I See My Time Is Up is the autobiography of George W. DeHoff, Sr. (1913-1993). I first came across this book while visiting with my good friend Don Cooper, the minister at Wadsworth, Ohio.

George DeHoff had a rich family heritage. He was a frequent traveler to the Holy Land and was highly regarded for his knowledge relating to these travels. He was very active in the Rotary International and was recognized for the many contributions he made. He served as President of Magic Valley Christian College in Idaho. He also served as Vice President at Freed-Hardeman College. He founded DeHoff Publications and has contributed widely to Christian literature. He was one of the first writers in our brotherhood to write commentaries on the entire Bible. He conducted several public debates on topics relating to Bible classes & women teachers (DeHoff-Head Debate), located preachers (DeHoff-Garrett Debate), orphan homes (DeHoff-Holt Debate), Calvinism (DeHoff-Davis Debate), and marijuana (DeHoff - Barrett Debate).

Two of my favorite sections in the book are reflections written by prominent preachers about their relationship with DeHoff, and DeHoff's writing about preachers he knew. He also includes a short church history from 1929 to 1988. Articles, sermons, and speeches also are supplied in the book, including a popular address "What Made America Great?" that received several requests to be repeated. There are several excellent sermons printed in the book including "What the Pioneers Preached," "The Providence of God," and "The Final Authority in Religion."

DeHoff began preaching in 1929 and was known as the "boy evangelist" because he began at the age of sixteen. He had reportedly baptized over 2,300 people by the time he was 25 years of age, and it is estimated he baptized 8-10,000 people during his entire career. It is astonishing just how much George W. DeHoff accomplished for the cause of Christ. The book is excellent reading for everyone for its sound teaching and for its information in helping one in becoming more familiar with the brotherhood of the recent past.

One of the personal traits that shines throughout the book is George DeHoff's sense of humor. In a chapter entitled "Incidents Along The Way," DeHoff relates an encounter he had after a sermon entitled "What Will It Be Like In Hell?" A Jehovah's Witness spoke up stating there was no hell and God would not punish anyone. DeHoff waited to see if a visiting preacher in the meeting would answer, but there was none and the members were looking at DeHoff for a response. DeHoff asked the man to read from Revelation 23. The man turned in his Bible and told DeHoff that there are only 22 chapters in Revelation. DeHoff's response was classic: "Thank you very much, that is a load off my mind. I have read Revelation 22, and it leaves all of the wicked people in hell. I thought maybe you had another chapter to get them out."

DeHoff was a forceful proclaimer of the truth and could hold his own under fire. We need more Christians like George W. DeHoff, Sr. His grave is located in Evergreen Cemetery in Murfreesboro, TN where he served several years as an evangelist. -29 Flora Dr., Bedford, OH. 44146-2011. DRKenney@email.com For previous book reviews, visit www.streetsborochurch.org

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