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Tales of Persia: Missionary Stories from Islamic Iran
News from the Middle East finds us wherever we live in todays world. Children often wonder about this far-removed land, while parents struggle to teach their children about Islam. Tales of Persia is a timely book of missionary tales that will teach readers about Islam and encourage a new generation of Christians. Tales of Persia is especially useful for family devotions and Sunday school classes.
168 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2005
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129 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 15, 2026
This is a wonderful missionary book for children, with chapters set up in such a way that it would be perfect to use as a bedtime story or devotional. The gospel is presented clearly over and over, and the stories of changed lives are encouraging. My kids (ages 9-13) are on the cusp of feeling like the stories were too simple for them, so I would say it is more ideal for maybe ages 6-10. But even so I enjoyed it myself. :)
January 23, 2019
I had not heard of this book prior to using our current homeschool curriculum, My Father’s World: 1850 to Modern Times. This book is used as a devotional during the weeks that the Middle East is being studied.
The author of this book was a missionary to Iran for 43 years. Each chapter of this book is a short story that he tells about winning someone to Christ during his missionary years or about another missionary who won someone to Christ. As you know, Iran is a highly populated Muslim nation both then and now. It can even be dangerous to spread the gospel or to accept the gospel. So this book truly is about heroes who were brave, kind and loved the Lord with all their heart!
One of my favorite stories comes from chapter 18. It is about a girl born in Pennsylvania who gave her life to Christ. When she (Miss Chase) grew up, she went to college to learn all she could to become a missionary. She then went to Iran and her heart was to serve the poor people there. She quickly learned the Persian language and went into the poor villages by donkey to tell them about the love of Jesus. Soon after World War 1 began and people poured in from the villages into the city of Teheran seeking bread. Miss Chase decided to rent a room in the poor section of Teheran and although she didn’t have money to buy them bread, she found other ways to help these people. She took some white cloth and drew pictures of flowers on it and also took colored thread and taught girls how to embroider. The girls loved to come and see the beautiful cloth and the sewing fascinated them as they were too poor to have nice clothes that were clean. While Miss Chase taught them to sew, she told them stories about Jesus and his love for them. Many of these girls learned how to make towels and tablecloths that Miss Chase sold for them which gave them money for their families to buy food. Through ministering to girls, Miss Chase adopted and raised and educated a few girls who parents were not able to. What a wonderful story of a true heroine who will be rewarded with crowns in heaven!
There are many more true heartwarming stories of love and redemption found in the pages of this book. I read this to my 7th grade daughter, my 6th grade son and my 4th grade son. I was surprised at how much my wiggly 4th grade son enjoyed this book! He actually told me he was sad when we finished the book.
The author of this book was a missionary to Iran for 43 years. Each chapter of this book is a short story that he tells about winning someone to Christ during his missionary years or about another missionary who won someone to Christ. As you know, Iran is a highly populated Muslim nation both then and now. It can even be dangerous to spread the gospel or to accept the gospel. So this book truly is about heroes who were brave, kind and loved the Lord with all their heart!
One of my favorite stories comes from chapter 18. It is about a girl born in Pennsylvania who gave her life to Christ. When she (Miss Chase) grew up, she went to college to learn all she could to become a missionary. She then went to Iran and her heart was to serve the poor people there. She quickly learned the Persian language and went into the poor villages by donkey to tell them about the love of Jesus. Soon after World War 1 began and people poured in from the villages into the city of Teheran seeking bread. Miss Chase decided to rent a room in the poor section of Teheran and although she didn’t have money to buy them bread, she found other ways to help these people. She took some white cloth and drew pictures of flowers on it and also took colored thread and taught girls how to embroider. The girls loved to come and see the beautiful cloth and the sewing fascinated them as they were too poor to have nice clothes that were clean. While Miss Chase taught them to sew, she told them stories about Jesus and his love for them. Many of these girls learned how to make towels and tablecloths that Miss Chase sold for them which gave them money for their families to buy food. Through ministering to girls, Miss Chase adopted and raised and educated a few girls who parents were not able to. What a wonderful story of a true heroine who will be rewarded with crowns in heaven!
There are many more true heartwarming stories of love and redemption found in the pages of this book. I read this to my 7th grade daughter, my 6th grade son and my 4th grade son. I was surprised at how much my wiggly 4th grade son enjoyed this book! He actually told me he was sad when we finished the book.
May 2, 2019
Have you ever read James Herriot's Treasury for Children? "Tales from Persia" by William McElwee Miller reminded me of Herriot's wholesome, simple, somewhat whimsical, style.
Miller's subject matter and personality are somewhat different. You won't find Herriot's attention to animals and setting. But Miller gently and wonderfully describes the history of Christian mission work in Iran. His humble accounting of the trials and victories of previous laborers forms a foundational understanding of efforts to evangelise ancient Persia. Moving forward, he simply shares the testimony stories of many workers. These biographies illuminate the cultural and religious belief of Iranian muslims, as well as explain minority populations like the Kurds and Armenians.
There is so much written about Islam today and it is hard to find a way to introduce children to the topic. Miller's work illuminates his love for the people, which illustrates the Lord Jesus' love for all. He simply describes how Muslims and Christians differ in their beliefs and the methods Christians have used to share Christ with majority Muslims. He also shares many stories along the way in which he does not himself know the outcome, exemplifying persistent efforts to continue to spread the seed of the gospel to all men.
Finally, Miller went to Iran in 1919, and stayed for over 40 years. Written in the 1970's Miller draws attention to the changes in transportation and technology that have occurred since his time. He also uses his encounters with ancient ways to illustrate Biblical passages. For example, there were many shepherds in Iran. Miller uses the Biblical passages about shepherding to share the LORD with them, and also talks about practices of the shepherd that helped him to understand the Biblical text better, effectively passing on his wisdom to the reader.
While Miller shares the gentle leavening of the gospel in the hearts of people, the history of Iran in the 20th century involves considerable conflict between Iran and other powers (Iraq, Europe, US, and Russia), as well as within Iran itself (the dynasties of the Shahs). These themes can be covered by other resources, as Miller does not cover any of this. His concerns are humbly focused on the people, and that makes this a book that can be universally recommended.
I highly recommend this book for all. Elementary and middle school students will uncover a different world and a missional perspective. Older students will gain new insights in a format that is both palatable and brief. Miller's insight into Iran, Persia, and the missionary endeavor is invaluable. I am hopeful that all the students in our family will read and internalize the wisdom recorded here.
James Herriot's Treasury for Children, Herriot, 1992
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Miller's subject matter and personality are somewhat different. You won't find Herriot's attention to animals and setting. But Miller gently and wonderfully describes the history of Christian mission work in Iran. His humble accounting of the trials and victories of previous laborers forms a foundational understanding of efforts to evangelise ancient Persia. Moving forward, he simply shares the testimony stories of many workers. These biographies illuminate the cultural and religious belief of Iranian muslims, as well as explain minority populations like the Kurds and Armenians.
There is so much written about Islam today and it is hard to find a way to introduce children to the topic. Miller's work illuminates his love for the people, which illustrates the Lord Jesus' love for all. He simply describes how Muslims and Christians differ in their beliefs and the methods Christians have used to share Christ with majority Muslims. He also shares many stories along the way in which he does not himself know the outcome, exemplifying persistent efforts to continue to spread the seed of the gospel to all men.
Finally, Miller went to Iran in 1919, and stayed for over 40 years. Written in the 1970's Miller draws attention to the changes in transportation and technology that have occurred since his time. He also uses his encounters with ancient ways to illustrate Biblical passages. For example, there were many shepherds in Iran. Miller uses the Biblical passages about shepherding to share the LORD with them, and also talks about practices of the shepherd that helped him to understand the Biblical text better, effectively passing on his wisdom to the reader.
While Miller shares the gentle leavening of the gospel in the hearts of people, the history of Iran in the 20th century involves considerable conflict between Iran and other powers (Iraq, Europe, US, and Russia), as well as within Iran itself (the dynasties of the Shahs). These themes can be covered by other resources, as Miller does not cover any of this. His concerns are humbly focused on the people, and that makes this a book that can be universally recommended.
I highly recommend this book for all. Elementary and middle school students will uncover a different world and a missional perspective. Older students will gain new insights in a format that is both palatable and brief. Miller's insight into Iran, Persia, and the missionary endeavor is invaluable. I am hopeful that all the students in our family will read and internalize the wisdom recorded here.
James Herriot's Treasury for Children, Herriot, 1992
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
February 18, 2017
Today there are 80,000,000 people in Iran, 98% are Muslim; only about 450,000 are Christians. Christians in Iran are under attack. Families are persecuted due to the extreme Islam which exists there.
In 1919 William McElwee Miller, a Presbyterian missionary, set out from America to Iran. He didn't know God would allow him to work there for the next 42 years. His book, intended for children (actually written for his grandchildren), tells twenty-three stories of the people he met along the way, many who became believers in Jesus Christ. As Christianity spread, so did the persecution--the two go hand-in-hand.
In the 1960's Iran underwent a modern period--the Ayatollah Khomeini was exiled, women regained some freedom, American businesses, and some foreign ones, poured into the country. The old existed with the new. Until 1978 when the revolution occurred and plunged Iran back into the dark ages.
Tales of Persia is a gentle, heartwarming book, suitable for reading to children seven to ten years old. He begins a few of the chapters with "Once upon a time", which is too bad since it gives it a made up feeling, even though the stories are genuine (Of course the title is Tales of Persia). It would also have been nice if he had added a bit more suspense and danger to liven up the accounts. He alludes to danger, but the stories never build to a crescendo--I think children appreciate that so long as it is not too graphic. Another profitable feature in the book is the author gives background information on the religion of Islam and compares it with Christianity, which is helpful for children to see the truth vs. error.
The book is worth reading to children, but also is profitable for an adult to pick up and read. It is encouraging to read about missionaries who gave their lives for lost souls, in Iran's case millions upon millions.
In 1919 William McElwee Miller, a Presbyterian missionary, set out from America to Iran. He didn't know God would allow him to work there for the next 42 years. His book, intended for children (actually written for his grandchildren), tells twenty-three stories of the people he met along the way, many who became believers in Jesus Christ. As Christianity spread, so did the persecution--the two go hand-in-hand.
In the 1960's Iran underwent a modern period--the Ayatollah Khomeini was exiled, women regained some freedom, American businesses, and some foreign ones, poured into the country. The old existed with the new. Until 1978 when the revolution occurred and plunged Iran back into the dark ages.
Tales of Persia is a gentle, heartwarming book, suitable for reading to children seven to ten years old. He begins a few of the chapters with "Once upon a time", which is too bad since it gives it a made up feeling, even though the stories are genuine (Of course the title is Tales of Persia). It would also have been nice if he had added a bit more suspense and danger to liven up the accounts. He alludes to danger, but the stories never build to a crescendo--I think children appreciate that so long as it is not too graphic. Another profitable feature in the book is the author gives background information on the religion of Islam and compares it with Christianity, which is helpful for children to see the truth vs. error.
The book is worth reading to children, but also is profitable for an adult to pick up and read. It is encouraging to read about missionaries who gave their lives for lost souls, in Iran's case millions upon millions.
May 21, 2023
This is a simple, yet refreshing missionary tale.
Where many missionary books follow a particular missionary enduring a certain hardship, this contains stories from Miller’s experiences, as well as other missionaries to, and converts from, the same region.
I really liked the simplicity of the author’s story, from the down to earth choosing to be a missionary, to the effects of simply sharing the Gospel and living a Christlike lifestyle.
There is a good emphasis on the spiritual transformation, and the parallels that early 20th century Iran could draw from biblical parables.
It’s refreshing reading this with so much fear and vitriol towards Iran and other Middle Eastern countries, common today. Positive terms like “beautiful Persian language,” beautiful cities, and people that are “famous for their hospitality” are great introductions to this culture. Additionally, chapter one contains a short history for Islam and explanations of primary points to the religion’s beliefs, to include contrasts with Christian theology. There are also a few foot notes for book references with more information about Islam.
⚠️Parental Warning ⚠️
Nothing heavy or inappropriate.
Sometimes I can be a stickler about some of the Christianese language about the inclusion of “asking Jesus into our hearts” but this book does reflect an overall genuine heart for the Parisian people and the reader, and I don’t think the few instances detract from the overall message.
Where many missionary books follow a particular missionary enduring a certain hardship, this contains stories from Miller’s experiences, as well as other missionaries to, and converts from, the same region.
I really liked the simplicity of the author’s story, from the down to earth choosing to be a missionary, to the effects of simply sharing the Gospel and living a Christlike lifestyle.
There is a good emphasis on the spiritual transformation, and the parallels that early 20th century Iran could draw from biblical parables.
It’s refreshing reading this with so much fear and vitriol towards Iran and other Middle Eastern countries, common today. Positive terms like “beautiful Persian language,” beautiful cities, and people that are “famous for their hospitality” are great introductions to this culture. Additionally, chapter one contains a short history for Islam and explanations of primary points to the religion’s beliefs, to include contrasts with Christian theology. There are also a few foot notes for book references with more information about Islam.
⚠️Parental Warning ⚠️
Nothing heavy or inappropriate.
Sometimes I can be a stickler about some of the Christianese language about the inclusion of “asking Jesus into our hearts” but this book does reflect an overall genuine heart for the Parisian people and the reader, and I don’t think the few instances detract from the overall message.
May 15, 2022
It was a really nice book. I enjoyed listening about all of the missionaries and converts in Iran. The author told the stories in a easy to read way. It was like listening to a grandfather tell you about his adventures and the adventures of others. Would definitely recommend!
March 23, 2019
Simple stories from a Presbyterian missionary to Iran (1919-1962) written for a youth audience.
May 12, 2022
I really liked this book. It would make a great addition to family worship. The chapters are super short. It shares the Gospel over and over again. I didn’t know much of the history of Christian missionary work in Iran and this opened up for me a whole new world of Christian faith in the world on a different level. It was very faith inspiring. It is perfect for kids as it is read like a grandfather writing a story to his grandkids. My little kids loved it as much as my 14 year old. They begged me to keep reading more.
February 2, 2008
Mr. Miller spent forty-three years as a missionary of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Islamic people of Iran. He shares these tales of people he met or heard of in his time there. Some lived many years ago, and some he was privileged to lead to Christ himself. He tells his stories simply, as a grandfather or Sunday School teacher to young children.
Here is a typical paragraph at the end of a chapter. “All this happened because a Christian man [not referring to the author], whose heart was full of the Spirit of God, made a missionary journey to Damghan. There he had so much love for a proud Muslim mulla that he wept over his lost condition. It is love like this that God uses to bring people to Himself.”
These stories give a picture of rural life in Iran and missionaries who went there. We meet all kinds of people in these pages, ones who came to know the Lord Jesus in different ways and how that affected their lives. This would be a great book for reading aloud to the family.
Here is a typical paragraph at the end of a chapter. “All this happened because a Christian man [not referring to the author], whose heart was full of the Spirit of God, made a missionary journey to Damghan. There he had so much love for a proud Muslim mulla that he wept over his lost condition. It is love like this that God uses to bring people to Himself.”
These stories give a picture of rural life in Iran and missionaries who went there. We meet all kinds of people in these pages, ones who came to know the Lord Jesus in different ways and how that affected their lives. This would be a great book for reading aloud to the family.
July 24, 2019
This was scheduled in our Bible time for My Father's World 1850 Modern curriculum. I really loved it for that subject and the time we were studying in history. There were times when we were moved to tears. I especially loved the story when the missionary cried for the lost mulla to whom he was witnessing, and that is what brought the man to Christ. We repeatedly thought of a Muslim friend here in South Africa with whom my husband has spent hours, but he stubbornly denies that Jesus is the way to find forgiveness of sins and access to Heaven. The writing could have been more exciting at times, but overall, we really appreciated it; if it weren't scheduled in the curriculum, I could see it being a nice book to do sometime in a family worship setting. I am again thankful for My Father's World and their excellent selections.
September 2, 2018
We read this book as part of our homeschool studies. The writing leaves something to be desired, but the messages are valuable. This book really changed my heart toward the Islamic believers and the people of Iran.
2018- This is my second time reading this with my sons, but this time my youngest is old enough to understand. This book is written to children, but the message is inspiring for adults, as well.
2018- This is my second time reading this with my sons, but this time my youngest is old enough to understand. This book is written to children, but the message is inspiring for adults, as well.
August 28, 2022
We read this book as a part of our homeschool curriculum - Tapestry of Grace. It is a book of true stories as recounted by a male missionary to Persia (modern day Iran) in the late 1800s to early 1900s. It is fairly easy to read, with the prose being in a conversational style. Stories should be read in order from the first to the end, as the author often brings back up characters from earlier stories in the later stories, or events and people from early on end up meeting up again later in unforeseen ways.
Some overall themes that repeat within the author's stories are: technology's effects upon Persia to modernize it and make it much more accessible, so that communication and people flow much faster as time goes on; the fact that Persia is so overwhelmingly Islamic that Christian missionaries are often at risk of being harmed or killed, and yet God protected the author and most of his colleagues; books are prized possessions, especially the Bible, which Muslims respect to some degree, which helps the author and other missionaries in their mission to evangelize and "sell" Bibles (for a nominal price) to the Persian people. One of my favorite tales recounted by the author in this book is of a merchant who wraps his wares in pages torn from a copy of the Bible. As one man in particular purchases items from this man, he reads the pages and becomes enthralled with the Bible. That is how he comes to meet a missionary and get a real, full copy of the Bible.
I rated this book 3 stars instead of 4 because it is a bit dull and repetitive at times. Even though I recommend reading it from start to finish, in order, there is still a fair amount of repetition between the stories as it seems the author wants to make sure that each story stands alone. Nothing too violent, and nothing sexual in nature occurs in this book, so it is appropriate for any age, I think.
Some overall themes that repeat within the author's stories are: technology's effects upon Persia to modernize it and make it much more accessible, so that communication and people flow much faster as time goes on; the fact that Persia is so overwhelmingly Islamic that Christian missionaries are often at risk of being harmed or killed, and yet God protected the author and most of his colleagues; books are prized possessions, especially the Bible, which Muslims respect to some degree, which helps the author and other missionaries in their mission to evangelize and "sell" Bibles (for a nominal price) to the Persian people. One of my favorite tales recounted by the author in this book is of a merchant who wraps his wares in pages torn from a copy of the Bible. As one man in particular purchases items from this man, he reads the pages and becomes enthralled with the Bible. That is how he comes to meet a missionary and get a real, full copy of the Bible.
I rated this book 3 stars instead of 4 because it is a bit dull and repetitive at times. Even though I recommend reading it from start to finish, in order, there is still a fair amount of repetition between the stories as it seems the author wants to make sure that each story stands alone. Nothing too violent, and nothing sexual in nature occurs in this book, so it is appropriate for any age, I think.
June 12, 2024
This is an absolutely wonderful book that I cannot recommend highly enough. We read one chapter a week for family worship until we finished. It is a collection of heart-warming missionary stories. Some relate the boldness and love of missionaries and how they shared their faith. Some tell of Iranians that God saved through their ministries and how God transformed their lives post-conversion. They are simple and inspiring. My three year old always looked forward to reading the next chapter.
It's encouraging to see how God worked through so many twists and turns of different people's lives to save powerfully. Even if Christians were (and are) precious few in Iran, God will call, justify, sanctify, and glorify!
It's encouraging to see how God worked through so many twists and turns of different people's lives to save powerfully. Even if Christians were (and are) precious few in Iran, God will call, justify, sanctify, and glorify!
February 15, 2018
I thought this book was very educational! The author was very descriptive in how he told his readers what he did as a missionary. In the book there is a hospital and school for Muslims and non- believers to go and learn about Jesus Christ. There is one particular story that is one of my favorites. It's about a young girl who gave her Heart to Jesus when she was only 10 years old. When she grew up she was a devoted Christian who adopted little poor girls as her own! It is very fun and inspirational for those who want to be missionaries or writers. :)
May 9, 2019
This is a nice collection of stories from a missionary to Iran in the early 20th century. For the most part it is generically Christian enough to not have a denominational bent, though the last few chapters lean toward decision theology. My kids really enjoyed the stories about the different people who came to faith in Jesus Christ.
February 22, 2018
We read this book as part of my daughter's homeschool curriculum. William went to Iran as a missionary in 1919. While the stories are interesting, I wonder if he would be accepted and be allowed to tell them about Jesus today. I somehow doubt it.
January 15, 2021
This was a great book. It was truly inspiring and insightful into the world of Islamic Iran. Every chapter was so moving and captivating and it was such an elegant way to portray the real life missionary stories from Iran.
February 19, 2021
Absolutely beautiful tales. I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Miller in the 1980's when he was in his 90s. His heart for God's word and evangelism was so large. His tender heart for God is so evident in this precious book. I encourage everyone to make time to read it.
March 12, 2018
great stories for kids. God did some amazing things in the lives of Iranian Muslims to draw them to Himself!
January 11, 2020
Many informative and enjoyable short stories from the Author's life in Persia
January 13, 2022
It was a delight to read such encouraging missionary stories.
March 6, 2022
Fantastic read aloud. Most of the stories are about small Gospel seeds he planted all over Iran before 1970ish. It was very inspiring how God used him and others to spread his Word and truth.
January 18, 2023
3 stars [Anthology]
(W: 2.88, U: 2.63, T: 3.33)
Exact rating: 2.95
(W: 2.88, U: 2.63, T: 3.33)
Exact rating: 2.95
February 13, 2025
Beautiful, interesting anecdotes about a life well-spent spreading the Gospel in Iran in the early 1900's.
March 24, 2022
We read this for our homeschool and thoroughly enjoyed that tales the author recounted from his time spent in Persia as a missionary. Tales from Persia was uplifting, encouraging, and very interesting. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to know more about the history of missions in Iran.
May 4, 2014
This is written by a Presbyterian missionary who was born in Kentucky and was a missionary in what is now Iran for 43 years from about 1920 until the 1960s. He has a sweet, endearing way of writing to children. It is obvious he has a heart for the Iranian people and a heart for children. He writes of his own experiences and of others who have ministered in Iran, including the man who first went to Iran as a missionary in 1887 and the man who was the first one to translate parts of the Bible into the Persian language. I love missionary stories and I have read a fair bit about Iran, but there was much in this book that I didn't know so I think adults will enjoy this book as much as children.
Some of the chapters tell stories that are used as parables, such as the time he talked with one man about his sheep fold and how a shepherd protects his sheep. Those chapters were fine, but I preferred the chapters that gave me a bit of history or a remarkable story, such as the time he met a man who had become saved through reading the Bible but had gone over ten years without seeing another Christian. There are so many fascinating stories to be read in this book! He also does a good job of explaining things, explaining what Muslims believe, explaining geography, explaining customs and above all explaining spiritual things.
I should say that I only had time to read about a third of this book but I hope to get back to it one day. I started reading it to get an idea what the children in my church will be reading, but I will go back to it for my own sake.
Some of the chapters tell stories that are used as parables, such as the time he talked with one man about his sheep fold and how a shepherd protects his sheep. Those chapters were fine, but I preferred the chapters that gave me a bit of history or a remarkable story, such as the time he met a man who had become saved through reading the Bible but had gone over ten years without seeing another Christian. There are so many fascinating stories to be read in this book! He also does a good job of explaining things, explaining what Muslims believe, explaining geography, explaining customs and above all explaining spiritual things.
I should say that I only had time to read about a third of this book but I hope to get back to it one day. I started reading it to get an idea what the children in my church will be reading, but I will go back to it for my own sake.
May 15, 2008
These age-appropriate stories from a veteran missionary to his grandchildren spread his passion for God's glory among the nations, and give encouraging glimpses of God's Spirit at work, as well as the reality of faithfully sowing the seed and trusting Him for the results, which we may never see this side of heaven.
January 27, 2012
It is really written for kids. The stories generally tie to Scripure in some way, at times almost a modern version of a Bible story. I found the writing to be rather bland. Mr. Miller is a missionary evangelist, not a storyteller.
June 25, 2016
Written for kids and was a great read-aloud. A compilation of stories about Muslim people who came to Christ in the 60's and 70's. Easy to read and insightful.
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August 25, 2025We actually read this as part of our homeschool, but it was very interesting and encouraging in our faith.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews