Servant on the Edge of History

by Sam James

Again and again it happens. Bombs fall in a nearby shopping district. Enemy soldiers terrorize neighboring homes. Crossfire decimates civilian cars at a roadblock. War infuses every quarter of Vietnam. Most Americans long ago have left for safety. The James family remains. Sam James and his wife, Rachel, and their four children sit tight in ravaged South Vietnam to share Jesus when the Vietnamese most need ministry--as the country falls to communism. Even during the frightening Tet Offensive, Sam communicates Christ's love and peace as he helps Vietnamese believers start churches and gird up spiritually for the dark days ahead. What makes one man willing to stare death in the face to obey God's call to serve the Vietnamese? And what becomes of all the seeds planted among these fledgling Christians as communism oppression advances? Servant on the Edge of History describes the Vietnam War from a perspective seldom heard: from a missionary who loved the Vietnamese people, who refused to become an American spy, but who also loved his own country. James offers insights into where and how God was at work in this war-ravanged country, where he risked all for the sake of the Gospel. About the author: Sam James for 43 years has served with the International Mission Board in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Northern Africa. He has been a church planter, administrator and missionary statesman in troubled areas as well as speaker for retreats and conferences in 100 countries. Sam and his wife, Rachel, are parents of four grown children, two of whom are on the mission field. Today, they reside in Richmond, Virginia.

Genres: Biography, Christian

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2005

Reviews

[Wes Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book full of amazing stories of how God used a man who allowed himself to be used by God. You don’t leave this book thinking how amazing Sam James is (even though he is pretty legit) but how faithful God is. An easy read and one that encourages you to faithfully follow Jesus and trust him to work in your life. Also a great book for anyone going on the mission field.

[Blake Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one book that I would give 10 stars to if possible. It is as exciting and moving as any novel you will ever read. Sam James paints word pictures masterfully of his time serving as a missionary in South Vietnam. You almost feel that you are there as the author shares many dramatic experiences. This book will be a tremendous blessing for any Christian. I would rank it with any of the great missionary books. It is one of the best books I have ever read.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredible read

[Katelyn Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best books I have read thus far in 2021. It is an excellent supplement to formal missiology training, helping one to better grasp their course material—from the spirit worldview present in Asia, to cross-cultural challenges, to moral purity, to not associating oneself with a political side, to planting churches and allowing the natives to lead, to simply trusting the Lord day by day on the mission field. Sam James shares his missionary journey with compelling detail and inspiring biblical insight. I am inspired by the James family and their unwavering commitment to the Lord as well as how the Holy Spirit powerfully worked among the Vietnam people during this dark time. This book caused me to praise God all the more and continue praying for the Holy Spirit to lead my cross-cultural, atheist friend to Jesus Christ. No one, no matter how ‘far gone,’ is beyond the reach of Christ’s life-changing power and hope. If you read this book, you’ll be reminded of that afresh.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a collection of short stories about Sam James' mission experience in Vietnam. Some stories are heartbreaking, some are exciting--all are incredibly encouraging. Sam James also provides commentary on what he learned based on his missions experiences that is insightful and applicable for any Christian in his or her walk with Christ. There is also absolutely no hint of pride or boasting as Sam James recounts his amazing impact for Christ in Vietnam--God gets all the glory, and glorifying God is what you will find yourself doing as you read through the pages of this book.

[Nicole Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story about a missionary's journey in Vietnam in the 1960s and 1970s! I was not only brought to tears on numerous accounts, but inspired and encouraged. My soul feels lit ablaze to go out and share the gospel with the world before I miss out on the opportunities God has presented me with. I would recommend this book!

[Jonathan Cofer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Read!

Amazing Read! - I am blown away at the story of Sam James. Then to find out after some research that he started The Summit where JD Greear pastors today. That’s amazing. So cool. - I’d recommend this book to anyone. Especially to gain a heart for missions. - Its an easy 5 star rating. I couldn’t put it down.

[Scott Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book by an amazing man. It is very honest about his struggles and also all that he got to see the Lord do during his time working in Vietnam. What a warrior for God that would work with his wife and kids...living in a village during the Vietnam War. Very inspiring book.

[Roger Sigmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! Great truths and lessons from a man that served as a missionary in Viet Nam before and during the war.

[Tyler Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book now only keeps you on edge the whole 167 pages, but convicts and reassures you in every which way! This is a must, yes MUST, read for all!

[Ashton E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The adventures he had in the midst of war and how God protected him was absolutely incredible. I love reading about the checkpoint where God told him to go another way.

[Tricia Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me laughing, in tears, and moved to worship the Lord. He is living, breathing, and active, and His Spirit is going forth in faithfulness to us to build His church.

[Daniel Story · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story about an amazing missionary during a unique time

[Rebekah Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like sitting down listening to your grandfather tell you stories about how great God is!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a typical missionary biography. Each chapter recounts a particular event or series of events from the author's years as a missionary in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Each chapter contains lessons the author learned and the glory of God revealed. There are questions at the end of each chapter to provoke application and further thought. I found this book fascinating and encouraging.

[Andrew Ritchie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars isn't enough. The stories told in this book will strengthen anyone's love for and faith in God. This book is thought provoking and encouraging. It has caused me to think seriously on the many blessings of my life and the many times God has worked things for His glory. I would recommend this book to anyone, but certainly to anyone who calls themselves a member of the Baptist church.

[Catdav56 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Caroline Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book forever changed how I saw the Gospel going among the nations. Sam’s story telling is incredible & full of passionate experience. His love for the Vietnamese people is evident and palpable.

[Taylor McBride · Rating 5 out of 5]

Invigorating

Such a wonderful encouragement and challenge to any who read it. A passion for God and his people cannot help but leap from the pages.

[Carlton Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

"When complete and total trust is there, fear subsides"

[Carol Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more years walking with dear Lord, the more I cherish meeting with those who genuinely share about their vulnerability and weakness and keep pressing on by God's grace alone. This author is! Lots of moments are touching and the last part is resonating most that we can't find who we are by any works we've done but only by Christ alone. We are the child of Christ!

[Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed every page of this book. I had the gift of meeting Sam James years ago. He mentored me as a leader briefly. It is great to be able to learn more about his mission work in Vietnam. The stories that he shared inspire and teach. I highly recommend this book to all interested in missions. You will enjoy reading it.