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The Korean Pentecost and the Sufferings Which Followed
In 1977 the Trust published this remarkable account of the first 60 years or so of the modern church in Korea (mainly North Korea). William Blair (1876 1970), in his first term of missionary service, was at the centre of the great revival of 1907, and his account of this and the events leading up to it forms the first part of the book. Blair includes a thrilling description of how the gospel first came to Korea.
The account is then taken up by his son-in-law, Bruce Hunt (1903 92) born in Pyengyang, now the capital of North Korea who shows how the revival was followed by a baptism of suffering under the Japanese and Communists. During his forty-eight years of missionary service in Korea, Hunt personally knew many of the Korean Christian martyrs.
This new edition of The Korean Pentecost has been completely re-typeset, and includes twelve additional illustrations.
The account is then taken up by his son-in-law, Bruce Hunt (1903 92) born in Pyengyang, now the capital of North Korea who shows how the revival was followed by a baptism of suffering under the Japanese and Communists. During his forty-eight years of missionary service in Korea, Hunt personally knew many of the Korean Christian martyrs.
This new edition of The Korean Pentecost has been completely re-typeset, and includes twelve additional illustrations.
The account is then taken up by his son-in-law, Bruce Hunt (1903 92) born in Pyengyang, now the capital of North Korea who shows how the revival was followed by a baptism of suffering under the Japanese and Communists. During his forty-eight years of missionary service in Korea, Hunt personally knew many of the Korean Christian martyrs.
This new edition of The Korean Pentecost has been completely re-typeset, and includes twelve additional illustrations.
The account is then taken up by his son-in-law, Bruce Hunt (1903 92) born in Pyengyang, now the capital of North Korea who shows how the revival was followed by a baptism of suffering under the Japanese and Communists. During his forty-eight years of missionary service in Korea, Hunt personally knew many of the Korean Christian martyrs.
This new edition of The Korean Pentecost has been completely re-typeset, and includes twelve additional illustrations.
159 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1977
16 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
William Newton Blair
11 books1 followerWilliam Newton Blair was a Northern Presbyterian missionary. He stayed in Korea, 1901-1942 & 1945-1947.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 25, 2017
Picked this up by recommendation of a Korean brother at my church. Fascinating and encouraging read. I love missionary and church history accounts, I couldn't put this one down.
It has helped me understand the history of Christianity in Korea, which I knew nothing about. It has also helped me understand a little more about present day issues and the current political climate.
I feel both convicted and encouraged in my faith after reading this.
It has helped me understand the history of Christianity in Korea, which I knew nothing about. It has also helped me understand a little more about present day issues and the current political climate.
I feel both convicted and encouraged in my faith after reading this.
March 21, 2025
One of the most inspiring, encouraging Church history books I have had the honor of reading. Most of these precious saints mentioned in this book were martyred and even though these saints are no longer with us, their lives still bear witness of God who is alive. I am so thankful to have read this book.
April 7, 2023
Hard to believe this was real. Very difficult. Only a 100 years ago! Sobering...
September 14, 2020
An uncomfortable and eye-opening account of the rise of Christianity in Korea, from the first convert to the revival - all during a wildly unstable political atmosphere. Excellent read. Encouraging, and sobering.
August 5, 2015
Wow. An amazing look into the introduction and perseverance of Christianity in Korea. Some thoughts and excerpts:
I started out bright-eyed and excited to see Korea's history from the narration of American missionaries. It is amazing to see how Korea has developed so quickly in history in many aspects of life from its poor state. But right now my body feels weighed down even just from reading the second half filled with the suffering that was endured. It covers the persecution of Koreans who refused to deny Christianity even until death under the religious intolerance. Under Japanese Occupation there were strict laws openly against Christianity and death was mostly a result of the torture, malnutrition, disease etcetera during imprisonment. Under Communism people died brutally by mobs, beatings, executions, and disappearances after "imprisonment" or being called out of the home for "just a moment". But in both periods truly "blood flowed easily and life was cheap" (131).
Interestingly, when the gospel (good news) first came to Korea, "the church was stronger in North Korea than in any other part of the country" and the city that is today's Democratic People's Republic of Korea stood as an example for the rest of the peninsula (160). It is far from the case today. The suffering and persecution still continues today. The blood flows easily and life is cheap. (Actually, even in South Korea there is need for revival - although I guess the same can be said for the United States.)
Although I am in a somber mood, the unnatural accounts in the book are a testament of the power of Christianity. How can people be willing to suffer and give up so much to follow and honor this jesus Christ? How can the girl who is at the top of the class and acknowledged by even the Japanese principal be willing to forfeit her education and be expelled rather than go through the motions and bow at a shrine to the emperor? How can a man keep his faith when as a result he will be arrested and forced to leave his four-year-old and blind mother who is asking him 'Where are you going?' and 'Why are you leaving me?' at home? How can the tortured and imprisoned man sing joyfully on his death bed? How can two brothers urge their captors to believe in Jesus even until their death? Below is an excerpt:
"Whether it was because they had had enough of being fugitives under the Japanese, or whether the Communist propaganda had convinced them of the futility of escape, Tongsin and Tongin decided not to flee but to prepare for death; to flee into the bosom of their heavenly Father. Early on the morning of the 21st, they arose and had prayer together, then they bathed and put on their best clothes. Student friends, knowing the prominent place they had held as Christians in the eyes of their classmates, came to their boarding house urging them to run, but they remained in their room. At about ten o'clock, a mob of Communist students came and dragged them from their boarding house. They took them to an area behind the government buildings where bodies of other victims of the 'people's court' lay scattered. They reviled and threatened the boys, especially beating Tongin, the elder. Tongsin tried to put himself between them and his brother and the students turned on him ... The boys urged their captors to believe in Jesus and patiently witnessed until the end came. When Tongin would not deny his faith in Jesus, Ahn Chae Sun, the leader of the Communist students, prepared to shoot him with a revolver. Tongsin again tried to put himself between Ahn and his brother, only to be pulled away. Tongin was then blindfolded and shot. Tongsin threw himself on his brother's body and was himself shot. In two days this local Communist revolt was put down and Ahn, the killer of the two boys, was apprehended. Pastor Sohn [the father], hearing that the boy had been seized, sent a pastor friend and his own daughter to plead for the boy's life, offering to adopt the killer of the boys as his own son ... Sohn received permission from Ahn's parents to adopt him and witnessed to them and to the boy ... The grateful parents, in turn, asked permission to adopt one of the Sohn girls to live in their home and teach them about Christ" (181-3). Uh. Wait, what? I had to re-read this section. Is this unnatural or what? But apparently, to the Sohn family, the suffering was worth sharing the good news.
"[Pastor Sohn's] previous suffering under the Japanese, the martyrdom of his two sons, followed by his generosity to the killer, and finally his own martyrdom [by gun execution] at the hands of the Communists, made Sohn's case rather outstanding, but many unpublicised [sic] saints suffered and witnessed as faithfully" (184).
The whole book has been an eye-opener to the effort put into essentially how I came to believe what I believe today. Were it not for the lives of people deciding to follow Jesus and persevering to the end, who knows what kind of person I would be? (Would I even 'be'?) Thinking about what I've read, how should I live? As any study of history does, it makes the reader think of the past, present, and future. Definitely recommend.
I started out bright-eyed and excited to see Korea's history from the narration of American missionaries. It is amazing to see how Korea has developed so quickly in history in many aspects of life from its poor state. But right now my body feels weighed down even just from reading the second half filled with the suffering that was endured. It covers the persecution of Koreans who refused to deny Christianity even until death under the religious intolerance. Under Japanese Occupation there were strict laws openly against Christianity and death was mostly a result of the torture, malnutrition, disease etcetera during imprisonment. Under Communism people died brutally by mobs, beatings, executions, and disappearances after "imprisonment" or being called out of the home for "just a moment". But in both periods truly "blood flowed easily and life was cheap" (131).
Interestingly, when the gospel (good news) first came to Korea, "the church was stronger in North Korea than in any other part of the country" and the city that is today's Democratic People's Republic of Korea stood as an example for the rest of the peninsula (160). It is far from the case today. The suffering and persecution still continues today. The blood flows easily and life is cheap. (Actually, even in South Korea there is need for revival - although I guess the same can be said for the United States.)
Although I am in a somber mood, the unnatural accounts in the book are a testament of the power of Christianity. How can people be willing to suffer and give up so much to follow and honor this jesus Christ? How can the girl who is at the top of the class and acknowledged by even the Japanese principal be willing to forfeit her education and be expelled rather than go through the motions and bow at a shrine to the emperor? How can a man keep his faith when as a result he will be arrested and forced to leave his four-year-old and blind mother who is asking him 'Where are you going?' and 'Why are you leaving me?' at home? How can the tortured and imprisoned man sing joyfully on his death bed? How can two brothers urge their captors to believe in Jesus even until their death? Below is an excerpt:
"Whether it was because they had had enough of being fugitives under the Japanese, or whether the Communist propaganda had convinced them of the futility of escape, Tongsin and Tongin decided not to flee but to prepare for death; to flee into the bosom of their heavenly Father. Early on the morning of the 21st, they arose and had prayer together, then they bathed and put on their best clothes. Student friends, knowing the prominent place they had held as Christians in the eyes of their classmates, came to their boarding house urging them to run, but they remained in their room. At about ten o'clock, a mob of Communist students came and dragged them from their boarding house. They took them to an area behind the government buildings where bodies of other victims of the 'people's court' lay scattered. They reviled and threatened the boys, especially beating Tongin, the elder. Tongsin tried to put himself between them and his brother and the students turned on him ... The boys urged their captors to believe in Jesus and patiently witnessed until the end came. When Tongin would not deny his faith in Jesus, Ahn Chae Sun, the leader of the Communist students, prepared to shoot him with a revolver. Tongsin again tried to put himself between Ahn and his brother, only to be pulled away. Tongin was then blindfolded and shot. Tongsin threw himself on his brother's body and was himself shot. In two days this local Communist revolt was put down and Ahn, the killer of the two boys, was apprehended. Pastor Sohn [the father], hearing that the boy had been seized, sent a pastor friend and his own daughter to plead for the boy's life, offering to adopt the killer of the boys as his own son ... Sohn received permission from Ahn's parents to adopt him and witnessed to them and to the boy ... The grateful parents, in turn, asked permission to adopt one of the Sohn girls to live in their home and teach them about Christ" (181-3). Uh. Wait, what? I had to re-read this section. Is this unnatural or what? But apparently, to the Sohn family, the suffering was worth sharing the good news.
"[Pastor Sohn's] previous suffering under the Japanese, the martyrdom of his two sons, followed by his generosity to the killer, and finally his own martyrdom [by gun execution] at the hands of the Communists, made Sohn's case rather outstanding, but many unpublicised [sic] saints suffered and witnessed as faithfully" (184).
The whole book has been an eye-opener to the effort put into essentially how I came to believe what I believe today. Were it not for the lives of people deciding to follow Jesus and persevering to the end, who knows what kind of person I would be? (Would I even 'be'?) Thinking about what I've read, how should I live? As any study of history does, it makes the reader think of the past, present, and future. Definitely recommend.
November 6, 2017
Gut wrenching. Two missionary accounts of the beginning and growth of Christianity in the Korean Peninsula through its horrific modern history. This is by far the most emotional thing I’ve read, as I couldn’t help but take it in in a deeply personal way. When I moved here I brought several Bibles with me easily. The first time a Protestant brought Bibles to this part of the world, in the hands of a Welsh missionary in 1865, he was murdered. I teach the Bible freely and without threat, but many thousands were martyred in the early days. Some by their own people, many because of their refusal to syncretize with Japanese Shinto worship during the occupation, and many more under the communist regime. Add to that 5 wars, ultimately leaving the country torn in two, and the northern half, which had been the stronghold of the church, left in the hands of the worst kind of government known to the world today. I’ll be reflecting on these accounts and tracking down the source material for many years to come. I don’t fully comprehend the mind of God and his plan for this peninsula, but it is clearly in his mind and his plans here included me for some reason. I can only hope and pray that I may, even if only a little, continue the legacy of so many incredibly faithful brothers and sisters who started the church here, and gave so much to see it survive and thrive. Under 200 pages, and under $3 on Amazon. I don’t recommend, I beg you to read it, and if so inclined, to pray for the people of Korea.
Read
January 21, 2020Short accounts of the 1907 Pyongyang Revival and the sufferings of Korean Christians under Japanese occupation. This was written by Western Presbyterian missionaries who were present. I went into this book with pretty low expectations on the writing front, but the accounts are forthright and clear, and everything moves along at a good clip. In fact, halfway through, I found myself already sad that the book wasn't longer. I'd expected the tone to be patronizing, but it's not--at least, not as I expected it to be; and although there are a few outmoded terms ("the heathen") and whiffs of cultural imperialism (that guy cutting strips in the paper walls and thinking "I can just pay them back tomorrow" had me squirming), on the whole, these are heartfelt and humble accounts of having witnessed a powerful work of God and moving of the Holy Spirit accompanied by personal confession and restitution/reparation of wrongs. I'm also so heartened to see how God poured out his spirit on Korea (particularly the area that is now North Korea) in advance of the terrible time of spiritual oppression we know now it was about to face. Note: Would love to read some written accounts from Korean Christians from the same time. If anyone can point me to some (translated into English), I'd be most grateful.
September 20, 2025
This brief book provides insights into key events in Pyongyang during the periods 1901 to 1907, 1937-38, 1945-1951.
The book has two major sections:
1. The Korean Pentecost and Other Experiences, by William Newton Blair, 1910
2. The Sufferings of the Korean Church, by Bruce F. Hunt, 1977
The first section provides William Blair’s first-hand impressions of his arrival in Korea in 1901 as a Presbyterian missionary. Ultimately, he arrived in Pyongyang, where he would spend many years. He provides interesting insights into how Koreans so rapidly embraced Christianity.
He came to understand Koreans as a spiritual people. Though Confucian thought was more about behavior, he believed that Confucian teaching killed Buddhism in Korea. Thus, Koreans were ready for spiritual guidance.
In addition, the blooming of Christianity came at a time that Koreans were depressed about the Japanese control and ultimate humiliation of their dignity. The Church’s teaching provided hope and a new way of viewing the world.
In early 1907, Koreans were feeling hatred toward the Japanese, and the Presbyterian Church was handing leadership to Koreans. It was a time of uncertainty. At a January Bible conference of 1500 men in Pyongyang, when people were in prayer, talking aloud, Blair says a feeling came over those present. The sense of wind and rain representing the Holy Spirit moved all those in attendance.
From that moment, also called the Great Revival of 1907, many Koreans flocked to the church.
Blair ends his narrative at this point.
The second section, written by his son-in-law, Bruce Hunt, talks of the suffering of the Korean Christians primarily during two periods. The first, in the mid-to-late 1930, when the more militant Japanese government insisted all people worship at the Shinto Shrines. Many in the Presbyterian Church objected, not wanting to bow down to idols. Other denominations, the Catholics and the Methodists, accepted the government’s statement that this was a state-based expression of patriotism.
Hunt documents many cases of the consequences for dissenters, resulting in imprisonment and often death.
The second period was at the end of WWII, when Koreans were hoping for their independence and self-governance. Those trapped above the 38th parallel only slowly realize that the communists saw the church as a threat and treated Christians as traitors. He again documents many cases of martyrdom among Koreans.
FB. This book provides a valuable insight into the early Presbyterian Church in North Korea and the suffering of Christians that refused the Japanese demand to bow at Shinto Shrines and later Communists to renounce Christianity.
Other References
A succinct summary of the Pentecost in Pyongyang is by
Young-Hoon Lee, “Korean Pentecost: The Great Revival of 1907,” Asian Journal Of Pentecostal Studies And Apts Press, Asian Journal of Pentecostal Studies and APTS Press. Jan 2001.
A helpful overview of the Shinto shrine struggle is given in
Clark, Donald N. “American Missionaries, Korean Christians, and the Problem of the Shinto Shrine Worship During the 1930s”. Eighth Annual Academic Conference of the Presbyterian College and Theological Seminary in Seoul, 2008.
https://www.pcts.ac.kr/pctsrss/js_rss...
Donald Clark is also the author of Living Dangerously in Korea: The Western Experience 1900-1950. Published 2003.
A Note: When reading this book, it is important to remember that the first section was written in 1910. The norms for writing and referencing others was different. Some readers might be discomforted.
The book has two major sections:
1. The Korean Pentecost and Other Experiences, by William Newton Blair, 1910
2. The Sufferings of the Korean Church, by Bruce F. Hunt, 1977
The first section provides William Blair’s first-hand impressions of his arrival in Korea in 1901 as a Presbyterian missionary. Ultimately, he arrived in Pyongyang, where he would spend many years. He provides interesting insights into how Koreans so rapidly embraced Christianity.
He came to understand Koreans as a spiritual people. Though Confucian thought was more about behavior, he believed that Confucian teaching killed Buddhism in Korea. Thus, Koreans were ready for spiritual guidance.
In addition, the blooming of Christianity came at a time that Koreans were depressed about the Japanese control and ultimate humiliation of their dignity. The Church’s teaching provided hope and a new way of viewing the world.
In early 1907, Koreans were feeling hatred toward the Japanese, and the Presbyterian Church was handing leadership to Koreans. It was a time of uncertainty. At a January Bible conference of 1500 men in Pyongyang, when people were in prayer, talking aloud, Blair says a feeling came over those present. The sense of wind and rain representing the Holy Spirit moved all those in attendance.
From that moment, also called the Great Revival of 1907, many Koreans flocked to the church.
Blair ends his narrative at this point.
The second section, written by his son-in-law, Bruce Hunt, talks of the suffering of the Korean Christians primarily during two periods. The first, in the mid-to-late 1930, when the more militant Japanese government insisted all people worship at the Shinto Shrines. Many in the Presbyterian Church objected, not wanting to bow down to idols. Other denominations, the Catholics and the Methodists, accepted the government’s statement that this was a state-based expression of patriotism.
Hunt documents many cases of the consequences for dissenters, resulting in imprisonment and often death.
The second period was at the end of WWII, when Koreans were hoping for their independence and self-governance. Those trapped above the 38th parallel only slowly realize that the communists saw the church as a threat and treated Christians as traitors. He again documents many cases of martyrdom among Koreans.
FB. This book provides a valuable insight into the early Presbyterian Church in North Korea and the suffering of Christians that refused the Japanese demand to bow at Shinto Shrines and later Communists to renounce Christianity.
Other References
A succinct summary of the Pentecost in Pyongyang is by
Young-Hoon Lee, “Korean Pentecost: The Great Revival of 1907,” Asian Journal Of Pentecostal Studies And Apts Press, Asian Journal of Pentecostal Studies and APTS Press. Jan 2001.
A helpful overview of the Shinto shrine struggle is given in
Clark, Donald N. “American Missionaries, Korean Christians, and the Problem of the Shinto Shrine Worship During the 1930s”. Eighth Annual Academic Conference of the Presbyterian College and Theological Seminary in Seoul, 2008.
https://www.pcts.ac.kr/pctsrss/js_rss...
Donald Clark is also the author of Living Dangerously in Korea: The Western Experience 1900-1950. Published 2003.
A Note: When reading this book, it is important to remember that the first section was written in 1910. The norms for writing and referencing others was different. Some readers might be discomforted.
October 31, 2020
How complacent am I. This book recounting the work of God the Holy Spirit in the founding and growth of the Korean church is convicting to those us us who live in luxury and comfort in free countries. The stories recounted here of the perseverance of the saints—many of whom counted their lives not worthy of preservation and were faithful through suffering unto death—are stories of God’s faithfulness in building His church in Korea. May we learn from these brothers and sisters who have won their martyr’s crowns.
October 4, 2023
What an incredible little book.
All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. Hebrews 11:13
Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come. Hebrews 13:12-14
All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. Hebrews 11:13
Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come. Hebrews 13:12-14
June 29, 2024
A fascinating first-hand account of the growth of the Presbyterian church in Korea, told by one of the key missionaries. The climax of the account, by William Blair, is the Pyongyang Revival of 1907, in which the attendees at a bible study conference experienced a deep spiritual transformation. The book also contains an account of the difficulties of the church firstly under Japanese colonial rule particularly in relation to the enforced shintoism and then under the early years of communism in the North of Korea.
May 29, 2023
Edifying reflection on the birth and spread of Christianity in Korea by two American ministers who lived and served there across nearly 60 years.
The two halves of the book go well together--one showing the slow, patient labor of believers in the early days, culminating with the remarkable breakout of revival in Pyongyang. The second half is an almost overwhelming collection of stories about dear brothers and sisters in Christ who were faithful even unto death, under both Japanese and Communist occupation.
The two halves of the book go well together--one showing the slow, patient labor of believers in the early days, culminating with the remarkable breakout of revival in Pyongyang. The second half is an almost overwhelming collection of stories about dear brothers and sisters in Christ who were faithful even unto death, under both Japanese and Communist occupation.
June 28, 2023
The first half of this book is a first hand account of the revival that took place in 1907 in Korea. The second half recounts the persecution and suffering of this revived church under oppressive regimes. I am thankful for the gospel and the fact that the gates of hell shall not prevail. This is a testimony of Christ building his Church.
July 14, 2022
A challenging and heart rendering book to read though in all honesty it is a book about the suffering and perseverance of the church in Korea than the story of revival which ironically is hardly touched upon in comparison.
July 2, 2018
"The memory of the righteous is a blessing" - Prov 10:7a
A book worthy of reading by anyone. Heart-rending, moving, joy-filled.
A book worthy of reading by anyone. Heart-rending, moving, joy-filled.
April 14, 2019
Worth the read. The accounts of Koreans and foreign missionaries is pure.
August 5, 2019
Really enjoyed this book! Loved learning the history of the Korean church...wow, amazing! I especially loved the writing but the first author in the first part of the book, Haha. He was so charming!
September 3, 2019
This is a short book, but we'll written and very moving. It helps me to understand the culture my Korean friends grew up in.
December 31, 2021
Powerful, heart-breaking, and prayer-inducing! This is an inspiring tale of how the Lord builds and sustains his church, and the gates of hell will not prevail!
June 4, 2022
An amazing and moving account of the power of the gospel in the face of horrendous persecution.
June 20, 2023
Inspiring and captivating account of how the Gospel broke out in Korea and took root even in the darkest of circumstances
July 12, 2023
A remarkable account of how the church in Korea exploded in size since the first recorded baptism there in 1886.
I found this book both encouraging and challenging.
I found this book both encouraging and challenging.
November 20, 2023
Best book I read in 2023. So many encouraging stories of commitment, courage, humble repentance, and the power of the Holy Spirit in sending revival. Makes me pray that God would send revival to America!!
May 18, 2015
Here is a volume coming back into print where I had heard rumors of its being outstanding. By missionaries William Blair and Bruce Hunt, this book covers the first 60 years of the Gospel coming into Korea. The title “The Korean Pentecost And The Sufferings Which Followed” gives a hint of what you will discover here. It is hard to comprehend so much happening in 60 years and that the ministries of two missionaries went through it all. What the reader gets through it all is a strengthening of faith, the amazement of seeing God’s hand at work, and the inspiration of others serving our Lord through tribulation and even death.
The authors well tell a story of the preparation for the Gospel in Korea before Mr. Blair arrived. The story of the seed sown by Robert Thomas in 1865 in chapter 3 is one you will never forget once you read it. It moved me in a way nothing has in a long time.
Then the work is described until in 1907 the Lord graciously sent revival. It is so compelling to read of real revival, what it looks like, and what transpired. Negatives as are present in any revival were not hidden, but they were few. As you read you will catch yourself praying: “Lord, send such a revival today.”
The second half of the book tells of the sufferings that came next over several decades, first at the hands of the Japanese, then from the Communists. Amazingly, the work of the Lord continued to grow though sufferings reached horrific levels. The book was never about gratuitous violence, but just enough to explain what happened. What says more in the reader’s mind is the calm, pure dedication to Christ of those who suffered. When we have no idea of what we may face, it is good to read of what can be true in Christ in the worst of times.
The authors were humble and made the stories about the Korean Christians, yet I believe I discovered two more Christian heroes in them. This is the kind of story that needs to be in every home. More than merely biography or history, it is a gripping portrait of what Christianity should be.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The authors well tell a story of the preparation for the Gospel in Korea before Mr. Blair arrived. The story of the seed sown by Robert Thomas in 1865 in chapter 3 is one you will never forget once you read it. It moved me in a way nothing has in a long time.
Then the work is described until in 1907 the Lord graciously sent revival. It is so compelling to read of real revival, what it looks like, and what transpired. Negatives as are present in any revival were not hidden, but they were few. As you read you will catch yourself praying: “Lord, send such a revival today.”
The second half of the book tells of the sufferings that came next over several decades, first at the hands of the Japanese, then from the Communists. Amazingly, the work of the Lord continued to grow though sufferings reached horrific levels. The book was never about gratuitous violence, but just enough to explain what happened. What says more in the reader’s mind is the calm, pure dedication to Christ of those who suffered. When we have no idea of what we may face, it is good to read of what can be true in Christ in the worst of times.
The authors were humble and made the stories about the Korean Christians, yet I believe I discovered two more Christian heroes in them. This is the kind of story that needs to be in every home. More than merely biography or history, it is a gripping portrait of what Christianity should be.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
May 12, 2014
The first half of the book looks at some of the early beginnings of the church in Korea, and the second half looks at the persecution suffered by the Korean believers under Japanese occupation during WWII era and the communists.
August 8, 2015
Powerful.
January 25, 2016
Excellent book! Very moving and informative. A definite must-read!
January 14, 2017
Fascinating to glimpse the story of the faith that many second/third generation Korean Christians carried into North Korea after the war
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews