William Cameron Townsend (1896–1982)

The author has somehow managed to put together a relatively comprehensive narrative of Cam Townsend's first years on the mission field. He uses Cam's lengthy journal entries, linking them with narrative of his own. It seems like he has edited other entries and is just summarising them in the gaps. This suggests that there was a lot of waffle in Cam's journals!

There is a lot of mundane detail included especially in relation to the things Cam was eating day to day--a favourite topic of his. I can't really complain about the level of monotonous detail as it has been taken from his journals which he probably wasn't expecting people to read....but the author could have shortened these sections. However, his experiences were interesting enough to read and I liked the way the author has highlighted Cam's principles throughout by using real-life examples and decisions Cam made.

This was worth reading--Cam focuses on practical aspects of his work rather than rambling spiritual experiences that the reader can't relate to. I prefer that style of writing.

This is recommended but only for those with an interest in Wycliffe, Townsend of the history of missions....… (meer)