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Ten Who Changed the World
Ten Who Changed the World is seminary president Daniel Akin’s powerful tribute to the transformational work done by some truly inspiring Christian missionaries. With each profile, he journeys into the heart of that gospel servant’s mission-minded story and makes a compelling connection to a similar account from the Bible.
David Brainerd (1718-1747; missionary to Native Americans) reminds Akin of Paul’s missionary life in 2 Timothy. The faithful ministry of George Leile (1750-1820; missionary to Jamaica) is aligned with Galatians 6.
William Carey (1761-1834; missionary to India) lives out the Great Commission of Matthew 28. There are parallels between Adoniram Judson (1788-1850; missionary to Burma) and Romans 8.
Lottie Moon (1840-1912; missionary to China) displays the power of a consecrated life described in Romans 12. The work of James Fraser (1886-1938; missionary to China) illustrates Revelation 5. Eric Liddell (1902-1945; missionary to China), his life documented in the film Chariots of Fire, illuminates Hebrews 12.
Together, John (1907-1934) and Betty Stam (1906-1934; missionaries to China) embodied Psalm 67. William Wallace (1908-1951; missionary to China) was a shining example of Philippians 1. Jim Elliot (1927-1956; missionary to Ecuador) is a bold reminder of Psalm 96.
David Brainerd (1718-1747; missionary to Native Americans) reminds Akin of Paul’s missionary life in 2 Timothy. The faithful ministry of George Leile (1750-1820; missionary to Jamaica) is aligned with Galatians 6.
William Carey (1761-1834; missionary to India) lives out the Great Commission of Matthew 28. There are parallels between Adoniram Judson (1788-1850; missionary to Burma) and Romans 8.
Lottie Moon (1840-1912; missionary to China) displays the power of a consecrated life described in Romans 12. The work of James Fraser (1886-1938; missionary to China) illustrates Revelation 5. Eric Liddell (1902-1945; missionary to China), his life documented in the film Chariots of Fire, illuminates Hebrews 12.
Together, John (1907-1934) and Betty Stam (1906-1934; missionaries to China) embodied Psalm 67. William Wallace (1908-1951; missionary to China) was a shining example of Philippians 1. Jim Elliot (1927-1956; missionary to Ecuador) is a bold reminder of Psalm 96.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 27, 2024
The most inspiring book I've read in a long time! I want to read it again right away. Akin's commentary was great.
“I do not believe that any trouble comes upon us unless it is needed, and it seems to me that we ought to be just as thankful for sorrow as for joys.” —Lottie Moon
“O, that I could consecrate myself, soul and body, to his service forever; O, that I could give myself up to him, so as never more to attempt to be my own or to have any will or affection improper for those conformed to him.” —Lottie Moon
"Send trouble that I might know peace; send anxiety that I might know rest in Thee. Send hard things that I may learn to rely on Thy dissolving them. Strange askings, and I do not know what I speak, but 'my desire is toward Thee'—anything that will intensify and make me tender, Savior. I desire to be like Thee, Thou knowest." —Jim Elliot
"Prayed a strange prayer today. I covenanted with my Father that He would do either of two things—either glorify Himself to the utmost in me, or slay me. By His grace I shall not have His second best. For He heard me, I believe, so that now I have nothing to look forward to but a life of sacrificial sonship (that’s how thy Savior was glorified, my soul) or heaven soon. Perhaps tomorrow. What a prospect!" —Jim Elliot
"Keep your eyes off yourself and on your Savior. Keep your eyes off yourself and on God’s strength. Fear comes by looking at oneself or others instead of looking at Jesus. To believe means to act on what in your heart you know is right. Faith acts—victory follows. Trust absolutely: remember, God asks faithfulness—victory follows." —Eric Liddell
"It is as clear as daylight to me that the only worth-while life is one of unconditional surrender to God’s will, and of living in His way, trusting His love and guidance." —Betty Stam
“I do not believe that any trouble comes upon us unless it is needed, and it seems to me that we ought to be just as thankful for sorrow as for joys.” —Lottie Moon
“O, that I could consecrate myself, soul and body, to his service forever; O, that I could give myself up to him, so as never more to attempt to be my own or to have any will or affection improper for those conformed to him.” —Lottie Moon
"Send trouble that I might know peace; send anxiety that I might know rest in Thee. Send hard things that I may learn to rely on Thy dissolving them. Strange askings, and I do not know what I speak, but 'my desire is toward Thee'—anything that will intensify and make me tender, Savior. I desire to be like Thee, Thou knowest." —Jim Elliot
"Prayed a strange prayer today. I covenanted with my Father that He would do either of two things—either glorify Himself to the utmost in me, or slay me. By His grace I shall not have His second best. For He heard me, I believe, so that now I have nothing to look forward to but a life of sacrificial sonship (that’s how thy Savior was glorified, my soul) or heaven soon. Perhaps tomorrow. What a prospect!" —Jim Elliot
"Keep your eyes off yourself and on your Savior. Keep your eyes off yourself and on God’s strength. Fear comes by looking at oneself or others instead of looking at Jesus. To believe means to act on what in your heart you know is right. Faith acts—victory follows. Trust absolutely: remember, God asks faithfulness—victory follows." —Eric Liddell
"It is as clear as daylight to me that the only worth-while life is one of unconditional surrender to God’s will, and of living in His way, trusting His love and guidance." —Betty Stam
March 11, 2024
The missionaries discussed were all excellent choices. I give this book a 2 out of 5 stars because the contents are very choppy and I believe are sermons stringed together to make a book. It was hard to read and I feel like the author did the missionary’s lives an injustice because each section was so brief. If you want to learn more about missionaries I would recommend reading a missionary’s biography. It would be more comprehensive and engaging. However, I did like how the author tied Scripture to each missionary’s life.
August 28, 2023
Eh. It was fine. Just read the biographies.
April 7, 2020
Akin admits that he got the idea for these messages (which turned into the book) from John Piper’s biographical sketches (which also turned into books). I have read most of Piper’s, and his are honestly much, much better than Akin’s here. Nevertheless, I appreciate these. I’m glad I read it, if nothing else for the quotes and for the faith-stirring.
The first one about William Carey was surprisingly the worst. It just seemed jumbled and was missing a ton of biographical information. But the later nine were all about equally as good and semi-interesting reads.
As for the weaknesses: Each chapter was clearly a chapel message, which is fine, but how he went at it didn’t work well. Akin tried to take a missionary Bible text (such as Matthew 28 or Psalm 67) for each chapter, and tried to apply the principles in those texts to the persons life. This really took away from the biographical aspect. Instead, it seemed he had a handful of points from a Bible text, followed essentially by “this missionary believed this…” and then a bunch of quotes and stories. Better would’ve been just explaining the missionary and their life, and then giving unique (biblically grounded) insights from his/her life—this is what Piper does. Having a Bible text beforehand made him force their life into the text.
Another weakness is how Akin teaches and preaches: numbers within numbers, points within points! I knew this about him, and it comes across in his exegesis of the passages. It is clear, but extremely boring and uncreative at times.
But all that said, the greatest strength of this book was the quotes. Besides for Carey, for every missionary Akin supplied a bunch of wonderful quotes. For this alone, the book is worth reading and keeping.
Plus, it is always a boost to my faith to read about such exemplary men and women. And these 10+ (counting many of their spouses) certainly were. It wasn’t the best book for many reasons, so only 3 stars, but the quotes and stories and lives will stir your faith.
The first one about William Carey was surprisingly the worst. It just seemed jumbled and was missing a ton of biographical information. But the later nine were all about equally as good and semi-interesting reads.
As for the weaknesses: Each chapter was clearly a chapel message, which is fine, but how he went at it didn’t work well. Akin tried to take a missionary Bible text (such as Matthew 28 or Psalm 67) for each chapter, and tried to apply the principles in those texts to the persons life. This really took away from the biographical aspect. Instead, it seemed he had a handful of points from a Bible text, followed essentially by “this missionary believed this…” and then a bunch of quotes and stories. Better would’ve been just explaining the missionary and their life, and then giving unique (biblically grounded) insights from his/her life—this is what Piper does. Having a Bible text beforehand made him force their life into the text.
Another weakness is how Akin teaches and preaches: numbers within numbers, points within points! I knew this about him, and it comes across in his exegesis of the passages. It is clear, but extremely boring and uncreative at times.
But all that said, the greatest strength of this book was the quotes. Besides for Carey, for every missionary Akin supplied a bunch of wonderful quotes. For this alone, the book is worth reading and keeping.
Plus, it is always a boost to my faith to read about such exemplary men and women. And these 10+ (counting many of their spouses) certainly were. It wasn’t the best book for many reasons, so only 3 stars, but the quotes and stories and lives will stir your faith.
August 27, 2025
“Ten Who Changed the World” compiles the biographies of ten missionaries. Beyond biographical accounts, each of their stories center around a passage from the Bible, revealing God’s heart for missions and how the life of the missionary reflects the truths in these passages. Through the interweaving of scripture and missionary biography, the book aims to inspire and compel readers to go and do likewise.
I feel very inspired by the fact that God uses weak people to accomplish His great work. Even though it is apparent that no missionary is perfect, most missionaries still appear to me a lot more resilient and “put together” than others. However, just looking at Brainerd’s depression or Fraser’s doubt and suicidal thoughts, there is nothing “put together” about them, and I truly see that it is only by God that any mission work can bear any fruit. I appreciate how this book uncovers the life of the missionary so candidly and without sugar-coating. Through journal entries, letters, and first hand accounts, their hearts are laid bare, unveiling them at their best but also at their worst. I feel encouraged that I don’t have to have it all together for God to be willing to use me.
One critique of this book is the author sometimes pulls quotes from the missionaries' journal entries, and then includes that same exact entry in the same chapter. At times, I would feel like I've read the same content just a few pages ago. Minor critique but major praise for this book.
I feel very inspired by the fact that God uses weak people to accomplish His great work. Even though it is apparent that no missionary is perfect, most missionaries still appear to me a lot more resilient and “put together” than others. However, just looking at Brainerd’s depression or Fraser’s doubt and suicidal thoughts, there is nothing “put together” about them, and I truly see that it is only by God that any mission work can bear any fruit. I appreciate how this book uncovers the life of the missionary so candidly and without sugar-coating. Through journal entries, letters, and first hand accounts, their hearts are laid bare, unveiling them at their best but also at their worst. I feel encouraged that I don’t have to have it all together for God to be willing to use me.
One critique of this book is the author sometimes pulls quotes from the missionaries' journal entries, and then includes that same exact entry in the same chapter. At times, I would feel like I've read the same content just a few pages ago. Minor critique but major praise for this book.
August 23, 2023
Not what I thought it was, but still an excellent book. Before I opened the book to start reading I thought it was a short biographical book about 10 missionaries. However, after reading the preface, introduction, and first chapter, this book is 10 sermons given by Danny Akin where he uses the life of a missionary as the illustrations throughout his sermons. It was an excellent book but it was not what I thought it was. Although, the insight he gives into the lives of these 10 missionaries were inspirational and effective in conveying the truth of the scripture and shows the heart of what it means to be living on mission for the advancement of the Gospel to all peoples. Maybe I should give it a 5 because it was my own fault for not knowing what the book actually was, but, only like 3 people will read this review so, it doesn't really matter. Although, if Danny Akin reads this, I'm sorry :( i love you Danny boy and hope to be like you when I grow up :)
November 27, 2019
This book is a collection of biographical sketches of missionaries. It was originally a series of chapel sermons given at Southeastern Baptist Seminary. I say biographical sketches, but the author ties what he says about each character in with an exposition of a passage of scripture. This helps to unify the presentation and, I think, makes it more compelling.
The author deals with some well known missionaries, like Lottie Moon and Eric Liddell, as well as some that I never heard of, like George Leile and James Frazier. All of the stories are compelling and supply a good amount of detail that I was unfamiliar with.
This book was a gift from Donnie McDonald and was well worth reading. I will be recommending it to my friends that read. I think any Christian would benefit from it, especially those that are concerned about missions.
The author deals with some well known missionaries, like Lottie Moon and Eric Liddell, as well as some that I never heard of, like George Leile and James Frazier. All of the stories are compelling and supply a good amount of detail that I was unfamiliar with.
This book was a gift from Donnie McDonald and was well worth reading. I will be recommending it to my friends that read. I think any Christian would benefit from it, especially those that are concerned about missions.
April 10, 2019
So you should know that this book is kind of like a sermon. Each chapter is a sermon of a text and parts of a missionaries life.
I liked it at first but I found myself wanting to just know about the missionaries life. Obviously the Bible is awesome, but when I read a book about some missionaries I want more detail!
If that style intrigues you, you’ll like it more than 3 stars.
I liked it at first but I found myself wanting to just know about the missionaries life. Obviously the Bible is awesome, but when I read a book about some missionaries I want more detail!
If that style intrigues you, you’ll like it more than 3 stars.
September 4, 2025
I appreciated reading the stories of people I had never heard of before, but I did not like the format of the book. It was not so much of a collection of biographies as it was the author wanting to preach and fitting these stories in as loose illustrations. I also was a little disappointed that 6/10 were set in China.
February 8, 2024
When he actually got around to writing about the remarkable men and women missionaries, it was well done. But he prefaced each bio with a lengthy sermon on a subject that seldom seemed to have any connection to the person he then wrote about. It was jarring.
August 20, 2024
This was a very encouraging read. It is one that will set your heart on eternity as you read and hear from godly saints who have done so in the past. I can imagine these were great lectures, aside from the very long quotes.
October 10, 2024
This book seems to get better as you read through it. It's part biography and part sermon on each man's life and ministry. It's similar to other biography compilations in that it shares enough to whet your appetite so you'll be adding more books to your TBR list.
June 7, 2025
This book will stir your soul!
This book will rekindle a fire in your spiritual belly. It is really like a primer giving you a brief glimpse into the biographies of 10 different Christians of the last few centuries making you want to go and read more about their lives!
This book will rekindle a fire in your spiritual belly. It is really like a primer giving you a brief glimpse into the biographies of 10 different Christians of the last few centuries making you want to go and read more about their lives!
July 16, 2018
There are some really inspiring chapters, particularly those chapters dedicated to Adoniram and Ann Judson, Bill Wallace and Lottie Moon. However, it was a little bit of a lighter read for my taste.
September 15, 2018
Delightful read, detailing ten short sermonic biographies. Brief, inspiring inoculations against stagnate Christianity and injections of gospel-saturated, missional exemplars of vibrant Christianity.
November 5, 2018
Stories of 10 missionaries/couples, not history so much as a devotional. Would not recommend.
January 2, 2019
Good overview and powerful treatment of some great missionary biographies, both famous and not.
January 21, 2020
I love reading books on missionaries. They always challenge me to be more dedicated to my God, when the world around me is asking me to be less dedicated to him.
February 22, 2020
Excellent journey through ten Christian missionaries who were sold out for Christ!! I highly recommend this to any soul and all ages!
March 7, 2020
This is a great book where each chapter is a sermon on a missionary and a Bible passage. It's very inspiring and convicting
March 14, 2020
Brilliant and convicting.....a must read for anyone who loves Jesus and desires to share the gospel with the lost. This book is incredibly inspiring and provokes an urging to GO.
January 18, 2023
Great and challenging stories!
January 19, 2023
So many great biographies!! Inspiring and well summarized!! I enjoyed how each person had a passage of scripture that went with them/the chapter.
January 31, 2023
If you have forgotten that God cares to see all nations come to know Him, read this book. The life of the 10 missionaries in this book and the way they live out the Bible is SO encouraging.
March 10, 2023
This was more devotional than biography, which was a format I liked. The stories were moving and I appreciated Akin connecting them with Scripture.
September 25, 2023
Love reading biographies, and this was a very enjoyable one.
December 11, 2023
A great reminder to draw inspiration and courage from our brother and sisters who labored so faithfully and boldly proclaim the gospel here, near, and far!
September 14, 2024
Súper encouraging biographies!!!!! Love it
June 9, 2025
Fire stories!!!! Incredibly inspiring.
August 28, 2025
A book about ten missionaries--their lives and how they live out a specific passage of scripture.
An interesting look at 10 lives sold out for Christ.
An interesting look at 10 lives sold out for Christ.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews