The Story Behind “I Surrender All”
For five years, Rev. J.W. Van de Venter found himself torn between two callings: a career as a professional artist and full-time Gospel ministry.
He recounts the pivotal moment of his decision: “For some time, I had struggled between developing my talents in the field of art and going into full-time evangelistic work. At last, the pivotal hour of my life came, and I surrendered all.”
This act of surrender ushered in a new era for him. “A new day was ushered into my life. I became an evangelist and discovered, deep in my soul, a talent hitherto unknown to me. God had hidden a song in my heart and touched a tender chord. He caused me to sing.”
Dr. Billy Graham, who was greatly influenced by Van de Venter’s ministry, shared this tribute:
“One of the evangelists who influenced my early preaching was also a hymnist who wrote ‘I Surrender All’—the Rev. J.W. Van de Venter. He was a regular visitor at the Florida Bible Institute (now Trinity Bible College) in the late 1930s. We students loved this kind, deeply spiritual gentleman and often gathered in his winter home at Tampa, Florida, for an evening of fellowship and singing.”
The Hymn: I Surrender All
All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence, daily live.
All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.
CHORUS:
I surrender all,
I surrender all,
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.
All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine.
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.
(Chorus)
All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.
(Chorus)