“For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Philippians 1:21 (ESV)

Bill Wallace was brutally murdered because of his faith in Christ in China on February 10, 1951. The two powerful truths of Philippians 1:21 defined his life.

For Bill to live was Christ. At age 17 Bill decided to follow God’s call and become a medical missionary. 10 years to the month after making this decision – after graduating from the University of Tennessee and University Medical School in Memphis and completing his medical residency – Bill was appointed as a medical missionary to Wuchow, South China.

Bill bypassed marriage to a young lady many of his friends expected him to marry. Bill bypassed a lucrative medical career in the United States. Bill’s life was all about Jesus.

For Bill to die was gain. Political unrest and instability marked Bill’s time in China. He lived there during the Japanese invasion of China, World War II, and the Communist takeover. Through each season, Bill ministered to people’s physical needs in the hospital often foregoing food so others could eat. Even more, he shared with them the message of Jesus Christ.

After refusing to leave China because of impending persecution, Bill was arrested on December 19, 1950 and charged with being an American spy. After nearly two months of brainwashing and torture while in prison, Bill gained the presence of God.

For who or what are you living? What will be gained by your death?

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*For this entry I am in debt to Daniel Akin’s Five Who Changed the World.