Book Review: Eric Liddell: Pure Gold

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I was perusing the newest selection of books at our church bookstore when this book caught my eye.  I had heard of Eric Liddell and had even watched the movie based on his historical race in the 1924 Olympics (Chariots of Fire); but other than that I didn't know much about his personal life.  Here was my chance to find out.

Eric was born on January 16th, 1902 in Tientsin, China.  His parents were LMS (London Missionary Society) missionaries and much of his early life was spent at the mission station in Zhaoqing, China.  He eventually traveled to England to complete his formal education.  While in college he was given the opportunity to compete in the 1924 Olympics.  After several months of training he was physically ready for the games.  He finally received his schedule where he learned that he would have to run on a Sunday.  Refusing out of personal conviction he had to run in several races that he didn't train for.  The Lord was on his side though and allowed him to win in several of his competitions.  He used his newly won popularity to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ wherever he went.  Several thousands were touched by his testimony and quiet, persistent love of the Savior.
When he graduated college, he decided to return to China as a Science teacher in one of the Christian schools nearby to where his parents still ministered.  After several years of teaching he finally met a girl he felt he could love.  The daughter of a missionary doctor, Florence MacKenzie was a God-given gift that Eric soon treasured greatly as his wife.  He was blessed with three beautiful daughters in the ensuing years.  During this time political turmoil forced many missionaries to leave but Eric refused.  The LMS mission board soon asked him if he would be willing to assist some of the missionaries who were staying in China.  Always the man to do whatever he could for others, he agreed.  As the turmoil increased so did his prayers.  He finally decided that would be better for his wife and 3 little girls to go back to Canada (where she was from) and he would join them when things settled down.  Unfortunately before they could be rejoined the Japanese invaded and overtook China.  Eric, along with several other missionaries, were placed in the Civil Assembly Center at Weihsien, Shantung Province, China.  They were not allowed to leave the camp and had very little contact with the outside world.  While there Eric made himself useful and organized sporting activities along with prayer meetings and worship services.  Near the end of his time there Mr. Liddell began experiencing severe headaches.  Without the proper medical equipment on base his friends could do nothing to help him or find the source of the problem.  Soon he suffered a stroke and not long after that he lay in a coma.  On February 21st and 9:20 p.m., Eric died at the age of 44 from what they later learned was a brain tumor.  He had indeed run his race and now he had been forever joined with his Savior.

I learned so much from this amazing biography and encourage you to read this book if you can!
Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah