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God's Smuggler To China
This is the story of one man's call to God's service, which culminated in the largest operation of its kind ever seen in China - the smuggling of one million Bibles into the hands of Chinese believers.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 19, 2019
This is an interesting story of Douglas Sutphen (Brother David) who worked for a Christian organization which was instrumental in smuggling Bibles into Communist China after Mao closed down churches in the 1950s. This inspiring story of Brother David and his supportive family and friends plus the local mainland Chinese Christians (especially Mrs. Kwang and her family) who kept their faith alive in spite of tremendous persecution.
May 5, 2016
God’s Smuggler to China is a fairly typical example of the popular evangelical paperback biography: two journalists (in this instance, Dan Wooding and Sara Bruce) ghost the memoir of a man whose Christian life is particularly exemplary and whose career is a spiritually uplifting – and exciting – story that illuminates evangelicalism’s engagement with the world. The book’s subject is an ex-marine named Doug Stuphen, although for security reasons he is only ever named as “Brother David”. Readers may not be able to emulate Brother David’s career as a missionary and Bible smuggler, but the story of how he overcame frustrations and failings provides spiritual lessons about the need to trust in God and to “live by faith”. There is also of course a strong anti-Communist message, although bombastic polemics are avoided: instead, the book ruminates on Communism as a substitute for religion.
Brother David’s story arc is familiar: a Christian upbringing, followed by backsliding and rejection, which in turn leads to a conversion experience facilitated by his wife and a Billy Graham Crusade. As a new Christian, he and his family attended Pastor Kelly Walberg’s church in California, which led to employment with the Far East Broadcasting Company. Having moved to Manila, he became interested in Christian work in China, which at that time was largely closed to outsiders. While reading Psalm 37, Brother David received a conviction that China would open up once Mao had “fallen”, and the repudiation of the “Gang of Four” following the death of Mao is seen as confirmation of this promise.
Following some scouting in Burma, Brother David makes contact with Brother Andrew (Andrew van der Bijl), who was already famous for smuggling Bibles into eastern Europe – a similar paperback, entitled God’s Smuggler and ghosted by John and Elizabeth Sherrill, was already an evangelical best-seller. Brother Andrew is not the only Sherrill-mediated exemplary evangelical in the story: Corrie Ten Boom gets a mention, as do the Olsens, a “Godly family of Eastern European immigrants [who] had been featured in David Wilkerson’s story, The Cross and Switchblade” (70).
However, the book’s main concern is to highlight the needs of Christians in China. Unfortunately, names had to be changed, but their stories nevertheless provide insight into the sufferings and difficulties of Chinese Christians. The story builds up to the “Love China 75” Conference, which in turn leads to an ambitious plan to smuggle a million Bibles into China.
Brother David’s story arc is familiar: a Christian upbringing, followed by backsliding and rejection, which in turn leads to a conversion experience facilitated by his wife and a Billy Graham Crusade. As a new Christian, he and his family attended Pastor Kelly Walberg’s church in California, which led to employment with the Far East Broadcasting Company. Having moved to Manila, he became interested in Christian work in China, which at that time was largely closed to outsiders. While reading Psalm 37, Brother David received a conviction that China would open up once Mao had “fallen”, and the repudiation of the “Gang of Four” following the death of Mao is seen as confirmation of this promise.
Following some scouting in Burma, Brother David makes contact with Brother Andrew (Andrew van der Bijl), who was already famous for smuggling Bibles into eastern Europe – a similar paperback, entitled God’s Smuggler and ghosted by John and Elizabeth Sherrill, was already an evangelical best-seller. Brother Andrew is not the only Sherrill-mediated exemplary evangelical in the story: Corrie Ten Boom gets a mention, as do the Olsens, a “Godly family of Eastern European immigrants [who] had been featured in David Wilkerson’s story, The Cross and Switchblade” (70).
However, the book’s main concern is to highlight the needs of Christians in China. Unfortunately, names had to be changed, but their stories nevertheless provide insight into the sufferings and difficulties of Chinese Christians. The story builds up to the “Love China 75” Conference, which in turn leads to an ambitious plan to smuggle a million Bibles into China.
February 16, 2013
This was okay. Not the most impressive missionary story I've ever read. The parts I found most interesting were the stories relayed to "Brother David" from the Christians in China and the experiences they were having under Communism.
February 27, 2019
seriously can't believe I haven't read this book before! it was just incredible - i'm pretty sure i'm going to be rereading this one for years to come!
definitely a new favourite xx
definitely a new favourite xx
September 17, 2018
This is another book that's been sitting on my shelf many years since I was a teenager. First published in 1981 (my edition '83). I had read not quite a third through as a teenager, and as my great habit back then and years to follow, I put it down never to finish (well in the case of this book, until now).
Under chairman Mao and then his successor Hua, communism had a great affect on the Christians. Believers were jailed and tortured for their faith. Bibles were illegal apart for the government ran churches which were very few. And these 'Christians' were not so serious in their faith. But the underground church movement was very serious and growing at a rapid rate (in the hundreds of thousands then millions), all the while facing threat of great persecution from the government and even the people of China, themselves. There was a tremendous need and demand on Bibles however it was also very dangerous to own one. But these fervent Christians were prepared to risk that. It was illegal to have Christian meetings in the homes. But still they met. Spies were constantly on the lookout searching for these underground Christians. Homes would be searched for hours just on the breath of a suspicion. If any evidence was found, a trial and imminent jail time was assured.
This book gives many accounts of the persecuted Christians behind the Bamboo Curtain. David has his own story that leads him to faith and then to ministry linked with Brother Andrew from Holland who had many years earlier started 'Open Doors' ministries, sneaking bibles into China. But the doors had closed for several years now until God called to David's attention it was time to start again. And this is the story of miracle after miracle of how the work began, and how it was challenged but through great trial and faith was successful.
This is a hair raising story of thrilling, dangerously daring, illegal activities in China organised by a newcomer meeting the demand and supply of Bibles for the underground church. Some stories are of Biblical proportions. One simple story I loved was of a poor Christian man who had no food left. He was on his own in this one room, and due to the affects of communism there was not much hope left for this man apart from trusting God. Now having no food he noticed a hole in the wall. He stacked things up against it but then another hole appeared a few hours later. He figured God must be up to something and left it alone. Next thing a rat appears through the hole and brings him vegetables. The rat continued to come back with food day after day. Just like Elijah of old God had called one of His creatures to feed His own. This rat continued for three months to bring this man food until he was able to buy food again! Amazing!
There were some humorous moments plus tearful moments. But what's amazing is the attitude of the people. David also is open and honest about his own doubts and lack of faith. So it's a bit like a journey of his growth as well. Lots of heart warming stories, even personal ones of how he met his wife and that of his family. A really good read.
Under chairman Mao and then his successor Hua, communism had a great affect on the Christians. Believers were jailed and tortured for their faith. Bibles were illegal apart for the government ran churches which were very few. And these 'Christians' were not so serious in their faith. But the underground church movement was very serious and growing at a rapid rate (in the hundreds of thousands then millions), all the while facing threat of great persecution from the government and even the people of China, themselves. There was a tremendous need and demand on Bibles however it was also very dangerous to own one. But these fervent Christians were prepared to risk that. It was illegal to have Christian meetings in the homes. But still they met. Spies were constantly on the lookout searching for these underground Christians. Homes would be searched for hours just on the breath of a suspicion. If any evidence was found, a trial and imminent jail time was assured.
This book gives many accounts of the persecuted Christians behind the Bamboo Curtain. David has his own story that leads him to faith and then to ministry linked with Brother Andrew from Holland who had many years earlier started 'Open Doors' ministries, sneaking bibles into China. But the doors had closed for several years now until God called to David's attention it was time to start again. And this is the story of miracle after miracle of how the work began, and how it was challenged but through great trial and faith was successful.
This is a hair raising story of thrilling, dangerously daring, illegal activities in China organised by a newcomer meeting the demand and supply of Bibles for the underground church. Some stories are of Biblical proportions. One simple story I loved was of a poor Christian man who had no food left. He was on his own in this one room, and due to the affects of communism there was not much hope left for this man apart from trusting God. Now having no food he noticed a hole in the wall. He stacked things up against it but then another hole appeared a few hours later. He figured God must be up to something and left it alone. Next thing a rat appears through the hole and brings him vegetables. The rat continued to come back with food day after day. Just like Elijah of old God had called one of His creatures to feed His own. This rat continued for three months to bring this man food until he was able to buy food again! Amazing!
There were some humorous moments plus tearful moments. But what's amazing is the attitude of the people. David also is open and honest about his own doubts and lack of faith. So it's a bit like a journey of his growth as well. Lots of heart warming stories, even personal ones of how he met his wife and that of his family. A really good read.
July 17, 2017
An excellent Christian book illustrating not only the sacrifices God asks of His children but also what He is willing to DO for them. It shares not only the life of 1 missionary, but also the sufferings and joys of many who were willing to give it all for their Master.
November 29, 2024
I was very moved by this book about smuggling Bibles into China. It highlighted the persecution and suffering that many Chinese experienced in the Mao years.
And a good reminder that Christians in many parts of the world are still prevented from openly practicing their faith.
And a good reminder that Christians in many parts of the world are still prevented from openly practicing their faith.
February 8, 2017
I loved this book. It's an amazing testament of God's love and faithfulness, as well as a challenge to the slumbering Christian. Reading about His work in China, the faith of the Chinese Christians, and the love of people outside of China encouraged me to pray more for the persecuted church.
August 31, 2008
This book was amazing! I was holding onto the edge of my seat, just waiting to hear what happened next. I love missionary stories like this one.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews