The Missionary Martyr: What We Learn from Those Who Gave Their Lives for the Cause of Christ

The premature death of followers of Christ as a result of human hostility, especially those who die while engaged in mission work, has an enduring impact on observant believers. It causes most to pause and ponder anew the extreme cost of discipleship. It forces many to question whether they themselves measure up to the highest standard of devotion to Christ and his global mission. It motivates still others to abandon selfish plans and ambitions and turn to serve Christ in hard and difficult places.

This reflection on missionary martyrdom is based on Marv Newell’s book, “A Martyr’s Grace.” We will probe the lessons learned from the deaths of 21 missionary martyrs who were all graduates of Moody Bible Institute, covering over 100 years of recent mission history that encompasses various mission settings in all parts of the world. This webinar is intended to bring encouragement and fortitude to all who serve in dangerous places, or seek to do so.

Dr. Marvin J. Newell – mnewell@MissioNexus.org – is Senior Vice President of Missio Nexus, a network of evangelical mission agencies, churches and training centers in North America. Previously he served as a missionary in Papua, Indonesia, a mission administrator, a professor of missions, and director of a missions association. He is the author of: A Martyr’s Grace, Commissioned: What Jesus Wants You to Know as You Go, Expect Great Things: Mission Quotes that Inform and Inspire and his newest book is Crossing Cultures in Scriptures: Biblical Principles for Mission Practice. He is also adjunct professor at Moody Theological Seminary and Western Seminary, and sits on the board of five different mission organizations. Marv and his wife Peggy have been involved in missions for 40 years.