“Only those who are prepared to die are really prepared to live.”

Nelson Bell出生於弗吉尼亞州Longdale，父母是Ruth Lee 和James Harvey Bell。他與妻子Virginia Myers 一起從1916年到1941年，作為美國南方長老會的醫療傳教士在中國工作。他們居住在江蘇省清江浦的愛心醫院，並有五個孩子：Rosa、Ruth、Lemuel、Virginia和Clayton。

在中國期間，Bell擔任醫院的外科主任和行政主管，工作繁忙。儘管醫院有牧師，Bell仍然優先關心患者的靈魂，向他們溫和地解釋福音。他強調不僅要治療患者的身體，還要關注他們的精神需求。

1941年珍珠港事件前，Bell一家返回美國，並在北卡羅來納州Montreat定居，與他們的女兒Ruth和女婿Billy Graham為鄰。1942年，Bell創辦了《南方長老會期刊》，支持保守的長老會主義，但該刊物也擁護種族隔離，稱其為基督教的善舉，認為隔離對非裔美國人是慈愛的行為。

Bell在期刊的影響下，後來催生了《God's World News》兒童雜誌和1986年的《WORLD》成人雜誌。此外，Bell也建議Billy Graham創立了《Christianity Today》雜誌，並擔任該雜誌的執行主編。他與女婿積極動員福音派支持理查德·尼克松，反對羅馬天主教的約翰·F·甘迺迪在1960年競選總統。

Nelson Bell, a dedicated Christian missionary and medical doctor, devoted his life to serving others and spreading the gospel. He spent over two decades in China, where he ran a medical clinic, providing healthcare to thousands of people. Despite the personal sacrifices, such as leaving behind the comforts of his home country, enduring difficult living conditions, and facing the dangers of war and political upheaval, Bell remained steadfast in his mission to help others and share his faith. One of the greatest trials of his time in China was the loss of his first son, whom he buried there, a heart-wrenching sacrifice that deepened his reliance on God’s strength.

Reflecting on his faith, Bell often said, "I am often overwhelmed with the goodness of our Father, how He will do through us if we but let Him." He believed deeply in the importance of being led by God, even when difficult, often noting that "the hard thing is being willing to be led by Him." One of Bell's other significant sacrifices was being separated from his children, who were sent back to the United States for schooling. In addition to his mission work, Nelson Bell became the father-in-law of renowned evangelist Billy Graham when his daughter Ruth married Graham. Bell's influence on his family, including his strong Christian faith and dedication to service, shaped future generations of ministry. After returning to the U.S., Bell continued to promote Christian values, playing a key role in founding Christianity Today magazine. His life, marked by humility, compassion, and a strong sense of duty, was dedicated to saving souls and advancing his faith through unwavering trust in God.