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Missionary: An Unexpected Journey of Following God's Call to the Other Side of the World
When you think of a missionary, a blurry image probably comes to mind. You might think of a brave soul, one of superhuman faith, without sin, walking daily in miracles the rest of us long to see once in a lifetime, joyfully giving up privilege for the sake of the higher call… Wait a second, that’s not what I thought of. When I thought of a missionary, I thought of someone who is socially awkward, wearing clothes that look a little funny, who talks about things normal people don't care about, a person forced out of their own culture and striving for acceptance in another.Then I became one.I didn't set out to become one and to tell you the truth, I actually laugh when I think of myself as a missionary. Honestly, I have no place in my mind–at least no place that a real human being could inhabit–under the category of 'missionary'. They can be a saint or an oddball, or probably a bit of both, but a normal person with fear and desire, sins and forgiveness? Never. When I went overseas to follow “the Lord’s call”–as Christians often say–I experienced the thrill of seeing students come to Christ, the difficulty of learning a new language, the excitement of being a part of a team, heartbreak of rejection, and the joy of being satisfied in Christ alone. All of these experiences were against the constant background of living like a foreigner in a foreign land. In short, I went to the other side of the world to tell people about Jesus, and found Him.
89 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
7 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 30, 2022
Your story is inspiring and rekindled a fire in my spirit
From beginning to end the story shows the journey of a normal person who is making mistakes and failing while still trying to follow through with God's will and it teaches you that it's not your actions that make any change in and of themselves but God's will that makes changes happen in people's lives all he wants you to do is introduce him to them so he can make that happen. The author shows that even in the midst of doing God's will in an extraordinary situation where you would normally feel inspired and driven you can still feel alone and desperate and discouraged and you have to remember that although you're bringing the word of God to other people who have never heard it before or helping others grow stronger in the Lord that doesn't mean that you should neglect your own time with God and the word to replenish your own spirit every day. There is an explanation in this book about a part of Ephesians that shifted how I look at everything. I just wanted to say thank you for sharing and that I hope other people will take the time to read this book.
From beginning to end the story shows the journey of a normal person who is making mistakes and failing while still trying to follow through with God's will and it teaches you that it's not your actions that make any change in and of themselves but God's will that makes changes happen in people's lives all he wants you to do is introduce him to them so he can make that happen. The author shows that even in the midst of doing God's will in an extraordinary situation where you would normally feel inspired and driven you can still feel alone and desperate and discouraged and you have to remember that although you're bringing the word of God to other people who have never heard it before or helping others grow stronger in the Lord that doesn't mean that you should neglect your own time with God and the word to replenish your own spirit every day. There is an explanation in this book about a part of Ephesians that shifted how I look at everything. I just wanted to say thank you for sharing and that I hope other people will take the time to read this book.
June 9, 2017
Wonderful book!
I loved this book. It 's so clearly written it makes it a joy to read. Easy to understand. Reading how he struggled at times but he was so open and honest you really felt a part of his family. But God is using this young man and we need to be praying for him and supporting him. I definitely will recommend this book to lots of people on know they will enjoy it as much as I have
I loved this book. It 's so clearly written it makes it a joy to read. Easy to understand. Reading how he struggled at times but he was so open and honest you really felt a part of his family. But God is using this young man and we need to be praying for him and supporting him. I definitely will recommend this book to lots of people on know they will enjoy it as much as I have
November 12, 2016
If you have a heart for missions, this book is a must read. It tells of one man's journey in responding to God's call to serve as a missionary in Asia. The author shares his ups and downs in a foreign land with vast cultural differences while telling people about Jesus and how He can become their personal Savior, and in the process, he too finds Jesus.
August 17, 2018
Amazing insight into what many, if not most, missionaries wrestle we on a personal level as well as daunting issues of learning a different culture and language. An d there is the difficulties of family life.
This should be read by all missionaries as well as potential missionaries and those who send them. It could very well inspire others to go.
This should be read by all missionaries as well as potential missionaries and those who send them. It could very well inspire others to go.
December 6, 2025
Brilliant
The author really opens the door to understanding what mission work is all about. Very well written. I found myself having to 're look at my own thinking about getting the message out to "all nations".
The author really opens the door to understanding what mission work is all about. Very well written. I found myself having to 're look at my own thinking about getting the message out to "all nations".
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November 24, 2015Great book! It´s the story written by the hand of a missionary who has a hard time considering himself as such. The book tells the story of a couple with a baby on the way that decides to move to China to tell the people about Jesus. The story is written in a funny way and describes the ups and downs of the mission in Asia. The conclusion of the story is that the author needs Jesus as much as the people he tries to reach do. This is the story of a modern missionary and his (and his family´s) daily struggles to learn a new language and culture and fit in, while constantly being amazed with what God (and not the author) does. I think this book needs to be read by every christian, young and old, so we can all understand the huge necessities missionaries have to spread the good news of Jesus.
October 24, 2015
As someone who has a passion for international missions, it was of no surprise to me that I'd enjoy this short book. Christopher Marco shares his experiences as a Missionary and Team Leader in Asia. I appreciated his openness and honesty regarding his own struggles and how the Lord met him in the midst of the challenges of his ministry and life.
January 18, 2015
Inspiring story
Gives a good picture of what it's like to be a new missionary-the cultural glitches, language challenges, the thrill, the struggle. Written honestly and simply. It touched my heart.
Gives a good picture of what it's like to be a new missionary-the cultural glitches, language challenges, the thrill, the struggle. Written honestly and simply. It touched my heart.
June 9, 2015
Some books I read get five stars for beautiful language and a well crafted story. This book gets five stars for a message that came straight from the heart. It inspired me!
August 9, 2013
A must read for anybody with friends or family serving overseas. Chris is honest about the challenges and jubilant about the work of the Spirit in Asia.
August 24, 2013
Didn't finish. The whole book was about sharing Christ. Then right towards the end he is sharing a beer with his buddies, WHAT?
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews