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By Life or by Death: The Life and Legacy of John and Betty Stam
One of the most incredible missionary stories of the 20th century. As a young boy Andrew Montonera stumbled upon a cabinet of books in his grandparents' house. He was captivated by what he discovered—the library of his distant relatives, John and Betty. By Life or by Death shares the story of these two remarkable people—inspirations of contagious joy and kingdom-focused lives.
John Cornelius Stam and Elisabeth Alden "Betty" Scott met at Moody Bible Institute in fall 1929. A few years later, their paths crossed again—this time in China. The two were united in marriage and in their love for the Chinese people.
Using family scrapbooks and unpublished sources, Montonera takes a fresh look at a famous story—how two missionaries and their baby were kidnapped by Chinese soldiers and ransomed. Montonera recounts the courage and martyrdom of the Stams, as well as the succeeding miraculous tale that captured the world’s attention.
The Stams' lives were cut short, but their faithfulness continues to impact Christianity in China today. By Life or by Death looks at the legacy of the Stams, including new testimonies of those shaped by their commitment to the gospel.Shortly before his death, John Stam mailed a letter to the mission authorities. He wrote, May God be glorified whether by life or by death (Philippians 1:20).
Discover how that prayer was answered both in the deaths and lives of John and Betty Stam.
John Cornelius Stam and Elisabeth Alden "Betty" Scott met at Moody Bible Institute in fall 1929. A few years later, their paths crossed again—this time in China. The two were united in marriage and in their love for the Chinese people.
Using family scrapbooks and unpublished sources, Montonera takes a fresh look at a famous story—how two missionaries and their baby were kidnapped by Chinese soldiers and ransomed. Montonera recounts the courage and martyrdom of the Stams, as well as the succeeding miraculous tale that captured the world’s attention.
The Stams' lives were cut short, but their faithfulness continues to impact Christianity in China today. By Life or by Death looks at the legacy of the Stams, including new testimonies of those shaped by their commitment to the gospel.Shortly before his death, John Stam mailed a letter to the mission authorities. He wrote, May God be glorified whether by life or by death (Philippians 1:20).
Discover how that prayer was answered both in the deaths and lives of John and Betty Stam.
- GenresBiographyNonfiction
192 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 8, 2024
I grew up surrounded by retired missionaries and I believe I became a Christian at 6 years old when an ancient retired missionary taught my SS class in the musty, dark basement of the C&MA church in DeLand, FL. Her name was Mrs. Rudak and we ended every session by singing “Into my heart, into my heart, come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Come in today, come in to stay. Come into my heart Lord Jesus.” And he did come into my heart and I have never forgotten that holy room with that old, old missionary lady.
Because of that when @Moodypublishers asked if I would like to read this book, I answered, “Would I!! Yes, please.” And I almost always say no to those requests.
Fast forward 50 plus years, and a missionary biography seems somehow anachronistic, out of place. I can just imagine the critics as I read the story of John and Betty Stam and yet, for all that I read this whole book with a lump in my throat and the memory of that other world where laying down your life for Christ was not debunked but held on to fiercely.
It is easy to be a critic. This book is not great because the words are strung together with deftness, but because it is a story which the author loved and that comes through on every page. This love is so powerful that it forces us to pay attention and it reminds us that for all our sophistication, we can do no better than John and Betty Stam by giving our lives to Christ. That doesn’t make us victims but victors!
Because of that when @Moodypublishers asked if I would like to read this book, I answered, “Would I!! Yes, please.” And I almost always say no to those requests.
Fast forward 50 plus years, and a missionary biography seems somehow anachronistic, out of place. I can just imagine the critics as I read the story of John and Betty Stam and yet, for all that I read this whole book with a lump in my throat and the memory of that other world where laying down your life for Christ was not debunked but held on to fiercely.
It is easy to be a critic. This book is not great because the words are strung together with deftness, but because it is a story which the author loved and that comes through on every page. This love is so powerful that it forces us to pay attention and it reminds us that for all our sophistication, we can do no better than John and Betty Stam by giving our lives to Christ. That doesn’t make us victims but victors!
March 17, 2025
I enjoyed learning more about the Stams' story. Favorite new-to-me fact: the Christmas carol "Thou Who Wast Rich beyond all Telling" was written in their honor. The sacrificial care their friends the Wangs showed to baby Helen was a lovely part of the story. Keswick theology is cringe, but God did much with many who believed it.
The writing and editing were bad. More dangling modifiers per square inch than I think I've ever encountered in a book. Shame on Moody Press for publishing such sloppiness.
Narrator was OK.
The writing and editing were bad. More dangling modifiers per square inch than I think I've ever encountered in a book. Shame on Moody Press for publishing such sloppiness.
Narrator was OK.
July 1, 2025
This book is a beautiful picture of two lives completely surrendered to Christ. The author details John and Betty Stam’s separate childhoods, their surrender to God, their romance, and their mission work in China before losing their lives to communist terrorists.
These quotes portray the beauty of this couple’s commitment to God. The first is from one of Betty’s letters, and the second is from my favorite part of the book, John’s graduation address to Moody College.
“ I don’t know what God has in store for me. I really am willing to be an old maid missionary, or an old maid anything else, all my life, if God wants me to. It’s as clear as daylight to me that the only worthwhile life is one of the unconditional surrender to God‘s will, and of living in His way, trusting His love and guidance.”
“God is using these days to tear many a man loose from the things to which his heart has clung. It is ours to show them incorruptible riches which bank failures and economic conditions cannot touch. It is ours to show them in the salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in personal communion with him, a joy unspeakable and full of glory that cannot be affected by any outside circumstances.”
These quotes portray the beauty of this couple’s commitment to God. The first is from one of Betty’s letters, and the second is from my favorite part of the book, John’s graduation address to Moody College.
“ I don’t know what God has in store for me. I really am willing to be an old maid missionary, or an old maid anything else, all my life, if God wants me to. It’s as clear as daylight to me that the only worthwhile life is one of the unconditional surrender to God‘s will, and of living in His way, trusting His love and guidance.”
“God is using these days to tear many a man loose from the things to which his heart has clung. It is ours to show them incorruptible riches which bank failures and economic conditions cannot touch. It is ours to show them in the salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in personal communion with him, a joy unspeakable and full of glory that cannot be affected by any outside circumstances.”
June 28, 2025
An excellent and concise biography. It was encouraging and accessible.
November 10, 2024
“Some stories change, challenge, and give your courage. This is one of those stories.”
This is the story of a young couple, newlyweds and new parents, who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to the Lord they loved. In 1934, John and Betty Stam were serving as committed missionaries in China when they were brutally murdered by Communist soldiers. The story of their martyrdom ignited a flame that quickly spread, carrying a story of the gospel and its life-changing power. The legacy of the Stams and the true impact of their sacrifice for the spread of the gospel is impossible to quantify.
Perhaps the story of the Stams is one you’re familiar with. If that is so, this biography will add some fresh insight and new perspectives on the story of a couple who, to the world may have died too young, but whose sacrifice on the name of Christ has caused ripple effects for generations.
Or perhaps you’ve never even heard these names and your curiosity is piqued. I would highly recommend this book as an introduction to the lives of two brave missionaries. Compared to the genre of biographies in general, this one is mercifully concise with short digestible chapters.
I became familiar with the testimony of Betty Scott Stam by listening to Elisabeth Elliot speak of her and the impact Betty’s faith and commitment to Christ had on Elliot’s own. But the greater story behind her life and sacrifice was lost on me until I got my hands on this book. Andrew Montonera’s familial connection to John and Betty brought a tenderness and authenticity to the relaying of their story. I also loved the various additions like personal writings, poems, and photographs.
This story reminded me of the call all believers have to take up their crosses and follow Jesus, to love Him to the very end, to be willing to lay your life down for the sake of your faith and your fellow man.
Thank you to moodypublishers for a complimentary book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
This is the story of a young couple, newlyweds and new parents, who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to the Lord they loved. In 1934, John and Betty Stam were serving as committed missionaries in China when they were brutally murdered by Communist soldiers. The story of their martyrdom ignited a flame that quickly spread, carrying a story of the gospel and its life-changing power. The legacy of the Stams and the true impact of their sacrifice for the spread of the gospel is impossible to quantify.
Perhaps the story of the Stams is one you’re familiar with. If that is so, this biography will add some fresh insight and new perspectives on the story of a couple who, to the world may have died too young, but whose sacrifice on the name of Christ has caused ripple effects for generations.
Or perhaps you’ve never even heard these names and your curiosity is piqued. I would highly recommend this book as an introduction to the lives of two brave missionaries. Compared to the genre of biographies in general, this one is mercifully concise with short digestible chapters.
I became familiar with the testimony of Betty Scott Stam by listening to Elisabeth Elliot speak of her and the impact Betty’s faith and commitment to Christ had on Elliot’s own. But the greater story behind her life and sacrifice was lost on me until I got my hands on this book. Andrew Montonera’s familial connection to John and Betty brought a tenderness and authenticity to the relaying of their story. I also loved the various additions like personal writings, poems, and photographs.
This story reminded me of the call all believers have to take up their crosses and follow Jesus, to love Him to the very end, to be willing to lay your life down for the sake of your faith and your fellow man.
Thank you to moodypublishers for a complimentary book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
October 7, 2024
{Thank you to Moody Publishers for my gifted copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.}
“Of this we may be sure, that if we have been redeemed by Christ’s blood, and are called into His service, His work done in His way and for His glory will never lack His support. We must go forward in the face of the impossible even if we know only the next step.” –John C. Stam
What a powerful missionary biography. I loved that this title was written by a relative of John Stam! And who better to write a forward for this book than a grandson of Hudson Taylor, the founder of the China Inland Mission, which John and Betty journeyed to China in service with.
This book was profound in many ways–inspiring, but also heartbreaking. I learned so much about John and Betty Stam that I didn’t know before this book. I absolutely loved getting to read some of the poems that Betty wrote. She was such a gifted writer and, as with everything she did, she sought to write for God’s glory and never for hers–and it shows.
Books like this are a reminder of the preciousness of the gospel and the power of God. He is so worthy of all it all–all of our worship, all of our lives–everything. I’m so grateful for the Stams, and I can’t wait to meet them in eternity someday.
If you want to read a book that will fuel your passion for the gospel and for missions, read this book! Prepare to be weeping by the end. It’s worth it!
“Of this we may be sure, that if we have been redeemed by Christ’s blood, and are called into His service, His work done in His way and for His glory will never lack His support. We must go forward in the face of the impossible even if we know only the next step.” –John C. Stam
What a powerful missionary biography. I loved that this title was written by a relative of John Stam! And who better to write a forward for this book than a grandson of Hudson Taylor, the founder of the China Inland Mission, which John and Betty journeyed to China in service with.
This book was profound in many ways–inspiring, but also heartbreaking. I learned so much about John and Betty Stam that I didn’t know before this book. I absolutely loved getting to read some of the poems that Betty wrote. She was such a gifted writer and, as with everything she did, she sought to write for God’s glory and never for hers–and it shows.
Books like this are a reminder of the preciousness of the gospel and the power of God. He is so worthy of all it all–all of our worship, all of our lives–everything. I’m so grateful for the Stams, and I can’t wait to meet them in eternity someday.
If you want to read a book that will fuel your passion for the gospel and for missions, read this book! Prepare to be weeping by the end. It’s worth it!
June 14, 2025
I believe missionary biographies are near essential to a Christian’s sanctification. They are full of riches. The story and lives of the Stams is no exception. Their all out commitment and dedication to gospel ministry in China is powerful. And the tragic story of their martyrdom is always emotional.
I am privileged to have attended the same college - Moody Bible- the stams did. Outside of Moody’s chapel, there was the missionary display that had tons of names written. And the Stams name was there- with a symbol noting their martyrdom. It was a joy and privilege to be trained at Moody knowing the Stams history.
I encourage all to read this book. It’s short and edifying. Here is an edifying truth from John Stam himself- “When we consecrate ourselves to god, we think we are making a great sacrifice, and doing lots for him, when really we are only letting go some little, bitsie trinkets we have been grabbing, and when our hands are empty, he fills them full of his treasures.”
5 star story/legacy, 4 star writing/storytelling.
I am privileged to have attended the same college - Moody Bible- the stams did. Outside of Moody’s chapel, there was the missionary display that had tons of names written. And the Stams name was there- with a symbol noting their martyrdom. It was a joy and privilege to be trained at Moody knowing the Stams history.
I encourage all to read this book. It’s short and edifying. Here is an edifying truth from John Stam himself- “When we consecrate ourselves to god, we think we are making a great sacrifice, and doing lots for him, when really we are only letting go some little, bitsie trinkets we have been grabbing, and when our hands are empty, he fills them full of his treasures.”
5 star story/legacy, 4 star writing/storytelling.
October 17, 2024
“By Life or by Death: The Life and Legacy of John and Betty Stam” is a book of the Stams’ lives as missionaries by Andrew Montonera. The Stams served as missionaries in China, giving their lives courageously to the purpose of God’s kingdom.
Their greatest prayer was that the Lord would “be glorified whether by life or by death.” As stated in the forward, “their lives and deaths call upon us to dedicate our lives afresh to His Great Commandment and His Great Commission.”
This book shares the Stams’ missionary journey in a way that reminded me of Corrie ten Boom’s “The Hiding Place.” It also contained unexpected things that moved my heart such as photographs, Betty’s poetry and both her and John’s letters.
Highlights:
"When we consecrate ourselves to God, we think we are making a great sacrifice, and doing lots for Him, when really we are only letting go some little, bitsie trinkets we have been grabbing, and when our hands are empty, He fills them full of His treasures."
“May God frustrate everything if it is not of Him. I do want His will first.”
“He knows our weakness and our lack of supplies; He knows the roughness of the way, and His command carries with it the assurance of all we need for the work.”
“The faithfulness of God is the only certain thing in the world today and we need not fear the result of trusting Him.”
“His work done in His way and for His glory will never lack His support. We must go forward in the face of the impossible even if we know only the next step.”
Total Stars: 4
Readability: 5
Impact: 4
Content: 4
Enjoyment: 3
Thank you to the publisher for gifting me a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Their greatest prayer was that the Lord would “be glorified whether by life or by death.” As stated in the forward, “their lives and deaths call upon us to dedicate our lives afresh to His Great Commandment and His Great Commission.”
This book shares the Stams’ missionary journey in a way that reminded me of Corrie ten Boom’s “The Hiding Place.” It also contained unexpected things that moved my heart such as photographs, Betty’s poetry and both her and John’s letters.
Highlights:
"When we consecrate ourselves to God, we think we are making a great sacrifice, and doing lots for Him, when really we are only letting go some little, bitsie trinkets we have been grabbing, and when our hands are empty, He fills them full of His treasures."
“May God frustrate everything if it is not of Him. I do want His will first.”
“He knows our weakness and our lack of supplies; He knows the roughness of the way, and His command carries with it the assurance of all we need for the work.”
“The faithfulness of God is the only certain thing in the world today and we need not fear the result of trusting Him.”
“His work done in His way and for His glory will never lack His support. We must go forward in the face of the impossible even if we know only the next step.”
Total Stars: 4
Readability: 5
Impact: 4
Content: 4
Enjoyment: 3
Thank you to the publisher for gifting me a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
October 7, 2024
I had never heard of the Stams. There have been other books written in the past, but this book adds more to the story. Andrew Montonera's book takes a unique perspective as he is writting about his distant relatives. He shares their story and also a little of how they have impacted him. Betty and John's story is remarkable in that they went but a short time as missionaries to China, and were martyred there. Even though their time was so short and they were so young when their lives were cut short, God was using it to bring people to Himself through their death. I think what stuck me was their witness to others in the way that they camly went to their death and how John even had a slight smile on his face. They were so confident in Jesus that death could not shake them as they kept looking to Jesus Christ.
This story is sure to make an impression on many who read it. I throughly enjoyed all the photographs throughout, some of which have never been shared before. Whether you are farmiliar with this story or not, I definitely recommend reading it!
I also loved learning how the hymn, "Thou Who Wast Rich Beyond All Splendor" was inspired by the Stams' martyrdom. It gives me a new appreciation for this hymn.
Thank you @moodypublishers for a copy of this book for my honest thoughts!
This story is sure to make an impression on many who read it. I throughly enjoyed all the photographs throughout, some of which have never been shared before. Whether you are farmiliar with this story or not, I definitely recommend reading it!
I also loved learning how the hymn, "Thou Who Wast Rich Beyond All Splendor" was inspired by the Stams' martyrdom. It gives me a new appreciation for this hymn.
Thank you @moodypublishers for a copy of this book for my honest thoughts!
October 8, 2025
This has been on my TBR list forever and it was well worth the wait. John and Betty’s example of unflinching faithfulness to Christ and the advance of His kingdom in the face of unimaginable pain and loss is incredible. I look forward to one day in eternity—perhaps even over a cup of tea—rejoicing in the many ways Christ used their death to draw others closer to Himself and to spread the Gospel even further!
I’ll end this with the dear words of John Stam, “The faithfulness of God is the only certain thing in the world today and we need not fear the result of trusting him.”
I’ll end this with the dear words of John Stam, “The faithfulness of God is the only certain thing in the world today and we need not fear the result of trusting him.”
July 8, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up because I think other believers should read this book and be challenged and inspired by the lives of John and Betty Stam.
October 7, 2024
4.25 stars, rounded down to 4.
By Life or By Death revisits one of the most inspiring missionary stories of the 20th century—the incredible legacy of John and Betty Stam. Written by Andrew Montonera, the great-grandson of John’s younger brother Cornelius, the book breathes new life into their story. It gives us a fresh perspective on the Stams’ radical devotion, courage, and ultimate sacrifice for the gospel.
What I Loved:
• Personal Perspective: Montonera draws from never-before-seen photographs and family documents, which makes the story feel vivid and deeply personal.
• Detailed Account: His narrative captures both the triumphs and heartbreaks of the Stams’ short but impactful lives, highlighting what it looks like to be fully surrendered to Christ.
• Faith and Courage Under Fire: The Stams’ boldness in the face of danger is such a powerful reminder of unwavering faith and sacrificial love.
• Impact on Future Generations: I love how the book weaves in testimonies of people like Elisabeth Elliot who were directly inspired by the Stams’ obedience, showing how their story continues to influence believers today.
But if I had one critique, it’s that I wish the book felt a little more like a story instead of a collection of facts. It’s thorough and packed with details, but I found myself wanting more of a narrative style that would bring the events to life even more.
Overall, it’s a compelling read that’s well worth adding to your missionary biography collection. Whether you’re already familiar with the Stams’ story or hearing it for the first time, you’ll walk away inspired by their faith and courage. Perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of what it means to live fully for Christ—even when it costs everything.
Thank you to Moody Publishers for sending me this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
By Life or By Death revisits one of the most inspiring missionary stories of the 20th century—the incredible legacy of John and Betty Stam. Written by Andrew Montonera, the great-grandson of John’s younger brother Cornelius, the book breathes new life into their story. It gives us a fresh perspective on the Stams’ radical devotion, courage, and ultimate sacrifice for the gospel.
What I Loved:
• Personal Perspective: Montonera draws from never-before-seen photographs and family documents, which makes the story feel vivid and deeply personal.
• Detailed Account: His narrative captures both the triumphs and heartbreaks of the Stams’ short but impactful lives, highlighting what it looks like to be fully surrendered to Christ.
• Faith and Courage Under Fire: The Stams’ boldness in the face of danger is such a powerful reminder of unwavering faith and sacrificial love.
• Impact on Future Generations: I love how the book weaves in testimonies of people like Elisabeth Elliot who were directly inspired by the Stams’ obedience, showing how their story continues to influence believers today.
But if I had one critique, it’s that I wish the book felt a little more like a story instead of a collection of facts. It’s thorough and packed with details, but I found myself wanting more of a narrative style that would bring the events to life even more.
Overall, it’s a compelling read that’s well worth adding to your missionary biography collection. Whether you’re already familiar with the Stams’ story or hearing it for the first time, you’ll walk away inspired by their faith and courage. Perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of what it means to live fully for Christ—even when it costs everything.
Thank you to Moody Publishers for sending me this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
October 10, 2024
Books like this one are sobering and humbling for me as an American Christian and I know I’m not alone in saying so. To witness such bold and courageous faith is beyond inspiring. I was especially touched by the writings, letters, and poems of John and Betty that are shared throughout the book. I was brought to tears multiple times while reading. Jesus continues to call us to take up our crosses daily to follow him. I am reminded and encouraged anew by the sacrifices of John and Betty Stam to surrender all at the foot of the cross. What a mighty God we serve!
Thank you to Moody Publishers for a gifted copy of this important book. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Thank you to Moody Publishers for a gifted copy of this important book. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
March 18, 2025
“Remember you gave John and Betty to God, not to China.”
Five stars for the story. I don’t remember hearing about this story until I read about In Elisabeth Elliot’s biography. How cool that she met Betty when she was a young girl! Poor Helen! I can imagine why she has never done anything public, it seems like she got way too much attention after a tragedy happened to her parents.
Of course the Stam’s story is inspiring both by their faithfulness unto death & God’s sovereignty to use the suffering of his saints. Books like this make me ask hard questions of myself, not to compare myself to others, but to ask, “Am I fully surrendered to the Lord? Do I love him beyond life itself?”
Five stars for the story. I don’t remember hearing about this story until I read about In Elisabeth Elliot’s biography. How cool that she met Betty when she was a young girl! Poor Helen! I can imagine why she has never done anything public, it seems like she got way too much attention after a tragedy happened to her parents.
Of course the Stam’s story is inspiring both by their faithfulness unto death & God’s sovereignty to use the suffering of his saints. Books like this make me ask hard questions of myself, not to compare myself to others, but to ask, “Am I fully surrendered to the Lord? Do I love him beyond life itself?”
March 18, 2025
A good missionary biography leaves one marveling at the grace of God and the work he does through his Word and his people. This biography does just that as it explains the faithful life, martyrdom, and legacy of John and Betty Stam. I remember how often Elisabeth Elliot spoke of the Stams as impacting her own call to the mission field, so I was excited to learn more about the humble call of these two missionaries and the miraculous escape of their infant daughter.
July 2, 2025
Convicting and inspiring story of committed believers who pledged to follow Jesus at whatever the cost…and paid it. Can’t believe I had never heard this story! Super cool to read the legacy of their sacrifice and how it impacted so many others in China and around the world.
Low star count because the book was a bit confusing and seemed to skip parts of their life I was interested in knowing more about. Could be because the content doesn’t exist but wish author would have acknowledged that.
Low star count because the book was a bit confusing and seemed to skip parts of their life I was interested in knowing more about. Could be because the content doesn’t exist but wish author would have acknowledged that.
August 5, 2025
𝘽𝙮 𝙇𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙤𝙧 𝘽𝙮 𝘿𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 recounts the lives and martyrdom of missionaries, John and Betty Stam. They met in 1929 at Moody Bible Institute and eventually married. While the Stams were ministering in China during the Chinese Civil war, communists kidnapped and executed them.
What an inspiring message of courage and unwavering faith. Such a powerful legacy these two Christians have left behind. It can be so difficult to hear stories like this, but God for working for good what others meant for evil.
What an inspiring message of courage and unwavering faith. Such a powerful legacy these two Christians have left behind. It can be so difficult to hear stories like this, but God for working for good what others meant for evil.
October 9, 2024
I took my time reading though this amazing book pieced together with accounts of how the author came to know the subjects buy interviews. This author has done an incredible job of introducing a whole new generation to John & Betty Stam and their story. This book was published on the 90th anniversary year of their martyrdom. Excellent job Andrew Montonera!
July 1, 2025
Powerful look from a family member of the Stam family. One of the most well-known stories of missionary martyrdom, that has inspired many more to go to hard places to bring the name of Jesus to these people groups. The story of the survival of Helen Stam brought me to tears. The faithfulness of these two heroes of the faith spurs me on to make Jesus known where He has placed me.
July 1, 2025
Excellent account of the story of John and Betty Stam. Their short lives bore an eternal impact for Christ. The surrender of two young people to lay down their lives willingly for the sake of the Gospel challenges me.
This book is very detailed (almost too much for my taste 😅). But overall, excellent! I liked the pictures, copies of letters, and even sheet music in the book! I would recommend 👍👍
This book is very detailed (almost too much for my taste 😅). But overall, excellent! I liked the pictures, copies of letters, and even sheet music in the book! I would recommend 👍👍
September 19, 2024
Thank you to Moody Publishing for allowing me to read an advanced copy.
I am so grateful to have read about the lives of John and Betty Stam, who were completely sold out to God. I believe this could enlighten a few generations who don’t know their story. What godly examples. Highly recommend!!!
I am so grateful to have read about the lives of John and Betty Stam, who were completely sold out to God. I believe this could enlighten a few generations who don’t know their story. What godly examples. Highly recommend!!!
February 13, 2025
Incredible and powerful biography about the faithful lives of John and Betty stam. This book had me in tears several times throughout the book. This is one I hope to re-read in the future! I highly recommend it.
November 23, 2024
Very well done. Words cannot describe. Loved that it was written by a relative. Loved the letters and additional personal excerpts that added to the authenticity of the story.
Highly recommend.
Highly recommend.
December 29, 2024
There are not many biographies on the Stams, so I was excited to see a new one coming out. This was a simple, easy read in regards to the words. However the story is heavy, convicting and encouraging. Pictures, letters and direct quotes from John and Betty help the story feel even more real to the reader.
September 4, 2025
Well written and very inspiring!
Some of Betty’s poetry and John’s speeches are included with several photos.
Some of Betty’s poetry and John’s speeches are included with several photos.
May 9, 2025
4.5 stars
I really loved this story; I had read a shorter story about John and Betty Stam years ago, but this was such an enouraging reminder of the beauty of a life lived for Christ, regardless of the shortness of such a life. I appreciated that the author expounded on their earlier lives and wholehearted devotion to God in their choice to go and become missionaries. The poetry by Betty Stam that was included was beautiful addition to the story. (I found her poem about her ideal husband quite amusing, but also sweet.) It's amazing how God worked to use these small seeds of their lives, given willingly and without reservation to him to encourage so many people. The writing wasn't exceptional, but neither did it detract from the story and the encouragement of the faith John and Betty Stam had.
I really loved this story; I had read a shorter story about John and Betty Stam years ago, but this was such an enouraging reminder of the beauty of a life lived for Christ, regardless of the shortness of such a life. I appreciated that the author expounded on their earlier lives and wholehearted devotion to God in their choice to go and become missionaries. The poetry by Betty Stam that was included was beautiful addition to the story. (I found her poem about her ideal husband quite amusing, but also sweet.) It's amazing how God worked to use these small seeds of their lives, given willingly and without reservation to him to encourage so many people. The writing wasn't exceptional, but neither did it detract from the story and the encouragement of the faith John and Betty Stam had.
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