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Where Only God Could Lead: The Life Story of Don Sisk
The life story of Dr. Don Sisk reads something like a novel with surprises at every turn. In truth, it is simply the story of walking by faith. It is a record of the faithfulness of God in a surrendered life.
Even in hindsight, it’s difficult to wrap your mind around the magnitude of what God has allowed Don Sisk to accomplish in six decades of ministry. From a tiny, rural town to a worldwide ministry with eternal impact, the Lord has led Don and Virginia Sisk step by step on paths of faith.
These pages speak to the divine work of God—in a life and through a life. They speak to the providence of God to lead a man from the mountains of Kentucky, to the orient, to travel the globe, and to the backside of the desert—and to bless him and make him a blessing every step of the way. They speak to the ways of God in blessing a husband and a wife who are faithful to each other through over sixty years of marriage, faithful to their family, and faithful to their God.
In short, these pages tell a record of God’s grace developed in and channeled through a man yielded to follow wherever God leads.
Even in hindsight, it’s difficult to wrap your mind around the magnitude of what God has allowed Don Sisk to accomplish in six decades of ministry. From a tiny, rural town to a worldwide ministry with eternal impact, the Lord has led Don and Virginia Sisk step by step on paths of faith.
These pages speak to the divine work of God—in a life and through a life. They speak to the providence of God to lead a man from the mountains of Kentucky, to the orient, to travel the globe, and to the backside of the desert—and to bless him and make him a blessing every step of the way. They speak to the ways of God in blessing a husband and a wife who are faithful to each other through over sixty years of marriage, faithful to their family, and faithful to their God.
In short, these pages tell a record of God’s grace developed in and channeled through a man yielded to follow wherever God leads.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2015
19 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Cary Schmidt
37 books28 followersCary Schmidt is the senior pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church of Newington, Connecticut.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 18, 2025
I’ve heard and or seen Don Sisk off & on since I was a college student in Chattanooga in the early 80’s. (He wouldn’t know me.) He is an encourager, a motivator, & delivers the truth. He is funny & kind, & always seems to have a smile on his face.
The book begins at the beginning. His birth & early years. The things that shaped him. We get a glimpse at his family, some of the hard things, his salvation, his romance of Virginia, & work. He came up in a place a lot like my Dad’s side of the family. Simple people. Hard working.
The book lets us see the early hard years of his mission work in Japan. This is the high point of the book I think. It was exciting to see the hand of God using these common obedient servants. They could have left when it was extremely difficult when they were wondering if anything was going to happen. I was left wanting to know more about those early converts to Christ & what it was like for them to leave their old religion.
The later chapters were not as engaging but still worth the read. The absolute auction was worth reading & for some faith stretching.
At this point Don Sisk is still with us. Sadly his wife is gone. He spoke briefly & prayed at a conference I was at recently. Same old little man. Funny, kind, smiling, & full of faith.
The book begins at the beginning. His birth & early years. The things that shaped him. We get a glimpse at his family, some of the hard things, his salvation, his romance of Virginia, & work. He came up in a place a lot like my Dad’s side of the family. Simple people. Hard working.
The book lets us see the early hard years of his mission work in Japan. This is the high point of the book I think. It was exciting to see the hand of God using these common obedient servants. They could have left when it was extremely difficult when they were wondering if anything was going to happen. I was left wanting to know more about those early converts to Christ & what it was like for them to leave their old religion.
The later chapters were not as engaging but still worth the read. The absolute auction was worth reading & for some faith stretching.
At this point Don Sisk is still with us. Sadly his wife is gone. He spoke briefly & prayed at a conference I was at recently. Same old little man. Funny, kind, smiling, & full of faith.
January 9, 2016
For every young and aspiring missionary I would recommend this book without reservation. The steps of faith both Don and Virginia took, simply yet boldly, is a beautiful picture of the life of reckless abandon to obedience that our Master calls us too. To have had the even greater privilege of knowing these two people personally and to see the grace and passion described in this book lived out in even a greater way causes the words contained here to be written in bold print throughout.
August 3, 2022
If you've ever met Don Sisk you will know he is a kind, compassionate, genuine Christian gentleman. I have been privileged to hear him preach on more than one occasion, and I hope to again in the future. He is a man who truly loves the Lord, loves people, and loves foreign missions.
The story of Dr. Sisk's life as written by Cary Schmidt is done well, but it is not a great book. The writing is very good, something we should expect from Schmidt after all, and you do get a good glimpse at the heart of Sisk.
My problem with the book are not in its style or wordsmanship, but in its content, or lack thereof, in some places.
The beginning years of Dr. Sisk's life from school days, marriage, the pastorate, all the way to his years in Japan are all given the utmost care and space they need. For me it was an exciting read as I followed the Sisk family from place to place all over the middle United States to the mission field of Japan. I found myself looking up places and church names to put in my mind the geography that was being described.
Unfortunately, when the Sisks left Japan to serve at BIMI in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the narrative gets much shorter and bereft of details. I know Dr. Sisk spent that time planning, praying, and promoting missions, but relatively little about that era is said apart from a few scant happenings. The time from when Dr. Sisk left BIMI to the end of the book (2015) is treated similarly.
This is a book that should be read. You'll come away with a greater appreciation for Don and Virginia Sisk and the work God called them to do. If you are like me, though, it will leave you wishing that the author had given us more information and details about those BIMI years and the ensuing time. For that reason alone I gave the book three stars.
The story of Dr. Sisk's life as written by Cary Schmidt is done well, but it is not a great book. The writing is very good, something we should expect from Schmidt after all, and you do get a good glimpse at the heart of Sisk.
My problem with the book are not in its style or wordsmanship, but in its content, or lack thereof, in some places.
The beginning years of Dr. Sisk's life from school days, marriage, the pastorate, all the way to his years in Japan are all given the utmost care and space they need. For me it was an exciting read as I followed the Sisk family from place to place all over the middle United States to the mission field of Japan. I found myself looking up places and church names to put in my mind the geography that was being described.
Unfortunately, when the Sisks left Japan to serve at BIMI in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the narrative gets much shorter and bereft of details. I know Dr. Sisk spent that time planning, praying, and promoting missions, but relatively little about that era is said apart from a few scant happenings. The time from when Dr. Sisk left BIMI to the end of the book (2015) is treated similarly.
This is a book that should be read. You'll come away with a greater appreciation for Don and Virginia Sisk and the work God called them to do. If you are like me, though, it will leave you wishing that the author had given us more information and details about those BIMI years and the ensuing time. For that reason alone I gave the book three stars.
January 3, 2020
A wonderful testimony of following God
I love to read biographies of Men of God. I wish I had read this book long before now. The testimony of Don Sisk,s faith in God is great. The principal he used to follow God is great advice.
Get this book and read!i plan on reading it again down the road.
I love to read biographies of Men of God. I wish I had read this book long before now. The testimony of Don Sisk,s faith in God is great. The principal he used to follow God is great advice.
Get this book and read!i plan on reading it again down the road.
January 24, 2019
Though this is a biography, it reads more like an autobiography -- which always has its limitations (since we assess our own past from our present self-concept). But it's still an inspiring story. It's easy to think of independent Baptists (especially ones from Kentucky) as insular and cut off from the rest of the world. But anyone who really knows them will know about their heart for missions - and that comes out in this book. Pastor Sisk and his wife and 2 children moved to Japan in the 1960s, not even knowing the language -- going by a deep-felt sense of call. After struggling to learn the language and battling depression, he began two churches and a Bible College, and went on to direct the missions organization that sent him. There are good reasons the protagonist is so highly revered in independent Baptist circles, and you can see why in this biography.
December 12, 2019
If you want to know about the life of a modern day missionary then this book is for you. My shelves are full of books on missionaries long passed, so reading one about somebody alive today was a blessing. I have met Dr. Sisk upon a number of occasions when he visits our church. He was with us a few weeks ago at our annual Missions Conference. He is old by anyone's measurement, but has a young heart and mind. He preaches without notes and has his passages memorized. He is a true man of God. His testimony should encourage everyone to live for God whether you are in missions or work a secular job.
June 18, 2020
Inspiring. Well worth a read. I wasn't familiar with what had been done in Japan.
March 11, 2025
Best missions biography I read! Everyone should read it but missionaries should read it before going to the field for sure!
May 9, 2025
Inspiring book. I don’t know this preacher but this book was recommended to me. His obedience to God is complete. As of now he is still alive and working for the Lord
July 21, 2017
This was an encouraging biography of a missionary who was unknown to me before this, yet who was mightily used by God even though he may have seemed an unlikely candidate for such service.
December 22, 2016
I grew up on the mission field, during a time when Brother Don Sisk was the director of my parents mission board, and although I can't say I was closely acquainted with him, I can say his life directly impacted my family's life and the lives of others I knew. He was admired and respected in our home. When I saw this book, I was so excited at the opportunity to read more about this highly esteemed man of God.
I can assure you, his story did not disappoint. In fact, it is a testament to God's faithfulness and an encouragement to persevere and remain faithful to our Lord and Savior. Don did not necessarily grow up in a Christian home, with godly parents, and didn't go to church much during his childhood. He came to know Christ in his late teen years, but once he got that settled he was all in! After marrying Virginia, God continued to work and lead in their lives directing them to school, active involvement in church, and eventually a pastorate and mission work. As they grew in their marriage and in the Lord, they served Him wholeheartedly, surrendering their lives to whatever God had planned. They remained constant during trials and testing and not only reaped rewards on earth, but I am sure God has many rewards to award them in heaven.
This book is evidence to the fact that no matter what background, raising, or status in life, God is not restricted with how he uses a person who is completely sold out to him. There were many things in this book that impressed me, but probably the top one, was Don's heart for the lost. He prayed diligently for his father's salvation, which he was privileged to witness. Don's concern and compassion for lost souls kept him focused during his lifetime and on track in serving the Lord. This book will inspire those who read it, encourage them to continue in faithful service to the Lord. This man is a true hero of the faith!
I received this book free. I was not required to review and all opinions are my own. No other compensation was provided
I can assure you, his story did not disappoint. In fact, it is a testament to God's faithfulness and an encouragement to persevere and remain faithful to our Lord and Savior. Don did not necessarily grow up in a Christian home, with godly parents, and didn't go to church much during his childhood. He came to know Christ in his late teen years, but once he got that settled he was all in! After marrying Virginia, God continued to work and lead in their lives directing them to school, active involvement in church, and eventually a pastorate and mission work. As they grew in their marriage and in the Lord, they served Him wholeheartedly, surrendering their lives to whatever God had planned. They remained constant during trials and testing and not only reaped rewards on earth, but I am sure God has many rewards to award them in heaven.
This book is evidence to the fact that no matter what background, raising, or status in life, God is not restricted with how he uses a person who is completely sold out to him. There were many things in this book that impressed me, but probably the top one, was Don's heart for the lost. He prayed diligently for his father's salvation, which he was privileged to witness. Don's concern and compassion for lost souls kept him focused during his lifetime and on track in serving the Lord. This book will inspire those who read it, encourage them to continue in faithful service to the Lord. This man is a true hero of the faith!
I received this book free. I was not required to review and all opinions are my own. No other compensation was provided
October 28, 2016
A good book on a good man with a great God.
I met Don Sisk in the late 1970s and have followed his ministry lo these many years. I learned a lot about the Sisk family that I did not know and got better acquainted with not only them, but others I know who were mentioned in the book as their lives intertwined with Sisk's. I also found my faith grow and hopefully my walk with the Lord will reflect that.
The writer of the book is solid but something is lacking that I can't quite put my finger on. It is a very good biography and considering it's subject matter I felt like it should be a 5 star but it just didn't reach that plateau for me. Perhaps I am being too hard on the book as it did bring me to tears on several occasions as well as a wide range of other emotions. Schmidt has written other books but this is his first biography [as far as I can tell] so perhaps that is the problem. In that case I think we can overlook the missing factor and give a hearty "Bravo" as we look forward to other books from this talented author's pen.
I met Don Sisk in the late 1970s and have followed his ministry lo these many years. I learned a lot about the Sisk family that I did not know and got better acquainted with not only them, but others I know who were mentioned in the book as their lives intertwined with Sisk's. I also found my faith grow and hopefully my walk with the Lord will reflect that.
The writer of the book is solid but something is lacking that I can't quite put my finger on. It is a very good biography and considering it's subject matter I felt like it should be a 5 star but it just didn't reach that plateau for me. Perhaps I am being too hard on the book as it did bring me to tears on several occasions as well as a wide range of other emotions. Schmidt has written other books but this is his first biography [as far as I can tell] so perhaps that is the problem. In that case I think we can overlook the missing factor and give a hearty "Bravo" as we look forward to other books from this talented author's pen.
February 7, 2017
What a Blessing!
This is a wonderful account of the life of a very godly, selfless, humble servant of God with a heart for evangelism and missions. It was truly inspiring and challenging while bringing tears to my eyes to read how God works through the lives of those committed to Him.
This is a wonderful account of the life of a very godly, selfless, humble servant of God with a heart for evangelism and missions. It was truly inspiring and challenging while bringing tears to my eyes to read how God works through the lives of those committed to Him.
February 25, 2025
"Being in the way, God led me."
This is the life account of Don Sink written from another's perspective.
From his conversion to getting into the ministry, the author traces God's hand throughout Don's life and ministry, from pastor to missionary to missionary board director.
Seeing God's directing in the life of another encouraged & really humbled me. Knowing that we serve the same God was highly comforting during the dark seasons of wondering what life's direction is.
If you're looking for inspiration through seeing God's Han throughout the lifetime of a Christian in ministry, this is a good read.
This is the life account of Don Sink written from another's perspective.
From his conversion to getting into the ministry, the author traces God's hand throughout Don's life and ministry, from pastor to missionary to missionary board director.
Seeing God's directing in the life of another encouraged & really humbled me. Knowing that we serve the same God was highly comforting during the dark seasons of wondering what life's direction is.
If you're looking for inspiration through seeing God's Han throughout the lifetime of a Christian in ministry, this is a good read.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews