Abstract
Ken Wilson, a former student of J. Christy Wilson, Jr. at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (GCTS), compiled a book that is about the life, ministry, and legacy of this remarkable missionary and diplomat of the twentieth century. The book first examines his roots—the lives of Christy’s parents who were Presbyterian missionaries in Persia. Christy was born in Tabriz in 1921. Under the tutelage of his parents, he developed their same missionary heart for the Muslim world and a deep love for Jesus Christ. As a child, Christy told some visitors that one day he would be a missionary in Afghanistan.
J. Christy Wilson’s academic record was stellar at Lawrenceville School, Princeton University for undergraduate and seminary studies, and at the University of Edinburgh for a doctorate in Islamic Studies. While in school, he was also passionate about sharing his faith with others. The chapter on his education revealed his dedication to excellence in all things.
The twenty years while the Wilson family served as tent-makers in Afghanistan were an incredible and fruitful ministry, serving as a prime example of a self-supporting witness to mission strategists today. His legacy includes the thousands of former students who studied under Christy at GCTS. Many of his students (I am one of them) served overseas as missionaries, making disciples and planting churches. This living legacy will continue to make an impact for decades to come.
The author researched this book with the significant help of the Wilson family. Many photos are included from his early childhood, down through the years, even as late as Christy’s address at a 1996 Urbana Conference, as well as one taken in 1997 with his wife Betty before his final illness.
I spent a week slowly pouring over each page of this book and relived the memories I had of a wonderful professor, mentor, and friend. This is a wonderful book for anyone who wants to see what can result in the pursuit of excellence in all things for the sake of Christ. Thank you Ken Wilson for your hard work toward bringing such an excellent biography.