In his new book, Reckless Abandon, David Sitton provides us much more than an exciting auto-biographical journal through the life of an ordinary missionary. Instead, he allows his life's work to be the lens through which we see an extraordinary God getting glory for His name by magnifying his Son amongst unreached peoples. Written with candor and passion, David shows us the many joys and heartbreaks that accompany obedience to Jesus' command to disciple the nations. And make no mistake, suffering is part of the missionary call. But David encourages us—with story after story of God's absolute faithfulness—that Jesus is worth it. For all who are interested in God's great global mission, I highly recommend this book.”

Scott Anderson, Executive Director, Desiring God Ministries

 

I first heard David Sitton when he spoke at John Piper's pastor's conference in 2006. I thought, 'Wow, this guy is intense', which is saying something when you're at Piper's conference. I greatly respect David for his courage, his commitment to go where Christ has not been named, and his insistence on sound theology as the basis of strong missions. I look forward to reading his story of going, growing, and learning as a missionary. From what I've already read and from what I know about David, it will be quite a story.”

Kevin DeYoung, Author, Pastor, University Reformed Church

 

Our world is changing so dramatically that missions struggle to keep pace. Pioneering, casting a vision, meeting needs, transforming lives—even risk-taking—are still very much parts of the vocabulary of Christian missions today. But they are almost invariably related to mission theology and theory, not so often to missionary practice. In this respect, David Sitton and his book Reckless Abandon will be seen by some as hopelessly out of date. But they are happily up to date in another and much more important respect. They are 'right on' simply because the world is not changing for the better; people are still sinners and need saving; the gospel is still the power of God unto salvation; and biblical mission is still focused on proclaiming the gospel to the unreached and planting churches throughout the world. So read this book, let its message permeate your mind and heart, and then recommend it to your friends. You and they will find it to be reminiscent of the account of Adoniram Judson and the outgrowth of a Haystack Prayer Meeting at Williams College in the early 19th century; of C.T. Studd and the exploits of the Cambridge Seven at the end of the 19th; and of the unforgettable story of Jim Elliot and the Auca Martyrs in the middle of the 20th.”

David J. Hesselgrave, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of Mission, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

 

This book will challenge you to reckless abandonment to the cause of Christ in pioneer contexts through a couple who have modeled it in their own lives. Read it at Satan’s peril.”

Dr. Tom Steffen, Professor of Intercultural Studies, Director, DMiss. program, Biola University

 

This is a classic knife-between-the-teeth story describing how God called and moved out a man and his wife and family to take the gospel to the ends of the earth! You may not agree with every move or understand (or believe!) the stories, but they just might inspire you to step out IN your world or out OF your world to advance God’s purposes among the nations.”

Greg H. Parsons, Global Director, US Center for World Mission

 

This book is an exciting, true account of a husband and wife team, who from a young age, surrendered their lives to Jesus regardless of the cost. Whether one is young or old, the reader will be awed by this family’s faith, courage and tenacity to preach Christ in indescribably difficult places where Christ is not known. As a mentor in David’s early spiritual journey from hippie to man of God, I learned a critically important lesson, namely, one dare not dismiss the seemingly ‘little people’ whom God can empower to accomplish great things for His Glory.”

David E. Depew, President, New Life Advance International

 

I know David Sitton to be a man who is willing to pay any price to walk in obedience to God. In the midst of much conversation about unreached people groups, I have known few people who are as passionately committed to the cause of Christ among the least reached as he is. It is that passion found in the pages of Reckless Abandon that results in a Christ-exalting challenge to the status quo of casual Christianity that will leave everyone who reads it changed!”

M. David Sills, D.Miss., Ph. D., Author, Professor of Christian Missions & Cultural Anthropology, Southern Seminary

 

Here is a remarkable story that I can relate to well—at age nineteen, a man exchanges his comfortable life for the danger and uncertainty of bringing the gospel of Christ to the often-hostile tribes of Papua New Guinea. In Reckless Abandon, join in David Sitton’s amazing adventures and discover his passion for the introducing Jesus to the world.”

Bruce Olsen, Career Missionary (45+ years), Author of Bruchko

 

This is the kind of book I want to read. It put me in touch with reality. I was unnerved. I was convicted. And it fueled my soul-ache for God so that when I finished I couldn’t help praying, ‘Oh, Jesus, this is how I want to know you. All I want my life to say is that you are real and you are worth it. Don’t let me waste it!’ There are so few of these kinds of books. Read it. You will not regret it, though you may get more than you bargained for.”

Jon Bloom, President, Desiring God Ministries

 

I have hiked many miles of jungle trail, traveled many miles of jungle river by dugout canoe, and spent many nights in tents and thatched huts with David Sitton. When he talks of the rigors of missionary life, he knows whereof he speaks. He’s also a great storyteller. This book is a thrilling account of his life as a missionary and imparts his hard-won theology as well.”

Ernest Herndon, Author of In the Hearts of Wild Men

 

Over the centuries God has used missionary biographies to wake his people up. Some read and are called to carry the gospel to foreign lands in the footsteps of such bold pioneers, others are inspired to be missionaries where they live and work. This book is a compelling modern account of what God has done through one family. It continues the story of what Jesus has been doing through all generations. This might be the first missionary book you read, but I suspect it won’t be the last. You will read about big sacrifices that are seen as no sacrifice at all because of the glorious worth of our Lord Jesus, and a hope that goes beyond the grave. Your emotions will be stirred. I found tears welling up in my eyes at times. You will read of violent opposition to the gospel being overcome by the power of God, and the relentless love of the missionaries. You will see again and again how God protects and empowers his people. There are specific examples of victories over demonic forces openly at work that remind me of the days of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. You will see that he who is in you really is greater than he who is in the world. Read this book and be challenged, encouraged, up-lifted, and provoked to serve Jesus in our generation.”

Adrian Warnock, Author of Raised With Christ: How the Resurrection Changes Everything

 

In a speech to his military troops a president once said, ‘You are all dead men. Now go out and prove it!’ This is David Sitton’s ‘modus operandi.’ He is the real deal and this book is a testimony of his own reckless abandon, for the sake of God’s Kingdom and the glory of God’s Son among all nations. It is an exciting and wonderful story. But be warned, it is not safe. It may change your life!”

Scott Wesley Brown, Recording Artist, Worship Leader