A Martyr's Grace: Stories of Those Who Gave All For Christ and His Cause

by Marvin Newell, J. Paul Nyquist (Foreword)

"Have you grace to be a martyr?" D.L. Moody was once asked. "No," he replied, "I have not. But if God wanted me to be one, he would give me a martyr's grace."

They came from around the world. Administrators, teachers, doctors and nurses, church planters and pilots. Regular people in the prime of life. United by their love for Christ and their studies at the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, these twenty-one men and women set out with the gospel. From the jungles of South America to the parched African plain, and from the dark cloud of communist China to the dangers of the Middle East, they displayed God through service and love. In A Martyr’s Grace , Marvin Newell tells the individual stories of these faithful men and women who made a difference in the places they served. He also describes—in many cases for the very first time—how Jesus called them home. Their legacies live on in the rainforests, villages, churches, and cities where they died. What is it that compels ordinary people to sacrifice their lives in this way? Only Christ. They didn’t go expecting to die. But they went—having already given their lives.  

Genres: Biography, Christian

224 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2006

Reviews

[Alycia Wynn]

“The tyrant dies and his rule is over; the martyr dies and his rule begins.”

A collection of stories about the lives of martyrs with the common link of all having studied at the Moody Bible Institute. Each chapter was a new missionary, and the writing was very short and concise. Sometimes I liked that, but often I was wanting more. But the content was still encouraging, sad, challenging, and all of the things. Martyrdom is an area where I really have to cling to the fact that God is still good and nothing is wasted.

[S. Paterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for my Moody missions course. All twenty-one of these martyrs, young men and women, graduated or attended Moody Bible Institute. Glory. The world may scoff at a seemingly stupid and meaningless way to live and die, but I believe they used their education for the infinitely best purpose: the glory of God and the salvation of the nations... even unto death. Do not be dismayed by their deaths—they will yet see life (Matt. 10:38-39).

[Iris Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very sobering in assessing one's own commitment to serving God. These precious saints gave all in sacrifice to reach the lost and live by example the love of Christ. Many were young and fresh out of school when they left America to serve abroad and were killed within a few years. I couldn't help but pray that the seeds sown by their service are continuing to produce a Kingdom harvest.

[Charles · Rating 2 out of 5]

Decently written, but the writing isn't the focus. It's the content about the Martyrs who gave their lives for Christ. I think this is a great read for anybody who wonders what a Martyr looks like in the nineteenth century.

PS Not a good book to read if you're very depressed

[Erin Seeders · Rating 5 out of 5]

To sum up all of these true stories of men and women who have lost their life due to following Christ: convicting. Would that I be granted a martyr’s grace should the time come for my own faith to be put to the ultimate test.

[Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sobering and inspiring.

[Andrew Mcneill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short but encouraging book that traced the lives of numerous men and women from Moody Bible Institute who gave their lives up as they served Christ. It struck me how many of them were so young and reminded me that a short life well-lived is a prelude to eternal glory. Yet a long life lived for self is prelude to eternal misery.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, though fairly simple and concise, really impacted me. It sent me searching for more information, which means it was compelling (I think that's, to some extent, the point of nonfiction, to send you searching for more). It knew its purpose and hit the mark, not trying to bite off more than it could handle.

Well done. I learned a little more about many people I will not quickly forget.

[Keren · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great insight into the life of martyr's. It definitely makes you think about how far you would go to share the Good News with others. It's semi depressing...but at least you go into it knowing 1. that they die and 2. they are now rejoicing in Heaven :).

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book to read. Sad book, but gives the reader a good idea what it is to serve God in other countries than our laid back Christianity in the USA!

[Mathias Seiwert · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Powerful book. Humbling how all these young people gave their lives for Jesus. May I have faith like theirs that stands strong under all pressure…”