Missions

Do you desire to learn and grow in the area of missions? Following is a listing of books, audios, and DVDs on this subject that we recommend.

True Grit: Women Taking on the World for God’s Sake by Deborah Meroff
This simple yet powerful book tells the inspiring true stories of nine ordinary women missionaries. They serve in a variety of ministries in places as varied as Tajikistan, India, Egypt, and Lebanon. Brief fact files are included between the stories to highlight global abuses of girls and women. This book is NOT for children, as it includes information about the sufferings of women around the world from practices such as female infanticide, child brides, sex trafficking, girl soldiers, female circumcision, and honor killings. This book will raise your awareness of important issues, motivate you to pray, and give you ideas–and a passion–to help make changes for women worldwide. ~ Molly Evert

Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot
This is one of my all-time favorite books. It is the story of Jim Elliot and four other missionaries who were martyred in the 1950’s by the Auca Indians in Ecuador. Told by his wife, well known author and speaker Elizabeth Elliot, it is the story of God’s plan and purpose. This is a book I feel every 12th grade high school student should read especially those who feel the call to missions. ~ Kellie Renfroe

Shadow of the Almighty: The Life & Testament of Jim Elliot by Elisabeth Elliot
Yet another all-time favorite, this is the biography, complete with journal entries of martyr Jim Elliott. A gripping book filled with the confidence of a young man wanting to serve the Lord with all that he had, at all cost. I was amazed at the wisdom of such a young man for the things of God. While still in college, Jim Elliott penned the famous saying; “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” This is one of those books you’ll never forget reading. A must read for anyone called to missions. ~ Kellie Renfroe

Operation World by Patrick Johnstone
This is the most thorough book you will find for praying for the countries of the world. It is jam packed with statistical information about each country, as well as many prayer requests for each nation. This book is a must-have for anyone serious about praying for the world. ~ Molly Evert

Foxes Book of Martyrs by John Foxe
The first time I read this book as a young woman I naively thought at some point there would be a happy story. Unfortunately, these real-life stories are gut-wretching accounts of Christians giving their lives for their faith. Their courage, bravery, and faith are inspiring and should be remembered by everyone. Originally written in 1563 by John Foxe, this updated version includes martyrs from both the 20th and 21st century. This is a classic that reminds us that martyrdom did not only happen during biblical times, but is going on now in countries around the world. The book points out the shocking evidence that during the 20 century there were more Christian persecutions than all other centuries combined. ~ Kellie Renfroe

From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya: A Biographical History of Christian Missions, by Ruth Tucker
This readable and informative book traces 2,000 years of missions, from the days of the early church to the present day. You will be hard pressed to find any significant missionary from any age who is not covered within these pages. This is not necessarily a book you read from cover to cover; it is one you will pick up again and again, encyclopedia style, to learn about and be inspired by the testimonies of hundreds of missionaries. ~ Molly Evert