Created for Commitment

by A. Wetherell Johnson

This fascinating account portrays God's power in the life and ministry of A. Wetherell Johnson, from her overseas mission work to the founding and remarkable growth of Bible Study Fellowship.

Genres: Christian, Biography, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, Spirituality, Autobiography, Faith

374 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1982

Reviews

[Sassa · Rating 4 out of 5]

In some sections, this book earns very close to 3-stars from me. The last section earns 5-stars. (I want to keep this part forever.) Other sections are solid 4-stars; therefore, I am assigning the book an overall 4-stars. I enjoyed the book a great deal but would be careful to whom I recommended it.

A. Wetherell Johnson, an Englishwoman who became a missionary to China and a Japanese prisoner of war during WW 2, writes her autobiography in four main sections. The first part deals with her youth and maturation in England and France under some austere circumstances.
The second section tells of her missionary work in China, her cautions and maneuverings with new Communist China, and then her subsequent imprisonment in Japan during WW II. The conditions were atrocious but Miss Johnson persevered, always working to bring glory to God in all she did.
The third part tells of her time in the US, California and Texas, and her many travels during the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. This was the time Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) was conceived, took root and began to grow exponentially. Faith, humility, and perseverance certainly shaped this Christian women into an excellent example of someone we can now look to and model in teaching Biblical lessons that will be solid and honor God. This third section can get a bit tedious at times with names and dates but it was necessary for Miss Johnson to relate getting the business part of her work recorded for future reference by others. It is valuable information as a business model.
The last section of the book is titled “Guidelines for Christian Living.” I found this section very inspiring and edifying. The price of the book is worth this section alone.
I did greatly enjoy the total book and I think other BSF members would, also. Non-BSF people would most likely enjoy Sections, 1, 2, and 4; less so section 3.
I try to read wisely and carefully and try to encourage others to do so, too; therefore, one of her quotes has lodged in my mind:
“Let me tell you something, If you continue to read trash like ‘Peg’s Papers,’ you will lose all your love for beauty in literature and lose one of God’s greatest gifts of joy.” So true.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great book to read if you are involved in BSF. It's a very inspiring account of how the ministry started and the life of Wetherell Johnson.

[Michelle Ule · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting biography written nearly 40 years ago, that could be better edited and updated for modern readers. I didn't need to read all those names of people.

Johnson's stories about life in China were fantastic and informative.

While I respect BSF, I didn't need all the details she provided.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing women! It was wonderful to read about the beginnings of BSF.

[Donna Pfeiffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an autobiography of the founder of Bible Study Fellowship. I have really enjoyed my enrollment in this program during this last year. The studies encourage deeper thinking and application, and listening to other's thoughts adds perspectives that also enhances understanding. This was a very godly woman who was totally commited to serving our God. Her devotion to prayer was also a great example and the answers received were amazing to see. God has certainly blessed the launching of this organization since the founding!

[Larisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing story of Bible study fellowship founder. For anyone who has been a part of BSF like I have, God had an anointing on her life and as a result... Many have been won to Christ!! 'God chooses the things that are not....that no flesh may glory in HIS presence." This story illustrates the truth that what God allows to happen to us, is intended to bring greater blessing to us. The journey God allowed in her life, she could truly say like the Apostle Paul.. I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some! A. Wetherell Johnson sums up what is needed today as Christians: 'study in God's word, discipline, fellowship & love from others like themselves to become true disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ!!

[Heather]

I read this book because I wanted to learn more about Miss Johnson's missionary career in China. I ended up learning about that plus a lot more. This autobiography is divided into 4 sections: The Early Years, The China Years, The Years in America (BSF), and Guidelines for the Christian Life. I gained a lot of insight into the birth and development of BSF. The BSF information is insightful and helpful to BSF leaders, but a regular attendee might find it boring.

A few personal thoughts:
I enjoyed the first 2 sections of the book much more than the 3rd.
I wish that she had written more details about her time in the internment camp in China.

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are BSF, must read. An inspiring bio for others to enjoy.

[Cole Ramirez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wetherell Johnson's story is quite amazing, with endless specific examples of God's providence in her life and in the growth of Bible Study Fellowship, but the book was just too long. I read the first half quickly but by the mid way point I started to get bogged down by all the little tangents. The fact that she refused to take credit for making BSF what is today is certainly a positive reflection on her character, but at times it felt like a never-ending stream of names (...'and I couldn't have done it without "so and so" who created the typefont for the lessons' and 'BSF would never have come about if it weren't for "so and so" who woke up at 5am every morning to dust the fireplaces'). I get it, Wetherell, you couldn't have done it yourself and even the littlest jobs have the utmost importance when done for the glory of God, but I just think a good 60% could have been edited out and the book would have been better for it.

The last few chapters are particularly great and include clear practical applications. I hope to revisit those someday when I'm not exhausted from the prior 300 pages of "and then this happened, and then this happened, and then this happened"...

ALSO, I would have loved to read a chapter on the subject of her singleness. Children and family seem like the ultimate blessing to me and so I always find it interesting to read about women who either never have one or don't have one until very late in life. It seems to me the absence of children might just be life's greatest trial, so I wish she hadn't left it out of her story!

[Rhoda · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an avid BSFer (Bible Study Fellowship) this was a mostly interesting read. For me it desperately needs editing and updating. I borrowed this copy to read, but I would like to get my own copy to read as there are many really good quotes, ideas, and admonitions that would be worthy of underlining to help remember.

The book is divided into basically three sections: Pre-BSF Wetherell Johnson's early life and missionary in China; BSF--founding and growth; and practical Christian living guidelines. Johnson's life in China was most fascinating as she served in ministry but was in a Japanese internment camp for three years. It somewhat reminded me of Corrie Ten Boom.

Unfortunately there are so many names that are now really not relevant and bog down the narrative. I probably found those more interesting than most younger readers today as I recognized some of the names, places, and schools.

The other negative for me is that because it needs editing, by the time I got to the really good tips in the back I tended to gloss over them to get finished. This is a definite go back and re-read.

BSF: please consider a new edition
BSFers: read the book to understand what a quality study and organization BSF is

[Milinda Yount · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Created for Commitment by A. Wetherell Johnson. This is a book that you really have to look beyond the cover – it is dated (she died in the 80’s) and the subtitle does not adequately describe her whole story. There are two main things about the book that I loved. First, she had an interesting life – as a missionary to China, interred in a Japanese war camp during WWII (for three years!) and founding and growing an international organization. This is not a story about a grandma in a pink sweater who stayed home all the time. And bigger picture, this was really inspiring to see what she accomplished as a woman in her time (born 1907, same year as my grandma) – and not just her but all the women that she worked with and mentions in this book. And the fact that she dedicated her life to teaching the Bible – I think she is the hero I never heard of or knew that I needed to know.

[MaryLucille · Rating 5 out of 5]

This, my second reading, was even more impactful than the first.
Taking time to actually read the verses referenced was extremely worthwhile.

From my first review:
“The last section of the book is titled “Guidelines for Christian Living.” I found this section very inspiring and edifying. The price of the book is worth this section alone.
I did greatly enjoy the total book and I think other BSF members would, also. Non-BSF people would most likely enjoy Sections, 1, 2, and 4; less so section 3.
I try to read wisely, therefore, one of her quotes has lodged in my mind:
“Let me tell you something, If you continue to read trash like ‘Peg’s Papers,’ you will lose all your love for beauty in literature and lose one of God’s greatest gifts of joy.” So true.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a member of BSF for the last six years, I have wanted to read this book for a long time, having heard about it from other class members. Miss Johnson’s testimony to God’s power and her faith, not only in the founding of Bible Study Fellowship, but throughout her life, is inspiring! I wonder if she drew from journals in writing this, as her recollection for details is extraordinary! I give this a five-star review not necessarily for the writing style (some parts can get tedious to read), but for the sheer clarity and richness of content...I particularly love her presentation of the gospel and pattern for Bible study given at the end.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This autobiography was very well written. She lived an amazing life. Just one thing she left out, like Billy Graham always did, was baptism. For someone who talks about ALL scripture being "God breathed", and the fact that Christ was baptized, it seems that would not be left out. It's true, baptism is not my savior, Christ is. But, the same can be said for all the other necessary things one must do to be a follower of Christ. Other than that, the story of her life was amazing. The work she started with BSF that has grown world wide has been so incredibly successful. I am starting my eighth year in BSF. Best Bible study I have ever done!

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

My sister reviewed this perfectly in saying that it badly needs editing - not because of grammatical issues, but because of content issues. The first part was very interesting - the story of Wetherell Johnson's early life and her years as a missionary in China were well told and an inspirational read. But the narrative broke down as she got into the history of Bible Study Fellowship. Way too many names and details caused the story to get very bogged down, and I was eager to get done with the book. The Guidelines for the Christian Life at the end are good.

[Jasmine Shadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

She was definitely committed. Very few today have the same level of commitment. Her biggest desire was to see others realizing the importance of biblical literacy. The lack of this amongst Christians of today has created a mess.
I was only able to have one session of the BSF, and I enjoyed it very much. Unfortunately we had to relocate and the area we are in now does not have one class. I wish I had been able to complete the five year study. The Bible is most important to me, and I would love to find these classes again. Thank you for your commitment Miss Johnson.

[Lee L · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so enjoy & appreciate BSF so when I learned that the wonderful woman who started the organization had written her autobiography, I had to read it. She is a very good writer & goes into great detail about many situations in her life (sometimes a little too detailed). I did like the insights into her beliefs and how detailed and perfect she wanted God's word to be taught. You will learn a lot & love BSF even more.

[Kaylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a story! Ms. Johnson had quite the story to tell of God's faithfulness to her through some hard years and many forms of ministry. I loved her heart for the Bible and biblical literacy. I picked this book up, curious, knowing she was the founder of BSF but not realizing she was a missionary before that. I have not participated in BSF, nor do I fully agree with some of the approach, but it was intriguing to read how the story played out.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an inspirational autobiographical read for those interested in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). It is the history of Audrey Wetherell Johnson and how BSF was birthed. It is a deep read of a devoted believer and the works of the God she loves and serves. His faithfulness is shown in numerous miraculous ways in Miss Johnson's life. This is worth your time.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a student at Bible Study Fellowship, I loved reading about A. Wetherell Johnson, and the founding of this wonderful international bible study network which began in the 50's. It is a wonderful story about being truly committed to the Lord, listening and trusting His leading from missionary work to teaching the bible.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing life committed to Christ. I’m thankful for Ms. Johnson’s work, and her autobiography is inspiring. If some parts of the book get weighed down with detail, it’s still fascinating to see all the different people and means God used as he grew the work of BSF. I should like to “finish with joy” my life as Ms. Johnson did.

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, especially the first part. It was a great story, and the spiritual aspects were challenging. Near the end, it suffered from the fate of many autobiographies--too many smaller incidents and too many people who just had to be mentioned, which bogged it down a bit. Still, I'm glad I read it and I learned a lot from it.

[Dana McReynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

My reading challenge for the month is a biography or memoir. So, after nine years of Bible Study Fellowship, four of those in leadership, I could think of nothing better to read than the amazing life story of the founder of BSF. The impact she has made in the kingdom of God is truly immeasurable. This is an inspiring story of a life lived in faithful obedience to the Lord.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a shame this is out of print. It's an informative, interesting and spiritually blessing read. I live in Australia but had to order a secondhand copy from America. It's worth finding, if you can.

[Ahuta · Rating 4 out of 5]

After many years I did not read books, this is the 1st book I start to read.

It is very detailed book about the founder of BSF.

I never thought that the founder of BSF was a woman who smart, has money, from good family etc. It opened my eyes.

[Liz Whalen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty great read! Her story is very inspirational and her passion for scripture is very deep. I think the book could’ve been 200 pages shorter, she spends a lot of time thanking countless people which is great but a bit of a bore to read! Amazing woman and amazing story though

[Carla Winheim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books was mostly a great read. Miss Johnson’s life was very interesting. About 3/4 of the way through it did drag a bit. I really enjoyed reading about this great lady who founded Bible Study Fellowship. I am so glad to be part of this fabulous Bible study.

[Elizabeth Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been doing BSF for many years, reading Wetherell Johnson's story is interesting. I will admit that I did skim some parts. She remembers all the people who have touched her life and had helped start BSF. The end part is great for all believers.

[Laura Romero · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the beginning, but got bogged down in the middle with the China section and couldn’t relate to some of the growth of BSF. However, I have been a class member in Bible Study Fellowship since 1996 due in part to “One Willing Servant.”

[Jeanetta Chrystie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring book about her life, and more interesting if you've ever been in a BSF Bible Study. Loved it!