God's Faithful Firebrand Ralph G. Finch: A Pioneer Missionary who Blazed a Trail for Right and Holy Living

If you want the thrill of reading about a real life pioneer who went beyond the bounds of safety and took unbelievable risks because he believed God had called him to carry the Gospel around the world, you will want to read this book. No Olympian runner ever carried a firebrand higher or ran with greater purpose and passion than did the farm boy from southern Ohio. Without hesitation, for a lifetime Ralph G. Finch crisscrossed America and the world holding high the torch of right and holy living. He thrilled with the excitement of the race and always saw victory ahead. He kept his face set like a flint of steel and never veered to the right or left. His fervent, pioneer spirit drove him to always explore new opportunities for ministry. His willingness to go to the hard places never ceased. He had the ability to make any place he went to, glow with expectancy and hope. To him, missions was not just an enthusiasm, however interesting and glamorous, that passed with time, but a fervor springing from a heart aflame with a burden to help hurting humanity the world around, which lasted throughout his whole life.

For years, it has been a dream of mine to write a book about one of my favorite people. Every boy needs a special man in his life. For me, it just happened to be my very own Grandpa, who was fun-loving, warm, full of laughter, playful, nibbling on our ears, tweaking our toes and telling us amazing stories. He dearly loved all of his grandchildren and made sure we knew it. Growing up, it was my ambition to be just like him. Even as a small boy, I loved to hear him preach because he made church exciting. He had a pulpit presence that was outstanding and unmatched. I will never forget the time when he was preaching that he called me to come and stand before the high camp meeting platform. He knelt down, laid his hands on me and prayed that God would use me to build His Kingdom. Looking back on that experience, I have come to call it, my first ordination for the ministry. What I liked best was his energy, his passion and his missionary stories. He could mesmerize a crowd with stories of his missionary experiences. My Grandpa was someone whom any little boy would love to have as his best friend. My Grandpa was one person who has most profoundly influenced me and helped form my life values both as a person and as a minister. – Daniel E. Finch, 2015