The Man Who Couldn't Be Killed: An Incredible Story of Faith and Courage During China's Cultural Revolution

by Stanley Maxwell

The Man Who Couldn't Be An Incredible Story of Faith and Courage During China's Cultural Revolution

Genres: History, Faith, Biography

222 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1995

About the author

Stanley Maxwell is an author, freelance writer, instructor of English and history and a teacher.

Born in Chicago, he was raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, and was educated at Andrews University.
He has traveled around the world more times than he can count. He worked with Vietnamese boat people in Thai refugee camps, taught English in China, Macau and Hong Kong. In addition, he has conducted biological research on the Galapagos Islands. He joined an archaeological dig at Tel Jawa, Jordan and studied modern-day cave-dwelling in Aman in 1992.

While teaching English at YanBian University in China, he heard the story that would become The Man Who Couldn't Be Killed, his first book, which was a best-seller for Pacific Press in 1995.

Reviews

[Dharma]

This was an interesting read on how people who practiced a different religion, Christianity, were treated during China's Cultural Revolution. I was blown away many times by the intensity and faith that Mr Wong had during his time in a labor camp. I sometimes didn't agree with what he chose to do, because of his family, but I still respect him for it.

The writing was a little hard to follow, but still told a good story.

[Trevor Cassell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very powerful book on Gods watchful hand over a man in communist China and how he saved him. When he first became an Adventist in communist China he was able to keep the Sabbath but eventually they got on to him and sent him to prison.Many a time God helped him out and helped him become friends with the right people in the camp he was sent to and they couldn't kill him or break his faith. The most amazing was when they tied him out in the cold to freeze to death but God untied the knot so that he could keep himself warm through the night. He brought some people to his faith and proved to everyone he met he would not cave. It also talked about how his family went through tribulation but was also able to stay true to God. This book was very gripping and you really can't put it down. I would highly recommend it.

[Jermaine Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was glued to this book! It was as if I had a first row seat into the life of a man strong in faith. Mr. Wong's amazing story inspires faith, hope and confidence in Christ. His journey during China's cultural Revolution was packed with miracles, close calls and had me impatient to find out what would happen next, I can say that this book was well worth reading.

[Melanie Hubbard]

I learned about this book from the Seventh Day Adventist group on Second Life. They used it as one of their story time readings. I had it on my Amazon wish list and one of my family members (was it my brother?) bought it as a Christmas gift in 2024. I started to read it on November 22, 2025.

[Lorena Contreraz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect book to read in the times we're living in today. Made me realize that my faith may not be as strong as I thought.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an inspiring story that I would highly recommend to anyone. It illustrates the incredible strength that true faith in God can bring and renews spiritual courage. This story could really help someone on their spiritual journey.

[Sandy Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book. The only reason I didn't give it five stars was because it was so awful to read about man's inhumanity to man. However, I found the mindset of this hero very inspiring.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important book that deserves to be read in our current socio-cultural environment.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book but sad how anyone can be so cruel.