James S. Gribble was a "pioneer missionary" in the deepest and truest sense of that term. During his first term of missionary service in Africa he was associated with the Africa Inland Mission. This mission recognized in him the "pioneer" spirit and has paid tribute to him as one who was always anxious to attempt the most dangerous and difficult tasks in connection with the opening of new sections to the preaching of the Gospel. In his short ministry, James Gribble accomplished more than many accomplish in a long lifetime. Leaving out of consideration his fruitful ministry in East Africa and also the great spiritual impact of his life and work made upon the churches of his own denomination, it is not too much to say that chiefly through the faith and endurance of this "servant of the Lord" a vast region in French Equatorial Africa has been thrown open to the preaching of the Gospel. This is his monument, of which he need not be ashamed in that Day. It is fortunate indeed for the Brethren Church, and for all believers in the "ministry of reconciliation," that Dr. Florence Newberry Gribble, wife of James Gribble, has been providentially spared to write the record of his life. No one else would have known its details so intimately, and no one else could have brought to the task the requisite balance of personal understanding and spiritual interpretation. May the labor of love, which she has bestowed upon this book, be graciously used of God to complete the evangelization of Oubangui-Chari, and thus fulfill the vision of one who in that land prayed, ministered, suffered and died with "hope undaunted."
