The original book was printed in Hong Kong in 1960 with only four thousand copies, and the supply was quickly diminished. This release is in response to many requests for those who wish to read about the missionary/servant of God, Herbert Grings, and his family.
This was an interesting book about what missionary life was like many years ago. The missionary organization that I currently work with sends high school students overseas for 2-6 week mission trips, college students for the summer, young college graduates for 1-2 year internships as well as sends adults for 2 year minimum assignments. These folks raise a lot of money in a short period of time, fly overseas relatively quickly, travel by train, bus, or auto throughout their time, and return via p
This was an interesting book about what missionary life was like many years ago. The missionary organization that I currently work with sends high school students overseas for 2-6 week mission trips, college students for the summer, young college graduates for 1-2 year internships as well as sends adults for 2 year minimum assignments. These folks raise a lot of money in a short period of time, fly overseas relatively quickly, travel by train, bus, or auto throughout their time, and return via plane. Some may rough it a little more traveling in remote areas. They all seem to be stretched emotionally by their experiences, challenged with the needs they see, and forever changed in their perspectives of the world? But what a different experience this was for Mr Grings. I chuckled as he related about finding a wife. Like many young male missionaries, he was too focused on his work to notice or pursue relationships w the opposite sex, and so ignored the interest that his future wife showed in him. Only later when he saw how a wife could help him minister more effectively did he take his supervisor's advice and marry her. It seemed to be a totally pragmatic decision, quickly made and quickly executed. Their determination to walk to new villagers and start new ministries was amazing. It was inspiring too that when the door closed to his work in Africa, he didn't become bitter or quit. He simply transferred his efforts to South America and saw similar success in his efforts. The author related many facts about what he did, but not a lot about his inward journeys. I think that's just a reflection of the times he lived in. I was very impressed with the lives of his children, and how they each followed in their parent's footsteps in ministry. Isn't that what a missionary desires to do, multiply his life into his followers?
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