Born Three Times: The Memoirs of an African-American Missionary Who Finds True Liberation in Europe

The story of men who become rich is not uncommon. But it is rare to find the story of a man who rose from the very lowest rank in society, a member of a despised caste known as the chattel slave, to a position of renown, as a missionary, preacher and lecturer. Born Three Times is a truly inspiring narrative of human potential and capacity. Thomas Johnson depicts his life under slavery and his life as a free man. The great change in condition, from prisoner to world traveller, from an insignificant "nobody" to celebrated evangelist and speaker - all this seems to be fiction, but it is absolutely true. Johnson made what was at the time a very audacious decision, to move his family overseas to Britain. He believed his place was in England, a land with which he had absolutely no racial, ethnic or cultural affiliations. Thomas Johnson made great sacrifices in order to accomplish his life mission. He sought those situations where he could most efficiently use his talents, putting aside all other considerations. This is surely the most prominent and ongoing theme of his autobiography. Born Three Times is a testament to human resolve and free will. Johnson not only broke the physical shackles holding him back, but also the mental restraints programmed or conditioned into him through years of subjugation. Ultimately, this is a book about liberation and rebirth. The title of this inspiring book is representative of Johnson's cognizance of his own miraculous transformation:

Born August 7th, 1836-a "Thing". Born again (John iii. 7), June, 1857-a Child of God. Born into human liberty, April 3rd, 1865-a Free Man.