Bill Wallace of China

by Jesse C. Fletcher, Timothy George (Editor), Denise George (Editor)

Bill Wallace served as a medical missionary in China for nearly twenty years before dying as a martyr for his faith. His story has inspired Christians throughout the world. Dr. Wallace was buried in an unmarked grave by the Communist Army to cover their crime. Chinese Christians later would risk their own lives to place a simple marker where he was laid to rest that read, "To live is Christ." Rarely has a grave marker so accurately summarized a life. But then, rarely has a person's life so exemplified the principle expressed in Philippians 1:21, "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain." Bill Wallace was an ordinary man who, in the providence of God, lived an extraordinary life. He was willing to forgo marriage and family; a prominent career; and a comfortable future in America for the sake of ministering to people in need. His service brought physical and spiritual healing to countless people. Dr. Wallace lived a life worth examining and emulating. His story will challeng

Genres: Biography

276 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1963

Reviews

[Sharon Cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book. I was amazed that this man was born and raised in Knoxville and I didn’t know his story. I would have liked to have known more about Bill Wallace’s childhood, but as he did not keep journals or talk about himself, much of that information is lost. I appreciate the author’s integrity to not embellish details like this. His life’s work and dedication to steadfast and faithful obedience and doesn’t need embellishment. If you don’t know Bill Wallace’s story, read the book. It is worth the time.

[Carrie Brownell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short read, but a very inspiring and powerful one, especially if you are a Christian. The sacrifices made by Bill Wallace to be able to practice medicine as a missionary to China were rather incredible. I'd heard of Bill Wallace, but I didn't know a great deal and felt like this book was a very good introduction to a man who preferred private service to great publicity.

My only negative reaction to this read was the author's overuse of pronouns. It was very difficult to track who he was talking about from time to time because he would name someone briefly, and then pages later would referring to them as "she" or "the friend". This is definitely a flaw in his writing. Fletcher was an associate personnel secretary of the Foreign Mission Board and therefore he was in a position to know quite a bit of Wallace's story. However, you couldn't help but wonder where and how he was filling in gaps when specifics about Wallace's experiences quite obviously couldn't be determined.

Also important to note that this book was published in 1963, roughly 10 years after the death of Wallace. It is clear that Fletcher personally interviewed a few key individuals who had knowledge of Wallace and his history in China. This definitely adds credence to the tale, but I still think some liberties were taken, specifically in writing dialogue.

Would I recommend this? Yes, absolutely. It's a very worthy read and worked to bolster my own faith in a time period in history where things look more broken than functional!

A most compelling quote:

"We'll do what God wants us to do. It doesn't make any difference what happens to us. The only important thing is that when it does happen, we be found doing the will of God." Bill Wallace

[Gabriel Wallis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saw this book sitting in Redeemer Lutheran Church’s library in Gresham, Oregon a few years back and just had to read it to due to the namesake, my grandfather’s and uncle’s, though obviously spelled differently. Bill Wallace (1908-1951) was an American surgeon serving Christ in Wuchow, China during the Nanjing (Nanking) Massacre, WWII, the Communist takeover of China, and the Korean War. Phenomenol book on following God’s guidance through impossible odds and dangerous situations.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and would read it again!
It was very encouraging reading about a man who lived his life wholeheartedly for God. I admired how simple and straightforward he made things seem.

[Marleigh Crump · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book truly changed my life. I would recommend this book to any Christian, at all, period.

[Clara Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bill Wallace was famous for being a man of few words. But he did from time to time say something profound. One such statement occured during the Japanese bombardment of China during WWII "We'll do what God wants us to do. It doen't make any difference what happens to us. The only thing is that when it does happen, we be found doing the will of God." Bill Wallace belived deeply in the power of prayer. A favorite Bible verse was James 5:14-15 "Is any sick among you? Let him call the elders of the church; and let them pray over him ..." "He counted medical skills and drugs as God-given resources, but never as the only resources when sickness came." Although I had read this book when it first came out in 1963. I had forgotten much and was inspired again by Wallaces devotion to God.

[Andy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

an easy to read book about missions that is a must read. Bill Wallace was a great servant of God. Humble, hard-working, caring and willing to go the extra the mile to show the Chinese he cared. What a story.

[Shelby Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my top five favorite missionary biographies

[Chris Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it a decade ago in seminary. Inspiring. I plan to read it again.

[Wayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of those books every Christian should read. I highly recommend this book. Growing up I thought reading books about missionaries would be boring, but this is one that proved my thinking wrong.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

He chose not to save his own life.