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I Would Die for You: One Student's Story of Passion, Service and Faith
In a day of iPods and MySpace, when adolescents can seem self-serving and self-absorbed, the powerful story of the life of BJ Higgins proves that things can be otherwise. BJ's life was one of passionate service to God and to other people. He even inspired Bart Millard, lead singer of Mercy Me, to write and record a song to honor him. After a six-week battle with an infection contracted on the mission field, BJ's earthly life was over--he was only 15 years old.
I Would Die for You tells BJ's inspiring story. It combines the writing of parents Brent and Deanna Higgins with selections from BJ's journals, school papers, and blog, along with true stories from family members, church and hospital staff, and friends. Through this multi-layered text, youth pastors, teens, and those involved in missions work will get a glimpse of a young man who gave his life to God, lived the gospel, and died for his devotion. Stirring and full of encouragement, I Would Die for You is poised to inspire a new generation of believers to give their lives in God's service.
I Would Die for You tells BJ's inspiring story. It combines the writing of parents Brent and Deanna Higgins with selections from BJ's journals, school papers, and blog, along with true stories from family members, church and hospital staff, and friends. Through this multi-layered text, youth pastors, teens, and those involved in missions work will get a glimpse of a young man who gave his life to God, lived the gospel, and died for his devotion. Stirring and full of encouragement, I Would Die for You is poised to inspire a new generation of believers to give their lives in God's service.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
11 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 8, 2019
I have two main issues with this book.
Firstly, I don't think dying from an infection qualifies one as a martyr, even if the infection was contracted while on a mission trip.
Secondly, I don't understand the emphasis on Satan and his power. We can't know or understand Satan's purpose or actions any more as we can understand God's, and I just don't think Satan is as powerful as this book makes him out to be. It just really bothered me while reading it.
Regardless, BJ seems to have been a wonderful young man whom God used in powerful ways. The book's messages were good, just not anything groundbreaking or unique. Being young and having a heart for the Lord like BJ did isn't uncommon among many young people in the church. It was interesting to read BJ's story, but I didn't really find it that inspiring, I guess.
Firstly, I don't think dying from an infection qualifies one as a martyr, even if the infection was contracted while on a mission trip.
Secondly, I don't understand the emphasis on Satan and his power. We can't know or understand Satan's purpose or actions any more as we can understand God's, and I just don't think Satan is as powerful as this book makes him out to be. It just really bothered me while reading it.
Regardless, BJ seems to have been a wonderful young man whom God used in powerful ways. The book's messages were good, just not anything groundbreaking or unique. Being young and having a heart for the Lord like BJ did isn't uncommon among many young people in the church. It was interesting to read BJ's story, but I didn't really find it that inspiring, I guess.
September 6, 2015
Definitely not what I expected...and since it is mostly just a hodge-podge of journal entries, web blog postings, and Bible verses, with some story-line to connect it all, it was a struggle to get through some chapters. There wasn't quite enough about this BJ kid in the beginning for me to care enough to scrutinize his every journal entry, etc. and came across a bit like, my kid was a better Christian than you. I know that wasn't their intentions and the end was good, but it made it a struggle for me to not just put the book down and walk away without finishing it.
April 21, 2012
The story itself of BJ is wonderful. I just did not like the way it was written. I didn't like every other paragraph being something they pulled off the blog. I wish they would have just written BJ's story then put the comments.
We should all aspire to be like BJ.
We should all aspire to be like BJ.
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July 27, 2011amazing book! its more than inspiring, its a battle cry. bj higgins is an amazing guy and i cant wait to meet him in Heaven! i highly recommend this book!
May 7, 2023
What does it look to live a life totally surrendered to God, being obedient to him? Is it possible to display such total abandon to our Creator? Is there an age limit on being too old ... or too young?
"I Would Die For You: One Student's Story of Passion, Service, & Faith" is the story of B.J. Higgins, a teenager who lived out his love for God and the world, with a call to missions. He spent two summers ministering in Peru, and returned home with an unknown but deadly disease.
B.J.'s parents, Brent and Deanna Higgins, wrote/edited this book. Besides their contributions, it includes several journal entries, devotionals, and blogs by B.J., as well as comments from family members, friends, B.J.'s fellow summer missionaries, and others such as Bart Millard of MercyMe. It also includes several photos of B.J.
This is not a negative, but I found this book a challenging read on several points. First, if you're human, a story about a teenager who dies will of course be a challenge. Second, I found the book being a collection of memories from various people than it would if it was written as typical prose and then having a few quotes at the end. Finally, it's a challenge for me to stand up and be counted, to take up my sword and serve God as He wills.
I highly recommend this book.
"I Would Die For You: One Student's Story of Passion, Service, & Faith" is the story of B.J. Higgins, a teenager who lived out his love for God and the world, with a call to missions. He spent two summers ministering in Peru, and returned home with an unknown but deadly disease.
B.J.'s parents, Brent and Deanna Higgins, wrote/edited this book. Besides their contributions, it includes several journal entries, devotionals, and blogs by B.J., as well as comments from family members, friends, B.J.'s fellow summer missionaries, and others such as Bart Millard of MercyMe. It also includes several photos of B.J.
This is not a negative, but I found this book a challenging read on several points. First, if you're human, a story about a teenager who dies will of course be a challenge. Second, I found the book being a collection of memories from various people than it would if it was written as typical prose and then having a few quotes at the end. Finally, it's a challenge for me to stand up and be counted, to take up my sword and serve God as He wills.
I highly recommend this book.
June 26, 2018
This is more than just a book about a young man with a vision for missions. It is a clarion call for the American church to more fully commit to service to our fellow man. BJ was a young man with an incredible passion for sharing Christ with the nations. He served two mission tours to Peru and would probably have gone to North Africa next, but in between trips he served in his community. His story is told by his parents, family and friends, but the largest portion of the text is taken from his own journals, conversations via email and messaging and from posts on his blog. They provide insight into the heart and mind of an incredible young man who still influences those who learn about him today. I highly recommend this book to all Christians as a means to increase your commitment to love and serve their fellow man. If you are not a disciple of Jesus, you should still read it to learn how a young teenager can make a difference in his world.
March 24, 2023
BJ’s story is inspiring and heartbreaking. It was a quick read but I was rushing it as it was a challenge. The formatting means it’s a series of separate quotes from people or BJ himself, with only occasional pages or sections of narrative.
You can’t argue with the ‘Keith Green-esque’ passion for God and intensity but the book rarely ever flows.
Having read a lot of biographies/autobiographies since becoming a Christian from Brother Andrew to Keith Green to many others; they’re all written as a biography…
Saying that, I still think this book challenges you and inspires you and I do recommend it. I’m just not sure if I’ll be re-reading as it was so staccato.
You can’t argue with the ‘Keith Green-esque’ passion for God and intensity but the book rarely ever flows.
Having read a lot of biographies/autobiographies since becoming a Christian from Brother Andrew to Keith Green to many others; they’re all written as a biography…
Saying that, I still think this book challenges you and inspires you and I do recommend it. I’m just not sure if I’ll be re-reading as it was so staccato.
July 4, 2022
What an awesome story. BJ was a remarkable young man. His writings were inspiring, but often convicting and revealed true spiritual maturity seldom seen in even the "oldest" of christians. I can't imagine there isn't something for everybody to learn from this book if you will allow God to speak to you through it.
January 26, 2023
People tend to deify people after their death, especially those who die prematurely. That is definitely the case here. I would not go so far as to call this boy a martyr (though they do), however he definitely had a more mature walk with God than most kids his age. It's inspiring to read about what God can do with someone who is willing and obedient to Him.
April 9, 2024
It’s amazing to see how much of an impact one person working in the name of Christ can have. I found this book through a sermon from Fresh Life Church w/ Pastor Drew Worsham. BJ’s story lit a fire in me and is definitely worth reading. We should all be so lucky to burn as passionately and as brightly for God. Thank you to the Higgins family for sharing.
April 24, 2018
My friend had a copy of this book when we were on a mission trip in Malawi. I picked it up while we were there. It was interesting, but I remember the theology being a little wonky or heavy handed. It was good for what it was. Don't trust me. I read it almost ten years ago.
December 28, 2020
Real-life, practical reminder and example that the only thing worth doing in this life is bringing glory to God, whether by life or by death.
October 2, 2021
Was a very great book!
September 27, 2024
This book reminded me what being a Christian is really about. God first; everything for His glory.
July 29, 2022
I Would Die For You covers the story of B.J. Higgins. He was determined to live his life for Christ, even at such a young age. After coming back from a mission trip with a mysterious infection that he fought for six weeks, B.J died.
The one negative about this book, and I do echo the sentiment of a few other readers, is that the book is basically a compilation of blog postings by a number of people who give their take on what kind of person B.J. was, etc. I felt like this was the weakest part of the book, and it really took away from telling B.J.'s story for me. It would have been better if someone had just written his story and added his journal entries. I think that would have been more powerful. Because of the blog posts, I really wanted to rate this book only 2 or 3 stars, but the final message that B.J. left behind is just so compelling - not to mention convicting.
B.J. was only fifteen when he died, but I think he understood Christ's message to all Christians better than most Christians - especially in America - who have been following the Lord for decades and decades. Jesus calls us all to deny ourselves and take up our crosses and follow Him, but He also commands to go and make disciples. In America, we just don't do this, and this is exactly why I don't think we see a mighty move of God here. Are we really following the Lord? Are we really walking in obedience? I've come away from this read asking myself these same questions, and I feel convicted that, though much older than this young man, he came to this understanding way sooner than I have. I'm only just now at a point in my life where this is actually hitting me. It has a really powerful message that is important for all followers of Christ; I'm just disappointed that his story was told by using blog posts. I think this lessened the impact.
The one negative about this book, and I do echo the sentiment of a few other readers, is that the book is basically a compilation of blog postings by a number of people who give their take on what kind of person B.J. was, etc. I felt like this was the weakest part of the book, and it really took away from telling B.J.'s story for me. It would have been better if someone had just written his story and added his journal entries. I think that would have been more powerful. Because of the blog posts, I really wanted to rate this book only 2 or 3 stars, but the final message that B.J. left behind is just so compelling - not to mention convicting.
B.J. was only fifteen when he died, but I think he understood Christ's message to all Christians better than most Christians - especially in America - who have been following the Lord for decades and decades. Jesus calls us all to deny ourselves and take up our crosses and follow Him, but He also commands to go and make disciples. In America, we just don't do this, and this is exactly why I don't think we see a mighty move of God here. Are we really following the Lord? Are we really walking in obedience? I've come away from this read asking myself these same questions, and I feel convicted that, though much older than this young man, he came to this understanding way sooner than I have. I'm only just now at a point in my life where this is actually hitting me. It has a really powerful message that is important for all followers of Christ; I'm just disappointed that his story was told by using blog posts. I think this lessened the impact.
April 6, 2014
Every Christian and Non-Christian should own this book! I found out about this book through reading the back of it at Hastings. It is a VERY inspirational story that will motivate you to follow Christ or to have a stronger relationship with the Lord if you are already a Christian.
Brent and Deanna Higgins are the parents of BJ Higgins and they have written the first half of the story in a way that helps you understand the steps to becoming a strong Christian. Really, this is shown throughout the entire book. They give many examples from BJ's life as well as share pictures of him throughout his 15 years on this Earth.
The second half of the book journeys through BJ's travels in Peru as a missionary for Jesus. The last half of the book traverses through BJ's battle with his illness until the Lord took him home and the impact BJ had on so many people's lives.
I was so awestruck and inspired by this amazing example of what a true Christian should be! Everyone needs to read this book because it is so powerful and emotionally provoking!
Brent and Deanna Higgins are the parents of BJ Higgins and they have written the first half of the story in a way that helps you understand the steps to becoming a strong Christian. Really, this is shown throughout the entire book. They give many examples from BJ's life as well as share pictures of him throughout his 15 years on this Earth.
The second half of the book journeys through BJ's travels in Peru as a missionary for Jesus. The last half of the book traverses through BJ's battle with his illness until the Lord took him home and the impact BJ had on so many people's lives.
I was so awestruck and inspired by this amazing example of what a true Christian should be! Everyone needs to read this book because it is so powerful and emotionally provoking!
November 15, 2008
This is a powerful story of a young man named BJ Higgins who knew God from a very young age and even then knew what it meant to experience God’s love and truth, and also knew what it meant to live for God with passion and love and to share that with others. The knowledge and insights he gained from his relationship with God are profound and inspiring. (I highly recommend that you read this book for yourself. I learned a lot from his words and his life.)
He died at the age of 15 after returning from a mission trip in which he contracted a disease. His life was so short and yet it was entirely complete and full. He lived wholeheartedly and passionately. You never know how long your life on earth will be, but no matter its length, like BJ, you can make a difference and bring God glory and help others to know and experience God’s amazing love too.
He died at the age of 15 after returning from a mission trip in which he contracted a disease. His life was so short and yet it was entirely complete and full. He lived wholeheartedly and passionately. You never know how long your life on earth will be, but no matter its length, like BJ, you can make a difference and bring God glory and help others to know and experience God’s amazing love too.
February 5, 2016
In the beginning it was a struggle. It took me almost a month to get through the first several chapters. But I don't think it had to do with the writing as much as my heart. As I continued there were so many things that really forced me to think about my walk with the Lord. Over the past two days I am seeing changes not only in my reading of the Bible but my prayer life as well. And like him when I see the growth I feel the battle. This book was both convicting and encouraging.
January 5, 2009
This Book is truly inspiring to me as a Christian. This boy BJ Higgins was an amazing person who did so many good things with his life and really understood what life was all about. He knew what love was and he was never a negative person because he always knew God was watching out for him. His tragic death brought me to tears, but his legacy will live in forever.
May 9, 2008
This book contains journal entries, blogging, emails and comments from many. It is a different kind of book. I enjoyed seeing what a young person could do - but a tragic death took him early. Very inspiring to be proactive with your faith.
June 16, 2010
I would recommend this book to anyone. it's very, very touching and a great spirtual book. this really helped me to strengthen my faith with Christ. it's a biography about a 16 year old boy and his heart for Christ. he died when he was only a teen and he was an amazing person.
July 11, 2010
Wow, this book was amazing. I am reminded of what true faith in God is all about through BJ's story. In his short life, He accomplished more than what most Christians accomplish in their entire lives. To have faith like that is what we as Christians should strive for in our lives every day.
October 9, 2012
An amazing story of a passionate servant of God. BJ Higgins. A child who "Got it" about God's Word and the plans He has in store for us. Not only did he read the Bible daily, but he practiced what it said. Pursuing God and realizing his need for grace.
May 29, 2008
BJ Higgins' story is inspirational. As you read and after, be sure to follow the PrayforBJ blog - it's still maintained by his parents.
April 25, 2010
A great, but sad, story to remind people that age is irrelevant when it comes to living your purpose and making an impact.
January 13, 2011
Convicting book about the passion and courage of a young man.
July 3, 2011
Very touching . . . Great remidner to live your life for God and not yourself. Amazing Christian young man whos legacy has just begun.
October 8, 2011
This is one of my favorite books of all time! I love it and would highly recommend it to everyone!
June 21, 2023
most spiritually-challenging book I've read in a long time - what a life of PASSION...unyielding faith and courage...BJ is my new hero!!
May 22, 2013
Getting a glimpse into BJ's thoughts through his journal entries and seeing how God used him to touch so many lives was amazing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews