I Have Decided to Follow Jesus

I love to learn the background of an old hymn. I was recently told the background of the hymn I Have Decided to Follow Jesus by my friend Kate. I looked it up of wikipedia since she told me that is where she found out about this story...


"I Have Decided to Follow Jesus" is a Christian hymn originating from India. The lyrics are based on the last words of a man in Assam, north-east India, who along with his family was converted to Christianity in the middle of the 19th century through the efforts of a Welsh missionary.

Called to renounce his faith by the village chief, the convert declared, "I have decided to follow Jesus."

In response to threats to his family, he continued, "Though no one joins me, still I will follow."

His wife was killed, and he was executed while singing, "The cross before me, the world behind me."

This display of faith is reported to have led to the conversion of the chief and others in the village.

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I Have Decided to Follow Jesus

I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

Tho' none go with me, I still will follow,
Tho' none go with me I still will follow,
Tho' none go with me, I still will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

My cross I'll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I'll carry till I see Jesus,
My cross I'll carry till I see Jesus;
No turning back, No turning back.

The world behind me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.