A Foreign Devil in China

by John Charles Pollock

In 1915, a promising young baseball player from Waynesboro, VA, traded in the prospect of a major league career for a life of medical missions in China.

Genres: Biography, Christian, Nonfiction, History, Religion, Faith, Memoir

350 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1971

About the author

The late John Pollock, an award-winning biographer, had a flair for telling a dramatic story. He used this talent to write many biographies including ones on D. L. Moody and Major General Sir Henry Havelock.

Reviews

[James Harmeling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nelson Bell is a forgotten hero in the faith. Most people recognize him as Ruth Graham's father. Yet he has a story of his own as a medical missionary in China in the years prior to World War 2 and a defender of orthodoxy later on in the U.S. It is not the stories surrounding him that make this biography inspirational. John Pollock is a well known biographer and he draws out the irresistible character of Nelson and his wife Virginia. I was bolstered in my faith by reading about theirs. Their sense of humor, adaptability, creativity, resolution, care for people, and excellence in all they did impacted people both in remote places in China as well as back in the U.S. when they were forced to return. The book may be out of print now and his story a century old, but it is good to walk back in time and discover someone who believes in God, goes forth in faith, and trusts He will open doors and make paths straight while following His will.

[Jakub · Rating 5 out of 5]

I noticed this book in a display case in the Chinese room of Billy Gram's Library in Charlotte, North Carolina. Having lived in China for two years myself and being completely in love with the country, of course I was very drawn to learn more about the life of Billy Gram's wife Ruth who grew up in China. When I saw the book in the display case, I had no idea what it was about, I was just drawn to the title and book cover (I totally judge a book by its cover.) When I saw that the title in the "library" at the end of the tour (with a very disappointing updated cover picture) I simply had to buy it, and I am so happy that I did.

This book is a very engaging read. I can hardly put it down. It beautifully illustrates the life story of L. Nelson Bell, Billy Gram's father in law. A missionary who dedicated most of his life to serving in Tsingkiangpu as a medical surgeon. This book is not only a fascinating look into the life of expats living in China at the turn of the (last) Century, but it is a fascinating look into the historical development of China as it transitioned from warlord rule, to Japanese occupation, to the overtaking of power between the nationalists and communists. I have learned so much about history!

A Foreign Devil in China is an incredible depiction of how I believe Jesus would like us to live. I feel so inspired to deepen my prayer life and lean on God more and more as I move through life. Reading this book I am reminded how great God is and of all the miracles and blessings that I have had in my own life. If nothing else, even an unbeliever who reads this book will appreciate how the Bell's faith life made their extremely dangerous lives full of peace and free of anxieties.

This book also makes me extremely grateful for modern medicine and the modern ease of travel, it's just something that is so easy to take for granted.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys biographies or to anyone who is interested in what the life of a medical missionary looked like in China at the turn of the 20th century.

[Johnathan Sorce · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great biography of someone far less well-known among Christian missionaries. Nelson's faith and professional excellence were definitely inspiring and challenging to see through the pages of this book. Pollock also provides a unique window into some of the shocking realities of life in antebellum China such as brutal bandit attacks, infanticide, and the complexities of a political scene which involved warlords, Communists, and Nationalists. The only reason I don't rate it slightly higher is that it definitely feels like a bit of a panegyric. It's certainly not as bad as something like The Alexiad, and this may ultimately owe largely to the book's nature as a biography.

[Mike Studdard · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a story of a Godly, holy, determined, go-getter for life and for Jesus, this is a good book. Dr. Bell was unique in his courage, willingness to trust God come what may, and unwillingness to leave the people in China he devoted much of his life to. It is a story of loving a people that many would not love. It is a story of a family (immediate, extended and co-workers) growing together in Christ as they endured troubling times, pain, loss and personal suffering.

I wish I knew someone like this. I wish more of us Christ followers were really willing to follow Him well and so closely.

It is a little hard to follow all the characters and historical happenings. There is a lot of material that the author left out but also may be a lot that was left in that did not need to be added for the average reader....still at least a four star read despite the length of the book.

[Essie-Marie F. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Engaging book that details the life of Nelson Bell. Father of Ruth Bell Graham, missionary to China, doctor, and most importantly, servant of God. I consider myself a patient reader, so its meandering pace didn't bother me, but for those of you who aren't that sort, be warned that this book may seem to drag a little. However, it is still a powerful story of a great doctor, missionary, and Christian that you should read despite this.

[Micki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome story of surgeon/missionary, Nelson Bell. Bell was a missionary in China during the 1920s and 30s. He was also the father of Ruth Graham, Billy Graham’s wife. Ruth grew up in China and so this book also gives us a glimpse of her girlhood and reasons why she was the perfect wife for Billy Graham. The story is an amazing account of love and sacrifice in a foreign land as well as the role of faith in impossible situations.

[Katie Blackwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

We feel so definitely led to return that we have absolute peace as to what we have done. What the future holds we do not know, but the same God who is guiding and protecting us now will go on with us in the future. It takes experiences like this to make us realize how near and how dear our heavenly Father really is.
pg 246

[Katie Robles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nelson Bell led a fascinating life! Very inspirational. Some parts were way too detailed for me (which mission organization sent who on which date) but I skimmed those parts and enjoyed the vignettes from his life.

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a hard read for me in that the book has small print and a lot of information. But, I perservered, and finished it--hurrah! It was interesting to read about Billy Graham's father-in-law's missionary time in China and about his time in the US afterwards.

[Don Piccone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good interesting biography of surgeon missionary and family in China for 20 years until evacuated in 1941. China culture. Then among the principle people involved in creating and publishing magazine 'Christianity Today'.

[Maddison H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story of God doing amazing things through a family whose only desire was to be used by God!
This is the story about Billy Grahams wife’s family. This family should be a household name such as the Judson’s and the Taylors.

[Keisha Colson]

I think this is rather a classic !

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the story of a missionary doctor who lived and worked in China for much of the early 20th century. He showed tremendous strength in building a world-renowned hospital in China during a time of great turmoil (civil war, attack from Japan). Interesting note - he is the father-in-law to Billy Graham.

He led an interesting life - though the book turns more dull once he leaves China, since I was not as interested in the inner workings of the Southern Presbyterian denomination...

[Jennifer Zartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gained some great perspective from reading this book. Nelson Bell drew his strength from God's word and a life of prayer and accomplished an incredible amount of work--medical as well as spiritual. His faith in God's word and its resulting calm in the face of danger, adversity, and tragedy speak volumes, and encourage me to become more disciplined in my own walk. Sometimes the book painted them as a little too perfect, which can be discouraging, but I believe that was the accepted writing style in 1971. This book is definitely worth a read.

[Bethany McIlrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, detailed, warm book. A true story about Dr. Nelson Bell, renowned missionary doctor to China and father-in-law/mentor to Billy Graham. By the end of the book, you feel like you are friends with Dr. Bell and his whole family. This story is written as a testimony, focusing on God's work and role in Bell's life. Told chronologically in short bits. Interesting read for those who are intrigued by medicine, culture, history, and faith.

Fair warning: the book is lengthy and is rather blunt about harsh realities. Maybe skim parts here and there if you are easily queasy.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nelson Bell is such a hero of the faith as a medical missionary, writer, editor, father, grandfather, and very loving husband. Of special note was his extensive library while in China. He shared books eagerly, except for his beloved detective stories.

[Cws]

266.51

[Dorothy Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating biography of Ruth Bell Graham's father and her life growing up.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story of Mrs. Billy Graham's parents

[Dave Haokib]

very inspiring!

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping story of Ruth Bell Graham's father and her upbringing in China during the time of the boxer rebellion.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing couple.

[Greg Purnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing guy and amazing story, in China.