August marks the end of summer for many as school, sports, and other fall activities often begin around this time or soon after. While summer weather may not end for a while (I live in Houston so summer never really seems to end), the slower pace of life for many people will begin to pick up as September approaches.
If you're looking for some end-of-summer reading to do before life gets busy again, consider reading a missionary biography. We are talking a lot this month about Cultivating Missions Awareness and missionary biographies are a great way to learn more about the world and the lives of those who have taken the most important message of hope to the nations.
Missionary biographies tell us about people who have considered the gospel worth sacrificing home, family, health, safety, and comfort. They should encourage us, spur us on to share the gospel where we are, teach us about God's love for all peoples, and maybe call us to take the gospel to the nations ourselves.
I asked the Upstream Collective team to share their favorite biographies. If you're not sure where to start, here are some suggestions.
To the Golden Shore: The Life of Adoniram Judson by Courtney Anderson
Gladys Aylward: The Adventure of a Lifetime by Janet & Geoff Benge
Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot
10 Who Changed the World by Daniel Akin & David Platt
Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret by Dr. Howard Taylor, Geraldine Taylor & George Verwer
Profiles of African American Missionaries by Robert J. Stevens and Brian Johnson
A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael by Elisabeth Elliot
Peace Child by Don Richardson
God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew
Becoming Elisabeth Elliot by Ellen Vaughn
These Strange Ashes: Is God Still in Charge? by Elisabeth Elliot
If you'd like other resources recommendations, you can check out this blog or this resource. What are your favorite missionary biographies?
Meredith is the content manager for the Upstream Collective. She has an M.Div in Missiology from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She and her husband, Keelan, have two children and live in Houston, Texas. Connect with her on Twitter.