Extreme Devotion: Day 348 – Extreme Calling

Podcast: Extreme Devotion
Host: The Voice of The Martyrs
Episode Date: December 14, 2025
Theme: The calling and martyrdom of James Chalmers in Papua New Guinea, the purpose of suffering, and the impact of devotion to Christ.

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on the life, sacrifice, and legacy of James Chalmers, a missionary to Papua New Guinea known for his fearless devotion in the face of danger, and ultimately, his martyrdom. The story serves as a meditation on suffering, loss, fidelity to calling, and the power of bringing the gospel to unreached people—challenging listeners to reflect on the eternal significance of earthly sacrifice.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Call to Devotion and Chalmers' Early Commitment

• The episode opens with a challenge: “I wonder if there is a boy here who will bring the gospel to the cannibals.” (00:21)
• Young James Chalmers is inspired by this call and resolves to answer it, embarking on a life dedicated to missionary work.

2. Early Trials and Mission Work

• James and his wife set out for the southern seas in 1866 but are shipwrecked on Rarotonga. They settle there and continue their mission until, after eleven years, they move to Papua New Guinea.
• They are welcomed in Suao, a cannibal village. Chalmers faces direct threats:
  • “The natives surrounded him and demanded tomahawks and knives. Otherwise they would kill him and his wife.” (00:54)
• Chalmers stands his ground with courage:
  • “Chalmers stood his ground and the natives respected his tenacity. They even apologized the following day and soon became friends.” (01:05)

3. Personal Loss and Perseverance

• In 1879, Chalmers’ wife dies, leaving him devastated.
• Still, he resolves to continue:
  • Quote: “Let me bury my sorrow in work for Christ.” (01:16)
• He returns briefly to England but feels compelled to go back to his mission field:
  • Quote: “I cannot rest with so many thousands of savages without knowledge of God near us.” (01:28)

4. Ultimate Sacrifice: Martyrdom

• On April 7, 1901, Chalmers, Oliver Tompkins, and several assistants land on Gwaribari. The next day, Chalmers and Tompkins are killed and eaten by islanders.
• The host reflects, “How depressing. Understandably, when we human hear the stories of martyrs like James Chalmers, our natural reaction may be one of sympathy and sorrow and even shame. What a waste.” (01:42)
• But the story urges a different view, focusing on the eternal significance of earthly sacrifice.

5. The Meaning of Suffering and Calling

• Suffering is reframed as purposeful:
  • Quote: “Chalmers gave his single earthly life in order to share eternal life with many others.” (01:54)
  • “Chalmers did not consider his martyrdom a foolish mistake. Why should we be discouraged when our earthly sufferings bring the glory and honor of heaven one step closer to the lost? Nothing is in vain.” (02:00)
• The episode's closing challenge:
  • Quote: “Are you willing to endure earthly pain in order to bring heaven's opportunity to others?” (02:18)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On persevering after loss:

  • “Let me bury my sorrow in work for Christ.” (01:16) — James Chalmers

• On the necessity of the mission:

  • “I cannot rest with so many thousands of savages without knowledge of God near us.” (01:28) — James Chalmers

• On the meaning of martyrdom:

  • “Chalmers gave his single earthly life in order to share eternal life with many others.” (01:54) — Host

• Challenging the listener’s perspective:

  • “Chalmers did not consider his martyrdom a foolish mistake. Why should we be discouraged when our earthly sufferings bring the glory and honor of heaven one step closer to the lost? Nothing is in vain. Suffering becomes an inextricable part of God's plan for you and for others.” (02:00) — Host

• Direct challenge to the audience:

  • “Are you willing to endure earthly pain in order to bring heaven's opportunity to others?” (02:18) — Host

Important Timestamps

• 00:21 – The challenge that inspires young James Chalmers’ calling
• 00:54 – Chalmers and wife threatened by natives in Papua New Guinea
• 01:16 – Chalmers mourns his wife’s death and resolves to press on
• 01:28 – Chalmers’ unwavering sense of mission
• 01:42 – Martyrdom on Gwaribari; reflecting on the meaning of sacrifice
• 01:54–02:18 – Reframing martyrdom and suffering; challenge to listeners

Conclusion

This episode recounts the courageous life and martyrdom of James Chalmers, urging listeners to see suffering not as waste, but as meaningful in the context of faith and eternity. The story challenges listeners to consider what they are willing to sacrifice for the sake of bringing hope to others, in line with Chalmers’ example of “extreme devotion.”