David Shibley

In this book the author explores the lives of twenty three different men and women whom he considers to be great for God. They were all Protestant missionaries—the subtitle to the book being, “Missionaries Who Changed the World”. Not only that, every one included is dead. I suppose that is appropriate though, since how we finish is of utmost importance.

Included are life synopsises of these Christians (not a complete list):

Bill Bright
William Carey
Jim Elliot
Amy Carmichael
Adoniram Judson
David Livingstone
Mary Slessor
Hudson Taylor

In the introduction, Mr. Shibley claims that “reading the stories of these great lives will encourage you…enlighten you…enlarge you…” I was a little skeptical of these big claims when I first started reading the book but found them to be true! Tissue alert: If you are sensitive like me you will cry.

In each synopsis I especially liked the quotes from the actual person. It was with those that we got a “feel” for who they really were.

As I went along I noticed a couple of common denominators—things that these “great” men and women of God had in common. Interestingly the author included his own list of common denominators in the last chapter that included those two basic things and many more. They were that each person made a total commitment to God—no halfway measures here and that they highly prized their daily devotional alone times with God.

I also liked the way the author challenged the reader to do something with what they have just read. I can only pray that the Lord will help me to do something!

If you’ve never studied missionaries before you need this book. It will inspire you to go deeper with at least a few of these individuals in study. If you’re an avid reader of missionary books this book is still worth your while. I would be surprised if you’ve deeply studied every single person addressed in it and the commonalities and challenge is beneficial for all as well.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from New Leaf Publishing Group’s blogging for books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 225: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”… (meer)