Called to Die

by Steve Estes

The story of American linguist Chet Bitterman, a martyr for Bible translation.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Christian, Christian Living

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1986

Reviews

[Victoria (hotcocoaandbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a bit difficult for me to read because my uncle (Tim Van Dyke) was kidnapped and killed by the querrillas (FARC) in the mid 90s also in Bogata. Therefore, I tried to read it very slowly so I would be able to sleep at night or not cry.

Chet Bitterman's story begins where we learn about his upbringing a bit. You get a sense of understanding who he was when we learn about his college life and dreams. Once we finally get into the story about his family getting into Colombia, we learn abouthis desire to preach to tribes that had never been translated and how he had to stay where he was due to a car accident and trial dates. Once he is kidnapped you learn about what the feelings of those around him including his wife and even his daughter Anna went through while he was in captivity and his life was being threatened. I really enjoyed learning about him and the letter he wrote to Brenda was something really wonderful! I truly feel God really used Chet's death and his life to inspire MANY people. I don't know if my uncle knew of Chet's situation, but he became a missionary around the time that this occured, so perhaps it was an inspiration. Chet's life and death are a testimony to those who may not understand about God. Death can have a huge impact on those who do the killing, especially since it seems they saw his kindness and love from God as he was captive for about a month long. They were very kind to not torture him and to give him a sedative before shooting him once in the heart. I wish my uncle was as well treated in his 17 months of captivity. Every martyr has a way of really being used for God's glory. I know if it weren't for my uncle's captivity and death I probably wouldn't love Jesus and wouldn't have been so transformed by God. It hit me hard and helped me trust more in the Lord, and so I imagine the same occured for Mr. Bitterman and the people he knew.

Although the martyr's tale is always a sad one, you have to realize that The Lord uses every situation for God's glory in some way. They go into their work knowing that death could occur to them, and they take that chance in order to realize that there could be hundreds and thousands of lives changed by what they do to minister to others. I think that's why I admire missionaries so very much. They know this life is short and there is an eternal place for them, and they are willing to make so many sacrifices for the Lord who sacrificed so much for them

[Meg · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was a lot of potential for using a powerful life story, but this book did not realize that potential. I was frustrated by the basic writing style and the oversimplification of the context. All that said, I continued to read to discover more about Chet Bitterman’s life and experience, to learn how his wife and colleagues reacted in the face of such stress, and I found the account oddly superficial. Again, I think this has far more to do with the elementary presentation of the story than with the experiences that these people lived. There is also, of course, the limitation of knowledge that is available, since guerrilla groups aren’t known for granting in-depth and accurate interviews regarding their activities.

[Stephen Carrier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reads more like a novel than a biography, but I enjoyed it overall. I thought the author did a good job of giving Chet Bitterman a personality so that you actually cared when he got kidnapped. I also felt the stress SIL was under as they tried to get him back. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be many details as to what happened on his end after the kidnapping, so he seems almost forgotten as an actual character as the story progresses.

Some of the way the book is written is hard to get used to at first, but once you do, it’s fine. I suppose any book in which somebody gave his life while trying to get the gospel to people is an encouragement to me, though. And it was nice to read a story I hadn’t heard before.

[Susan Arico · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knew nothing about life, faith, terroristic elements within politics of, and native peoples of Colombia. Fascinating from that perspective.
Rigors of life among Wycliffe Bible translators very clearly laid out - intense life of much dedication. Inspiring tale of Chet's passion for Jesus and heroism.

[bear.hare · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If this awful thing had happened, God certainly knew about it— no, certainly had known about it beforehand, and allowed it anyway. And the Scriptures assured her that his acts are never senseless or capricious.”

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one will stay with me a long time. What an honour to know this family’s story, and to meet Chet and be inspired by his faith through the pages of this book.

[Charles Johnson]

The missionary that died was a co-laborer of my grandparents, who endured their fair share of threats and violence. It's interesting to hear about those years in Colombia from another voice.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Chet Bitterman, a Wycliffe Bible Translator and linguist who was kidnapped and murdered by terrorist. His sacrifice opened the way into more remote villages.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was in high school when this occurred, and I remember the story. Rating 3.5. The story is 5-star, but the writing itself could have been better.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is fast paced and draws you in quickly. You feel like you are there with the folks who went through a terrible situation. It is marvelous to see how the scripture comes to pass that says, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." (John 12:24). Chet Bitterman's life bore much fruit and is still bearing fruit.

[Michelle Polk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an insight to the life of Chet Bitterman. A man that just wanted to serve the Lord and ending up giving his whole life for Him. This is a wonderful biography because it helps us to find out what happened and brings it to us in a way that makes us feel like we know Chet personally.

[James Harmeling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Estes is an excellent writer who draws in the reader to the context of Bitterman's circumstances and properly selects personal history to reveal his personality. He crafts the story well so that the reader feels the drama and sympathizes with the family and ministry.

[Cheryl Faulkner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chet Bitterman’s story is inspiring, but I couldn’t get through this book — the writing style, formatting, etc. was awful. I’d give 5 stars for Chet’s story, not for the author ‘s telling of the story.

[Kristy · Rating 2 out of 5]

My rating of this book in no way diminishes the high price this man paid...I have all the respect in the world for him. I just wasn't that fond of the book as a story to sit and read through.

[Stephanie Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very moving story, but there were a lot of mechanical errors in the actual book.

[Timthast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very moving story of Chet Bitterman who was kidnapped and eventually killed in Columbia.
The writing was at times a bit disjointed and hard to follow but the story was inspiring.

[Vicki Gooding · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping read

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A moving story, though the frequent typos throughout were distracting

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling. Sequencing was a bit confusing, but this is an intense read.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

fabulous even though sad ending. The price a missionary pays for being in Satan's way.