One of the things that really fascinated me as a child was mission stories. I remember kinda liking the idea of going on some mission trip and experiencing the adventures that I’ve heard from various missionary stories.
Speaking of which, for today’s blog post, I’d like to share with you all a review on the more recent missionary story book entitled Cross The Waves and Climb The Steeps by Nancy Meyer Schafner.
What I Liked About The Book…
One of the things that I really liked about the book is how the author steadily and seamlessly progressed the story from one family member’s individual missionary experience to the next family member’s experience.
Another thing that I really enjoyed from the book was the humor that the author sprinkled in throughout the book.
From Willy’s “injured” boot to Mr. Python’s “surprise,” the humor in this mission story book kept me laughing like a hyena ?!
Lastly, there was a part in the book that really stood out to me in an encouraging way.
That part was when the missionary parents were teaching at a Christian school in Lebanon during an intense war. During that part of the story, the author wrote:
“Focusing on teaching rather than the fighting, proved to be a blessed distraction.”
–Cross The Waves And Climb The Steeps pg. 194
I saw that statement as a key lesson for us as Christians.
In a world that’s full of fighting over who’s right and who’s wrong concerning all kinds of foolishness, we too as Christians need to focus more on teaching the Gospel rather than the fighting that’s going on in the world currently.
After all, is that not what Jesus Himself instructed us to do?
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
(Matthew 28:19-20, emphasis added)
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Conclusion
The book, Cross The Waves And Climb The Steeps by Nancy Meyer Schafner is a modern mission story that I would HIGHLY recommend to anyone who desires something fresh to read and find faith-boosting encouragement for their own Christian mission journey!
Amen! Maranatha!