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Sadhu Sundar Singh
A New Biography of the remarkable Indian holy man and disciple of Jesus Christ
197 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
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133 people want to read
About the author
Phyllis Thompson
64 books5 followersPhyllis Thompson has a background in development education and Pastoral ministry in the UK. She is currently a member of the Church of God International General Board of Education, an Executive Council Member of the European Pentecostal Theological Association and a member of the leadership team of her local Church in Northampton, England. She has written on topics to do with Black Majority Churches, and women in Christian leadership. Recent publications include her contribution to Faith of our Fathers (Pathway Press 2009),Challenges of Black Pentecostal Leadership in the 21st Century (SPCK 2013) and Challenges of Pentecostal Theology in the 21st Century (SPCK 2020) the latter two for which she is the editor.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 14, 2014
Growing up in a Sikh household, and later being sent to a Christian school in the Punjabi region of India in order to get a better education, Sadhu Sundar Singh absolutely despised Christianity. As a matter of fact, when he was given a Bible, he tore it in half and set it on fire. As time went on, his appreciation of life dwindled and he made up his mind on committing suicide by placing himself in front of a train behind his house. He wanted God to show him the way of peace as he wasn't able to find it. Later that night, in his darkest night, a sort of mix between Jesus' Gethsemane and Saul's [Paul] Damascus Road experience occurred. He saw a light in his room and Jesus appeared--the first of NUMEROUS miracles throughout his life.
He later told his parents about it and his desire to become Christian--much to their dismay. But they sort of blew him off. Eventually, he cut his hair, renouncing 1 of the 5 main marks of identifying oneself with the Sikh community, and his parents told him he was no longer a part of the family. He had no plan for what was next. That night he was very hungry and went back to eat the food his family typically left out for the lowest caste [Untouchables], but this time his sister-in-law left him some demonstrating it was for him only. He ate it and thought to go visit a former Hindu, now Christian pastor, about 30 miles away. When he arrived, he was bleeding from the nose and mouth--he was poisoned! The pastor called a physician who said it was of no use to help him--he was going to die, but he'd come back and visit in the morning. Before he left, Sundar wanted to have Mark 16 read where it mentions how Jesus healed the sick. The physician said he didn't believe in that stuff. However, Sundar felt it wasn't his time to go and prayed for healing. The physician came back and saw he was healed the next day. Astonished, the physician asked for a copy of the New Testament. This was another memorable day in Singh's life.
As time went on, he prayed for guidance and felt he was called to preach the Gospel in to people wearing his simple saffron robe and preaching simply as Jesus did--with 'no place to rest his head.' He met numerous Christians along the way--and many persecutions. But he took these in stride because he wanted to emulate his Master. He also did things similar to Francis of Assisi. He went to various places in India, Nepal, Afghanistan, and often to Tibet. NUMEROUS miracles occurred including many visitations by angels (see chapter 6), which reminds the reader of Daniel.
He later traveled through many European countries like Germany, Switzerland, Norway, England, along with America too. Everywhere he went he spoke to large crowds, but it is said he was more influential in small groups or individually. Also, during these travels he only had one stipulation--he would only preach once per day (he didn't want things to become routine). He also needed time for prayer.
His father, who told him he was no longer a part of the family after becoming a Christian and cutting his hair, later became a Christian. This was one of the greatest joys of his life.
Eventually, at the age of 39, he traveled once again to Tibet to spread the Gospel among a lot of people who did not want God. His spiritual mother knew there was something different about this mission. Sundar did too. He told his friends that it had been his desire to 'sacrifice his youth in his Master's service.' Using a parable he said, 'It is better to burn quickly and melt many souls than to burn slowly and melt none.' Author Phyllis Thompson finishes the book describing how Sundar's trip in 1929 was his last and no one knows exactly how he died, as his body was never found and no one was able to trace his steps by asking people along the path he took. She said, 'For like Enoch, Sundar walked with God. And he was not. For God took him.'
This biography challenged and encouraged me in a lot of ways. It is well written and should be considered one of the classics in the Christian biography section. Hopefully, I will be able to commune with God in ways like him, as reading about his life it was obvious there was a deep, deep personal relationship.
He later told his parents about it and his desire to become Christian--much to their dismay. But they sort of blew him off. Eventually, he cut his hair, renouncing 1 of the 5 main marks of identifying oneself with the Sikh community, and his parents told him he was no longer a part of the family. He had no plan for what was next. That night he was very hungry and went back to eat the food his family typically left out for the lowest caste [Untouchables], but this time his sister-in-law left him some demonstrating it was for him only. He ate it and thought to go visit a former Hindu, now Christian pastor, about 30 miles away. When he arrived, he was bleeding from the nose and mouth--he was poisoned! The pastor called a physician who said it was of no use to help him--he was going to die, but he'd come back and visit in the morning. Before he left, Sundar wanted to have Mark 16 read where it mentions how Jesus healed the sick. The physician said he didn't believe in that stuff. However, Sundar felt it wasn't his time to go and prayed for healing. The physician came back and saw he was healed the next day. Astonished, the physician asked for a copy of the New Testament. This was another memorable day in Singh's life.
As time went on, he prayed for guidance and felt he was called to preach the Gospel in to people wearing his simple saffron robe and preaching simply as Jesus did--with 'no place to rest his head.' He met numerous Christians along the way--and many persecutions. But he took these in stride because he wanted to emulate his Master. He also did things similar to Francis of Assisi. He went to various places in India, Nepal, Afghanistan, and often to Tibet. NUMEROUS miracles occurred including many visitations by angels (see chapter 6), which reminds the reader of Daniel.
He later traveled through many European countries like Germany, Switzerland, Norway, England, along with America too. Everywhere he went he spoke to large crowds, but it is said he was more influential in small groups or individually. Also, during these travels he only had one stipulation--he would only preach once per day (he didn't want things to become routine). He also needed time for prayer.
His father, who told him he was no longer a part of the family after becoming a Christian and cutting his hair, later became a Christian. This was one of the greatest joys of his life.
Eventually, at the age of 39, he traveled once again to Tibet to spread the Gospel among a lot of people who did not want God. His spiritual mother knew there was something different about this mission. Sundar did too. He told his friends that it had been his desire to 'sacrifice his youth in his Master's service.' Using a parable he said, 'It is better to burn quickly and melt many souls than to burn slowly and melt none.' Author Phyllis Thompson finishes the book describing how Sundar's trip in 1929 was his last and no one knows exactly how he died, as his body was never found and no one was able to trace his steps by asking people along the path he took. She said, 'For like Enoch, Sundar walked with God. And he was not. For God took him.'
This biography challenged and encouraged me in a lot of ways. It is well written and should be considered one of the classics in the Christian biography section. Hopefully, I will be able to commune with God in ways like him, as reading about his life it was obvious there was a deep, deep personal relationship.
July 1, 2020
I truly did enjoy reading this book. Many years ago I saw a film about Sadhu Sudar Singh. I remember a little from the film but not much. So when I saw this book on the bookshelf of a friend, I decided to read it and I am glad that I did. There are some things that I don't understand and that a few things that I might even say that I find troubling but overall it was truly a realistic picture of a very devoted man of God who spent his life serving the Savior that He served.
May 4, 2012
Interesting short read of this converted Indian sikh and his ministry throughout northern India and Tibet as well as around the world. It was good to read it while traveling in India.
January 2, 2017
The book causes you to burn from within. I personally started gaining confidence in distributing tracts when I read this book. Must read for all Christians!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 3, 2020
An interesting and inspiring story on Sadhu Sundar Singh - a journey of disliking and hating to becoming a great evangelist across India, Tebate, Pakistan and Afghanistan. His story resembles the story of Saul who later becomes paul who prosecuted the faithfuls. At the last chapter of Acts, we read about the snake bite to paul and people wondering he would die, but astonished when he survived and started believing.
There is resemblance in the story of Sadhu and the book makes you very anxious to read and complete in one sitting.
A good book to read !
May 9, 2025
I was enjoying the book until Sadhu Sundar Singh started talking about Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan people. He completely misunderstood Tibetan Buddhism and its practices. This rich spiritual tradition originated from India and spread to Tibet. It's unfortunate that the profound teachings of the Buddha were lost on a fellow Indian.
May 11, 2022
Others have written his bio, but I like this one best overall. Phyllis begins each chapter with one of Sundar's many parables he gave as he spoke around the world: India, Europe, America, the Pacific, and back to Asia.
June 14, 2017
Not really a comprehensive look at the life of a Christian hero.
August 23, 2018
If you haven't read this biography of Sundar Singh, you should. It is a biography of what as a remarkable disciple of Christ, almost like a legend in India, who shared his faith in India and Tibet.
January 21, 2019
Life changing!
So inspirational to read of a man's life that pointed to the Supreme Treasure that is Jesus Christ.
So inspirational to read of a man's life that pointed to the Supreme Treasure that is Jesus Christ.
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March 23, 2020Same kind off different as me
October 8, 2023
What an amazing life Sadhu lived. This book was challenging and inspiring to read. I really liked that each chapter begins with a quote by Sadhu. Sadhu was a man who really was after God's heart.
April 5, 2022
A concise, easy to read summary of a life transformed and totally dedicated to Christ.
November 6, 2012
read this book to get a quick insight on sadhu sundar Singh...concisely written...a must read fr all Christians
January 4, 2013
One of my reads in Africa. This man was incredible! What an inspiring life he led!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews