The fascinating story of a young millionaire whose short life was lived in the service of his Lord
Although William Borden was taken from this world at the young age of 25, the years he lived were full of dedication to serve. Kevin Belmonte draws on letters, quotations and images to paint a unique picture of William’s life of commitment to God, delving into the ways ‘vital truth,’ as William called it, was the star he reckoned by. In the telling of the life story of William Borden, there is much to learn about living a life of devotion to God. The desire to live for Christ guided and shaped William’s life, from his school days, right up until his death.
With insightful extracts of letters and telling photos, the reader is taken on a journey through William’s life, from The Hill School, to Yale, to Princeton Seminary, and the beginning of his missionary training. Reading this book will give a wonderful view into Borden’s world, to know something of the voices and scenes he knew. A vital part of William’s life was his ‘Morning Watch’ (or what he also called his ‘breakfast’) – feeding on and contemplating the Word of God and growing deeper in his faith. It’s a privilege to have this unique insight into his life, and an inspiration for readers to strive to live such a life of devotion themselves.
Endorsements
Kevin Belmonte has done something remarkable. He’s taken a figure history had virtually forgotten, and revealed a man whose commitment and actions literally transformed the world around him.
This is a life changing story that our culture today needs to know.
Phil Cooke Filmmaker, media consultant, and author of The Way Back
… having been given the gift of this book, I am freshly reminded of the gift Borden was to so many, including many like me, who read about him decades after his death. His story ranks with those of George Liele, Adoniram Judson, Lottie Moon, John Paton, Jim Elliot and others who’ve left home to make Christ known to all.
Mark Dever Senior Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church and President, 9Marks.org, Washington, DC
I wish every Christian college student would read this book. Life does not begin after college and graduate school. Life is now! The world awaits your impact!
Gary D. Chapman Author of the New York Times No. 1 bestseller The 5 Love Languages
… in this engaging new biography by Kevin Belmonte, ‘Borden of Yale’
comes to life again for another generation. A book to inspire and encourage followers of Jesus everywhere
Timothy George Founding Dean of Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama
An insightful, beautifully written, inspiring account of a remarkable life. It’s simply outstanding!
Trent Sheppard Author of God on Campus and The Jesus Journey
For readers in the UK and places beyond, Kevin Belmonte’s well researched and stirring narrative of William Borden’s life will inspire a new generation to follow Christ courageously, and without reserve.
Alan Taylor Church Leader, England
Kevin Belmonte’s marvelous portrait of William Borden, ‘the millionaire missionary,’ not only inspires,
but wistfully captures the time of a faith–prompted generation: one that modeled a decency, decorum, and dedication for which our hearts so yearn.
LaGard Smith Former Professor of Law, Faulkner University, Montgomery, Alabama
In the tradition of Chariots of Fire and Eric Liddell, William Borden’s story reveals the hand of God at work in a remarkable way…Kevin Belmonte has brought to life another story from history that we desperately need today.
Chris Fabry Moody Radio, host of ‘Chris Fabry Live’
William Borden had the whole world open to him; but risked everything to follow the call of God’s love and share the gospel with those who needed to hear it. … Our hope is that this book will lead each of us to consider God’s call, and what He may ask us to undertake.
James and Lisa Dougherty Co–Directors, Overseas Missionary Fellowship (US)
William Borden’s story will spur and encourage all of us to go into all the world…to preach God’s Word, in word and deed…
The Honorable Jim Ryun Former Member of Congress, 3 Time Olympian, and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
This book is an Olympian achievement: biography at its best,
a very compelling and inspiring read.
David Naugle Author of Worldview: History of a Concept, Dallas Baptist University, Dallas, Texas
In the pages of this book, it’s wonderful to see how much Kevin Belmonte has uncovered regarding this extraordinary man.
Gail Borden Member of the extended Borden family
Like a note sung and reverberating through a great cathedral space, his short life continues to reverberate into the modern missionary movement. There is no better biographer than Kevin Belmonte to keep Borden’s beautiful song continuing.
Jeff Johnson Award–winning musician
William Borden’s life and example hearken back to earlier figures in the Christian tradition: he was a latter–day David Brainerd, motivated by a self–sacrificial missionary zeal…
Kenneth P. Minkema Jonathan Edwards Center, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
No one represented The Hill School motto, ‘Whatsoever Things Are True’ more than William Borden. His life,
sacrifice, and many contributions unfold in this excellent biography.
Louis E. Jeffries Archivist and Librarian, The Hill School (William Borden’s prep school), Pottstown, Pennsylvania
The life of William Borden has inspired my faith and walk with God since I first read his story as a young girl. I pray that this biography will inspire a new generation to follow in the steps of Borden’s whole–hearted, single–focused devotion to Christ, to choose Him above all this world has to offer, and to live their lives with eternity always in view.
Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth Author and founder & host of Revive Our Hearts
It was said of William Borden,
‘thousands will thank God that he lived.’ But how will the thousands of our own time be able to thank God for someone whose name they may not know? That is where Kevin Belmonte comes in. He rescues exemplary saints from the shadows of history. He gives us the lives of people like Borden for us to savor, and most especially, to join the thousands in thanking God for. This is a masterful book.
Michael Card Author and songwriter, ‘El Shaddai’ and ‘Immanuel’
… a vivid,
cinematic telling of William Borden’s life, his deep compassion, and the large circle of his friendships. Faith illumined his brief but vibrant life. In the ivy halls of college, and beyond, he knew the True North of belief.
Kelly Monroe Kullberg Editor and co–author of Finding God at Harvard, founder of The Veritas Forum
With words carefully chosen and lovingly placed, Kevin Belmonte reverently tells the story of a short life lived brilliantly in service of God and God’s own. Belmonte’s Borden inspires and summons the reader to the noble destiny of being called by God to brightly bear God’s image in a world bedimmed and belittled by lesser aspirations.
Award–winning author Kevin Belmonte holds a BA in English Literature from Gordon College, an MA in Church History from Gordon–Conwell Seminary, and a second master’s degree in American and New England Studies from the University of Southern Maine. He has twice been a Finalist for the John Pollock Award for Christian Biography, and in 2003, he won that award for his biography of William Wilberforce. With his wife Kelly, and son Sam, he lives by the sea in New England.
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