Tramp for the Lord by Corrie ten Boom Summary

Tramp for the Lord chronicles Corrie ten Boom’s global missionary journeys after surviving a Nazi concentration camp. Through 34 autobiographical chapters, she shares stories of spreading Christian teachings on forgiveness, faith, and God’s provision in over 60 countries, including encounters in Communist nations. The book emphasizes surrendering to divine guidance, as seen in her iconic forgiveness of a former Ravensbrück guard.

This book resonates with Christians seeking spiritual growth, WWII history enthusiasts, and anyone grappling with forgiveness or purpose. It’s ideal for readers inspired by The Hiding Place who want to explore Corrie’s postwar life, missionaries, or those needing encouragement in trusting God during adversity.

Yes—readers praise its raw honesty and transformative insights. With a 4.7/5 on Goodreads, it’s hailed for deepening faith through relatable struggles, like Corrie’s admission of selfishness, and showcasing miracles in hostile regions like 1960s Cuba.

The core message is radical forgiveness and relying on God’s strength, not human effort. Corrie illustrates this by forgiving her Nazi persecutors and serving others despite personal limitations. Key themes include obedience (“The Ding-Dong Principle”), finding joy in suffering, and trusting God’s provision daily.

While The Hiding Place focuses on Corrie’s WWII experiences and family, Tramp for the Lord details her postwar global ministry. It expands on her sister Betsie’s vision to help war-torn souls and shows how Corrie lived out their shared faith beyond the camps.

• “When she enters the beautiful city… it was you that invited me here.” (highlighting evangelism’s impact)
• “God does not fill a closed hand.” (on surrendering control)
• “There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.”

Corrie’s faith drove her to risky missions, like smuggling Bibles into Communist countries, and fueled her forgiveness toward enemies. She relied on prayer and Scripture, notably using John 3:16 to share the Gospel globally, believing “the blood of Jesus can cleanse every sin”.

Some may find its overt Christian messaging too doctrinal or simplistic. A few reviewers note the episodic structure lacks The Hiding Place’s narrative cohesion, though others appreciate its practical devotionals.

Corrie models forgiving Nazis and difficult individuals through divine strength, not human will. Her story with the Ravensbrück guard teaches that forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling, freeing both parties from bitterness.

This concept refers to obeying God’s promptings immediately, like answering a doorbell. Corrie shares how acting on small urges—such as speaking to a stranger on a train—led to transformative encounters, emphasizing responsiveness to divine guidance.

Its themes of reconciliation, resilience, and hope address modern divides—political, racial, or personal. Corrie’s work in post-conflict zones offers a blueprint for healing trauma through faith, making it vital for today’s polarized world.

The book showcases practical evangelism through Corrie’s 30+ years of grassroots ministry—hosting underground church meetings, aiding refugees, and prioritizing one-on-one connections. It challenges readers to serve “wherever God sends,” even into danger.