Davey Jank

I wasn't sure what to expect when I cracked this book open, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Davey is a wonderful storyteller, and he tells of daily life--the toils and struggles--with humor and delightful wit. The chapters in this book are quite brief, and in some cases, I am left wanting to know an outcome; however, it was a great book for me to read at bedtime, as I could stop between chapters relatively quickly.
The stories themselves delve into life and culture among the Wilos, speak of his growing acceptance by the tribal people and difficulties with a language so different than English (or even Spanish), and brings to light many details that those who have never been on a mission (and even many that have!) would never think of, including that the Wilo culture is based on fear, starting with putting the fear of everything into the youngest child, with these fears staying with them into adulthood. He also tells of the witchdoctors and their "power," and how certain Bible stories could be construed as spirits and witchdoctors, and his own personal struggle with how to honor the people so as not to offend them, but also let them know that he doesn't believe in those powers.
I was blessed to tears by the last few chapters--and don't want to say more, in case you wish to read the book.
I will definitely be sharing this one with my missionary friends!… (meer)

This book is not your typical missionary biography. Because it had very short chapters and did not flow from one chapter to the next, it did not keep my interest. The book gives a lot of insight into the life of a missionary and the translation process and learning a language. There were some parts that I laughed out loud because the author used a lot of humor to describe his life. Overall it was interesting but was disappointed in the way it was written. Also, there were pictures in the book, but none of the author or the other missionaries or people that he describes in the book.… (meer)