C.R. Marsh

I have read this missionary biography and the sequel several times. It was originally published in 1970. It is always a challenge and inspiration to read about those who worked amongst Muslims in places where the Gospel had been unknown.

Charles Marsh and his wife defied popular Christian opinion and went to Algeria as newlyweds. More importantly, they went as missionaries,

This book tells how it is possible to reach with the gospel those whom many regard as "too hard for God!" It tells of show more God's faithfulness and power, of His many and varied ways of working: ways which are not always our ways. It tells of His victory in Muslim lives, and some methods by which the Gospel is spread in Eastern lands.

This book is very relevant in our day as many Christians turn away from traditional missionary evangelism and instead expect dreams and visions to provide the breakthroughs. I have even heard suggestions that these lands are impossible to evangelise, which is the same as saying that something is "too hard for God." This was, indeed, the main premise of the popular book The Insanity of God. The author in that book decided that the fields were impossible and turned to journalism to keep people in the West informed and praying....but action is also needed. God has chosen the preaching and teaching of His Word as the method to be used, regardless of the dangers.

Marsh faced a similar backlash on heading to the field with his young bride. The terrible trials once they got there, including a civil war, didn't diminish their zeal. They didn't retreat when they saw people poisoning each other due to ignorance about medicine and general hygiene. They didn't leave when they were threatened or suffered terrible hardship at the hands of people who hated their God. They were committed to the people of the land and loved them as if they were their own nation.

This book is a 4.5 star. There are a few style issues with the writing which jumps around a bit. The author has substituted foreign names for himself and his wife in an attempt to give glory to God, but it makes the narrative a little tricky in places as it is in the third person. I also didn't think he should have used the Bible passage about "hating our father, mother, sister" etc as a reason for leaving his wife and children in England and returning to the field alone. I believe the passage is about priorities-that our first priority should always be God. There is a difference between our personal relationship with God and the work He has called us to. A husband and father should not place his ministry above his family. I recognise that it was common practice at the time this book was written and that a lot of the conveniences we take for granted now were not available then.

I will be reading the sequel again shortly and will review that separately. This book is highly recommended especially for those considering missionary service. show less

Also worth reading but not as good as the first..."Too hard for God" I found it hard that there were few paragraphs and large chunks of text at times. Very interesting stories though and amazing life=changing results over time.

Serão os Muçulmanos, realmente, insensíveis à mensagem de Jesus Cristo por causa da sua devoção ao Islão?
O autor, missionário com longa experiência em países muçulmanos, sugere princípios que muito podem ajudar à apresentação do Evangelho, em meios culturalmente mais sensíveis, sem comprometer a Verdade.
Compartilhe a sua fé com um muçulmano é uma obra em que o leitor encontra explicações claras acerca das crenças e tradições islâmicas. Não é ferramenta ou manual de show more fórmulas fixas para partilhar a mensagem cristã. O seu mérito principal é o de aprofundar a compreensão da mentalidade própria dos devotos do Islão, sem a qual todos os esforços para captar a atenção deles serão inúteis.
No clima de «contaminação» geral contra os Muçulmanos, que se vive desde 11 de Setembro de 2001, é importante não esquecer o exemplo de Charles R. Marsh, aceitando cada Cristão o desafio de partilhar a sua fé com um muçulmano. show less