A Thousand Trails - Personal Journal of William Cameron Townsend 1917-1919 Founder of Wycliffe Bible Translators

by Hugh Steven, Hugh Steven (Editor)

Gift quality. Same day shipping.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Christian

224 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Yibbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was different from many biographies that I’ve read in that it doesn’t cover a whole life or even a great change. The author does occasionally point out the lasting influences of various lessons he learned, but mostly it just follows his daily activities for a couple of years. It doesn’t cover the beginning of Wycliffe, but it does cover the years when he decided that missionary work was the direction for his life.
At first, I wasn’t sure about it. It seemed like a rather clumsy mix of direct journal quotes and author summaries. But eventually, the author’s commentary became less restatements of the following quotes and more connecting explanations filling in the blanks between journal entries and letters. Then the adventure and his steady faithfulness start shining through the descriptive pieces. It’s actually an interesting look at the life of a pioneering evangelist, missionary, of a hundred years ago. In some ways, though it’s startlingly relevant today. The desperate need of souls for salvation, the interaction of faith, business, and politics haven’t really changed. But what really caught my attention was that he was trying to balance ministry with life during a global pandemic. His boundless energy, love, and faith really shine through all the trials.
By the end, I was sure this is a biography that I would gladly recommend. So, if you have the chance to read it. Take it.

[Heitham Hammad · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What this man went through. He faced some pretty tough times and was challenged repeatedly. A remarkable story about strength, and faith. A true must read."

[MaryJo Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is this book even in print anymore? I found a worn soft cover tucked away in a shelf of a used bookstore.
But for anyone who is curious to know more about the life of this amazing man, this look into a chapter of his early life that played a crucial role in the path he followed for the rest of his life would be a huge plus.
Totally committed to a life serving God at a very young age, he sets out with another zealous young man for Central America to meet the pioneer missionaries established there, and to trek to places seldom reached - if at all.
By his letters and journals the reader finds out how rough it was. Think of Teddy Roosevelt in the Amazon or Dervla Murphy in Peru.
Yet the upbeat personality, commitment, and love of this young man - and those like him - reap rich rewards. 'Cam' feels particularly drawn to the Indian people of the area, considered less than 2nd class citizens by the native Latinos. Here the seeds are sown for the conviction the Bible
needs to be translated into every tongue, so all can have access to the written word.
Townsend's journal and his letters provide wonderful insight into love in action.

[Dakota Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very inspiring book about a man I have only heard about as a child…Uncle Cam was a visionary, hard worker and a Christ Follower…he loved to eat, had a fabulous sense of humor and a deep love for ALL of God’s children…Now I know the man behind the organization my parents have work for for years and it makes me proud that they followed in his footsteps

[Andy Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A missionary story about Cam Townsend and is early days in Central America giving out the gospel. This man is a legend of carrying the Gospel to the outer reaches of Guatemala and beyond. Hiking for miles to give the Gospel out. Wow, what perseverance to make happen.

[Elekanyani P Mavhungu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome lifestory. It's very encouraging to read of young men and women who risk their lives for Christ by taking mission trips. I loved the story and felt like I was there myself. My only regret is that I wish that I had that opportunity when I was still young.

[Sadie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read around the world - Guatemala 🇬🇹

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book. William Townsend's commitment was strong, and this journal gives interesting glimpses into the life of a young missionary at a time when there were not many missionaries.

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to ignore the poor writing because of the great subject. I enjoyed it.