Aussie author David Bennett’s From Ashes to Glory tells the story of CT Studd, an English cricketer who played in the very first Ashes match – with WG Grace. He was even connected to the making of the Ashes Urn!
The Ashes Urn. PICTURE: danielgreef (licenced under CC BY 2.0)
Soon afterwards CT Studd gave up his fame and large fortune to become a missionary to China, and later Africa. Studd went to some of the remotest places on earth to bring the message of God’s love.
What I really appreciated in Bennett’s retelling was the pure honesty. CT Studd achieved some amazing things, faced amazing odds and saw amazing miracles, because of his dedication and tenacity. But there were some huge costs to his own health, and to his relationships with his wife and children.
It’s a warts and all re-telling that reminds us that our heroes are flawed people.
Paul Clark’s musings can be heard on radio across Australia and at atthetop.org.au.
