M.R. Conrad's Blog, page 2
March 26, 2024
How Was the Martyrdom of John and Betty Stam a Triumph?
How is the martyrdom of a young couple in their twenties a triumph? Caught in a brutal civil war in 1930s China, John and Betty Stam gave their lives as they took the gospel to those who had never heard.
January 22, 2024
More Than a Missionary Biography: John G. Paton
After a few chapters of summary, the author makes observations and applications from Paton’s ministry to God's leading, the Christian family, and missions philosophy.
January 4, 2024
When Iron Gates Yield: A Story of Tibet, Imprisonment, and God’s Grace
During the turbulent colonial era, a sickly British boy, named Hudson Taylor, comes to Christ and hears God's call to China. Spurning the aristocratic society of his day, he turns to God alone for support during his medical studies, leaves for China under an unsteady mission, embraces local Chinese dress and diet, and launches into the interior of China with the gospel of Jesus Christ...
October 11, 2023
How to Read David Brainerd
How did David Brainerd's brief twenty-nine-year life inspire William Carey, Henry Martyn, John Wesley, Jim Elliot, and countless others to lives of dedication and service to God? The answer lies in Jonathan Edward's classic publication of Brainerd's diary and a more recent biography by Vance Christie.
September 3, 2023
Possibly the Best Missionary Biography You Have Never Heard Of: The Life of Lilias Trotter
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Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Readability
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Rating: 5 out of 5.
Original Sources
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Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Devotional Quality
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
Avoids Hagiography
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Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Biblical Clarity
FieldAlgeriaMissionaryLilias TrotterAuthorMiriam Huffman RocknessEra1850s–1920s
Overview
Have you heard of Lilias Trotter?
August 7, 2023
Which Biography of William Carey Should I Read?
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Rating: 5 out of 5.
Readability
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Rating: 5 out of 5.
Original Sources
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
Devotional Quality
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Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Avoids Hagiography
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Rating: 5 out of 5.
Biblical Clarity
FieldIndiaMissionaryWilliam CareyAuthorTimothy GeorgeEra1790s–1830s
Overview
Many biographers have published works on the life of William Carey, and most of them are incredibly dry.
June 28, 2023
Goforth of China: Must-Read or Not?
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Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Readability
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Rating: 5 out of 5.
Original Sources
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Rating: 3 out of 5.
Devotional Quality
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Rating: 2 out of 5.
Avoids Hagiography
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
Biblical Clarity
FieldChinaMissionaryJonathan GoforthAuthorRosalind GoforthEra1880s–1930s
Overview
In Goforth of China, Rosalind Goforth recounts her husband’s life story.
June 7, 2023
Reviewing the Best Biography of Gladys Aylward
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
Readability
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Rating: 5 out of 5.
Original Sources
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Rating: 3 out of 5.
Devotional Quality
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
Avoids Hagiography
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Rating: 3 out of 5.
Biblical Clarity
FieldChinaMissionaryGladys AylwardAuthorPhyllis ThompsonEra1930s–1950s
Overview
A London Sparrow: The Inspiring and True Story of Gladys Aylward stands at the top of the list of biographies of this unusual parlourmaid-turned-missionary.
May 18, 2023
Reviewing Ann Judson: A Missionary Life for Burma
Ann Judson was the first American woman to join her husband in overseas missionary work. Her endurance and courage in the face of unthinkable trials and suffering will inspire you.
April 26, 2023
John Paton: A Classic Missionary Biography
If you want to read harrowing adventures of missionaries running from cannibals, then this is the missionary biography for you. However, this book contains much more than just action.
