Circa 1904
I Have Decided to Follow Jesus: The Story Behind the Song That Touched the World.
Introduction
In 1904, a mighty revival swept through the hills and valleys of Wales. Churches were filled, hearts were transformed, and God made Himself known in a deeply personal way to thousands. The fire of the Holy Spirit kindled in that revival didn’t stay in Wales—it spread across the globe, inspiring missionaries to carry the message of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth.
One such missionary, a Welshman moved by the revival’s power, felt a call to travel to India. Guided by faith and burdened with love for the lost, he journeyed to the remote and mountainous regions of the northeast. Locals warned him: “Do not go there. The tribe in that village is known for its violence and savagery.” But he pressed on, believing that even these fierce headhunters deserved the chance to hear the message of God’s mercy.
A Bold Faith is Born
In that remote village, a miracle unfolded. One tribesman and his family heard the Gospel and accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Captivated by the truth and overwhelmed by grace, they couldn’t keep the good news to themselves. They began sharing Christ with others in the tribe.
But their newfound faith angered the tribal chief. The family was dragged before the village. The chief demanded they renounce their faith. “Stop following Jesus!” he thundered.
The man replied calmly, “I have decided to follow Jesus. I am not turning back.”
No Turning Back
The chief, enraged by the man’s defiance, ordered the execution of his children.
Still, the man stood firm: “Though none go with me, still I will follow. No turning back.”
The chief showed no mercy. The man’s wife was killed next. Even in the face of heartbreak, the tribesman said, “The cross before me, the world behind me. No turning back.”
Finally, the chief took the man's life.
A Legacy That Bears Fruit
But that was not the end of the story. As Jesus said in John 12:24, “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”
The courage and unwavering faith of that tribesman and his family stirred something in the hearts of the villagers. One by one, they came to faith in Jesus. Even the fierce chief who had ordered the deaths of the family could not escape the conviction of the Holy Spirit. He, too, gave his life to Christ.
The final words of that faithful martyr—“I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back”—became the anthem of the village. Eventually, these words were put to music, and the hymn “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” was born.
A Song That Echoes Through Generations
Today, this song is sung in churches, prayer gatherings, and revivals all over the world. It is a song of bold commitment, of faith in the face of fear, and of a love for Christ that defies death itself. What began with one man’s courage has become a global declaration of faith.
I have decided to follow Jesus
I have decided to follow Jesus
I have decided to follow Jesus
No turning back, no turning back.
The story behind “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” is not just about a song—it’s about a legacy of faith. It reminds us that the cost of discipleship is real, but so is the reward. May we, too, have the courage to say, no matter the cost:
“No turning back.”
To view the video of this story - https://youtu.be/sxEd-P8YN4U
