Natalie Vellacott's Blog - Posts Tagged "christian-books"
Can a Christian Author Write for the Secular Market?
As an avid reader and book reviewer with a Christian worldview, I often face dissenting opinions. I expect this, to some extent, because I try to be honest and apply critical thinking which can be sadly lacking. (Here are ten reasons for writing honest reviews.) The interesting factor in all this, is that it is often Christians who are uncomfortable with my views and sometimes they seem to be arguing from a secular perspective on behalf of the world…..
One of the biggest areas of debate is definitely what I would describe as “content issues.” Is it okay for authors to include bad language, graphic violence, explicit or detailed sexual activity, drug taking and its effects? How about a Christian author? And what about Christian authors who write for the secular market? Is there any difference in acceptable standards?
Let’s start with authors who are not Christians, those who are in the world and very much of it, who haven’t yet had their eyes opened to the saving hope that Jesus offers. What about them?
Obviously, we cannot expect people not claiming to be Christians to behave like believers. They will live as they choose and don’t see themselves as accountable to God. The fact that they will ultimately face God on Judgement Day and give an account of their lives is not really the issue. As Christians, we cannot seek to inflict Christian standards on non-believers. It is when someone becomes a Christian that their lifestyle will change as they seek to please God rather than themselves or other people.
Can a Christian reviewer express faith-based opinions about a secular book? Yes, of course we can and should be doing this. We don’t remove our Christian hat (or head) when picking up a book, and our faith is at the centre of what we do and who we are. How can we write an honest review without including faith principles or seeking to make some kind of spiritual application?
However, when reading such books and writing such reviews, I try to keep in mind that the author is not a professing believer, and that I have chosen to select their book knowing this. My review will still detail things that may be of concern to a believer, but I would render a less harsh judgement for graphic content.
Turning to the other end of the spectrum—Christian authors writing for the Christian market. This should be an easy one. Christian authors should expect to be held to certain content standards by their readers. We are all part of the body of Christ and are therefore responsible to hold each other accountable—to offer correction, advice and a loving rebuke for the benefit of His Kingdom. I have written extensively about this elsewhere with a particular emphasis on swearing in Christian books.
For some reason, things seem to get complicated when dealing with the third category of authors. People like John Grisham who profess to be Christians, but who are writing for the secular market. Should Christians even attempt to do this? Is it a grey area? Can this content be held to different standards?
Most definitely, we need talented Christian authors writing for a wider secular audience and entering the spiritual battle-field in the process. Why should writing be any different to any other profession? We need Christians in every work-place and every corner of this world. Light needs to be shone in areas of spiritual darkness. Christians are reflecting the light of the world, or at least we should be.
Christians who have chosen to make their living as writers have massive potential influence especially with the rise of the internet. I would suggest, that those writing for the secular market have an even greater responsibility. They have access to thousands, maybe millions of people who might never set foot in a church or pick up a Christian book. These authors are effectively representing Christ to the world. Well, again, they should be.
It has been argued that it is okay for a Christian author to breach generally accepted standards of content when they are writing for the secular market. I cannot understand this on any level. Christians are Christians all of the time.
We don’t become non-believers for a day, a month or a year when we are in the secular workplace—why should writing a book be any different? What is the point of having Christians in secular work places if they are going to conform to worldly standards. We might even ask the question—is someone really a Christian if they are going to behave like the world and there is no visible difference between them and Joe public?
The content of secular books by secular authors is deteriorating, but that is to be expected. People are becoming desensitised and are demanding more and more of what their fallen nature desires. Christians need to buck the trend and swim in the other direction whether they are writing for the secular market or not. It shouldn’t be a grey area.
Sure, Christians will differ on what is and isn’t acceptable content wise, but let’s develop our critical thinking skills. We should at least be considering whether what we are writing and reading is acceptable to God. We can take responsibility for warning others or at least making them aware of the things we observe so they can make informed decisions.
Can a Christian author really justify causing someone to lust or form graphic violent images in their mind or find themselves repeating bad language they read in a book? What about teenagers experimenting with drugs having read how to do it in a book written by a “Christian”? Maybe you think this is an exaggeration, but we all know how easily our minds can be corrupted, how quickly we fall into temptation and let’s not forget that our hearts and minds are attracted to evil in the first place.
Some full-time Christian authors may feel pressurised to increase the graphic nature of their books or to include bad language to attract a wider audience. There may be financial pressures or the need to make a name in the various genre markets. But, if someone is a true Christian, this will prove to be a false economy. God promises that He will honour those who honour Him. Conforming to worldly standards of entertainment comes back to a lack of trust that God will provide.
We must make sure we keep our priorities in check and remember that we are accountable to Him. Why don’t we use our talent for His glory and to reach out to those still in darkness with the saving message of hope. Let’s not waste the opportunities we have been given for evangelism and to represent Jesus, by instead writing rubbish, or even offensive content that might push people away from Christ.
True Christians are serving one Master all of the time. Let’s remember Who we are living for, wherever we are and whatever we are doing!
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men
Colossians 3 vs 23
One of the biggest areas of debate is definitely what I would describe as “content issues.” Is it okay for authors to include bad language, graphic violence, explicit or detailed sexual activity, drug taking and its effects? How about a Christian author? And what about Christian authors who write for the secular market? Is there any difference in acceptable standards?
Let’s start with authors who are not Christians, those who are in the world and very much of it, who haven’t yet had their eyes opened to the saving hope that Jesus offers. What about them?
Obviously, we cannot expect people not claiming to be Christians to behave like believers. They will live as they choose and don’t see themselves as accountable to God. The fact that they will ultimately face God on Judgement Day and give an account of their lives is not really the issue. As Christians, we cannot seek to inflict Christian standards on non-believers. It is when someone becomes a Christian that their lifestyle will change as they seek to please God rather than themselves or other people.
Can a Christian reviewer express faith-based opinions about a secular book? Yes, of course we can and should be doing this. We don’t remove our Christian hat (or head) when picking up a book, and our faith is at the centre of what we do and who we are. How can we write an honest review without including faith principles or seeking to make some kind of spiritual application?
However, when reading such books and writing such reviews, I try to keep in mind that the author is not a professing believer, and that I have chosen to select their book knowing this. My review will still detail things that may be of concern to a believer, but I would render a less harsh judgement for graphic content.
Turning to the other end of the spectrum—Christian authors writing for the Christian market. This should be an easy one. Christian authors should expect to be held to certain content standards by their readers. We are all part of the body of Christ and are therefore responsible to hold each other accountable—to offer correction, advice and a loving rebuke for the benefit of His Kingdom. I have written extensively about this elsewhere with a particular emphasis on swearing in Christian books.
For some reason, things seem to get complicated when dealing with the third category of authors. People like John Grisham who profess to be Christians, but who are writing for the secular market. Should Christians even attempt to do this? Is it a grey area? Can this content be held to different standards?
Most definitely, we need talented Christian authors writing for a wider secular audience and entering the spiritual battle-field in the process. Why should writing be any different to any other profession? We need Christians in every work-place and every corner of this world. Light needs to be shone in areas of spiritual darkness. Christians are reflecting the light of the world, or at least we should be.
Christians who have chosen to make their living as writers have massive potential influence especially with the rise of the internet. I would suggest, that those writing for the secular market have an even greater responsibility. They have access to thousands, maybe millions of people who might never set foot in a church or pick up a Christian book. These authors are effectively representing Christ to the world. Well, again, they should be.
It has been argued that it is okay for a Christian author to breach generally accepted standards of content when they are writing for the secular market. I cannot understand this on any level. Christians are Christians all of the time.
We don’t become non-believers for a day, a month or a year when we are in the secular workplace—why should writing a book be any different? What is the point of having Christians in secular work places if they are going to conform to worldly standards. We might even ask the question—is someone really a Christian if they are going to behave like the world and there is no visible difference between them and Joe public?
The content of secular books by secular authors is deteriorating, but that is to be expected. People are becoming desensitised and are demanding more and more of what their fallen nature desires. Christians need to buck the trend and swim in the other direction whether they are writing for the secular market or not. It shouldn’t be a grey area.
Sure, Christians will differ on what is and isn’t acceptable content wise, but let’s develop our critical thinking skills. We should at least be considering whether what we are writing and reading is acceptable to God. We can take responsibility for warning others or at least making them aware of the things we observe so they can make informed decisions.
Can a Christian author really justify causing someone to lust or form graphic violent images in their mind or find themselves repeating bad language they read in a book? What about teenagers experimenting with drugs having read how to do it in a book written by a “Christian”? Maybe you think this is an exaggeration, but we all know how easily our minds can be corrupted, how quickly we fall into temptation and let’s not forget that our hearts and minds are attracted to evil in the first place.
Some full-time Christian authors may feel pressurised to increase the graphic nature of their books or to include bad language to attract a wider audience. There may be financial pressures or the need to make a name in the various genre markets. But, if someone is a true Christian, this will prove to be a false economy. God promises that He will honour those who honour Him. Conforming to worldly standards of entertainment comes back to a lack of trust that God will provide.
We must make sure we keep our priorities in check and remember that we are accountable to Him. Why don’t we use our talent for His glory and to reach out to those still in darkness with the saving message of hope. Let’s not waste the opportunities we have been given for evangelism and to represent Jesus, by instead writing rubbish, or even offensive content that might push people away from Christ.
True Christians are serving one Master all of the time. Let’s remember Who we are living for, wherever we are and whatever we are doing!
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men
Colossians 3 vs 23
Top 10 Christian Books Read in 2017
It’s time for my Christian book recommendations for 2017. My Goodreads 2017 Challenge lists 150 books. I anticipate slightly surpassing this target by the 31st.
For those that missed it, you can also see my 2016 selections.
In compiling my list, I have again tried to cover a range of genres and sub-genres which is quite tricky as I read a lot more biographies, (especially by or about missionaries,) than anything else. I prefer books with a clear Gospel message and Christian purpose in writing.
The majority of the books I recommend here are clean—no bad language or sexual content and limited graphic violence. Where there is slight deviation I have commented in my review so you should know what to expect. You can read my Goodreads reviews by clicking on the title link. The books appear in the order I read them in 2017.
1. God Planted Five Seeds - A lesser known missionary biography by the wife of one of five men martyred whilst trying to reach a remote tribe in Bolivia. They were serving with New Tribes Mission. This took place thirteen years before Jim Elliot and co were also killed trying to reach the infamous Auca tribe in Ecuador.
2. Bound by Guilt- This gets my vote for Christian fiction by a lesser known author. I was gripped by the story and stayed up late to finish it! This book is the second of four books in the Thicker Than Blood series. I also read the first book, Thicker Than Blood and plan to read books three and four in due course.
3. The Atonement Child- Controversy seems to follow popular Christian fiction writer Francine Rivers. I have been horrified by the content in several of her books, Redeeming Love and Bridge to Haven. However, I loved this realistic and sad story about a young girl who falls victim to a rapist. The story is sensitively relayed and shocking graphic details avoided.
4. Mission Possible - This missionary biography about two women serving with Wycliffe in Papua New Guinea is one of my favourite books of all time. The tragic and unnecessary death of a young boy within a short time of their arrival due to cultural practice will challenge anyone thinking about mission work.
On the missions front, I also enjoyed, When the Bamboo Sings and The Savage My Kinsman this year.
5. Agents of Babylon - A fictional narrative describing a possible end times scenario using the book of Daniel in the Bible. Each chapter gives a brief story followed by the theological explanation for the interpretation. This book helped me to understand the prophecies relating to the end times and really brought them to life. I recommend it regardless of your personal view as it will make you think. I also read, Agents of the Apocalypse , by the same author which focuses on Revelation.
6. I Am N- A contemporary account of persecution of Christians around the world, including by ISIS, from Voice of the Martyrs. I liked the combination of stories with the background, follow-up and aftermath. I have been frustrated by other popular accounts that either sensationalise with too much graphic detail, or embellish in order to sell books. The Insanity of God is one example that springs to mind.
7. Ark Fever - Most of you probably haven’t heard of this fascinating account of one man’s attempts to find Noah’s ark! It is told in a matter-of-fact, easy to read style that makes gripping reading. The conclusion is compelling; have people been searching in the wrong place?
8. There is Still Much to Do!- From the secretary of the Open Air Mission in England. This book is full of examples and conversations from the street. It is right up to date and a must read for anyone wanting to know how to get involved in evangelism. The author has also written, Why All the Suffering? , a useful resource.
9. The Parables of Jesus- MacArthur takes a fresh look at the parables explaining their relevance in the context of the Bible as a whole and seeking to apply them to our lives today. A great reminder to keep our focus on heavenly things and not to get caught up in the world.
10. Streets Paved with Gold - The history of the London City Mission. Although this book has been around for a while collecting dust, I absolutely loved it. In places, it reads like a Dickens novel as we walk with the missionaries through plagues, fires and war into the very heart of London’s poorest communities, to reach them with the love of Christ. Ending with a letter from a passer-by that should remind us that we never know who is watching!
I hope you will find some new recommendations to add to your shelves. I’ve been looking forward to reviewing my year of Christian books. Let me know your thoughts, whether you agree or disagree!
For those that missed it, you can also see my 2016 selections.
In compiling my list, I have again tried to cover a range of genres and sub-genres which is quite tricky as I read a lot more biographies, (especially by or about missionaries,) than anything else. I prefer books with a clear Gospel message and Christian purpose in writing.
The majority of the books I recommend here are clean—no bad language or sexual content and limited graphic violence. Where there is slight deviation I have commented in my review so you should know what to expect. You can read my Goodreads reviews by clicking on the title link. The books appear in the order I read them in 2017.
1. God Planted Five Seeds - A lesser known missionary biography by the wife of one of five men martyred whilst trying to reach a remote tribe in Bolivia. They were serving with New Tribes Mission. This took place thirteen years before Jim Elliot and co were also killed trying to reach the infamous Auca tribe in Ecuador.
2. Bound by Guilt- This gets my vote for Christian fiction by a lesser known author. I was gripped by the story and stayed up late to finish it! This book is the second of four books in the Thicker Than Blood series. I also read the first book, Thicker Than Blood and plan to read books three and four in due course.
3. The Atonement Child- Controversy seems to follow popular Christian fiction writer Francine Rivers. I have been horrified by the content in several of her books, Redeeming Love and Bridge to Haven. However, I loved this realistic and sad story about a young girl who falls victim to a rapist. The story is sensitively relayed and shocking graphic details avoided.
4. Mission Possible - This missionary biography about two women serving with Wycliffe in Papua New Guinea is one of my favourite books of all time. The tragic and unnecessary death of a young boy within a short time of their arrival due to cultural practice will challenge anyone thinking about mission work.
On the missions front, I also enjoyed, When the Bamboo Sings and The Savage My Kinsman this year.
5. Agents of Babylon - A fictional narrative describing a possible end times scenario using the book of Daniel in the Bible. Each chapter gives a brief story followed by the theological explanation for the interpretation. This book helped me to understand the prophecies relating to the end times and really brought them to life. I recommend it regardless of your personal view as it will make you think. I also read, Agents of the Apocalypse , by the same author which focuses on Revelation.
6. I Am N- A contemporary account of persecution of Christians around the world, including by ISIS, from Voice of the Martyrs. I liked the combination of stories with the background, follow-up and aftermath. I have been frustrated by other popular accounts that either sensationalise with too much graphic detail, or embellish in order to sell books. The Insanity of God is one example that springs to mind.
7. Ark Fever - Most of you probably haven’t heard of this fascinating account of one man’s attempts to find Noah’s ark! It is told in a matter-of-fact, easy to read style that makes gripping reading. The conclusion is compelling; have people been searching in the wrong place?
8. There is Still Much to Do!- From the secretary of the Open Air Mission in England. This book is full of examples and conversations from the street. It is right up to date and a must read for anyone wanting to know how to get involved in evangelism. The author has also written, Why All the Suffering? , a useful resource.
9. The Parables of Jesus- MacArthur takes a fresh look at the parables explaining their relevance in the context of the Bible as a whole and seeking to apply them to our lives today. A great reminder to keep our focus on heavenly things and not to get caught up in the world.
10. Streets Paved with Gold - The history of the London City Mission. Although this book has been around for a while collecting dust, I absolutely loved it. In places, it reads like a Dickens novel as we walk with the missionaries through plagues, fires and war into the very heart of London’s poorest communities, to reach them with the love of Christ. Ending with a letter from a passer-by that should remind us that we never know who is watching!
I hope you will find some new recommendations to add to your shelves. I’ve been looking forward to reviewing my year of Christian books. Let me know your thoughts, whether you agree or disagree!
Top 10 Christian Books Read in 2018
It’s time for my (belated) Christian book recommendations for 2018.
My Goodreads 2018 Challenge
lists 77 books. I missed my target of 100 by a long way due to other things going on...beach missions, open air missions, moving house, job and area etc.
For those that missed them, you can also see my 2016 and 2017 selections.
In compiling my list, I have again tried to cover a range of genres and sub-genres which is quite tricky as I read a lot more biographies, (especially by or about missionaries), than anything else. I prefer books with a clear Gospel message and Christian purpose in writing.
The majority of the books I recommend here are clean—no bad language or sexual content and limited graphic violence. Where there is slight deviation I have commented in my review so you should know what to expect. You can read my Goodreads reviews by clicking on the title link. The books appear in the order I read them in 2018.
1. The Hiding Place - Every Christian should read this book about the determined efforts of one family to harbour Jewish refugees during the Nazi occupation. This is probably one of my favourite books.
2. Through Gates of Splendor - Possibly the most well known missionary biography of modern times. Relays the story of Jim Elliot and his companions in the Auca jungles.
3. Heaven and Hell - Absolutely terrifying but focuses the mind on eternal realities.
4. Don't Let the Goats Eat the Loquat Trees - Gets the award for most intriguing title but this missionary biography is also laced with humour.
5. Boy Meets Girl: Say Hello to Courtship - Apart from the cheesy title, this book is pretty good. I wasn't expecting much and am surprised to be recommending it!
6. This Little Church Went to Market - Some much needed insights on what happens when the church becomes like the world.
7. The Pursuit of Holiness - This had to appear as no book list is complete without something by Jerry Bridges. This is one of his best.
8. Darwin and Darwinism 150 Years Later - I don't read many books about science but this was simple enough for me to follow! It provides compelling evidence to debunk the popular theory of evolution using Darwin's own statements.
9. The Pursuit: The Work of the Holy Spirit in Evangelism - This is helpful as it encourages sharing the Gospel whilst remembering that God is responsible for any success.
10. The Gospel for Muslims: An Encouragement to Share Christ with Confidence - I particularly liked this book as the author takes the opposite approach to many engaged in this vital work. Instead of developing new methods/ways of reaching Muslims believing they somehow need a different approach, he suggests we stick to the tried and tested by beginning and ending with the truths contained in the Bible.
I hope you will find some new recommendations to add to your shelves. Let me know your thoughts, whether you agree or disagree!
For those that missed them, you can also see my 2016 and 2017 selections.
In compiling my list, I have again tried to cover a range of genres and sub-genres which is quite tricky as I read a lot more biographies, (especially by or about missionaries), than anything else. I prefer books with a clear Gospel message and Christian purpose in writing.
The majority of the books I recommend here are clean—no bad language or sexual content and limited graphic violence. Where there is slight deviation I have commented in my review so you should know what to expect. You can read my Goodreads reviews by clicking on the title link. The books appear in the order I read them in 2018.
1. The Hiding Place - Every Christian should read this book about the determined efforts of one family to harbour Jewish refugees during the Nazi occupation. This is probably one of my favourite books.
2. Through Gates of Splendor - Possibly the most well known missionary biography of modern times. Relays the story of Jim Elliot and his companions in the Auca jungles.
3. Heaven and Hell - Absolutely terrifying but focuses the mind on eternal realities.
4. Don't Let the Goats Eat the Loquat Trees - Gets the award for most intriguing title but this missionary biography is also laced with humour.
5. Boy Meets Girl: Say Hello to Courtship - Apart from the cheesy title, this book is pretty good. I wasn't expecting much and am surprised to be recommending it!
6. This Little Church Went to Market - Some much needed insights on what happens when the church becomes like the world.
7. The Pursuit of Holiness - This had to appear as no book list is complete without something by Jerry Bridges. This is one of his best.
8. Darwin and Darwinism 150 Years Later - I don't read many books about science but this was simple enough for me to follow! It provides compelling evidence to debunk the popular theory of evolution using Darwin's own statements.
9. The Pursuit: The Work of the Holy Spirit in Evangelism - This is helpful as it encourages sharing the Gospel whilst remembering that God is responsible for any success.
10. The Gospel for Muslims: An Encouragement to Share Christ with Confidence - I particularly liked this book as the author takes the opposite approach to many engaged in this vital work. Instead of developing new methods/ways of reaching Muslims believing they somehow need a different approach, he suggests we stick to the tried and tested by beginning and ending with the truths contained in the Bible.
I hope you will find some new recommendations to add to your shelves. Let me know your thoughts, whether you agree or disagree!
Top 10 Christian Books Read in 2019
It’s time for my Christian book recommendations for 2019.
My Goodreads 2019 Challenge
lists 77 books. I can't answer why it is exactly the same as last year, more by luck than judgement.
For those that missed them, you can also see my 2016, 2017 and 2018 selections.
I have now given up trying to cover a range of genres and sub-genres and accepted that I read a lot more biographies, especially by or about missionaries, than anything else. I prefer books with a clear Gospel message and Christian purpose in writing.
The majority of the books I recommend here are clean—no bad language or sexual content and limited graphic violence. Where there is slight deviation I have commented in my review so you should know what to expect. You can read my Goodreads reviews by clicking on the title link. The books appear in the order I read them in 2019.
1. Joni & Ken: An Untold Love Story - I was surprised that I enjoyed this book more than Joni's first book about her diving accident. I can just see so many circumstances where this book will be helpful for Christians in gaining perspective in the midst of difficult circumstances.
2. Spiritual Depression - I was amused to re-read my review of this, apologies for the brevity. I liked how practical this book was despite it being written a while ago. Every Christian struggles with a lack of joy at some point. This book helps to refocus the mind and heart.
3. Ice and Fire - Another book on discouragement, which needs to be included as it's up to date and contains examples of men and women of God who can inspire us to persevere in the race. I read this after a long Summer of beach missions when the excitement and fellow evangelists had disappeared back to their local work. It helped combat the "post camp blues".
4. Our Witchdoctors are too Weak- This was really funny, at least I thought so. It's also pretty unique as modern missionary biographies tend to focus on the spiritual emotions of the author rather than the practical side of missionary life. This author examines missionary life from the perspective of the tribes people when Westerners appear in their midst. Granted, at times he takes it too far and borders on the ridiculous and you really have to share his sense of humour to get this book.
5. John Williams: Messenger of Peace - This is in the Christian Heroes: Then & Now series. They are written for teens and adults. This is worth reading just for the story that I've quoted in my review. Williams approaches what he thinks is an unevangelised island in Polynesia only to find the natives have already heard the Gospel via a chain of Chinese whispers that originated with him decades earlier!
6. The Doulos Story- This was a blast from the past. I read it originally whilst serving on the Logos Hope, a sister ship to Doulos. It is a good reminder of the ups and downs of life as a volunteer, in a Christian community, whilst serving in various foreign countries.
7. Abide- More of a booklet than a book. Explains why a daily quiet or devotional time is necessary for spiritual growth.
8. Troubled Journey: A Missionary Childhood in War-Torn China- I've included this for the unique perspective it offers. Children were often sent away from parents for years or sent home to their country of origin for schooling. This painfully honest account by well-known author Faith Cook reveals the lasting damage.
9. Missing, Believed Killed- Life for missionaries during the Simba rebellion in the Congo. Margaret Hayes relays the various atrocities without sensationalism and keeps trusting God throughout her ordeal.
10. On the Far Side of Liglig Mountain- I like this author who works as a missionary doctor in the mountains of Nepal. I included his first book, Don't Let the Goats Eat the Loquat Trees, in last year's list. I'm currently reading the final book of the trilogy. Hale simply tells stories from the field, many are about the remote hospital where he works. He doesn't hold back, revealing both the joys and sorrows and the small spiritual breakthroughs in a country where it is illegal to evangelise and to change faith from the national Hindu religion.
So, that's my list for 2019. Hopefully, you find something on it worth looking at in 2020. Happy reading!
For those that missed them, you can also see my 2016, 2017 and 2018 selections.
I have now given up trying to cover a range of genres and sub-genres and accepted that I read a lot more biographies, especially by or about missionaries, than anything else. I prefer books with a clear Gospel message and Christian purpose in writing.
The majority of the books I recommend here are clean—no bad language or sexual content and limited graphic violence. Where there is slight deviation I have commented in my review so you should know what to expect. You can read my Goodreads reviews by clicking on the title link. The books appear in the order I read them in 2019.
1. Joni & Ken: An Untold Love Story - I was surprised that I enjoyed this book more than Joni's first book about her diving accident. I can just see so many circumstances where this book will be helpful for Christians in gaining perspective in the midst of difficult circumstances.
2. Spiritual Depression - I was amused to re-read my review of this, apologies for the brevity. I liked how practical this book was despite it being written a while ago. Every Christian struggles with a lack of joy at some point. This book helps to refocus the mind and heart.
3. Ice and Fire - Another book on discouragement, which needs to be included as it's up to date and contains examples of men and women of God who can inspire us to persevere in the race. I read this after a long Summer of beach missions when the excitement and fellow evangelists had disappeared back to their local work. It helped combat the "post camp blues".
4. Our Witchdoctors are too Weak- This was really funny, at least I thought so. It's also pretty unique as modern missionary biographies tend to focus on the spiritual emotions of the author rather than the practical side of missionary life. This author examines missionary life from the perspective of the tribes people when Westerners appear in their midst. Granted, at times he takes it too far and borders on the ridiculous and you really have to share his sense of humour to get this book.
5. John Williams: Messenger of Peace - This is in the Christian Heroes: Then & Now series. They are written for teens and adults. This is worth reading just for the story that I've quoted in my review. Williams approaches what he thinks is an unevangelised island in Polynesia only to find the natives have already heard the Gospel via a chain of Chinese whispers that originated with him decades earlier!
6. The Doulos Story- This was a blast from the past. I read it originally whilst serving on the Logos Hope, a sister ship to Doulos. It is a good reminder of the ups and downs of life as a volunteer, in a Christian community, whilst serving in various foreign countries.
7. Abide- More of a booklet than a book. Explains why a daily quiet or devotional time is necessary for spiritual growth.
8. Troubled Journey: A Missionary Childhood in War-Torn China- I've included this for the unique perspective it offers. Children were often sent away from parents for years or sent home to their country of origin for schooling. This painfully honest account by well-known author Faith Cook reveals the lasting damage.
9. Missing, Believed Killed- Life for missionaries during the Simba rebellion in the Congo. Margaret Hayes relays the various atrocities without sensationalism and keeps trusting God throughout her ordeal.
10. On the Far Side of Liglig Mountain- I like this author who works as a missionary doctor in the mountains of Nepal. I included his first book, Don't Let the Goats Eat the Loquat Trees, in last year's list. I'm currently reading the final book of the trilogy. Hale simply tells stories from the field, many are about the remote hospital where he works. He doesn't hold back, revealing both the joys and sorrows and the small spiritual breakthroughs in a country where it is illegal to evangelise and to change faith from the national Hindu religion.
So, that's my list for 2019. Hopefully, you find something on it worth looking at in 2020. Happy reading!
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