BIG ISSUES WE FACE TODAY
When I am not traveling the training (GTN Divine Expedition Training), I have been working on a manuscript titled Big Issues We Face Today. I just completed the 10th out of 12 sections. My hope is that this work will help equip believers to navigate the various ideologies that make up the fabric of modern secularism that we face today. It is written with apologetic, missional, and inspirational emphases.
Each section comprised of multiple chapters digs in to where the Western world turned off from a Judeo-Christian theistic worldview and the biblically rooted movements that—against incredible persecution—kept spreading the Gospel. Following is a shortened version of a chapter I titled “A Different William and Mary.”
NOT THAT WILLIAM AND MARY…
Not the Dutch William III (r. 1650-1702) and the English Mary II (r. 1602-1694), infamous 17th Century monarchs of England after the abdication of the throne by Mary’s father king James II. Not the William and Mary who reigned on the throne of England from 1689 on until their deaths.
Not the William and Mary who paved the way for the “Glorious Revolution” and Bill of Rights, ensuring that Parliament could function free from royal interference. Not the William and Mary pictured here. But two early 20th century missionaries: William Borden and Mary Slessor.
THIS WILLIAM OF WILLIAM AND MARY…
American William Whiting Borden (1887-1913) was born in Chicago to a wealthy family. At age seven, he surrendered his life to Jesus Christ, a decision that shaped him for the next 18 years. After attending prep school, he enrolled at Yale University in 1905. While there, he boldly witnessed for Christ, and organized Bible study and prayer groups. As a freshman, he wrote in his notebook,
“Lord Jesus, I take my hands off, as far as my life is concerned. I put you on the throne of my heart. Change, cleanse, use me as you choose.”
During his college years, he also wrote in his journal: “Say NO to self and YES to Jesus every time.” By the time William was a senior, 1,000 of Yale’s 1,300 students met in Bible study and prayer groups that he helped organize.
While at Yale, William heard missionary Dr. Samuel Weimer speak and learned that there were 15 million Muslims in China without a single missionary. William committed himself to that ministry and never wavered from that goal.
William went on to Princeton Seminary, and after graduating in 1912 was ordained at Moody Church (I attended there once or twice when working with students in Chicago). William sailed to Cairo to train with Dr. Zwemer in ministry to Muslims.
William was there for three months before being diagnosed with cerebral meningitis. He died at age 25 on April 9, 1913. In his Bible it was found that William had written these words,
“NO RESERVE,” “NO RETREAT,” “NO REGRETS.”
When William first decided to be a missionary, he wrote “NO RESERVE” in response to a friend who expressed that William was “throwing himself away.” Years after, upon graduating from Yale, William turned down offers to pastor churches and some high paying job offers, and wrote: “NO RETREAT.” Then, in 1913, when he learned of his approaching death, he wrote in his Bible two final words: “NO REGRETS.”
WILLIAM BORDEN’S JOURNEY AND MINE
As a new Christian, having graduated from Oregon State University and turned down several engineering offers, in order to work in student ministry, I read a biography on William Borden called Borden of Yale 09. His words “No Reserve,” “No Retreat,” and “No Regrets” impacted me and set me on a course that I am still on.
By God’s grace I have lived much longer than William Borden but, like him, I have aspired—and continue to aspire—to serve Christ with NO RESERVE, NO RETREAT, and NO REGRETS.
Thanks for being part of my/our journey to do so.
Linus, for the GTN Divine Expedition team
P.S. What about the Mary of William and Mary (Mary Slessor)? I will write about her in my next On Expedition (with Jesus) ministry update.
P.P.S. Here is one of my favorite photos from our No Reserves, No Retreats, No Regrets ministry journey:
On Expedition + 