Book Recommendations: Missionaries

It was by providence that I came across this recommended read by a dear missionary brother in Peru. After researching the title and some more reading I purchased the kindle version immediately with what was left of my money. So convicting was the narration of Bruce Olson I simply could not leave it off, that I finished it in three hours. It was a profound realization that God had wonderfully steered me in the right direction from the beginning. I have long sought the mercies of God for a clearer vision, and with this, all the cloud of confusion surrounding our circumstances lifted. I highly recommend this book. It will challenge the present illusions of our comfortable Christianity.

Bruchko: The Astonishing True Story of a 19-Year-Old American, His Capture by the Motilone Indians and His Adventures in Christianizing the Stone Age Tribe by Bruce Olson

What happens when a nineteen-year-old boy leaves home and heads into the jungles to evangelize a murderous tribe of South American Indians? For Bruce Olson, it meant capture, disease, terror, loneliness, and torture. But what he discovered by trial and error has revolutionized the world of missions.

Bruchko, which has sold more than 300,000 copies worldwide, has been called “more fantastic and harrowing than anything Hollywood could concoct.” Living with the Motilone Indians since 1961, Olson has won the friendship of four presidents of Colombia and has made appearances before the United Nations because of his efforts. Bruchko includes the story of his 1988 kidnapping by communist guerrillas and the nine months of captivity that followed. This revised version of Olson’s story will amaze you and remind you that simple faith in Christ can make anything possible. “[Bruchko is] an all-time missionary classic. Bruce Olson is a modern missionary hero who has modeled for us in our time the reaching of the unreached tribes.” —Loren Cunningham Co-founder, Youth With A Mission

A Great read. I could hardly put it down. I highly recommend this to every Christian reader. It demonstrates how God can work amazing results through anyone who is wiling to be obedient and submissive to Him, though it does not promise to be an easy life in this world. - Burkbuilds

Adoniram Judson: Bound For Burma by Janet and Geoff Benge

"There are no closed nations when men and women freely choose to lay down their lives for the sake of the Gospel."

As America's first foreign missionary, Adoniram Judson thirsted to see the Good News brought to the shrouded land of Burma. His thirst would be quenched, but at an unimaginable price. Adoniram survived starvation, imprisonment, and torture both on land and at sea only to watch his family, coworkers, and friends succumb to death. In spite of heartache and depression, Adoniram Judson translated the entire Bible into Burmese. To this day his work remains the only Burmese translation of the Bible available. Adoniram and his first wife Ann were the spark that spread the fire of the Gospel into Burma, and their evident love for the Burmese people is a compelling story of unswerving dedication and sacrifice.

Amy Carmichael: Rescuer Of Precious Gems by Janet and Geoff Benge

"Amy Carmichael stood on the deck of the steamer, waving good-bye once again to her old friend Robert Wilson. How could she have known she would never see him or the British Isles again? Amy was certain God had called her to India. Indeed! India would be home for the rest of her life." Amy's life was marked by a simple, determined obedience to God, regardless of circumstances or consequences. Her story and legacy are stunning reminders of the impact of one person who will fear God and nothing else. Driven by love and compassion, and sustained by faith and determination, Amy Carmichael defied the cruel barriers of India's caste system. The story of this young woman from Northern Ireland is a brilliant, sparkling example of God's love generously poured out to "the least of these among us."

Hudson Taylor: Deep in the Heart of China by Janet and Geoff Benge

"Unless God helps us, there is no hope,' Captain Morris yelled over the roar of the storm. Hudson Taylor had to agree. Indeed the Dumfries might sink this very day and he would never live to see the shores of China, a land whose people he was certain God had called him to."

Hudson survived his perilous maiden voyage to his beloved China. With his heart set in determined obedience to God, and trusting the provision of the One who had called him, Hudson overcame persecution and almost overwhelming personal losses to bring God's truth to the "ripe harvest fields" of China. Today, Hudson Taylor's story continues to challenge and inspire believers young and old to carry the anchoring gospel message, regardless of personal trial or hardship, to those who are adrift and without hope. 

Description and comments from Amazon