Unthinkable: The Triumph and Endurance of Forgotten American Hero T. J. Bowen

After leading soldiers in the Creek Indian War and as an original Texas Ranger, missionary T. J. Bowen's adventures in the interior of Africa (1850-1856) made him a national hero. His explorations were compared to David Livingstone and his conquests were compared to Alexander the Great. He testified before Congress and was in demand as a speaker nationwide. His account of his exploits became an immediate best seller and his linguistic work was published by the Smithsonian. His denomination hailed him as their greatest missionary, yet less than twenty years later he would be almost forgotten, die alone, and be buried in an unmarked grave. Bowen's story unfolds on three continents, involves four wars, and is remarkable, inspiring, and instructive. "I have read many missionary biographies and researched mission history but have never encountered such a gripping story as that of T. J. Bowen as written by Jim Hardwicke." --Jerry Rankin, President Emeritus, International Mission Board, SBC "Hardwicke relates Bowen's life and times with the factual rigor of a skilled researcher, the spell-binding ability of a great story teller, and the compassionate love of a sympathizing Christian friend...Take and read. You will never be the same."-David Brady, pastor of Christ Community Church of Mount Airy; author One Sacred Effort: Southern Baptists Proclaiming Christ Around the World "I'm so thankful that my friend Jim Hardwicke has written this biography of Bowen. I trust that it will be a realistic-but-hopeful encouragement to many readers, as it has been to me." --Nathan A. Finn, Provost / Dean of the Faculty, North Greenville University After serving as a pastor for many years, Jim Hardwicke (DMin, PhD) has been teaching theology online for Gateway Seminary and on short-term trips worldwide. He and his wife, Michelle, live in Springfield, Missouri, and have three grown children and six grandchildren.