A Martyr’s Grace: Stories of Those Who Gave All for God’s Glory

by Marvin Newell

The word “martyr” may evoke thoughts of those who died centuries ago. We do not tend to think of those who were fellow students or members of our graduating class. Dr. Newell’s book provides twenty-one accounts of Moody Bible Institute alumni who paid the ultimate price for acting in obedience to the missionary call.

Moody Publishers, 820 N. La Salle Blvd., Chicago, IL 60610, 2006, 208 pages, $13.99.

—Reviewed by Robert Wright, Centre for Lifelong Learning, TEAM, Wheaton, Illinois.

The word “martyr” may evoke thoughts of those who died centuries ago. We do not tend to think of those who were fellow students or members of our graduating class. Dr. Newell’s book provides twenty-one accounts of Moody Bible Institute alumni who paid the ultimate price for acting in obedience to the missionary call.

These accounts of nine men and twelve women illustrate that God’s grace for martyrdom came just in time but never before it was needed. Interestingly, nine of the twelve women and one man mentioned in the book were single. Eight of the nine men mentioned in the book were married. Only one couple is mentioned: John and Betty Stam. Most of the accounts are not of well-known people, and in some cases, Newell’s is the first published account of the missionary’s martyrdom.

The stories illustrate that these were people who were obedient to follow God’s call no matter what the cost. He traces each person’s background through journals, letters and eyewitness accounts, and he gives comments from their Moody records and from their respective mission agencies. While the book gives numerous details about each person’s death, it does not dwell on lurid details.

Because it has been thoroughly researched, Martyr’s Grace has historic value. It is also truly inspiring. I came away with a deep sense of admiration for the courage these people exercised by their obedience to God. The book reminds us that obedience to the missionary calling carries with it an element of danger. All of the men and women mentioned in the book exercised caution for their own safety, but they also exhibited great courage in the face of danger and death.

The opening chapter defines the scope of his book and gives the Moody Bible Institute definition of “martyr.” Also helpful was the concluding chapter that puts the topic of Christian martyrdom into perspective. The author only scratches the surface, but he does open numerous areas for further reading and discussion. The book is simply written and could be used for family devotions or as a starting point for a small group discussion. It would be a great gift for people considering missions. The footnotes and bibliography provide valuable resources for further study. People will be inspired by the very readable and detailed accounts of ordinary people who paid an extraordinary price for their obedience.

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