The Field Is the World

“Both missiologists and curious church members alike will appreciate Stephen Crowder’s recreation of the work in China by early twentieth century North American Churches of Christ. Readable, sensitive, documented, and lavishly illustrated by many unseen photographs, the work puts flesh and blood on subjects previously known only broadly, like the Canton Bible School. The work is both enjoyable and historically important.”


—C. Philip Slate, Missiologist, Author, Retired Professor





“If you are looking for a frank, unsentimental yet truly personal account of the Church of Christ mission in Canton, China, The Field is the World is a must-read. Carefully researched and fully documented, this volume provides perspective on our missionary efforts present and past.”


—Elmer Prout, Retired Professor, Ibaraki Christian University, Omika, Japan





“With his collection of photographs, letters, journals, and publications, Crowder pieced together a captivating narrative of the early missionary effort of the Churches of Christ in China during the years 1929 to 1949. Through the prism of pictures and story, he provides a glimpse of the doctrine and practice of Churches of Christ of that era and a peek into the life and times during this very tumultuous period in the history of China. Reading this chronicle puts one into the story of these tireless workers in the Kingdom under unimaginable conditions.”


—David Lee, Former Missionary in Asia