Customer Reviews

Samuel Morris: The African Boy God Sent to Prepare an American University for Its Mission to the World (Men of Faith)

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This is the story of a young West African man, named Kaboo, who was converted to Christ by missionaries in the 1880s and baptized and renamed Samuel Morris. From the beginning, he had a simple and grand faith in God and prayed fervently. He traveled to the United States to learn more about the Christian faith. By the time his ship docked at the end of the voyage, the captain and most of the crew had come to Christ. This sort of occurrence followed Samuel Morris everywhere he went. The fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much we learn in Scripture, and he prayed fervently and great things happened. After 18 months as a student at Taylor University (the only black student), he contracted a severe cold and died. But the ripple effects of the life of faith he lived continued on.

This book hits only the highlights of Samuel Morris' life. And despite the emphasis on how inspiring he was during his time at Taylor University, there are only 18 pages from his arrival at Taylor University until his death 18 months later! The whole book is only 94 pages, but the account up until his arrival at Taylor didn't feel too abridged. But his time there certainly does. You end up not feeling like Samuel Morris is that fleshed out in your mind, and he doesn't quite feel like a real person, because not enough is shared to actually get to know him. With only the most amazing highlights given, without any of the surrounding events of his life and other times of less modest gains, it feels less believable too.

The life of Samuel Morris and its impact is inspiring, especially given the time period and the fact that Samuel Morris was a black travelling with a mostly white crew, attending an all-white university, etc. However, the writing just wasn't up to bringing this book up to the great heights it could have achieved. It's a worthwhile book to read, but I doubt I'll re-read it very often.

Great book, that is a well written factual account of a young man who became a Christian in an era where slave trade was rampant and the colour of ones skin had an impact on how an indivivual was treated.

A must read, inspiring account of someone who had been through 'hell' in his short life, but came through stronger from the hardship -leaving his mark on the lives and hearts of those he came in contact with. An inspiration for believers everywhere, young and old of how a Christian should be, especially in these modern times which are fraught with anger, impatience and strife.

This book was recommend to me as a great story for teenage boys growing up in urban environments. It is a great story for any guy or gal and is a testimony of humble faith in a powerful God involved in the life of His people. A quick but powerful read.

This shows how faith in God has developed one person to help so many others. Recommend this book to anyone who feels that they are not worthwhile that God has control over all things. Buy the book and pray for your own life in how it can be used by God

I have been wanting a copy of this book for years. It is an exceptional story of a young African man so full of the spirit and love of God that he made a difference in the lives of everyone he touched.