The Man in the Gap: The Life and Ministry of Martin Petersen Holdt

Book Review: “The Man in The Gap”
I enjoy reading biographies of Christian preachers whether they be pastors, missionaries or well known evangelists, and have a fair collection of outstanding biographies in my library some of which I have read more than once, but this biography is different. It is the first biography that I have read of someone that I knew personally. Furthermore it was written by someone who knew Martin well and worked closely with him.

When I first heard that this book was in the pipeline, I could not help wondering if it would do Martin justice, but my good friend and brother in the Lord, Jim Holmes of Shepherd’s Press assured me that I would not be disappointed. It took a while for me to get a copy in Australia, but the wait was well worth it, and Jim was correct this biography is brilliant! I found it hard to put down and often read into the early hours of the morning depriving myself of sleep as I devoured every page. Rex Jefferies has done an outstanding job and in a relatively short book has managed to give his readers an accurate portrayal of Martin’s exemplary life and ministry, the impact of which will only be fully revealed in eternity.

Of particular interest to me are the many references to Martin’s ministry at the Afrikaans Baptist Seminary (ABK) and his strong emphasis on prayer and personal piety, pastoral theology and homiletics. It is my opinion that his students were privileged to study under him and to observe first hand how a man called by God to gospel ministry is to conduct himself in all circumstances.

There is much that can be said about this book, and undoubtedly much more that could be said about a man who had such a far reaching ministry, but what has been included is sufficient to give you an insight into the life and ministry of a humble servant of the Lord who ran with perseverance the race that was set before him and who fulfilled his ministry as a faithful servant.

I am thankful that I knew Martin and had the privilege of serving alongside him on at least one reformed conference committee as well as preaching for him and sitting under his ministry on a number of occasions, but reading this biography stirred my heart afresh and both encouraged me and challenged me with regards to my own prayer life and personal devotions. I give praise to God for the life and ministry of Martin Holdt and encourage you to read this wonderful book by Rex Jefferies.

Two passages of Scripture come to mind when I think of the life and ministry of the late Martin Holdt:
Revelation 14:13 “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit , that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”

Hebrews 11:4 “By faith Abel offered untoGod a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and by it he being dead yet speaketh.”