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Amazing Faith: The Authorized Biography of Bill Bright, Founder of Campus Crusade for Christ
The Amazing Story of One Faithful Man...One Extraordinary Vision... One Unstoppable Movement.
An unforgettable chronicle of courage, determination, faith, and humility, Amazing Faith is the exclusive and inspiring account of how Dr. Bill Bright, founder and president of Campus Crusade for Christ International, stepped out in simple, unwavering obedience to God. Readers will delight in the extraordinary story of how an obedient Oklahoman left the ranch at God's urging, and how that obedience opened the door to reaching literally millions of lives with the message of Christ's love and the coming Kingdom.
From Bright's formative years in the Midwest to the lonely struggles and all-too-human foibles of his early ministry...the founding of the unparalleled Campus Crusade movement to the explosive global outreaches of the new millennium...this authorized, behind-the-scenes biography leaves no stone unturned in its examination of a humble life remarkably used by God-a life which, by God's power, has made an impact on three billion souls.
Written by a retired investigative reporter who has closely followed the life and ministry of Dr. Bright for more than a decade, and with a foreword by Dr. Billy Graham, Amazing Faith uncovers the calling, the passion, the strategic thinking, the sacrifice, and the astounding impact of one man committed to bold evangelism, disciple-ship, and the fulfillment of the Great Commission in his lifetime.
"He's just the kind of man I had in mind when I started the program twenty-five years ago because he's an example to everybody of all religions that it's possible to have progress in religion." -Sir John Templeton, founder of the Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion, which Dr. Bill Bright was awarded in 1996. He donated the $1 million honorarium to support a national movement of prayer and fasting.
An unforgettable chronicle of courage, determination, faith, and humility, Amazing Faith is the exclusive and inspiring account of how Dr. Bill Bright, founder and president of Campus Crusade for Christ International, stepped out in simple, unwavering obedience to God. Readers will delight in the extraordinary story of how an obedient Oklahoman left the ranch at God's urging, and how that obedience opened the door to reaching literally millions of lives with the message of Christ's love and the coming Kingdom.
From Bright's formative years in the Midwest to the lonely struggles and all-too-human foibles of his early ministry...the founding of the unparalleled Campus Crusade movement to the explosive global outreaches of the new millennium...this authorized, behind-the-scenes biography leaves no stone unturned in its examination of a humble life remarkably used by God-a life which, by God's power, has made an impact on three billion souls.
Written by a retired investigative reporter who has closely followed the life and ministry of Dr. Bright for more than a decade, and with a foreword by Dr. Billy Graham, Amazing Faith uncovers the calling, the passion, the strategic thinking, the sacrifice, and the astounding impact of one man committed to bold evangelism, disciple-ship, and the fulfillment of the Great Commission in his lifetime.
"He's just the kind of man I had in mind when I started the program twenty-five years ago because he's an example to everybody of all religions that it's possible to have progress in religion." -Sir John Templeton, founder of the Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion, which Dr. Bill Bright was awarded in 1996. He donated the $1 million honorarium to support a national movement of prayer and fasting.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
26 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Michael Richardson
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 25, 2011
I am always encouraged and inspired by biographies of great Christians of the past -- and Bill Bright's story is one of the most inspiring I have read! You can't help but be challenged and encouraged by his faith, his bold risk taking and his humble, vibrant relationship with Jesus.
February 16, 2014
A great book on the life of Bill Bright. The books takes you from Bill's birth through his great ministry of Campus Crusade. I trust you will be challenged by the quotes below from the book:
If we could but show the world that being committed to Christ is no tame, humdrum, sheltered monotony, but the most thrilling, exciting adventure the human spirit could ever know, those who have been standing outside the church and looking askance at Christ would come crowding in to pay allegiance, and we might well expect the greatest revival since Pentecost. ~Dr. James Stewart
When you step down from the podium, will people say, “What a great preacher he is,” or, “What a great Lord he serves?” ~quote Bill Bright heard at Princeton and took to heart
In one class at Fuller, Bill [Bright] took an exegetical tour of Romans 6 that so impressed him, he never forgot its four points: know, reckon, yield, obey. Know your position in Christ as dead to sin, risen in power. Reckon or account yourself dead to the old sin nature; behave by faith as if it were dead and don’t respond to it. Yield your body as an instrument of righteousness. Obey God’s commands by faith. ~Michael Richardson
There is no magic in small plans. When I consider my ministry, I think of the world. Anything less than that would not be worthy of Christ, nor of His will for my life. ~Dr. Henrietta Mears
The greatness of a man’s power is the measure of his surrender. It is not a question of who you are or what you are, but whether God controls you. ~Dr. Henrietta Mears
Are you proving that the Christian life is a joyful, happy thing? Do you look glad that you are a Christian? Make the Christian life contagious. ~Dr. Henrietta Mears
Enthusiasm starts a hard job; determination works at it; only love continues until it is finished. ~Dr. Henrietta Mears
Serving God with our little is the way to make it more. ~Dr. Henrietta Mears
Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal, eloquence, or learning. ~Dr. Henrietta Mears
You teach a little by what you say. You teach most by what you are. ~Dr. Henrietta Mears
An efficient leader may, through his knowledge of his job and the magnetism of his personality, greatly increase the efficiency of others. ~Dr. Henrietta Mears
All that I see teaches me to thank the Creator for all I cannot see. ~Dr. Henrietta Mears
You must decide what you want to build and then precede with the plans. ~Dr. Henrietta Mears
What you are is God’s gift to you. What you can become is your gift to Him. ~Dr. Henrietta Mears
I see now that evil is endemic in man and that the Christian doctrine of original sin expresses a deep and essential insight into human nature. Reject it and you fall victim, as so many of us whose minds developed in an atmosphere of left-wing politics and rationalist philosophy have fallen victims, to shallow optimism in regard to human nature. ~former atheist-philosopher Cyril E. M. Joad
Christianity seemed to offer … consolation, strengthening, and assistance, while the rationalist philosophy which I had hitherto done my best to maintain, came to seem intolerably trivial and superficial …. ~former atheist-philosopher Cyril E. M. Joad
Who can this Man be who, though He never wrote a single word Himself to be read by succeeding generations, yet has by His spoken words and unparalleled deeds, created a greater literature, led to more profound thinking about and brought more light upon life’s greatest problems, than any other person who has ever walked among men? Indeed, the very words under which thousands of books about Jesus are classified are not used of any other historical person of any century, no matter how great they may have been – such as Incarnation, Virgin Birth, Sinlessness, Deity, Resurrection, Ascension, Second Advent, Prince of Peace, and Head of the Church. ~Wilbur M. Smith
What sort of man is this, who over and over again, gave numerous details about His death, months before it occurred, and added to each such utterance that on the third day after His decease He would rise again from the dead – and DID RISE, as even the city of Jerusalem soon came to believe? No other founder of a great world religion (or a small one) ever made such statements, or ever came forth from the dead. ~Wilbur M. Smith
The life Jesus led, the miracles He performed, the words He spoke, His death on the cross, His resurrection, His ascent to heaven, all point to the fact that He was not mere man, but more than man …. It is important to consider that Jesus Christ claimed to be God. He claimed to be the author of a new way of life ….
Either Jesus of Nazareth was who He claimed to be, the Son of God, the Savior of mankind, or He was the greatest impostor the world has ever known. If His claims were false more good has resulted from a lie than has ever been accomplished by the truth …. Historically, we know that whenever His message has gone, new life, new hope, and new purpose for living have resulted ….
Does it not make sense that this person (whom most people, knowing the facts, consider the greatest teacher, the greatest example, the greatest leader the world has ever known) would be, as He Himself claimed to be, and the Bible tells us that He is, the one person who could bridge the chasm between a holy God and sinful man? ~Bill Bright
God looks first for availability in His servants, then provides them with the necessary ability for accomplishing His purpose. ~Michael Richardson
Inspiration without perspiration leads to frustration and ultimately to stagnation. ~Bill Bright
Acceptance of circumstances, Bill would explain years later, is the role of a slave. Whatever needs the Master permits in the life of the slave are the Master’s responsibility to meet. It is not for the slave to rush out and fix the situation for the Master or, even worse, to rise up and rebel. The slave is to present the need to the Master and rest in the Master’s handling of it. This requires total trust in the Master’s honor, justice, and goodness. The slave awaits the Master’s move and the Master’s provision. ~Michael Richardson
Bill was awed by the story of Kim’s survival of a communist attack on his home village in Korea. On a rainy spring day, communist guerrillas invaded the village in Korea, intent upon killing everyone in their path. Kim’s wife and father were murdered, and Kim himself was beaten and left for dead. In the cool rain of the night he revived and fled to safety in the mountains with his young daughter. They were the sole survivors.
As a man of God, Kim had learned from Scripture that he was to love his enemies and pray for those who persecuted him. What was to be his attitude concerning those who had killed his beloved wife and honored father? The Spirit of God impressed upon him that he was to seek out the communist chief who led the guerrilla attack, tell him that he loved and forgave him, and tell him of God’s love in Christ and his need for the Savior.
This he did, and God honored his obedience. The communist chief knelt in prayer with Kim and committed his life to Christ. Within a short time a number of other communists were converted to Christ as well, and Kim helped them build a church for themselves and other communists converts before he came to America to further his education. ~Michael Richardson
He feared man so little because he feared God so much. ~Inscription on the burial monument for Lord Lawrence
If we could but show the world that being committed to Christ is no tame, humdrum, sheltered monotony, but the most thrilling, exciting adventure the human spirit could ever know, those who have been standing outside the church and looking askance at Christ would come crowding in to pay allegiance, and we might well expect the greatest revival since Pentecost. ~Dr. James Stewart
When you step down from the podium, will people say, “What a great preacher he is,” or, “What a great Lord he serves?” ~quote Bill Bright heard at Princeton and took to heart
In one class at Fuller, Bill [Bright] took an exegetical tour of Romans 6 that so impressed him, he never forgot its four points: know, reckon, yield, obey. Know your position in Christ as dead to sin, risen in power. Reckon or account yourself dead to the old sin nature; behave by faith as if it were dead and don’t respond to it. Yield your body as an instrument of righteousness. Obey God’s commands by faith. ~Michael Richardson
There is no magic in small plans. When I consider my ministry, I think of the world. Anything less than that would not be worthy of Christ, nor of His will for my life. ~Dr. Henrietta Mears
The greatness of a man’s power is the measure of his surrender. It is not a question of who you are or what you are, but whether God controls you. ~Dr. Henrietta Mears
Are you proving that the Christian life is a joyful, happy thing? Do you look glad that you are a Christian? Make the Christian life contagious. ~Dr. Henrietta Mears
Enthusiasm starts a hard job; determination works at it; only love continues until it is finished. ~Dr. Henrietta Mears
Serving God with our little is the way to make it more. ~Dr. Henrietta Mears
Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal, eloquence, or learning. ~Dr. Henrietta Mears
You teach a little by what you say. You teach most by what you are. ~Dr. Henrietta Mears
An efficient leader may, through his knowledge of his job and the magnetism of his personality, greatly increase the efficiency of others. ~Dr. Henrietta Mears
All that I see teaches me to thank the Creator for all I cannot see. ~Dr. Henrietta Mears
You must decide what you want to build and then precede with the plans. ~Dr. Henrietta Mears
What you are is God’s gift to you. What you can become is your gift to Him. ~Dr. Henrietta Mears
I see now that evil is endemic in man and that the Christian doctrine of original sin expresses a deep and essential insight into human nature. Reject it and you fall victim, as so many of us whose minds developed in an atmosphere of left-wing politics and rationalist philosophy have fallen victims, to shallow optimism in regard to human nature. ~former atheist-philosopher Cyril E. M. Joad
Christianity seemed to offer … consolation, strengthening, and assistance, while the rationalist philosophy which I had hitherto done my best to maintain, came to seem intolerably trivial and superficial …. ~former atheist-philosopher Cyril E. M. Joad
Who can this Man be who, though He never wrote a single word Himself to be read by succeeding generations, yet has by His spoken words and unparalleled deeds, created a greater literature, led to more profound thinking about and brought more light upon life’s greatest problems, than any other person who has ever walked among men? Indeed, the very words under which thousands of books about Jesus are classified are not used of any other historical person of any century, no matter how great they may have been – such as Incarnation, Virgin Birth, Sinlessness, Deity, Resurrection, Ascension, Second Advent, Prince of Peace, and Head of the Church. ~Wilbur M. Smith
What sort of man is this, who over and over again, gave numerous details about His death, months before it occurred, and added to each such utterance that on the third day after His decease He would rise again from the dead – and DID RISE, as even the city of Jerusalem soon came to believe? No other founder of a great world religion (or a small one) ever made such statements, or ever came forth from the dead. ~Wilbur M. Smith
The life Jesus led, the miracles He performed, the words He spoke, His death on the cross, His resurrection, His ascent to heaven, all point to the fact that He was not mere man, but more than man …. It is important to consider that Jesus Christ claimed to be God. He claimed to be the author of a new way of life ….
Either Jesus of Nazareth was who He claimed to be, the Son of God, the Savior of mankind, or He was the greatest impostor the world has ever known. If His claims were false more good has resulted from a lie than has ever been accomplished by the truth …. Historically, we know that whenever His message has gone, new life, new hope, and new purpose for living have resulted ….
Does it not make sense that this person (whom most people, knowing the facts, consider the greatest teacher, the greatest example, the greatest leader the world has ever known) would be, as He Himself claimed to be, and the Bible tells us that He is, the one person who could bridge the chasm between a holy God and sinful man? ~Bill Bright
God looks first for availability in His servants, then provides them with the necessary ability for accomplishing His purpose. ~Michael Richardson
Inspiration without perspiration leads to frustration and ultimately to stagnation. ~Bill Bright
Acceptance of circumstances, Bill would explain years later, is the role of a slave. Whatever needs the Master permits in the life of the slave are the Master’s responsibility to meet. It is not for the slave to rush out and fix the situation for the Master or, even worse, to rise up and rebel. The slave is to present the need to the Master and rest in the Master’s handling of it. This requires total trust in the Master’s honor, justice, and goodness. The slave awaits the Master’s move and the Master’s provision. ~Michael Richardson
Bill was awed by the story of Kim’s survival of a communist attack on his home village in Korea. On a rainy spring day, communist guerrillas invaded the village in Korea, intent upon killing everyone in their path. Kim’s wife and father were murdered, and Kim himself was beaten and left for dead. In the cool rain of the night he revived and fled to safety in the mountains with his young daughter. They were the sole survivors.
As a man of God, Kim had learned from Scripture that he was to love his enemies and pray for those who persecuted him. What was to be his attitude concerning those who had killed his beloved wife and honored father? The Spirit of God impressed upon him that he was to seek out the communist chief who led the guerrilla attack, tell him that he loved and forgave him, and tell him of God’s love in Christ and his need for the Savior.
This he did, and God honored his obedience. The communist chief knelt in prayer with Kim and committed his life to Christ. Within a short time a number of other communists were converted to Christ as well, and Kim helped them build a church for themselves and other communists converts before he came to America to further his education. ~Michael Richardson
He feared man so little because he feared God so much. ~Inscription on the burial monument for Lord Lawrence
November 21, 2021
God has used the ministry of Cru to shape my faith and walk with Jesus in significant ways. At the same time, I’ve wrestled with aspects of the ministry as I’ve served with them over the years. Understanding the life and character of Dr. Bright I believe is a necessary journey to take to understand Cru—why things are the way they are and how they came to be. Overall, I am challenged and encouraged by Dr. Bright as presented in this biography. Even if you’re not connected to Cru, the life of Dr. Bright can still serve as an encouragement to your faith.
My main takeaways are as follows:
1. Dr. Bright modeled the pursuit of happiness and significance not through money, approval, or success, but through submission to Christ.
2. Dr. Bright viewed the sharing of one’s faith as not merely an overflow of love of God, but as an act of trust and obedience (just as other spiritual disciplines are).
3. Dr. Bright sought in his acts of evangelism to cultivate a holy discontent in the life of the listener not through a threat of hell, but through a vision of heaven.
4. Dr. Bright’s zealous missional drive allowed him to deal charitably with those whom he disagreed theologically so long as they were unified in Christ and the the mission of the Great Commission (ie: Catholics and Pentecostals).
5. Dr. Bright was sure of his calling and vision and this vision was biblical, communicated consistently and confidently, and almost always challenging the faith of anyone who heard it.
My main takeaways are as follows:
1. Dr. Bright modeled the pursuit of happiness and significance not through money, approval, or success, but through submission to Christ.
2. Dr. Bright viewed the sharing of one’s faith as not merely an overflow of love of God, but as an act of trust and obedience (just as other spiritual disciplines are).
3. Dr. Bright sought in his acts of evangelism to cultivate a holy discontent in the life of the listener not through a threat of hell, but through a vision of heaven.
4. Dr. Bright’s zealous missional drive allowed him to deal charitably with those whom he disagreed theologically so long as they were unified in Christ and the the mission of the Great Commission (ie: Catholics and Pentecostals).
5. Dr. Bright was sure of his calling and vision and this vision was biblical, communicated consistently and confidently, and almost always challenging the faith of anyone who heard it.
February 24, 2019
A lot of great motivational material on a life devoted to Christ and sharing the gospel. But there is a shallow view of sin (the belief that every sin can be confessed), some political views I don't agree with (e.g. America having a Christian foundation), and some other issues.
June 25, 2020
This is an amazing story of a man of faith & perhaps the most successful Christian movement of our age. However, the book felt unnecessarily long & laborious at times. Still worth a read!
February 19, 2023
one of my fav writer and model
December 31, 2024
A very inspiring biography of Bill Bright. Very comprehensive story of the beginnings of Campus Crusade for Christ.
October 10, 2012
I found it so helpful to read about the heart of the man who so shaped the organisation I've been serving with for so many years. Sure, it may gloss over a few of the controversies, but I found it so helpful that I've become renown for giving it as a gift to students who lead with me.
October 23, 2012
I had the honor of hanging out with Bill Bright for a few days in 2001 and he was one of the most humble servant leaders I've ever met. He also had the grandest vision of anyone I've ever met. This book gives great insight into a man after God's own heart.
March 19, 2014
As a biography lover I appreciated the style and tone and journalistic integrity of this book by Michael Richardson about a remarkable and visionary man. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to what a young twenty-something can do with their life when they follow their vision and passion.
April 11, 2008
By far (other than the bible) the biggest encouragement to fulfill the Great Commission. Although it took me 6 months to finish, I truly felt "called" after finishing.
January 22, 2011
Story of a simple man who created a great organization. His honesty is something that needs to be appreciated.
May 3, 2013
Praise the Lord for how God used Dr. Bright! A very gifted and faithful man. A well-written and challenging book concerning a life that greatly influenced my life and ministry.
January 7, 2017
One of my favorite biographies. This story will challenge you to trust God for bigger things.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews