The Plum Tree in the Desert: Ten Stories of Faith and Mission to Inspire You

by Naomi Reed

Ten inspiring stories of faith and mission from Asia and the Arab World from the mission agency Interserve. God is at work, even in the hardest places. From across Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, Naomi Reed has collected stories of Interserve mission workers that will build faith and inspire you to action. In 'The Plum in the Desert' Naomi Reed tells stories of difficult situations in the mission field; some of victory, some which left the mission workers feeling they had failed. But despite the difficulties and perceived failures, each story speaks of the goodness of God and what it means to persevere and trust in him, even when it seems too hard. These stories give us a new perspective on those perceived failures and remind us that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him".

Genres: Christian

162 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2015

About the author

Naomi Reed is a Christian writer and speaker who grew up in Sydney and studied physiotherapy with her husband Darren. After working at Sydney hospitals, they spent six years serving in Nepal with the International Nepal Fellowship. During this time, Naomi worked at Green Pastures Leprosy Hospital and enjoyed fellowship at their local Nepali church. She also home-schooled their three sons and struggled through seven monsoons. At one point, fearing she may not make it through another 120 days of rain, she began to write. The months of typing by candlelight helped her to see God’s purposes through different seasons and (somewhat surprisingly) became her first book, ‘My Seventh Monsoon’. Back in Australia, ‘My Seventh Monsoon’ was warmly received and Naomi continued writing – firstly the sequel, ‘No Ordinary View’ (which won the ACBOY award, 2009) and ’Over My Shoulder’ – a look at the impact of personality on cross-cultural mission.

Reviews

[R.J. Rodda]

Compelling true stories set all around the globe of extraordinary people doing inspirational things. You won't regret reading this. My favourite story is the one set in the desert of North Africa where an isolated woman home-schools her four boys surrounded by sand while her husband goes off and helps the locals. It is forbidden to talk about the Christian faith and she only makes one friend in ten years. In such a situation it seems impossible that she can be used by God but she is. An amazing story.

[Kimberly]

The Plum Tree in the Desert, by Naomi Reed, was a work of love. The author collected 10 stories from missionaries who worked, or are still working, in the field through Interserve. These people share the victories and the hardship they would face as they did God's work. At times the victories would not be seen for quite a while, or would come around in a different way than expected. Through each story, the reader sees how God is good and if we have faith we will see this goodness even in the hard times.

I loved this book and am so glad that the cover and the back story grabbed my attention. I know this is a book that I will turn to again, and again in my journey with God.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Authentic Media in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to them and to all the missionaries that are following God's lead.

[Pip Snort]

What a wonderful and challenging reminder that God is faithful and that workers are needed for the harvest, anywhere and everywhere. Praise God!

[Birgit]

I was sitting in lounge room yesterday almost at the end of this book 18/3/18 on the hottest day in March in 76 years. We had the air conditioning on and my chair was comfortable. I was reading about missionaries in Middle Eastern and Asian countries where the conditions were far less comfortable than my own.

There were ten different stories of missionaries and their work, all different types of work and different countries. They all had something in common, their love of God and wanting to share the gospel. There was one story of a fourth generation missionary which I found amazing.

As a new Christian I found this book very inspiring and it left me wondering why them, why would they choose to do what they do, how does God call them to do what they do, how does it actually come about. I guess it’s easier when you have been brought up as a Christian.

A book of a group of 10 incredible, inspiring people.

In each chapter Naomi was there talking to these people taking notes in her notebook about their stories. I remember having sushi with Naomi whilst she was taking notes on my story of coming to faith.

[Kaye Johnson]

Inspiring and challenging; in telling these 10 stories of Interserve workers, Naomi Reed takes us with her on her journey to research the stories and the dedicated and courageous people she writes about. And Naomi’s own journey through the challenges of these people sees growth for her too.
Beautifully and sensitively written.
Would recommend to anyone looking for encouragement in mission and ministry

[Staci]

I found this a refreshing book. Each chapter was a different story of missionaries who served with Interserve and what God had taught them over the years. It was helpful to read of hardships, perseverance and God's faithfulness through it all. I liked Naomi's voice as she retold the stories from the perspective of a reflective listener.

[Sophie Toovey]

Stunning stories from around the world of those courageous to follow God’s call and persevere despite personal tragedy and multiple setbacks from every side. A call to trust God for future fruit, because even in the desert, a plum tree can grow.

[Christine]

So much treasure in this book.

[Laura B]

‘But then I remember that if we’re not cracked, the Lord can’t shine through’ - p89
A collection of short but amazing stories of God growing his kingdom through his servants around the globe.

[Hannah Cornwell]

this book was so inspiring! it was amazing to read about people from all over the world the world working for God and how the pushed through even the most difficult of circumstances!

[Jenny Johnson]

A free book sent from Interserve. 10 missionary stories. Very encouraging. Easy to read.

[Yoshua]

Inspiring stories of persistence.