I SURRENDER ALL

Someone once said that it is only in the Christian life where total surrender brings victory! Hymn writer, Judson Van de Venter, experienced this personally.

Born on a farm near Dundee, Michigan in December 1855, Judson Van de Venter grew up interested in art and music.  He had accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour at the age of 17. After graduating from college, he became an art teacher and later a supervisor of art in the public schools of Sharon, Pennsylvania.  He was also an active layman in his church and became involved in evangelistic meetings.  He found himself especially fulfilled when participating in evangelistic rallies and revivals where individuals placed their trust in God. As he remembers, and I quote, “I had struggled between developing my talents in the field of art and going into full-time evangelistic work.”

Recognizing his unusual talent for Christian service, his friends urged him to leave teaching and enter full-time music evangelism.  For five years, he struggled with the decision. Finally falling to his knees, he said, "Lord, if you want me to give my full time to Thy work, I'll do it; I surrender all to Thee." For the next several years, he travelled extensively through the United States, England, and Scotland, assisting with the music in the ministries of Wilber Chapman and other evangelists. While engaged in meetings in Ohio, Judson stayed in the home of George Sebring. It was there, as he was recalling his testimony, that he wrote 'I SURRENDER ALL.'

In 1923, Judson moved to Tampa, Florida where he began teaching at Florida Bible Institute (now Trinity Bible College). He retired after several years, but attended campus often to speak and encourage students; one of those students who was profoundly influenced by Rev. Van de Venter was...Billy Graham!

There is a victorious blessing experienced by totally surrendering our lives to Jesus Christ.