What is the best book ever on missions?

Just finished the autobiography of John G. Paton, missionary to the New Hebrides, first published in 1889. It is amazing how he remained steadfast despite the continual contemplation by his neighbors whether or not today would be a good day to have him for dinner (literally). John Paton was very courageous and God did a mighty work through him. Great book.

 

I loved God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew.

 

"Evidence Not Seen: A Woman's Miraculous Faith in the Jungles of World War II" by Darlene Deibler Rose

I read this and can't recommend it enough. Talk about a book which will encourage you in increased faith and witnessing! A synopsis from the internet:

"This is the true story of a newlywed American missionary woman's courage and triumph of faith in the jungles of New Guinea and her four years in a notorious Japanese prison camp."

 

Two vie for the honour in my opinion

1. To The Golden Shore
2. William Carey - by Pearce Carey

 

You also can't beat the classic "These Strange Ashes" by Elizabeth Elliot. It's a good one to read when one needs to be reminded Who is in control even when things don't seem to be going your way. As a matter of fact, maybe I ought to pull it back off the shelf again right now...

 

It is a marvelous bio of Adoniram Judson. Has stirred my heart for missions like nothing else, until I read the Carey bio above.

TO THE GOLDEN SHORE

 

To the Golden Shore is good.

I just read "Heroes Among Us" by Jim Ryun and sons, it has two or three great chapters on some missionaries. Judson, C.T. Studd, etc. Plus some other not so well known people who are much better heroes than the current crop our culture upholds as great.

Best Practical missions book I have read is "Let the Nations be Glad" by Piper.

 

For modern missions, "Through Gates of Splendor" is very good.

The story of Jim Elliot and company who were killed by the Auca indians.

 

Its pretty good. Here's the Description from Amazon

Book Description
Since its publication a decade ago, Let the Nations Be Glad! has provided thousands of seminary students, missionaries, and pastors with a sound theological foundation for missions. Piper now offers a revised and expanded edition of this theological and biblical defense of God's supremacy in all things.

Drawing on texts from the Old and New Testaments, Piper demonstrates that worship is the ultimate goal of the church and that proper worship drives missionary outreach. He describes prayer as the fuel of missions work because of its focus on a relationship with God rather than the needs of the world. He goes on to illustrate that while suffering is the price of missions, God is worthy of any sacrifice. He examines whether Jesus is the only way to salvation and discusses the extent of the missionary enterprise, seeking to define the scope of the task and the means to reaching "all nations."

This revised and expanded edition contains updated references to contemporary literature and debates and new illustrations and quotations. This edition also boasts a new preface and a final section devoted to the practical outworking of compassion and worship. Included in this new section is a chapter encouraging passion for God's supremacy and compassion for man's soul, based on Jonathan Edwards's musings on the unity of motives for world missions. Concluding this section is a chapter containing Piper's reflections on New Testament worship as an inner reality more than an external form.

Let the Nations Be Glad! is essential reading for all those involved in or preparing for missions work and provides inspiring theological reflection for college and seminary students. This book also offers enlightenment for pastors, youth workers, those involved in campus ministries, and all who want to connect their labors to God's global purposes.


We are reading the book as homework for an upcoming mission trip. I have discussed the first couple chapters on my Blog
for the trip.

 

I liked Bruchko, I had the opportunity to meet Bruce Olson, God used him to reach a whole tribe!

 

And the Word Came With Power: How God Met and Changed a People Forever by Joanne Shettler

 

I agree. It is the best book I have read.

 

Has anyone seen the previews for "End of the Spear" It is a movie by the company that produced "Beyond Gates of Splendor" and will be out in U.S. Theatres Jan. 20th. Looks like its the story of Steve Saint, with the whole story of the killing of the 5 missionaries in Ecuador, and the return of Elliot and Saints' wives to the tribe that killed them.

 

"Through Gates of Splendor" was the first book on missions i read as a young Christian in college...so it rates high for me.