Out of the Dust: Story of an Unlikely Missionary

by Avis Goodhart, Marti Pieper

“Don’t waste your pain,” says unlikely missionary Avis Goodhart. She didn’t – and neither should you.Despite a background of childhood abuse, dyslexia, and marital infidelity, Avis took her first international mission trip at age fifty. The church, school, and orphanage she later founded in northern Peru, all products of both her pain and her radical obedience to the Lord, have brought thousands of others out of the dust. This compelling story of an ordinary woman who serves God in extraordinary ways will challenge, inspire, and empower you Eliminate excuses from your lifeRecognize that in God’s kingdom, availability matters more than abilityAllow your pain to produce – not prevent – your obedienceServe the Lord with the same abandon shown by one unlikely missionaryNote: Proceeds from the sale of this book are sent to the author’s orphanage in Peru. About the Authors Avis Goodhart, founder of Go Ye Ministries, is a missionary, Bible teacher, and conference speaker who has blessed audiences across North, South, and Central America. Although she holds a B.S.Ed. and M.Ed. from the University of Arkansas, her primary qualifications include the pain and obstacles she’s encountered along the way. These provide both insight and passion for her work in bringing the lives of countless orphans, volunteers, and others out of the dust. Avis, a widow, has five children and twenty-two grandchildren.Marti Pieper’s prayer involvement moved her to assist Brent and Deanna Higgins in telling their son’s story in I Would Die for You, which became a young adult bestseller. Marti, who has a B.S.Ed. from Ohio State University and an M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, has written multiple books and often teaches at writers’ conferences.

Genres: Christian, Spirituality, Biography, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published September 23, 2014

Reviews

[PJ's Services, LLC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent and keeps you interested.

It was good, honest, and down to earth. Much is learned by what we experience. But, we must decide to get up again when life knocks us down. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13.

[Linda Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of the missionary journey of Avis Goodhart of Go Ye Ministries. Her charitable adventures, recorded in this book, took place in Central America, and later in in Peru, where she established a school and orphanage. Unfortunately the orphanage closed at the end of 2015 due to lack of funds, but Go Ye Ministries still exists, based in the USA.

Although Avis has a masters of education degree from the University of Arkansas, I got the impression that writing isn't her primary skill. It seemed to me she wrote the book to let people know about her ministry's need for donations and other support, such as help from churches in the USA. I'm not saying this as a criticism. I believe she had a wonderful ministry helping the children of single women in dire poverty and need, and I respect what she did there.

I'm a Christian and enjoy reading Christian missionary memoirs. It is inspiring to read what others do to serve in countries I will probably never be able to visit. There are many memoirs written by missionaries looking for funding. It is a constant problem - the need for money to support the needs of the poor living in primitive situations.

Avis founded her Peruvian school in an area where single mothers created homes in a junkyard... yes, at the dump. With no other resources the impoverished mothers pulled building materials from the trash of society and built their own homes. Her school and orphanage served the children and mothers of that area.

Though little about Avis' writing sticks with me now, almost a year after I finished reading her book, I do remember the women living in the dump, and one of her efforts of taking clothing and household items through a storm to help with relief efforts in Central America. Her story is compelling - an ordinary school teacher with an unstoppable desire to help families living in poverty, in Christ's name. She's given us a story worth considering, and an example of devotion, worth emulating.

My reason for giving only 4 stars is that I like to reserve 5 star reviews for books that are truly remarkable in a major way. This one was okay but not spectacular. Her missionary work may have been spectacular, but the book, the writing, the way it didn't turn into a page turner, and the way I lost momentum several times - well, that turned it into a 4 star read.

[Kassady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly...I enjoyed. I'm not very religious and I'm not usually into spiritual books but I really enjoyed reading it.

Avis overcame many difficulties in her past and used those experiences to accomplish great things in many locations but primarily Honduras and Peru. Through her public speaking and missions she did amazing things for the less fortunate and forgotten. She opened churches, a school, an orphanage and helped to find "forever" homes for Peruvian orphans.

Many obstacles were thrown in her path but she kept moving forward, letting God handle every situation. Because of her good spirit and strong faith, people were drawn to her. She formed relationships with natives, other missionaries and even politicians - all of which helped her achieve her goals.

It was a book about perseverance, faith and compassion. She had a nagging urge to help others and let nothing stand in her way. The more of her goals she accomplished, the bigger and more complicated her goals became.

I liked that every chapter ended with a different persons story. Usually about how Avis has helped, inspired, and/or guided them. I also loved looking through the pictures and captions at the end. It was really nice to put some faces to the names and stories.

It was a nice change from the type of books I normally read.

[Diana Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of the Dust
By: Avis Goodhart

These stories always seem to be sad. But God can work through it. God can put back together a broken vessel. This is the story of Avis Goodhart missionary. Avis has a missions in Peru where she helps women and children. Having gone through abuse as she grew up her experience of what she went through helped her on the mission field to help others. I know myself I have been through some bad situations only to see down the road how the Lord could use me to help others with same problems. We need to keep a open heart and let the Lord use us where He needs us. avis has done a wonderful work in Peru. Having faith in God would provide for her and protect her to help his children. So there are many particles of sand in the dust will you be that one little piece to serve God and to help His children? I love stories of missionaries those who bow down with a humble heart.

[Oak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of the Dust: Story of an Unlikely Missionary by Avis Goodheart is the inspiring story of the events that led Goodhart to found a church, orphanage, and school in Pacasmayo, Peru.

The book was very intriguing and captivating, and reading each page, I was eager to find out what happened next! It was very interesting learning about Goodheart’s childhood, early adulthood, and her decision to start a ministry in Peru. Readers will find this book very encouraging; it shows how God can turn difficult circumstances into amazing things.

If you have a heart for missions work or orphanages, you will really enjoy this book. Readers who are not that familiar with Peru may also be interested in acquainting themselves more with the Peruvian culture through this book.

I received a review copy from Batch of Books.

[Jebastian Nadar · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent account of the struggles which led Avis become a bright shinning star, whose rays have touched and blessed so many.

It has blessed me especially with the assurance God has shown us, through the life of Avis, that he's never away from us even through the most difficult and dark times. I wish Avis and her family all the very best for their ministry. God bless them all.

Recommend it to everyone who seeks to do good for others and is struggling to overcome the hesitation to take the first step. This read will help you know the fruit of the work you would do in days to come. God bless you.

[P.S. Winn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book about faith, heart ache and great blessings. The life story is an amazing journey that not only tells the good work being done by this extraordinary woman, but what she went through to get to the place she is today. It is always amazing to me to see the faith people have in spite of or maybe because of the hardships life hands them. The author she be commended for her good works and for sharing this story with readers.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Out of the Dust: Story of an Unlikely Missionary is a group of short chapters about real people that became missionaries in Central and South America. The purpose is to sell a complete story of each person but not to do more than give a taste of the rest of the story. It is full of Bible verses but just leave a feeling of being an advertisement to sell books and not really tell the story of the missionary work.

[Kim Calarco · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional read of miracles and belief in God. This is an amazing story of one woman who went from a rough childhood to having very little who changed her life as well as many others. What a passionate story! Even if you are not the average church goer or the every day prayer, you MUST read this! Absolutely phenomenal. Without a doubt, read this book!

[EA Kellogg · Rating 3 out of 5]

a reminder that no matter what we think our worldly qualifications are for vocational ministry, we are graciously called by God. in his love for us, each hardship and trial proves to be a testimony of HIS faithfulness. what a gift it is to proclaim that truth, and in it receive trust from others who are in, or have walked through the fire.

[jd duval · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overcoming the past by helping others.

I read only a sampler of the book. This is a story of one woman turning a childhood of hurts into an ability to reach out and help others that are hurting. Tells of her reliance on God saying yes when everything else said no.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Inspirational

The author does not hide the darker truth of reality and rather shares Avis's inspirational perspective of looking at life once she looks back and joins the dots. God turned a mess into a beautiful message !

[danielle rigor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read

I enjoyed reading this book and was interested from start to finish. It follows the author through her childhood and relates her story to present day.

[Stephanie Huffine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A amazing book

This book is a wonderful book that tells the power of God and how faithful He is!! I would highly recommend this book

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

From a difficult growing up to being used for God's Glory...

David's story is amazing. I pray that all of us would find our calling. Praise the Lord for faithful servants.

[Sarah Kelnhofer · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the absence of being an overseas missionary myself, reading the stories is a nice vicarious way to experience it. This memoir is inspiring, especially since the missionary is also from “overseas”: Canada! my favorite part was hearing about the gift of tongues she observed in one of the speakers, I do believe these things still happen and it was nice to hear an account of it. Also, I love that someone with so many “handicaps” found calling without letting her liabilities feed her the lie that she had no ability. I did wonder if there’s a little spiritual bypass going on with some of the harder parts of her story, but we never know what’s under the surface so I can’t judge. Overall, a really good read!

[Julia Spero · Rating 5 out of 5]

so real and moving

What an incredible family journey into trauma, pain, homelessness. Avis’ heart for the Lord never wavered. What a beautiful example of being an overcomer and having a heart for love and service to the Lord.

[Raga Sammuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very good

Has an important message about the different obstacles that exist in our lives and how we can overcome them

[Carrie Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short & sweet! I am sure this lady has had a super interesting life.

[Nancy DeValve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avis Goodhart grew up in a tumultuous and unstable family situation; she carried some of this dysfunction into her first marriage. But God worked in her life and changed her and in spite of many obstacles, she went on to be involved in missions and to found a school in South America (I already forgot what country!). It's a very interesting story of how could turned ashes and brokenness into something beautiful and useful for His kingdom.

As our field's Personnel Coordinator I read this book with perhaps slightly different eyes. I think Avis was the type of person that would make mission director's pull out their hair as she definitely didn't fit into neat tidy boxes. "No, no, no," would be words directors and personal coordinators would use concerning Avis' ideas. But it was also a good reminder to me that God does work outside the box and he does use people who are maybe unpredictable and "unique". As a missionary involved in the administrative side of things, I found myself wondering how we balance our policies and practices, which help keep things working well and which prevent chaos from taking place, with needing to recognize when the Holy Spirit is moving somebody in a new, but legitimate direction?

I thoroughly enjoyed Avis' story and couldn't wait to get back to the book whenever I had to lay it down.

[Natividad Concepcion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of the Dust was moving story about a woman who overcame many obstacles including a difficult childhood, sexual abuse and dyslexia to follow her calling to help others. She used these experiences to relate to people in similar situations and help them develop relationships with Jesus.

Avis started out as a school teacher but she began to have urges to do more. Eventually her desire to help the less fortunate led her to missionary work throughout Latin America.

Every chapter ended with an "Out of the Dust" segment which was either written by or about people Avis crossed paths with. I really enjoyed these segments though some were a bit repetitive. I also loved the close relationship Avis had with her family. They supported her in every situation and helped her to fulfill dreams she didn't even know she had.

Overall it was a good read. It was well written, inspiring and interesting.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Subtitled Story of an Unlikely Missionary, this is the account of her ministry in Honduras and, more recently, Peru. Raised in a family that moved constantly as her father battled PTSD, she knows what it means to go without. Between that and her own struggles with dyslexia and as an abuse survivor, I suppose she didn’t see herself as one for the mission field. But one mission trip changed that and she went back as often as possible. The book recounts her testimony growing up and launching into ministry and each chapter ends with a testimony by someone who has worked alongside her or been ministered to by her.
I enjoyed this but think I expected more from it in terms of daily life on the mission field. So much of this is testimony - and they're encouraging to read - but I don't have a feel for the work that she's been doing. There's a sales pitch at the end to come volunteer and that hit me wrong.

[Heather Zeissler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ever since discovering my three greats grandmother and her son (my two greats grandfather) were missionaries during the late 1800's in the Appalachia mountains of Kentucky, I have been fascinated by Missionary stories.

Avis Goodhart's story of her self discovery and journey to becoming a missionary is inspiring. It gives new meaning to the verse Phil. 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." KJV

In addition to Avis's journey, the book also shares faith journeys of other people through their interactions with Avis and her missionary work.

I rated the book three stars because I felt that some of the vignettes could have been expanded with more depth and detail, instead of being glossed over with "God provided."

Disclosure- I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

[Lori Daley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most inspiring books I have read to date. Avis tells her story of coming up in a rather hard childhood moving from place to place, many times not having a true home. Abuse that she endured. The teenage marriage and problems within that, yet her loyalty to God never seemed to waiver and if it did somewhat she always returned to her beliefs. If you read this story with an open mind and open heart you cannot help but to like Avis as a person and as a missionary and to admire all she has accomplished through those trials. At the end of the book Avis tells readers to come to Peru and see the school and to visit the children, I must say it is definitely something I would love to do.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Out of the Dust is an inspiring story of a woman who overcame her own childhood obstacles to help others.  It was great that she was able to come to an understanding that those challenges helped her to better understand others in similar situations.  Avis is a great person who thinks more about others than herself.  She brought many to Christ, helped with physical needs, started an orphanage, started a school, and much, much more.  I enjoyed the more developed stories in the book, but found some of the stories more preachy and less detailed and therefore not as enjoyable to read.  If those parts had been more in depth or just taken out, I would have rated it higher. Overall a good read.

[Heather Monaghan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is the story of a woman who spends her life as a missionary for Peru. I enjoyed reading about the struggles she faced as a child and how God healed her of those and used those experiences to reach out to others that had been in similar situations. I also enjoyed reading about how God continually worked throughout her ministry. There were several chapters that I felt were repetitive and at times I got a little bored. I also did not like the stories at the end of the chapters from other people because it seemed a little like they were written just to talk about what a great person Avis is.

[Katrina Roets · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who doesn't consider themselves highly religious, I wasn't sure what I was going to think about this book. Imagine my surprise when I picked it up, started reading and didn't put it down again until I was done. I even tried to and failed! Avis' story is one that will draw you in, along with the fact that the book reads as if she's talking to a dear friend. Even if you don't consider yourself a Christian, I think that you could find this to be an inspiring read. Avis' life is amazing and so is her faith and her strength.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Out of the Dust by Avis Goodhart is the story of a woman who triumphed over a tumultuous childhood to be a missionary in Peru who many people look up to. On her very first trip out of the United States, she went on a mission trip that forever changed her life. Avis talks about how God put her in the necessary situations to cross paths with certain people who she worked with to bring people to Christ, open up an orphanage, start a school and many other things. I liked how the chapters were ended with an inspiring story about someone she met along her path. A good spiritual read.

[Traci Sessions · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked how Avis weaves in part of her growing up years with that of her missions. It really helps the reader to know her better. It also helps the reader to understand that no matter what kind of life we have Fahd, The Lord will use us to serve if we open our hearts to them. It was fun to read about the different people in Peru and their stories. It was also great to read about the different missionaries and how their lives were blessed.

[Marlene Rohr · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Out of the Dust" is the compelling story of how an American women who had a challenging childhood became a missionary in Peru and the Honduras. I had heard about Avis from my own daughters who went to Casa de Paz to work as volunteers a number of years ago. The account of Avis's life has given me a greater appreciation for how a woman committed to her faith can make a difference no matter what challenges she faces.