Mover Of Men and Mountains

1. God Needs Business Partners: Faith in Action

God needs businessmen as partners as well as preachers.

Beyond Sunday Service. The book challenges the notion of passive Christianity, advocating for active participation in God's work through business. It emphasizes that faith should extend beyond religious rituals and permeate all aspects of life, including professional endeavors.

• Active Christianity: Fully participating in everything God allows you to do.
• Half-hearted Christianity: Going to church on Sunday and obeying the Golden Rule.

Building for God's Glory. LeTourneau believed that creating and building were extensions of God's creative act. He saw his work as a way to contribute to God's greater glory, not just personal gain. This perspective transformed his business into a ministry.

Business as Ministry. The author's life exemplifies how business can be a powerful platform for ministry. By integrating faith into his work, he demonstrated that one can serve God through innovation, job creation, and ethical business practices.

2. Weakness Confounded: Divine Partnership for Limitless Achievement

By accepting God as your partner, no limit can be placed on what can be achieved.

Overcoming Limitations. LeTourneau, a man with limited formal education, attributed his success to his partnership with God. He believed that divine collaboration transcends human limitations, enabling individuals to achieve what seems impossible.

• Limited education: Only went to the seventh grade.
• Financial struggles: Garage failed and was $5,000 in debt at 30.

Active Participation. The book stresses that God is not a passive partner but an active participant in one's life and work. This partnership requires genuine repentance, humility, and a willingness to let God guide one's decisions.

Forgiveness and Redemption. LeTourneau acknowledged that he faced setbacks and made mistakes, but he emphasized God's capacity for total forgiveness. This theme underscores the idea that one can always start anew with God's grace, regardless of past failures.

3. Stubbornness Transformed: Discovering a Father's Love

Discovering my father’s love changed my whole attitude, and chores that I had hated and fought against resentfully, I now did cheerfully because I wanted to serve him.

Rebellion and Reconciliation. The author's early life was marked by conflict with his father, leading to rebellious behavior and a sense of alienation. This strained relationship highlights the importance of understanding and love in familial bonds.

The Power of Acceptance. A turning point came when LeTourneau experienced his father's unconditional love and acceptance. This revelation transformed his attitude, replacing resentment with a desire to serve and please his father.

Serving with Love. The transformed relationship with his father serves as a metaphor for the relationship with God. Discovering God's love motivates one to serve Him willingly and joyfully, finding fulfillment in His service.

4. From Foundry to Faith: A Crucible of Transformation

I attended regularly—I had no escape—and heard a lot about God without learning a thing.

Dormant Spirituality. The author's early exposure to religion was characterized by routine attendance and a lack of personal connection. This highlights the difference between religious observance and genuine faith.

The Turning Point. A pivotal moment occurred during a city-wide revival, where LeTourneau experienced a profound spiritual awakening. This transformative experience marked the beginning of his active Christian life.

A Life Transformed. The author's conversion led to a desire to emulate his heroes, but Mr. Hill saw to it that he didn't. A great Christian and churchman, Mr. Hill had let it be known through the foundry that anyone offering him the other side of his bucket of suds was asking for trouble if not dismissal. So in that respect you can say I led a sheltered life.

5. The Fire of Change: Embracing New Paths

Son, in this funny business you learn new tricks or you don’t live to be an old dog.

Unexpected Turns. The destruction of the East Portland Iron Works by fire forced LeTourneau to re-evaluate his career path. This event underscores the idea that setbacks can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Adaptability and Learning. The author's ability to adapt to new situations and learn new skills proved crucial in his journey. He embraced change, constantly seeking knowledge and improvement in various trades.

The Value of Experience. LeTourneau's diverse experiences, from iron molding to lead burning, provided him with a broad skill set that would later contribute to his success as an inventor and manufacturer.

6. Stumps to Stars: From Setbacks to Success

Our school colors are black and blue, and our school yell is ‘Ouch!’

Overcoming Adversity. The author faced numerous financial and professional setbacks throughout his life. These experiences taught him resilience, perseverance, and the importance of learning from mistakes.

The Power of Stubbornness. LeTourneau's stubborn determination to succeed, even in the face of adversity, played a significant role in his achievements. This trait, when channeled positively, can be a powerful driver of success.

The Importance of Mentors. The author benefited from the guidance and wisdom of mentors like Mr. Hill, who imparted valuable lessons about work ethic, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

7. The Power of Purpose: Beyond Material Gain

A man is known by the company he keeps.

Facing Temptation. The author's early associations with individuals involved in questionable activities prompted him to re-evaluate his life and seek a more purposeful path. This highlights the importance of choosing one's companions wisely.

Discovering Purpose. LeTourneau's involvement in the Christmas revival led to a profound spiritual experience, giving him a sense of purpose beyond material gain. This newfound purpose transformed his life and guided his future endeavors.

Serving Others. The author's commitment to serving others, particularly the underprivileged, became a driving force in his life. This dedication to helping humanity shaped his business decisions and philanthropic efforts.

8. A Partnership Tested: Faith Amidst Loss

What’s wrong? What have we done that we should be so punished?

The Test of Faith. The loss of his first child, coupled with financial struggles, tested LeTourneau's faith and prompted him to question his path. This period of adversity led to a deeper understanding of God's will.

Spiritual Re-evaluation. The author's response to tragedy involved a re-evaluation of his priorities and a renewed commitment to serving God. This highlights the importance of seeking spiritual guidance during difficult times.

Seeking God's Guidance. LeTourneau's decision to seek guidance from Elmer Jones and join the Christian Missionary Alliance reflects his desire to align his life with God's purpose. This underscores the value of seeking counsel from trusted spiritual mentors.

9. Building for God: A Life Dedicated to Service

You have been working hard, but for the wrong things. You have been working for material things when you should have been working for spiritual things.

Shifting Priorities. The author's spiritual awakening led to a shift in priorities, from pursuing material success to serving God. This transformation underscores the idea that true fulfillment comes from aligning one's life with divine purpose.

The Role of Business. LeTourneau's experience highlights the idea that business can be a powerful tool for ministry. By integrating faith into his work, he demonstrated that one can serve God through innovation, job creation, and ethical business practices.

Leaving a Legacy. The author's dedication to serving God and humanity shaped his legacy, inspiring others to use their talents and resources for the greater good. This underscores the importance of living a life of purpose and leaving a positive impact on the world.

10. The Electric Wheel: Innovation Through Divine Inspiration

I was just a mechanic striving to translate His laws in terms of machinery, and as long as I understood I was just His follower, and didn’t get to thinking I was operating under my own head of steam, I was on the right track.

Divine Guidance. The author attributed his inventions and innovations to divine inspiration. He believed that his role was to translate God's laws into practical machinery, always remaining humble and reliant on His guidance.

The Power of Imagination. LeTourneau's ability to envision new possibilities and challenge conventional thinking led to groundbreaking inventions. This highlights the importance of creativity and imagination in problem-solving.

Combining Faith and Innovation. The author's life exemplifies how faith and innovation can work together to create positive change. By seeking God's guidance and using his talents to solve practical problems, he made a lasting impact on the world.

11. From Earth to Eternity: A Legacy of Faith and Machines

Not how much of my money I give to God, but how much of His money I keep for myself.

A Life of Giving. LeTourneau's commitment to giving away the majority of his wealth reflects his belief that material possessions are ultimately God's. This underscores the importance of generosity and stewardship.

Investing in Eternity. The author's philanthropic efforts, particularly through the LeTourneau Foundation, have supported numerous religious, missionary, and educational initiatives. This highlights the idea that one can invest in eternity by supporting causes that align with God's purpose.

A Lasting Impact. LeTourneau's legacy extends beyond his inventions and business achievements. His life serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating the power of faith, hard work, and a commitment to serving God and humanity.

Last updated: February 28, 2025