Victorious Lives
Originally published in 1927 by missionary and author Mattie Wilcox Noble, Victorious Lives has been republished by Sharon Jeong Ide. Ide includes a biography of Noble in this edition, presenting a broader view of God’s work in establishing the Protestant church in Korea.
Stories of Early Korean Believers
The first half of the book contains autobiographies and biographical interviews of 11 Koreans during the early years of the Korean church. I found their testimonies incredibly moving—I couldn’t stop reading. I read about Mrs. Samtok Chun, who traveled 26 miles to attend a church service because she wanted to learn what “believing in Jesus” meant and what it would mean for her as a woman. I read about Kyo Young Yi, who believed the Bible and so deeply desired baptism that he sought out a home church despite the threat of persecution. These are the stories of men and women captivated by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The book does mention their persecutions, especially from family—but there are also powerful stories of winning their persecutors to Christ.
The Life and Legacy of Mattie Wilcox Noble
The second half of the book is a biography of Mattie Wilcox Noble. It recounts her years of service in Pyongyang and Seoul from 1892 to 1933, including her marriage and family life. This section brings balance to the book. You read these incredible testimonies, but you also come to understand the toll it took and the sacrifices that were made. Noble shared in Christ’s sufferings through illness and the heartbreaking loss of children on the mission field. Yet she was relentless—taking worldly risks and reaping heavenly rewards. A pioneer missionary to Korea, she established the first school for girls in Pyongyang, the first Bible institute in the northern region for women, and the first successful children’s Sunday School program in the entire nation. Her impact is immeasurable.
Overcome the World
After reading this book, I am encouraged by how the gospel was spread to Korea, how a woman of faith can shape church history, and how Christ was treasured in the lives of these believers. I am also challenged—to do more work for the kingdom, take bigger risks for the sake of Christ, and trust that the Good News is enough. This book has strengthened and inspired my faith with stories of victorious lives that have overcome the world.
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. (1 John 5:4)
I received a media copy of Victorious Lives and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.