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Daws: A Man Who Trusted God
Dawson Trotman revolutionized the practice of evangelism and founded The Navigators, one of the most widespread and respected Christian organizations in the world today. This moving historical account, drawn from the memories of those whose lives Dawson touched and from the author’s firsthand knowledge, will both encourage you in your faith and inspire you to action.
400 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1974
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 4, 2021
Few books that I have read have affected my life as greatly as this one while reading it. Dawson Trotman, although a sinner like the rest of us, is a model of a man who sees the work of the Lord as a task worthy of the best of our efforts. He took deep personal responsibility for the quality of work done in ministry, a characteristic that I think is lacking in the average Christian today. Truly an inspirational biography.
August 31, 2022
Loved this biography of the founder of The Navigators.
I was in Navs in college and learned so much about the history from this book.
Trotman was an amazing Christian leader .. really more of a general in rank (some military speak there).
He helped so many of other ministries that continue today. He was a man of great vision knowing he served the GREAT God. His love of God’s word is inspiring as well as the prayer life he practiced. And his faith in God is truly wonderful.
He made everyone better and enjoyed the fellowship of other believers. Scripture memorization never had a more fervent proponent.
I was in Navs in college and learned so much about the history from this book.
Trotman was an amazing Christian leader .. really more of a general in rank (some military speak there).
He helped so many of other ministries that continue today. He was a man of great vision knowing he served the GREAT God. His love of God’s word is inspiring as well as the prayer life he practiced. And his faith in God is truly wonderful.
He made everyone better and enjoyed the fellowship of other believers. Scripture memorization never had a more fervent proponent.
August 2, 2023
Super encouraging book about how God used Dawson’s desire and love for His Word to reach many people for His kingdom. Highly recommend - but it is long
Read
June 3, 2012The bio of Dawson Trotman: Very long, small print but finished it today. Daws was a man of God who was a true visionary. It was through him that Billy Graham,Jack Wrytzen and Bill Bright began and carried forth the huge ministries that they had and are still having today. Daws trademark was four fold: Bible memorization, Worship by being in the Word each day, Prayer and lastly Fellowship. He was the visionary behind the Navigator's ministry which is international today.
The home base which is Glen Eyrie in Colorado was God's gift to them and they are housed there even today with a huge ministry worldwide.
Daws truly believed in the 2Tim 2:2 principle: "entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well." He believed in the man to man discipleship principle. He believed so strongly in this principle that he developed a Bible Memorization packet of cards for all to keep and review. This is a tool still used today by the Navigators.
Prior to WWII and during the war Daws enlisted servicemen that he discipled and trained for each of the ships in the Pearl Harbor port. Each ship there had a trained Navigator person on board with the exception of the Arizona which is the ship that we commemorate today as it lies beneath the sea. He never forgot that point that a man must be appointed to ministry so that all hear and all are challenged to accept Jesus Christ as Savior.
Challenged by Daws determined life of prayer and Bible memorization was the key for me personally. He was known for this one saying: What has God taught you today in your morning devotion. It was an excellent view of a man who led the charge for Christian ministries. He was the one who began Navigators and Wycliffe Translators, assisted in the formation of Missionary Aviation Fellowship, Youth for Christ, Billy Graham follow up after crusades, Word of Life and probably many more that was not recorded. His legacy lives on in those organizations and we are the recipients of his vision and courage and steadfastness.
He left a wife Lila and 4 of the 5 children that God gave them. One child "Chuckie" was disabled and no information is given on his life or his death but at his birth it noted that he would not survive. The book does not deal much with his family except at the very end . I would have thought that the author Betty Lee Skinner would have noted that for the reader which was a disappointment.
Recommended reading ..highly!
The home base which is Glen Eyrie in Colorado was God's gift to them and they are housed there even today with a huge ministry worldwide.
Daws truly believed in the 2Tim 2:2 principle: "entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well." He believed in the man to man discipleship principle. He believed so strongly in this principle that he developed a Bible Memorization packet of cards for all to keep and review. This is a tool still used today by the Navigators.
Prior to WWII and during the war Daws enlisted servicemen that he discipled and trained for each of the ships in the Pearl Harbor port. Each ship there had a trained Navigator person on board with the exception of the Arizona which is the ship that we commemorate today as it lies beneath the sea. He never forgot that point that a man must be appointed to ministry so that all hear and all are challenged to accept Jesus Christ as Savior.
Challenged by Daws determined life of prayer and Bible memorization was the key for me personally. He was known for this one saying: What has God taught you today in your morning devotion. It was an excellent view of a man who led the charge for Christian ministries. He was the one who began Navigators and Wycliffe Translators, assisted in the formation of Missionary Aviation Fellowship, Youth for Christ, Billy Graham follow up after crusades, Word of Life and probably many more that was not recorded. His legacy lives on in those organizations and we are the recipients of his vision and courage and steadfastness.
He left a wife Lila and 4 of the 5 children that God gave them. One child "Chuckie" was disabled and no information is given on his life or his death but at his birth it noted that he would not survive. The book does not deal much with his family except at the very end . I would have thought that the author Betty Lee Skinner would have noted that for the reader which was a disappointment.
Recommended reading ..highly!
July 12, 2019
Skinner's biography has become the definitive narrative of this truly pivotal figure in 20th century evangelicalism. Trotman was both a creative genius and a person sovereignly situated at a strategic point in recent history. His military-like discipline enabled him to accomplish as much as he did in such a brief time. Consider all the movements, ministries, and key leaders he influenced. His ministry creativity for youth and servicemen soon spilled over into CBMC, he helped launch MAF, and was key in the early development of Hume Lake Christian Camps. He was the challenger to such people as Billy Graham, Cliff Barrows, Dan Fuller, Ralph Winter, Jim Downing, Charlie Riggs, Bill Bright, Dick Hillis, Lorne Sanny, LeRoy Eims, Jack Wyrtzen, Jerry Bridges, and Robert Munger. He influenced Wycliffe Bible Translators and Cam Townsend as well as OCI and Dick Hillis, Billy Graham crusades, Young Life, and Henrietta Mears and Richard Halverson at First Presbyterian Church, Hollywood in their discipleship and follow up ministry.
His influence on Navy personnel was such that he had representatives on most U.S. ships at the time of the Pearl Harbor attack. These servicemen over time entered missions, Christian business, and full time ministry work. Jim Downing still lives at the ripe of 100+! There is little doubt, my own father-in-law met some of his men on one of the naval vessels during the Pacific combat. I was amazed as I read this realistic biography that does not excuse Daws' often overbearing and blunt personality and the unfortunate damage it caused some people. There are few ministries and evangelical leaders that have not been influenced by Trotman in some direct or indirect way. He is one of the unsung heroes in recent Christian history.
His influence on Navy personnel was such that he had representatives on most U.S. ships at the time of the Pearl Harbor attack. These servicemen over time entered missions, Christian business, and full time ministry work. Jim Downing still lives at the ripe of 100+! There is little doubt, my own father-in-law met some of his men on one of the naval vessels during the Pacific combat. I was amazed as I read this realistic biography that does not excuse Daws' often overbearing and blunt personality and the unfortunate damage it caused some people. There are few ministries and evangelical leaders that have not been influenced by Trotman in some direct or indirect way. He is one of the unsung heroes in recent Christian history.
March 15, 2017
What God can do with a man when he completely surrenders himself to God with "eternity vision." Awesome respect for the promises of God and the power of the Word, a vigorous love for Christ, intense interest in the individual, inventive and inquiring, expansive generosity, desire for excellence in any endeavor, uncanny discernment, active and moving vision of the world, unshakable and contagious faith in God's sovereignty and power, habitual application of the Word through continual Scripture memory, man to man discipleship, prayer warrior, AND a regular imperfect man who often had to seek forgiveness from others...only eternity will tell! Thanks for the example you set and the lives you influenced for Christ, Dawson Trotman.
Although the choppy writing style is not the easiest to follow, hopefully the glimpses that the reader gets into the life of this hero of the faith will encourage you to persevere to the end of the book!! Be inspired for what God can do with just one!
Although the choppy writing style is not the easiest to follow, hopefully the glimpses that the reader gets into the life of this hero of the faith will encourage you to persevere to the end of the book!! Be inspired for what God can do with just one!
June 16, 2018
My favorite Christian biography. I highly recommend it.
Here are the main takeaways:
1) Pray to reach the lost
2) Do what others cannot or will not do
3) Do everything with excellence because you represent Christ
4) Slow, steady, deep growth trumps vast shallow growth
5) Follow up with new Christians
6) Produce reproducers (2 Tim 2:2)
Here are the main takeaways:
1) Pray to reach the lost
2) Do what others cannot or will not do
3) Do everything with excellence because you represent Christ
4) Slow, steady, deep growth trumps vast shallow growth
5) Follow up with new Christians
6) Produce reproducers (2 Tim 2:2)
Read
August 17, 2020The book itself is a slow read, filled with many names of people, places, and events. This was a re-read for me which took me back through many years of memories of home bible studies, scripture memory verses, and wonderful people! I am grateful for all the navigators who have poured into our lives over the years.
September 14, 2015
This is a really great illustration of what it looks like to follow God with abandon. It definitely challenged me in prayer and scripture memory.
June 2, 2023
“Daws” by Betty Lee Skinner is a rich and interesting biography of Dawson Trotman, the founder of the Christian ministry, The Navigators. The book was very meaningful to me as a college student, and the impact of this man's life continues echo in my life today. Some biographies of Christians from decades past paint an almost unrealistic, squeaky-clean portrait of the hero that seems to lack credibility. Other approaches to telling a story from another era don't age well and come across as hokey and unrelatable. I believe the story of Daws continues to be relevant and inspiring today. The recounting of Daws going out to evangelize late at night to make sure he had met his daily quota made such an impression on me as a college student, and continues to both convict and inspire me.
~Jen
~Jen
April 10, 2024
If you don’t have a biography planned for reading this year, read this one! The life of Dawson Trotman reveals a zeal for discipleship and an unrelenting passion to urge people to follow Christ with all their hearts.
This book reveals the cracks in Daws’ persona but also demonstrates the Christ that filled the flaws and used Daws as a catalyst for influencing his generation and beyond.
When you consider that he founded the Navigators and significantly influenced Jim Rayburn of Young Life, Bill Bright of Campus Crusade, Billy Graham and Wycliffe Bible Translators and Youth for Christ, you grasp just how broad and profound his influence was.
Read this book. It will prompt you to follow Jesus harder and truer.
This book reveals the cracks in Daws’ persona but also demonstrates the Christ that filled the flaws and used Daws as a catalyst for influencing his generation and beyond.
When you consider that he founded the Navigators and significantly influenced Jim Rayburn of Young Life, Bill Bright of Campus Crusade, Billy Graham and Wycliffe Bible Translators and Youth for Christ, you grasp just how broad and profound his influence was.
Read this book. It will prompt you to follow Jesus harder and truer.
June 9, 2018
Dawson Trotman was the founder of The Navigators, an international disciple-making para-church ministry. The book is a great overview of his life. It shows both his strengths (passion, commitment, vision, faith) and flaws (dictatorial leadership). Overall, it is a challenging and encouraging read.
One downside - it does get a bit long at spots. If you can push through, though, his life is a challenge to anyone who hopes to live for Christ and help others do the same.
One downside - it does get a bit long at spots. If you can push through, though, his life is a challenge to anyone who hopes to live for Christ and help others do the same.
August 31, 2024
okay y'all, so i read this book for work, and i felt lots of things while reading. keep in mind, i was supposed to read it gradually over the summer, but instead chose to read it smashed into like 10 days, so i didn't have the best attitude going in...howEVER she far exceeded my expectations.
this book follows the life of dawson trotman, the founder of the navigators, and at first i was kinda bored. it just went into a lot of minor details, like who he ate dinner with and the names of the people who owned the gas station in his neighborhood. it started off slow and i had just come off of reading iron flame, so i was not captivated...
but then my guy came to faith and caught the vision for making disciples and the AMOUNT OF SHEER KNOWLEDGE THAT I GOT AFTER THAT. like it was underline, highlight, page flag, you name it, because dawson had a lot of good things to say.
despite the rocky beginning, as i read more i learned a lot about him and his ministry as a whole. i never knew that trotman created "the wheel," which is legit a ministry tool that i used in my day to day doing college ministry! AND i never knew the navigators started as a wartime, navy ministry. i was shocked!
another thing that really got me, was just how involved in pearl harbor dawson and his "navigators" really were. they had men sharing the gospel on almost all the ships that were sunk or damaged during the attack, and i was so in awe of how God was so involved in such a pivotal historical event. it was such a sweet reminder that God is over all things!
as much as the details at the beginning of the book were really hard to get through, by the end i felt like i knew trotman as a friend, and was just letting him sit across the table and disciple me. he loved the Lord above all, and did all that he could to honor God with his life and his time. it made me really reflect on how much i truly give God control of my life. overall, i'm only giving this book a 3, but not because i didn't like it! i learned so much, but i wish the writing style was a bit different and idk if i would recommend it to most people! i am however looking for potential new books to read about him in the future!
this book follows the life of dawson trotman, the founder of the navigators, and at first i was kinda bored. it just went into a lot of minor details, like who he ate dinner with and the names of the people who owned the gas station in his neighborhood. it started off slow and i had just come off of reading iron flame, so i was not captivated...
but then my guy came to faith and caught the vision for making disciples and the AMOUNT OF SHEER KNOWLEDGE THAT I GOT AFTER THAT. like it was underline, highlight, page flag, you name it, because dawson had a lot of good things to say.
despite the rocky beginning, as i read more i learned a lot about him and his ministry as a whole. i never knew that trotman created "the wheel," which is legit a ministry tool that i used in my day to day doing college ministry! AND i never knew the navigators started as a wartime, navy ministry. i was shocked!
another thing that really got me, was just how involved in pearl harbor dawson and his "navigators" really were. they had men sharing the gospel on almost all the ships that were sunk or damaged during the attack, and i was so in awe of how God was so involved in such a pivotal historical event. it was such a sweet reminder that God is over all things!
as much as the details at the beginning of the book were really hard to get through, by the end i felt like i knew trotman as a friend, and was just letting him sit across the table and disciple me. he loved the Lord above all, and did all that he could to honor God with his life and his time. it made me really reflect on how much i truly give God control of my life. overall, i'm only giving this book a 3, but not because i didn't like it! i learned so much, but i wish the writing style was a bit different and idk if i would recommend it to most people! i am however looking for potential new books to read about him in the future!
August 2, 2025
The man’s life: 5 stars. I would recommend the first 5 chapters to every believer. His life demonstrates one of incredible discipline in prayer, reading, Bible memory, and evangelism. Nearly every time I opened this book, I was convicted about how I spent my time.
The book receives only 3 stars though because it is written more like a documentary than as a novel, and it is quite detailed with names and places.
The book receives only 3 stars though because it is written more like a documentary than as a novel, and it is quite detailed with names and places.
July 7, 2018
A book that will leave you humbled and motivated in the area of personal ministry and devotion to Jesus.
I also found it interesting that the bombing of Pearl Harbor happened at the same time that the Navigators had men who were leading people to Christ on many of the Navy ships that were moored there, along with others active on navy bases and in army camps on the mainland which began long before Japan and Germany began their aggressive actions. Something to think about.
I also found it interesting that the bombing of Pearl Harbor happened at the same time that the Navigators had men who were leading people to Christ on many of the Navy ships that were moored there, along with others active on navy bases and in army camps on the mainland which began long before Japan and Germany began their aggressive actions. Something to think about.
February 9, 2025
Super inspiring. Some fire 1 liners in there. A picture of what an imperfect man that gives his whole life to the great commission and spiritual multiplication looks like.
“God can do more with one man 100% committed to Him and His mission than 100 men who are 90% committed.”
“Never do something others can and will do when you can do things others can’t or won’t do”
“God can do more with one man 100% committed to Him and His mission than 100 men who are 90% committed.”
“Never do something others can and will do when you can do things others can’t or won’t do”
January 12, 2023
Wow. This book was really long and the words were small but the life of Dawson Trotman was a man of extreme discipline and faithfulness to the Lord. His legacy is known for an immense love of God’s word, a deep prayer life, evangelism and follow up, and spiritual multiplication. Absolutely moving.
July 16, 2021
What a great read! The story of a life lived well! Passionate about sharing Christ and promoting intensive scripture memory. The Dawson Trotman story is a great challenge.
March 31, 2018
Great look at one man’s journey of following God and reaching the world, the many mistakes and lessons along the way. I wish I’d read my own copy so I could underline and write notes. Highly recommended.
February 11, 2022
Audible.com 14 hours and 29 min. Narrated by Marguerite Gavin(B)
Dawson Trotter was a Christian evangelist of the first half of the 20th century. His life's passion was to know Christ and to make him known. His ministry was different in that he didn't seek to use the church or auditoriums to draw crowds, but his burden was to teach Christians the principle of multiplication. Each one; reach one. Each one; grow one. He was concerned that the church was failing in its mission to new believers to help them grow in their spiritual lives by emphasizing the reading and memorization of God's Word so they could find the answers to ordinary problems in life. He believed young Christians should be taught the value of prayer and how to have a consistent prayer life.
Late in the Depression, Daws started what would become The Navigators by opening his own small house to a few sailors and offering a place to stay and a free meal. The Trotters were poor and relied fully on God to provide the food. While men were there, he would explain the plan of salvation, answer questions sitting around the dinner table. After spending relaxing time with Daws and his wife, the sailors went back to their ships amazed and often changed by their experiences. The next time they had leave, they'd be back at Daws home with a friend or maybe two. If they were there on a Sunday, they were expected to attend church. Daws love for life and his even greater love for God were contagious, and the men were open to his what God offered. By the time of the WW2, Daw's ministry had grown across the country, and sailors had Navigator groups on most U.S ships. Daws personally wrote to thousands of sailors and others who joined his ministry reached out to thousands more. Daws' hope was that at the end of the war, many of these sailors and enlisted men would go back to the foreign lands as missionaries, and many did.
God opened other opportunities for Daws as other ministries like Billy Graham, Jack Wrytson Word of Life, Bill Bright Campus Crusade For Chrst, Youth For Christ, and Wycliffe Bible Translator's reached out to The Navigators for help with materials to followup those who had made decisions for Christ. The NavPress was born to meet the need with printing. These are all ministries that touched my life as a teen and young adult. Dawson Trotter drowned at age 50 in a boating accident. His ministry lived on.
Will there ever be another man like Dawson Trotter? He was not without his faults, but he was driven to see the world not just "saved" but living abundant fruitful lives.
I would like to read a condensed version of this book that would tell Daw's life story without including all those involved with The Navigators. There are so many names included that are not essential to the story. Seventy plus years have passed since Daw died, but his life is still an example for Christians today. 5 stars for Dawson Trotter's life, but only 3 for the book.
Dawson Trotter was a Christian evangelist of the first half of the 20th century. His life's passion was to know Christ and to make him known. His ministry was different in that he didn't seek to use the church or auditoriums to draw crowds, but his burden was to teach Christians the principle of multiplication. Each one; reach one. Each one; grow one. He was concerned that the church was failing in its mission to new believers to help them grow in their spiritual lives by emphasizing the reading and memorization of God's Word so they could find the answers to ordinary problems in life. He believed young Christians should be taught the value of prayer and how to have a consistent prayer life.
Late in the Depression, Daws started what would become The Navigators by opening his own small house to a few sailors and offering a place to stay and a free meal. The Trotters were poor and relied fully on God to provide the food. While men were there, he would explain the plan of salvation, answer questions sitting around the dinner table. After spending relaxing time with Daws and his wife, the sailors went back to their ships amazed and often changed by their experiences. The next time they had leave, they'd be back at Daws home with a friend or maybe two. If they were there on a Sunday, they were expected to attend church. Daws love for life and his even greater love for God were contagious, and the men were open to his what God offered. By the time of the WW2, Daw's ministry had grown across the country, and sailors had Navigator groups on most U.S ships. Daws personally wrote to thousands of sailors and others who joined his ministry reached out to thousands more. Daws' hope was that at the end of the war, many of these sailors and enlisted men would go back to the foreign lands as missionaries, and many did.
God opened other opportunities for Daws as other ministries like Billy Graham, Jack Wrytson Word of Life, Bill Bright Campus Crusade For Chrst, Youth For Christ, and Wycliffe Bible Translator's reached out to The Navigators for help with materials to followup those who had made decisions for Christ. The NavPress was born to meet the need with printing. These are all ministries that touched my life as a teen and young adult. Dawson Trotter drowned at age 50 in a boating accident. His ministry lived on.
Will there ever be another man like Dawson Trotter? He was not without his faults, but he was driven to see the world not just "saved" but living abundant fruitful lives.
I would like to read a condensed version of this book that would tell Daw's life story without including all those involved with The Navigators. There are so many names included that are not essential to the story. Seventy plus years have passed since Daw died, but his life is still an example for Christians today. 5 stars for Dawson Trotter's life, but only 3 for the book.
November 17, 2013
This biography of Trotman was informative, challenging, and sometimes even heartwarming and funny.
I am amazed at how small my vision was when I first heard of Billy Graham, or of Jim Rayburn, and thinking that they were the first person to be so close to God or to bring others to Him. Who taught those men? And who was the teacher in line before that?
From the 1930s on through his life, Dawson Trotman influenced many, many people toward "getting into the Word of God, and getting the Word into you," especially through memorization, intense prayer and Bible study. Some of those people started ministries that are still working and growing today: Jim Rayburn (Young Life), Bill Bright (Campus Crusade for Christ), Wycliffe Bible Translators, Missionary Aviator Fellowship and others.
Trotman grew from sitting alone memorizing Scripture during breaks from work in the lumberyard, to praying for God to help him and friends reach the whole world for Christ, to sharing his faith with sailors and businessmen, and constantly challenged himself to memorize more of the Word and to act with better discipline.
Trotman emphasized and exemplified the command you may have read in 2nd Timothy chapter 2 verse 2. "...Teach these things to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."
He also tirelessly preached that "follow-up" on evangelism is essential. Winning a soul to Christ is 5% of the job, follow-up is the other 95%. I was convicted hereupon that I have left baby Christians to fend for themselves. I've made changes to spend more time with a new brother in Christ, to teach and encourage them, before I move on to win another soul for the Kingdom.
Billy Graham devoted much effort to following up with people who turned in decision cards; this happened after Dawson Trotman exhorted him about the need. Trotman had earlier prayed for and helped Graham in the decision about taking a position as president of a Bible college.
All in all, I would say that this book showed me:
SATURATE YOURSELF IN GOD'S WORD--LOOK WHAT IT DID FOR DAWS!
I would like to thank my brother, Sam Wilson, for lending this book to me.
***since I registered as reading Daws, I have found that the book in my library is not the same as the one pictured and credited above. Same author and subject, different subtitle and different ISBN.
I am amazed at how small my vision was when I first heard of Billy Graham, or of Jim Rayburn, and thinking that they were the first person to be so close to God or to bring others to Him. Who taught those men? And who was the teacher in line before that?
From the 1930s on through his life, Dawson Trotman influenced many, many people toward "getting into the Word of God, and getting the Word into you," especially through memorization, intense prayer and Bible study. Some of those people started ministries that are still working and growing today: Jim Rayburn (Young Life), Bill Bright (Campus Crusade for Christ), Wycliffe Bible Translators, Missionary Aviator Fellowship and others.
Trotman grew from sitting alone memorizing Scripture during breaks from work in the lumberyard, to praying for God to help him and friends reach the whole world for Christ, to sharing his faith with sailors and businessmen, and constantly challenged himself to memorize more of the Word and to act with better discipline.
Trotman emphasized and exemplified the command you may have read in 2nd Timothy chapter 2 verse 2. "...Teach these things to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."
He also tirelessly preached that "follow-up" on evangelism is essential. Winning a soul to Christ is 5% of the job, follow-up is the other 95%. I was convicted hereupon that I have left baby Christians to fend for themselves. I've made changes to spend more time with a new brother in Christ, to teach and encourage them, before I move on to win another soul for the Kingdom.
Billy Graham devoted much effort to following up with people who turned in decision cards; this happened after Dawson Trotman exhorted him about the need. Trotman had earlier prayed for and helped Graham in the decision about taking a position as president of a Bible college.
All in all, I would say that this book showed me:
SATURATE YOURSELF IN GOD'S WORD--LOOK WHAT IT DID FOR DAWS!
I would like to thank my brother, Sam Wilson, for lending this book to me.
***since I registered as reading Daws, I have found that the book in my library is not the same as the one pictured and credited above. Same author and subject, different subtitle and different ISBN.
February 9, 2022
One admires Trotman’s commitment to whatever he believed to be the will of God and his creative spontaneous energy, yet his approach to both Scripture and stewardship would draw far more scrutiny today after many public abuses in other large ministries in decades since. He was a man in a particular moment that suited his style and gifts, but even a biographer with a personal admiration for him is forced to admit/apologize for some shortcomings he never seemed to fully be aware of. Closeness to God involves study, prayer, and vision for service, but those practices cannot be divorced from relationships with other believers. Those who lead are not the measure of another’s work but all must look to Christ and the many methods He engaged in service. Balance and good judgment strengthen a ministry long-term even as boldness and daring are needed to take on new work.
I also believe the book could now be edited to remove tedious repetition that was perhaps needed to acknowledge the contributions of others while many of his coworkers were alive in the years after his death.
I also believe the book could now be edited to remove tedious repetition that was perhaps needed to acknowledge the contributions of others while many of his coworkers were alive in the years after his death.
October 11, 2014
This book is a biography of Dawson Trotman, who founded the Navigators. Based on the book’s topic, I fully expected to give it 5 stars. Trotman’s life is both a challenge and an encouragement to any follower of Jesus. His emphasis on a practical Christian living and the importance of scripture was unusual at the time, and still needs to be emphasised. But, I am not able to rate the book highly since I do not believe the book was well written. The author could not figure out what type of biography they were writing. The styles varied from semi-fictitious storytelling, to encyclopaedic knowledge, to overblown hero worship, to a critical analysis. The result was that I actually found the book difficult to read at times, even though I was very interested in reading about Daws.
May 13, 2022
As a current college student invested in Navigators campus ministry, I found this topic interesting, but the writing style was dense and hard to get into (it took me almost two years to get through, if that's any hint). Seeing Daws' great faith and constant intensity, as well as his discipline in prayer and verse memory, was challenging and encouraging for my own walk with Christ. To be honest, some aspects of Daws' life and ministry were concerning, but nevertheless I found him to be an incredible and faithful man who had a big vision and worked tirelessly to see it accomplished, all while trusting God to fulfill his promises.
October 16, 2015
I have tried to read this book every five years or so for the last couple of decades. Daws' passion to follow Christ wholeheartedly and his vision for a movement of laborers to advance His gospel is recalibrating. Follow up, systematic Scripture memory and spiritual multiplication in the lives of others are his legacy. His question of many was, "Where's your man?", and it remains the driving focus of anyone committed to "producing reproducers".
September 9, 2020
Excellent story of a man and the building of The Navigators ministry. The author shared the challenges and the celebrations as well as the failings and successes. The sections of difficult honesty were well written and non-judgmental. I knew very little about Dawson Trotman and enjoyed learning about the many other ministries he impacted. This biography also has challenged my spiritual walk in a good way.
December 22, 2019
Dawson Trotman was a marvel. This biography is fascinating because its subject is fascinating. Reading about his fervor and zeal, his profound faith and diligence, and his tireless labor for the Kingdom cannot help but kindle the fire of conviction in the reader's heart. An unforgettable read. Looking forward to meeting this amazing man in glory.
August 28, 2014
I read this biography one summer when I was in college. It was a life changer. Dawson Trotman's life, heart to win souls and hunger for God and His Word challenged me greatly. His life was one for me to emulate, though I have fallen far short of his example. Though it has been over 30 years ago since I read it, this book, and his life, still influences me today.
April 30, 2007
Dawson Trotman was a phenomenal man of God who trusted Him to do immesuarably more than we could hope or imagine. If you need to be inspired to trust the Lord in all walks of your life, pick up this book.
January 27, 2013
Although this says it was first published in 1993, I read this in 1988 and it was just called Daws. It was a very inspiring biography of a man who gave 100% of himself to everything he did, accomplishing more profitable work in his short 50 years than most people do in 75 or 80.
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