Peril by choice: The story of John and Elaine Beekman, Wycliffe Bible translators in Mexico

by James C. Hefley

This book is about John Beckman, who started as a member of the team translating parts of the Bible into south Mexican Indian language, then becomes Wycliffe's chief Translation Consultant. His support work in the technicalities of linguistics and Bible translation is explored in a down to earth manner.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Christian

289 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1968

About the author

James C. "Jim" Hefley is the author of more than 50 books including the popular Way Back series, of which this book is one. For many years prior to retirement, Hefley was a popular author and well-known inspirational speaker. He lives in Hannibal, Missouri, where he founded Hannibal Books in the early 1980s. In 1999 he sold the book publishing company to KLMK Communications, Inc., which is based in Garland, Texas.

Reviews

[Collins Hinga · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's an eye-watering heart-warming story of a Christian couple who genuinely go out of their way to fulfill the Lord's Great Commission. Indeed, but what things were gain to them they counted as loss for Christ and truly a crown of glory awaits them in heaven. In their story we get to see the many challenges that face a missionary in a developing country having come from a developed country where things like indoor plumbing, heated showers, a good healthcare system, habitable housing etc. are taken for granted. Yet in all these, the faithful Lord didn't leave them or forsake them but fulfilled His calling on their lives. To God be the glory.

[Esther Filbrun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been wanting to read more missionary stories for years, and this is a book I picked up at our (then) church home quite a few years back. To my shame, I never started reading it, so it prettied up my shelf (more like, taunted me from the shelf) for many years. Recently, I finally figured out how to fit biographies into my everyday life, and I’m finally almost through my backlog!

This was such a great story! I’ve read a few books about missionaries in Central America, but this is one of the first ones I remember reading about someone in Mexico. I found the description of the terrain incredible, and also found the Beekman’s story inspiring. John’s determination to push on, no matter what, was incredible, especially considering his somewhat touchy health. The sacrifices they made and the trials the Lord led them through were also challenging and inspiring.

If you’re looking for a solid, well-written missionary biography, I’d highly recommend you read this one. I did have to smile a little, as it talked about Wycliffe’s goal to get the Bible translated into quite a few different languages by the 21st century, and that’s obviously a bit dated now. Still, I found this book inspiring, and many of the things these people experienced are relatable even fifty years on from the events. A good read!

[Yibbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The courage of faithful pioneer missionaries always encourages and energizes me. How many biographies are out there about people overcoming massive physical or emotional trials? Many of those seek to motive the reader to overcome for a better life, for emotional healing, or for others. But this one shows a man who understands the risks he’s taking and yet pushes on through some of the roughest terrain on the planet for the honor and love of his Savior. His life is spent, quite literally, walking the trails of Southern Mexico to put the Word of God in the hands of the lost and oppressed. His whole life shows eternal worth of souls and the rewards of faithful service.
It is also an interesting look into the life of Mayan decedents. It follows whole villages as the Word of God frees them from the bondage of pagan spirits and superstition and eventually the slavery of drunkenness and ignorance. As with any life redeemed by Christ, the change is stark.
The last half or so of this book does get a little bogged down in their travel itinerary. Still, even that was interesting as it shows the foundation of the system that has supported so many missionaries.
I would recommend it.

[Zai · Rating 4 out of 5]

its a good book

[JD Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Very encouraging and inspiring about following God no matter what comes in your life, and no matter how difficult it is.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for school, so it was a bit hard to get into, especially because I don't read many biographies. However, this book was a tearjerker, thinking of all of the people who were saved because John Beekman refused to stop as long as God would use him, no matter what condition his heart was in, and how well Elaine ministered along side him through it all. This family was greatly used of God, and I think we can all learn something from them, about what we are willing to give to God.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book! Bro. and Mrs. Beekman are so amazing!!! This is a great missions book.

[Beka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives great insight into the process of Biblical translation as well telling the story of an inspiring couple dedicated to working wherever God called.

[Hannah Lofthus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Missionary biographies are the best, okay? This was great. The Beekmans' story is fascinating and inspirational. I rarely like the books I have to read for school....but this one was a winner.