Few lives, since biblical times at least, have had a greater impact on Christian missionary vision and enterprise, or set a higher example of personal holiness and devotion to God, than that of David Brainerd. William Carey, often called the father of modern missions, valued the story of Brainerd's life so highly that he encouraged his co-workers to read it through three times a year. John Wesley urged all his preachers to read carefully the life of Brainerd and to 'be followers of him, as he was of Christ'. Henry Martyn, Robert Murray M'Cheyne, Jim Eliot and Oswald J. Smith all testified to their esteem of David Brainerd and to the encouragement to greater holiness and faithfulness in service for God that they derived from his example. In making the life of Brainerd available for the modern reader John Thornbury draws frequently on Brainerd's own account in his personal Diary and his letters as well as the writings of his friend and mentor Jonathan Edwards. He also helps us to understand and evaluate the life and achievements of Brainerd in the context of the times in which he lived. The story of this remarkable man, whose life was so short but so full, will encourage God's people today, like those of previous generations, in their pilgrim walk and inspire them to greater commitment to evangelism and missions.
A church planter in Cambodia seeks to help Christians reach for greater discernment in missions. He wrestles with some of the difficult issues we face in pursuing the great commission on pioneer fields. Using Scripture and personal experience from fourteen years of cross-cultural ministry, Forrest engages us all in a task that demands thoughtful methods from those going and sending. This book will challenge you to see the link between theology and practice in missions. It will also give you a window into the heart of missionaries serving in unreached places around the world. Be prepared to be challenged and blessed. Endorsements: "Pastors, read Forrest McPhail's book, and then read it again! Future missionaries, memorize it! For this old missionary, Forrest's book was written about 20 years too late. But even old dogs can, by God's grace, learn new tricks, and I've profited greatly from the humble wisdom, practical insight, and gentle rebukes of a man that I consider one of the finest missionaries I know." J.D. Crowley J.D. grew up in Japan and Hawaii. He pastored in Hawaii for 12 years before leaving for Cambodia in 1994. He has served there under EMU International doing linguistic work and training pastors among the indigenous minorities of NE Cambodia. He is the author of The Tampuan/Khmer/English Dictionary and Khmer commentaries on Matthew and Romans. J.D. has also co-authored the book Gospel Meditations for Missions "Forrest McPhail is a first-rate pioneer missionary who has written a compelling work that comprises what he has learned, lived, and taught others. The book unpacks complex cross-cultural issues with clarity and time-earned wisdom, and demonstrates how to interact intentionally with culture in order to be both relevant and faithful to the gospel. Although set in the context of Southeast Asia, this boots-on-the-ground work is a must read for pastors and missionaries everywhere." Kevin Oberlin Kevin is Associate Professor Theology and Cross-Cultural Studies, Bob Jones University and Seminary "Missionaries, pastors, and all believers will benefit immensely from your work. Why? It will give Pastors a great understanding of the minefields of ministry in third world nations. It will give greater focus to churches that take short term mission trips. It will be useful in helping missionaries lay a foundation for their ministries that will be able to stand the test of trial. The writing is bold and filled with principles rooted in Scripture. This book reflects a wrestling with the issues both written in the Word and those experienced in the villages and marketplace. This will help many now and in the future if they would take your counsel to heart!" Matthew Recker Matt has served Christ in church planting ministry in New York City since 1984, establishing churches in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. Matt has published three books, including Behold the City! and Living on the Edge of Eternity. Missionaries who "leave maps laying around" for those who are starting their mission journey are commendable. Forrest McPhail did just that--he created a map based on his journey as a missionary in Cambodia for pioneer missionaries (those going to the unreached people groups of the world). His map is as much about understanding the lay of the land and the critical points of the journey as it is about the destination. In other words, through personal stories, biblical observations. and practical insights, Forrest invites his readers to consider strategic elements and issues, such as syncretism, persecution, church discipline, poverty, and much more before they start building a foundation. Thank you Forrest for daring to share. Jean Johnson Formerly a missionary in Cambodia, Jean currently serves as Missionary * Coach * and Executive Program Director for World Mission Associates. She has authored "We Are Not the Hero: A Missionary's Guide for Sharing Christ, Not a Culture of Dependency"
A new biography of Baptist missionary Adoniram Judson (1788 - 1850), written to honor the 200th anniversary of his first mission trip from the U.S. to the Far East that would in turn mark the start of Americans joining the modern missions movement.
This account of a fascinating and neglected life makes a significant contribution to our knowledge of twentieth century British evangelicalism and overseas missions. (John Wolffe, Professor of Religious History, Open University) The family lived through stirring times and Canon Houghtons life was one of some drama, subject like St Paul to shipwreck and some dangers on the mission field, followed by much labour at home for the missionary society and many other Christian bodies and causes. (Timothy Yates, author) One of the Lords great servants on earth. He was not only a dedicated evangelical leader in Britain, but a warm personal friend and supporter of mine for which I am very grateful. (Billy Graham) His life and character exemplified the four marks of the Christian Church mentioned by our Lord: a concern for truth, a concern for holiness, a concern for mission, and a concern for unity. (John Stott) Canon Houghton, a missionary statesman and a man of great stature. He was invariably supportive and encouraging. (John B. Taylor, former Bishop of St Albans)
Henry Martyn was born in Cornwall in 1781. Following a brilliant academic career at Cambridge University, he was ordained in 1803 as curate to Charles Simeon. He was not accepted by the Church Missionary Society, however, and was disappointed again when his proposal of marriage was rejected. In 1805, he sailed to Calcutta, India, as chaplain to the East India Company. His outstanding linguistic gifts enabled him to translate he New Testament into Hindustani. He nearly died in 1809 due to incipient tuberculosis; but the Lord spared him, and he traveled to Shiraz, Persia (modern-day Iran), the following year. He completed Arabic and Persian translations of the New Testament while there. He died in 1812 while traveling back to England. He was buried in Tokat, Armenia. His journals were returned to England and remain classics of devotional literature.
Awakening the Hermit Kingdom: Pioneer American Women Missionaries in Korea gives a focused look at the long-ignored subject, the pioneer women missionaries to the Hermit Kingdom, as the early missionaries often called Korea. Based largely on private papers and mission reports of the missionaries, the author explores the life and work of the American women missionaries in the first quarter century of the Protestant mission in Korea. This book brings a new light to the history of Protestantism in Korea by revealing the identity and activities of the women missionaries, as well as the level of religious and social impact made by their presence and work in Korea.
The extraordinary story of a woman of the Victorian era who was born at Hempnall, Norfolk, nurtured in Lowestoft, Suffolk, became a 'fringe' member of the Gurney family, and then married a pioneer CMS Missionary priest, David Hinderer, with whom she travelled to West Africa in 1852. They established the first Christian mission at Ibadan where they lived until 1869. During the years at the Mission, Anna and David endured the most horrendous ordeals of isolation, illness and starvation as a result of tribal warfare, before returning to England. Anna died in a Norfolk vicarage.
