I Would Die for You: One Student's Story of Passion, Service and Faith [Paperback]

Brent Higgins (Author), Deanna Higgins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2008

In a day of iPods and MySpace, when adolescents can seem self-serving and self-absorbed, the powerful story of the life of BJ Higgins proves that things can be otherwise. BJ's life was one of passionate service to God and to other people. He even inspired Bart Millard, lead singer of Mercy Me, to write and record a song to honor him. After a six-week battle with an infection contracted on the mission field, BJ's earthly life was over--he was only 15 years old.
I Would Die for You tells BJ's inspiring story. It combines the writing of parents Brent and Deanna Higgins with selections from BJ's journals, school papers, and blog, along with true stories from family members, church and hospital staff, and friends. Through this multi-layered text, youth pastors, teens, and those involved in missions work will get a glimpse of a young man who gave his life to God, lived the gospel, and died for his devotion. Stirring and full of encouragement, I Would Die for You is poised to inspire a new generation of believers to give their lives in God's service.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"How could someone who lived only a few years leave such an indelible heartprint on the world? This story is not for the faint of heart. Not only does it tell of an amazing young man but of the amazing God he served. Every parent and every student should read this book. When you do, you'll agree: BJ Higgins is this generation's Jim Elliot."--Dr. Walker Moore, president and founder, Awe Star Ministries; author, Rite of Passage Parenting and Rite of Passage Parenting Workbook

"There is a possibility that this life isn't going to just be a bed of roses from here on out. Are we willing to make a sacrifice for the kingdom? Because that's what BJ did. I may die of old age in my sleep and [my life would] not have as much meaning as BJ's life did. I Would Die for You is a challenge, a battle cry for all the body."--Bart Millard, lead singer, MercyMe

From the Back Cover

When was the last time you gave your all--for God?

BJ Higgins loved God with everything he had and worked passionately to bring God's love to the whole world. He believed in using the opportunities God gave him and boldly shared the gospel wherever he went. BJ's life on earth ended after a six-week battle with an infection contracted on the mission field.

He was just fifteen years old.

I Would Die for You tells the extraordinary story of an ordinary young man. BJ's journals and blogs, along with testimony from family and friends, reveal a young man whose short life left an impression on many--including Bart Millard, lead singer of Mercy Me, who wrote and recorded a song to honor him.

BJ put the cause of Christ above his own personal comfort. This powerful true story will amaze, inspire, and challenge you to live every day making a difference for God.


"How could someone who lived only a few years leave such an indelible heartprint on the world? This story is not for the faint of heart. Not only does it tell of an amazing young man but of the amazing God he served. Every parent and every student should read this book. When you do, you'll agree: BJ Higgins is this generation's Jim Elliot."--Dr. Walker Moore, president and founder, Awe Star Ministries; author, Rite of Passage Parenting and Rite of Passage Parenting Workbook

"There is a possibility that this life isn't going to just be a bed of roses from here on out. Are we willing to make a sacrifice for the kingdom? Because that's what BJ did. I may die of old age in my sleep and [my life would] not have as much meaning as BJ's life did. I Would Die for You is a challenge, a battle cry for all the body."--Bart Millard, lead singer, MercyMe

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Revell; Reprinted edition (January 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800732448
• ISBN-13: 978-0800732448
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #336,776 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #48 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Children's & Teens > Teens

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I Would Die For You September 23, 2008

By A. Attaguile

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I purchased this book on a Thursday, started reading it, and finished it at 2am on Friday. I could not put it down. BJ Higgins' life, and the way he lived, is a battle-cry for those of us who call ourselves Christians to step up, to be a "missionary" within our own circle of influence. I realized as I finished this book, that, although my life may not be called to be an overseas missionary, I can certainly do more than just go to church on Wednesday and Sunday.

This book did not make me feel guilty, but did cause some introspection. I was just touched that this young man made Christ his sole focus, and a relationship with God is what he sought. A true modern-day David, I shudder to think about all of the times I've squandered when I could've have taken an opportunity to share the Word with someone. Here is a young man who was truly used by God, who was WILLINGLY used by God, and who's story should be told over and over.

I assigned my kids to read this book and my oldest son was inspired to become a missionary with Awe Star Ministries (although the book that planted the first seeds was Peace Child). His reason? When Dr. Moore challenges "Who will take BJ's place?" my son willingly said, "I will...." I pray others will also be inspired to take BJ's place.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I would die for You April 1, 2008

By Jessalyn Machado

Format:Paperback

This book ROCKS!! I do not read much and I couldn't but this book down. A story of a young man and his passion for the Lord. We should all live this life seeking, obeying, and putting our lives down for the Lord. This book helped me through God's Amazing Grace to draw closer to the Lord. I highly recommend you to read it.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars BJ Had A Lot to Say March 31, 2008

By Terri Weeks

Format:Paperback

In the book I Would Die for You, BJ Higgins' journals have a way of turning back the clock to when I was a 15 year old Christian, and recognizing I still have a long way to go in my service to the Lord even today, many years later! He has spurred me to do more for Christ!