The Story Behind the Song

I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back

About 150 years ago, there was a great revival in Wales, England, and many missionaries chose Garo Hills, Assam, India, as their place to spread God’s love. Garo Hills are known for the tribes called “Headhunters”. The tradition of these tribes is to cut the heads of their enemies and outsiders who came there and hang them in front of their houses. “The more heads, the braver the man” was their custom

Many missionaries tried to reach out but ended up dead, but one family, Nokseng and his family, accepted God and they began spreading God’s love among the headhunters. The tribe chief did not like it and called them in front of the village. He told Nokseng to deny God or he would kill his two sons. Nokseng loved his sons, but said,

“I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back.“

The Chief ordered the sons to be killed.

As the dead sons lay before him, the Chief told him to deny God or he would kill his beloved wife. But Nokseng said,

“Though none go with me, still I will follow, no turning back, no turning back.”

The Chief ordered, and his wife was shot dead by an arrow.

Then the Chief told Nokseng that he would give the last chance to deny God, but Nokseng said,

“The cross before me, the world behind me, no turning back, no turning back.”

Nokseng was shot dead. Seeing this family’s faith in giving up their lives for God, the Chief made him repent from his ways. That day, the entire village repented.

The great apostle Sadhu Sundar Singh heard this incident and wrote a song with the exact words that Nokseng used.

Today, this song is sung worldwide and has touched many to stand firm in God and serve Him earnestly.