Eric Liddell - The Final Chapter
The Guts & Heart Of A Man Of Faith

Eric Liddell - The Guts and Heart of a Man of Faith, was Penned & Compiled by Peter O'Neill

Weihsien... The Test

In 1990 one last inspiring detail of Eric Liddell's life came to light... and we wanted to share that here. It took place at Weihsien Prison Camp where he was interred during WW2.

The Conditions In The Camp Were Tough & The Situation Was Perilous  

It was not on the Olympic Field of Glory that Eric's greatest victory came, but on Gods' Field of Glory… (the mission field). By 1943 Eric was a tired worn man in His forties, being, held captive in Weihsien Prison Camp in the cold reaches of Northern China. Folks might try and down play the hardships of the climate... but I lived there for 5 winters (1981-86)... and it was cold...very cold. For 6 months of the year we never used a freezer, but just put food in a wooden box outside the window. Minus 10 to minus 20 everyday. 

And here he was… this former Great Olympic Champion… a father of 3 beautiful children, in the country where he was born, being held captive at Weishin with 327 children and several thousand Non-Chinese like himself. Sick and suffering from some illness that he was unsure of… he patiently, lovingly continued to witness and live for the Lord. He cared for and inspired the kids… taught and motivated his fellow captives to do as Christ Said… and Love their Enemies... despite the desperation of their own personal plight. Day in and Day Out he was the Flame God used to keep everyone’s faith and courage alive.

THE COURAGEOUS SACRIFICE

Then one day a wonderful thing happened, Word Came that Eric Liddell was going to be released and returned to Scotland. Yahoo! Winston Churchill the Prime Minister of England had bartered a prisoner exchange to set the famous Olympic hero free. Only thing was, no one took the time to ask Eric Liddell. When presented with the wonderful news, this man of exceptional courage and faith refused to take the free ticket, but instead re-negotiated the deal for a young mother who was pregnant to take his place. Off she went and there remained Eric Liddell with his flock of children, marooned businessmen and other missionaries in the prison camp.

---

“We Are All Missionaries.
Wherever We Go,
We Either Bring People Nearer to Christ,
Or We Repel Them From Christ.”
Eric Liddell - 1945

---

As the weeks and months passed Eric got sicker and sicker and sicker and finally under the strain of it all, with no proper medical attention he died. His last Words Were that being in such a situation… "He had to completely surrender to God”.

Grown Men Wept

With The News of Eric Liddell 's Death … The grief in the camp was profound… every life that he had touched by his love and faithfulness… by his kindness and truth and courage… each life was moved. From the businessmen who he had convicted to share their hoarded goods and food, to the young missionaries who he taught to love their captors. The many little children that Uncle Eric had read to daily, the sick he had encouraged and the distraught he had lifted to faith and hope. Eric Liddell's Passing was… for lack of a better word… I repeat…Profound. But all that he gave was not lost… not wasted.

Dedication of Eric Liddell Memorial 1991
On The Grounds Of The Former
Weihsien Prison Camp (Tianjin, China)

The Lives He Touched & Changed

One Example Of The Lives That Eric Touched Was A Young Man Named Steve Metcalf. Because of the sample Steve saw in Eric, he went on to Japan, the land of his captors and helped rebuild that country and was a faithful missionary there for 40 years. 

Click Here To Get A Copy Of Steve Metcalf's Inspiring Story

---

Liberation
American Paratroopers Parachuting In Liberate the Camp

The children and the weak and injured survived for another 5 months after Eric's death... till Liberation came and they were set free to return home.

Eric's Humble Loving & Faithful Sample
Had Touched Each Life In The Camp...
And Still Inspires Millions Today

Here Is An Actual Picture Taken As The Entire Camp
Gratefully Greets Their American Liberators.

---

---

How God Used Him To Encourage My Life

I can honestly say that I would have never gone to China as a missionary in 1981 if it had not been for his wonderful courage and faith that was portrayed in the movie "Chariots Of Fire". His Sample Of Getting Up When You Are Knocked Down... changed and inspired my life to rise above difficulties... and go forward for God! After 34 years in China & Japan no other person living or dead has encouraged me to keep going for God like he did! When others failed and faded... his sample shined true and faithful! He Was & Is... The Lord's Love & Encouragement To Me!

---

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. John 12:24

---

All Scotland Mourned

It is said that upon hearing of his death all of Scotland mourned, but I can assure you that All Of Heaven Rejoiced. Here was this man of Faith who had Run the Race of God’s Service… He’d Run and Won… and what do you want to wager he was met at the Gates of Heaven, with a Shout and A Greeting from the Lord of ...

"Well Done thou Good and Faithful Servant!"

Eric Ran The Race & Won

Lastly...

May I just close here for now though to say that We should Harken to his Sample and Follow in His Footsteps. We Might Not Be Some Great Worldly Success, but We Can Be Faithful… We Can and We Should Stand Up For God and Stand Up for Our Convictions Wherever we are!

It is.....
Our Duty,
Our Calling,
Nay
It Is
Our Privilege!

---

---

Here Is A Great Video From The
School Eric Attended In England

The Beautiful Song That Eric Asked For
Before He Died...
Be Still My Soul

---

---

On The Dusty Roads Of China
The Faithful Missionary
Eric Liddell

---

---

Only One Life
By Charles Thomas Studd, Missionary to China

Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life's busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.


Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgment seat;
Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.


Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God's holy will to cleave;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.


Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.


When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.


Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e'er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.


Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, "twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.


Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say,"Thy will be done";
And when at last I'll hear the call, I know I'll say "twas worth it all";
Only one life,'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

---

---

For More About Eric Liddell...

The Man... The Missionary & The Father

Click Here

---

---

That's It For This One Friends…

---

Click Here To Leave The Eric Liddell Page, Returning To The Home Page

---

---