John and Betty Stam: Missionary Martyrs

by Vance Christie

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Those words of Jesus Christ, in John 15:13, are an eternal tribute to John and Betty Stam, who lost their lives for sharing the Gospel. While students at Moody Bible Institute, John and Betty felt God's call to the mission field of China-where within a few years they had been arrested by hostile Communist soldiers, held for ransom, and then beheaded. Though their mission was brief, their courage led hundreds of other young men and women to volunteer for missionary service.

Genres: Biography, Christian, Nonfiction, History, Biography Memoir, China, Martyr

208 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2001

About the author

Vance Christie is a pastor and author best known for vivid retelling of missionary stories. He lives in Aurora, Nebraska and has previously written for the 'Heroes of the Faith' series. His website is www.vancechristie.com.

Reviews

[Susy C. *MotherLambReads* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this book w my daughter. She needed to read it for Master's Club at church. Such a good and heart wrenching missionary biography. The sacrifices made are just unbelievable.
The book itself was written awhile ago and definitely harder for her to read. Hence the reason we read it together. Would love some recommendations of other newer missionary biographies.

[Lexi Zuo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic read!! It's filled with real life accounts and journal entries from John Stan himself. I felt like they were my dear friends and I was trekking through the provinces of China with them. Their deaths are heartbreaking, but at the same time so incredibly inspiring!! I love the last paragraph of the book where CIM officials had this to say about their murders, "Let no one call this ending of their earthly career a tragedy, for in reality it is a triumph. Our lamb has conquered; let us follow Him."

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always generally known about the murder of this missionary couple at the hands of Chinese Communists. Very sad and yet triumphant story as it became a world wide story that moved many to missionary service and awareness. The Stam’s death seems to have accomplished more in death than in life. The preservation of their infant daughter is also moving.

[Jeff Bys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always encouraged reading of God's great works through His people in history. John and Betty's story is one of the best.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praise the Father for the Stams. I'm also thankful to Him for this book that tells their story well.

[Louanne Enns · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an intriguing account of two lives passionate about living the gospel in the world. It contains everything one would expect in a missionary martyr story, including very good use of primary source letters and poems written by the Stams. This is its best feature, I felt, as a reader it instills confidence that they are not being portrayed with someone else's rose-coloured glasses. Out of these letters, one is left with a very powerful language of grace and sovereignty that is at the same time both challenging and foreign to our 21st century understanding of discipleship. I found myself pondering their words days after having completed the book.

I found the end of the story diminished significantly by the author's treatment of the "miracle baby." Having been spared, graciously by God, from the same fate as her martyred parents, the whole tone of the book (and indeed her parents entire-world view) begs the any reader to ask the question - for what has she been saved? Yet we get no more than a couple of sentences about her entire life, only to find out that she desired to keep her whereabouts unknown.

If we, the readers, are to authentically engage with the faith of the Stam's this final chapter of the story needs telling. There was a cost to following their convictions and it was more than just their lives. In deep respect to their daughter, who by now must be close to the end of her own life, her voice needs to be heard here as well.

[Binsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful account of the lives of two people who chose to follow the Lord without counting the cost.
John and Betty Stam left behind comfortable lives and went to China to win souls for the Lord. It's an impressive tale of faith and perseverance . It's amazing to note how God fulfilled even the tiniest need in their life .
The brutal way in which this couple were martyred will shock the reader. The couple was survived by an infant daughter. One would pause to wonder why God couldn't spare these faithful missionaries from the hands of the wicked bandits. But God works in ways we cannot see and fathom. Many people around the world consecrated their lives for the Lord after hearing of this account. Praise God for their sacrifice which did not go vain !!
This is a book I will re-read when I slip into spiritual lethargy. Recommended Reading !!

[Georgia Herod · Rating 4 out of 5]

While teaching English at a Christian high school, I encountered brief, powerful poems which Betty had written. Since I take great delight in God-stories, I eagerly read this biography to see how God had drawn the Stams to Himself, both individually and then as a couple. Their commitment to Christ and sharing the Gospel in China, as well as their willingness to endure hardship and ultimately to give their lives challenges me in the Western world. If all the props were pulled out, would my faith remain steadfast? That I be faithful--no matter the circumstances--is my prayer.

Entries from John’s letters and journals reveal his heart and his longing to be usable.

Their infant daughter Helen was rescued and grew up in the US.

[Madelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

John and Betty Stam traveled from Moody bible Institute in Chicago to Tsingteh in 1935 to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to this needy part of China. Although they had been in Tsingteh for just two weeks when they were martyred, their devotion lead to the growth of Christianity in China. This is a fascinating account of two individuals who gave their all for Christ.

[Noah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a touching story of a missionary couple who had only been in China for a few years, and then they bravely faced death by the Cinese Communists. This is a short read, but also filled with truth. It was cool to see John Stam's complete and utter trust in God for his financial/ everyday needs!

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had always wanted to read the story of John and Betty Stam, but finally got the chance while I was in China! Tragic story, but one that is not that unusual for those who "die to self, take up their cross, and follow Jesus." Highly recommended!