sound too fantastic to be true- yet if you do an internet search, there are multiple links and books about the life of Samuel Morris. The success of Taylor University is largely credited to the prayers and influence of Samuel Morris, who proved that miracles were not dead, nor was the Holy Spirit inactive. In our society there are different theological extremes on the idea of miracles and the work of the Holy Spirit. Cessationists believe that certain gifts and miracles have ceased entirely, while name it-claim it theology tends to make God out to be a genie in a bottle, with no will of His own. Not everything people ask for is good for them, and God does not have to answer every prayer exactly the way we want them answered. Yet when you talk to missionaries overseas, they will tell stories that can only be described as miracles. It seems disheartening when we hear of God using someone in a mighty way and we can't seem to repeat their success. The truth of the Bible is often described as a "sword," but there is an interesting passage in Ephesians about putting on the full armor of God. The sword mentioned in Ephesians is not just portrayed as the truth, but also as "The Spirit." All the Biblical truth in the world will not penetrate a heart with the gospel if the Holy Spirit is not involved. Whether the Holy Spirit works the way we want Him to work or not, He is still alive and well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2015
Do you have doubts about God and his faithfulness? Do you wonder if He is still active today? Do you feel ambivalent towards your Christian walk? This is a wonderful book of encouragement, faithfulness and passion that could bring even the hardest person to their knees.
October 12, 2021
Definitely worth it, for a faith booster. Just read it on your way somewhere on the subway.
October 19, 2021
I am shocked that I don’t remember ever hearing about Samuel Morris until now while reading for a class. In the past years, as many well know Christian leaders have passed late in their life, I have often wondered who would come after them to fill that void. The same question is asked at the end of this book? Throughout this amazing story, that takes place over such a short period of time, you will see how the life that Samuel Morris lived continues to have an impact even today. God is so creative in that he brought an African Prince, a fugitive from his own home and people, to the United States, to not only break down racial barrier but to demonstrate the power of walking in obedience to the Holy Spirit and communicating in every situation with his Heavenly Father.
February 11, 2024
This book is a mini biography of Samuel Morris, but it does cover some vinettes of his life in great detail. His strong faith in God, intimate prayers, and powerful connection with the Holy Spirit was shown in various experiences he had throughout his young life. It was sad to read that he died at age 21, and yet had already been a faithful representative of his Savior Jesus Christ. His story was one of overcoming very painful experiences and rejection and discrimination. His faith in God guided his life in the most powerful way and many lives have been converted and saved through his simple prayers and Holy Spirit-led life.
August 16, 2020
A great read for a class I am taking right now. The class is Intro to Missions and it was really inspiring to hear about how God worked through this young man's life to traverse jungle, sea, America, class/race prejudice, and make it to university, all just to learn about the Holy Spirit. His prayer life transformed the lives of everyone he came into contact with, what an honor it would be to read his prayers or to have met him in person.
The U.S. is in desperate need of revival and renewal. This boy's faith should stand as an example to trust the lord with your entire life.
The U.S. is in desperate need of revival and renewal. This boy's faith should stand as an example to trust the lord with your entire life.
March 18, 2021
The story of an African prince saved by God. An amazing and awe inspiring story for young and old. It is a quick read but leaves you wanting to know the Holy Spirit as Samuel did and allowing Him to lead your life. Our home school co-op just finished reading this as part of their book club. A great book for young believers to read!
November 26, 2022
I had not heard about Samuel Morris before reading this biography, and I'm happy to now know who he was, and the remarkable(in the sense of faith) sort life he had. The biography is pretty simple, borderlining a hagiography, but it also contains material for the time after Morris died, his influence on later generations.
February 2, 2021
The writing style and language hasn't aged well, and unfortunately that means some of the race relations materials sounds condescending by today's standards.
Aged material aside, this is a fascinating and quite inspiring story of a great man who accomplished something quite memorable.
Aged material aside, this is a fascinating and quite inspiring story of a great man who accomplished something quite memorable.
May 3, 2021
Mit nur 96 Seiten ist dieses Buch schnell gelesen. Dennoch wird die Geschichte von Samuel Morris weder zu sehr ausgeschmückt noch wird wichtiges weggelassen. Auch merkt man nicht, dass es schon fast 35 Jahre alt ist. Klare Empfehlung.
May 30, 2021
The only reason I gave 4 stars is that I would have liked more details. To say the story of Kaboo is inspiring is a vast understatement. I have not met anyone with the depth of faith of this young man. This is a wonderful testimony of God's work and His plan.
August 10, 2025
Very simple, but very concrete book that explores the life of "Kaboo" who is known as Samuel Morris. Shows the nonviolence and acceptance that Jesus calls Christians to abide in and shows that miracles are still happening in modern times. Short read, but very enjoyable and easy to read.
4.0
4.0
June 8, 2018
Great story of a very significant life.
March 22, 2019
A short but full life. Nothing short of supernaturally touched in its length and breadth. An encouragement.
November 11, 2019
This is a beautiful book about the faithful and sincere life of Samuel Morris. I found myself convicted as I compared his dedication to Christ to my own. A worthwhile read for any Christian.
April 12, 2020
An excellent story but prose is a bit too flowery for me.
February 13, 2022
I love a good biography - this book, though short, was inspiring! Definitely recommend!
June 28, 2022
Interesting story, unfortunately written in a condescending tone and lacking details
September 1, 2022
Very short and easy read. A very powerful biography on Samuel Morris. Would recommend to everyone.
March 18, 2024
Wow. Amazing story about an incredible man. I would recommend this short read.
October 14, 2024
This book is so convicting. Absolute boldness before the throne of God in the face of impossibility.
December 16, 2025
A powerful story but my copy had spelling errors which I don't know if it was supposed to or not. That's my only complaint
December 29, 2015
Very interesting, but the subtitle is lacking content
I really want to rate this book higher - the chapters logically flow one to another and Morris' story is told in an interesting and compelling way. The subtitle of the book notes how he was the catalyst for an American University to change the world. This aspect of the story, particularly given it's prominence as the subtitle, is severely underdeveloped. Yes, it is touched on, but in an almost bare bones way. His story in America, and particularly his impact at University, needs to be fleshed out. Still, I recommend this book for a short overview of a remarkable man of God who, as it would seem to us, died too soon.
I really want to rate this book higher - the chapters logically flow one to another and Morris' story is told in an interesting and compelling way. The subtitle of the book notes how he was the catalyst for an American University to change the world. This aspect of the story, particularly given it's prominence as the subtitle, is severely underdeveloped. Yes, it is touched on, but in an almost bare bones way. His story in America, and particularly his impact at University, needs to be fleshed out. Still, I recommend this book for a short overview of a remarkable man of God who, as it would seem to us, died too soon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews