Do you know the simple chorus “I have decided to follow Jesus”? The phrase is sung three times, followed by the words “No turning back, Lord, no turning back.” Other verses follow: “Though no one joins me, yet will I follow,” and “The cross before me, the world behind me.”

The simplicity of the song belies the seriousness of its intent and its bloody origins. The words are those of an Indian from the village of Assam in northeast India, who converted to Christianity in the mid–19th century. Threatened with death, and refusing to renounce his faith, this man composed these words as his final testimony. His wife had been executed before him. He is said to have sung “The cross before me, the world behind me” as he himself died. His testimony led to the conversion of many who consented to his death.