Pg 28 Staff Book Recommendations

Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret
by Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor
From Pastor June Barrow:
I recommend two remarkable biographies about missionaries to China: Hudson Taylor and Gladys Aylward. While there are many biographies for each of them, here are my favorites.

Hudson Taylor was the first missionary to China in the 19th century. He moved from England, learned the language, translated the Bible, taught about Jesus, recruited other missionaries to join him, and forever changed the history of China. A classic biography is Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret by Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor, Hudson’s son and daughter-in-law, who were also missionaries in China.

Gladys Aylward was a 20th century British missionary with a unique story. In 1958, Hollywood made a film about her life called The Inn of the Sixth Happiness with tall, elegant Ingrid Bergman playing the role of the short, plain Gladys. My favorite biography of her is The Small Woman by Alan Burgess.

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus
by Nabeel Qureshi
From Pastor Steve Clark:
Some of you have likely read this book by former Bonita Christian Forum speaker, the late Nabeel Qureshi. Even though I had already spent a few months in Muslim regions, this book blew me away. It offered a unique insight into what it’s like to grow up in the Muslim world, the key differences between Islam and Christianity, strong apologetic defense for Christianity,  and most of all, deep compassion for the incredible sacrifice Muslims must make when they follow Jesus. This is one of the best books you can read to broaden your understanding of the world, help you relate to followers of the world’s second largest religion, and learn how to share Jesus in compassionate, informed, and loving ways.

End of the Spear
by Steve Saint
From Pastor Steven Grant:
A biography that profoundly moved my heart was End of the Spear by Steve Saint. Steve’s father, Nate Saint, was one of five missionaries brutally murdered by Waodani warriors, men from the Amazon jungle regarded as part of the most savage culture ever known. Years later, Steve and his family were invited by the Waodani to return to the jungle and live among them. This is an amazing story of sacrificial love, reconciliation, and what it means for a disciple of Jesus to give his all for Christ and His kingdom. Steve eventually came to know and love those who drove the spears into his father’s body.

Amy Carmichael Rescuer of Precious Gems
by Janet & Geoff Benge
From Missions Director Trusha Barner:
As a young girl in Sunday school, I was mesmerized by Amy Carmichael’s stories that our teacher occasionally shared. Years later, Youth with A Mission published a series of biographies called Christian Heroes Then & Now, which included Amy Carmichael.

Amy Carmichael, Rescuer of Precious Gems, by Janet and Geoff Benge, tells the story of an ordinary woman with an extraordinary love for people in 1867. Amy was born to Christian parents David and Catherine Carmichael in Ireland, the first of seven children. Her parents were deeply devoted to Christ and raised their children to love and serve Him. The book offers glimpses of her formative years, capturing her journey to become a missionary to India and her strong determination and obedience to God. As I read this book about Amy, I was reminded of the importance of having a foundation of faith, trusting God unequivocally, and standing up for the least of these.

Amy wrote 35 books detailing her life in India which have been widely read in Christian circles and have inspired many to follow God’s call to the mission field. This series would be a great addition to any home library and to share with the next generation. Of the many prayers that Amy wrote over her lifetime, this has become a favorite of mine:

Give Me Love that Leads the Way