Phyllis Thompson (1) (1906–1995)

This book has been languishing on my shelf for quite a few years now, and I only recently “rediscovered” it. I’m so glad I did and took the time to pick it up; this was both a challenging and an encouraging read!

When I was younger, the thought of reading a book about people who died was little short of horrifying. I couldn’t imagine being able to do that. But now, as an adult, getting to read stories like this—about real people who had real struggles and somehow managed to turn show more their eyes on the Lord despite severe trials and testing—has become a source of strength and encouragement to me. The women in this story learned what true sacrifice looks like, and seeing even a tiny glimpse of how they not only allowed the Lord to have His way in their lives, but also laid down their lives for Him, was incredible to read about.

I came away from this book strengthened and encouraged. Phyllis Thompson is a wonderful writer, and I often felt like I was “there”—and couldn’t wait to get back to the story on the days when I didn’t have time for another chapter! I’m looking forward to reading other books from her pen, and recommend this to anyone who is seeking to have a deeper relationship with the Lord and enjoys reading stories of faithful Christians from the past. show less

Another missionary biography to add to my collection. I always prefer the auto-biographical accounts unless the author is exceptional. This book has been well written and at times reads as if the author was actually present for the events described.

The book documents the early lives of Margaret from UK and Minka from Holland. The two girls had very different lives: Margaret had studied to be a nurse and Minka had been caught up in WW2. They both had a strong call to missions and ended up show more serving together in the leprosy clinics in Southern Thailand. There are some heart-warming stories from the field particularly in relation to a boy named Jit who, suffering leprosy, had been shunned by his community, living as an outcast in a mud-hut and never seeing the light of day. Jit had been gradually wasting away with disease and was just waiting for his slow and painful death until the missionaries came....

The story then takes a dramatic turn as the missionaries are captured by bandits and held for ransom in the jungle but an unknown gang. Their demands: a huge amount of money and for political support for Palestine in the Palestianian/Israeli war...

This book is interesting as it reveals a lot about the policies and procedures of OMF and the difficult decisions that had to be taken by those in leadership. OMF kept this in mind after Margaret and Minka had been captured:

The way we Christian missionaries act and react now may determine for many years to come what the people of South Thailand think of the Lord we would commend to them. Is He really alive and able to keep us in His peace in a situation of life and death, or does He fail when we need Him most?

It's something that each one of us should keep in mind as we go through trials and tribulations. We are surrounded by witnesses.

I recommend this book as there are some useful spiritual lessons that can be immediately applied. show less

Book about a Hudson Taylor, a missionary to China. Very small book, quick read. It was interesting but I wish there had been a little more info on his time in China.

excellent