Suppose you were trying to inspire a new missionary recruit. Suppose you decided to recommend a missionary biography to do so. We know about God’s Smuggler, Through Gates of Splendor, The Cross and the Switchblade, End of the Spear… The question–Which biography would you recommend and why?
6) What Book Would You Recommend?
We Died Before We Came Here by Emily Foreman. It’s a powerful read which speaks of mission in the present tense, rather than something done by a few famous names in the good old days.
The Insanity of God……maybe Insanity of Obedience , too, by Nik Ripken. Underlines to importance of dedication and obedience. After the Bible, these 2 books had the biggest influence on my Christian walk
I recommend people should read
William Carey
As one who is quite averse to self-promotion, I hesitate to suggest my own book but I have been told that it has been very helpful to others as they considered their own calls to the mission field. “When God Comes Calling: The Call That Strikes Fear Into the Hearts of Countless American Christians: ‘Go Ye Into All the World'” (eBook on Amazon)
“Mountain Rain” about J. O Fraser and the Lisu people of China, with a strong emphasis on the importance of prayer partners at home. A classic!
BRUCHKO, BY BRUCE OLSON 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. (Amazon)
CHASING THE DRAGON, BY JACKIE PULLINGER Inside Hong Kong was the infamous Walled City. It was a haven of filth, crime, and sin. Jackie Pullinger had grown up believing that if she put her trust in God, He would lead her….(Amazon)
I DARED TO CALL HIM FATHER, BY BILQUIS SHEIKH The Miraculous Story of a Muslim Woman’s Encounter with God. (Amazon)
I THINK GOD WANTS ME TO BE A MISSIONARY, BY NEAL PIROLO A story of four young people who had to deal with issues Long Before they said “Goodbye”. (eri.org)
The Dayuma Story by Ethel Wallis. I read it as a teen (I’m so thankful for my mom who loved to read and was such a wonderful Christian) and months after graduating from college I was involved in Bible translation as a teacher to translators’ children. My original two year commitment has now lasted 44 years and I have been directly involved in Bible translation most of those years. The Dayuma Story will show you the need and the wonder of God’s Word in minority languages.
“Companion to the Poor” by Viv Grigg.
“Answering the Call” by Ken Gire about Albert Schweitzer.
“African Pearl” by Pamela Brown-Peterside.
“A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael” written by Elizabeth Elliot.
“Peace Child” by Don Richardson is not a typical missions biography, but I think it qualifies.
“The Small Woman” by Alan Burgess is about Gladys Aylward.
And definitely agree with Neal above about “Chasing the Dragon” by Jackie Pullinger. Also, Bruchko is hard-core but inspiring.
_J Hudson Taylor: God’s Man in China_ Influenced me about the predeparture preparation spiritually and physically as well as developing a deep trust and obedience to God.
Green Leaf in drought by Isobel Kuhn or evidence not seen by Darlene deibler To
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In the Arena by Isobel Kuhn, Chasing the Dragon by Jackie Pullinger as mentioned several times above, Is Life so Dear? By Brother Andrew
Becoming Elizabeth Elliott by Ellen Vaughan
A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael by Elizabeth Elliott
The Impossible Dream by Calvin and Carol Conkey perfectly captures their ministry. Puts this on your list of Must Read books if you are at all interested in the intersection of media and missions. It’s on Amazon In multiple languages.
At the Foot of the Snows by David Watters. I’ve read it many times and I’m still inspired!
The Splendor of God by Honore Willsie Morrow on the life of Adoniram Judson, a missionary to Burma
I also recommend the book, “Bruchko” written by Bruce Olson, who worked among the Motilone Indians and pioneered pathways for future workers to reach Tribal/indigenous peoples.
Against The Devil’s Current – The Life and Times of Cyrus Hamlin by Malcolm and Marcia Stevens. Hamlin founded Robert College in Istanbul in the 1860s as a missionary endeavor.
Dr. Sa’eed of Iran: Kurdish Physician to Princes and Peasants Nobles and Nomads – Sa’eed Kurdistani was transformed from an anti-Christian fanatic to a bold Christian and went on to serve his people as a renowned eye doctor.
Lords of the Earth by Don Richardson is one of my favorites… it shows how God can use the most unlikely person to accomplish his will.