These Strange Stones

by Christie Lietz

Lisuland. J.O. Fraser and Isobel Kuhn told us of it, but what is it like now, 100 years later? Did the Lisu church survive? This amazing, true story will transport you to 21st century Lisuland, and move you to pray for it's revival! While working among the Buyi [Bouyei] people, in southern China, we read J.O. Fraser's story, "Behind the Ranges". We were astounded at the similarities between his situation and struggles in Lisuland, a century ago, and our life in "Buyiland", so we bought copies of the book to send to praying friends. We never dreamed that God would soon move us to Lisuland, and keep us there for ten years! About the Christie Taylor was raised in a small town in northern Canada. While studying nursing in Edmonton she met and, eventually, married David Lietz. They moved to China and have worked and raised a family there, mostly in remote locations where foreigners are rarely seen, sharing a life that neither of them could have imagined. {from the back cover} “One morning after breakfast, the kids came running in and said, “Mom, there’s a crazy lady out there!” They were right, there was. She was young -- maybe in her early twenties -- and quite pretty, except for her matted hair and filthy face and clothes. She was perched on a couple of cinder blocks, watching the children with evident interest, interspersed with loud, perturbed streams of gibberish aimed at an invisible audience. What might she do? Was it safe to let the kids play out there? .....” This is a true story, and the realities of life in the developing world (especially regarding childbirth) are perhaps inappropriate for younger children, therefore the age rating for this book is set to 14. Parents are aware of the maturity level of their own children, and, at their own discretion, may allow younger children to read this, or read it to them. After all, even the Bible has scenes and situations which are inappropriate for younger children. The first chapter in the free preview edition will give you a good idea what to expect.

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 4, 2014

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christie is a nurse and her husband, Dave, is an engineer. They have chosen to spend their lives as missionaries in China. She tells of their struggles and joys in a country where Christian missionaries are discouraged. They and their children spent the last ten years in Lisuland with the Lisu people. Dave took training through the SALT (Sloping Agriculture Land Technology) program which was developed in the Philippines. Dave could envision this method working well in the harsh mountainous terrain where the Lisu people live. Their family lived and worked in the Lisu village helping them implement the agricultural methods while introducing different farm animals and new crops. Christie’s skills and training as a nurse were in great demand. I admire the Lietz’s dedication and tenacity to carry out their life’s work while living in the village as part of the community. Their experiences gave me a new appreciation of all the advantages we expect and enjoy in this country.