Are you a reader? If so, the challenge might be finding books to fit in these categories. If you are not a reader, this might be the challenge you need to encourage you to read missionary biographies.

A challenge can help us to grow. Recently I shared 5 Reasons You Need to Read Missionary Biographies which gives you the why you need to read missionary biographies. Now I want to challenge you to do something with that knowledge. I am going to challenge you to read missionary biographies.

A challenge is something that pushes us out of what we normally do. We need a few challenges in life as they stretch us and show us what we can do.

Missionary Reading Challenge 12 Books to Change your life

I have limited this to 12 books. That is just one book a month. Just think in a year you will have read about 12 or more missionaries. I say the more because you might find a book that tells bits about various missionaries. Just think about learning about the lives of 12 heroes of the faith. These are part of the cloud of witnesses referenced in Hebrews 12:1.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” (ESV)

Use this challenge as an opportunity to read about people you have not heard of. Maybe read about names you have heard but you don’t know about their life. I have a few names that I have heard until recently. I want to know their story.

Missionary Reading Challenge Categories

Self-published – This might not be the most polished book you have read but I challenge you to find a book that has been self-published and read it. I recently read one in this category. The author gave it to us and we put it on the shelf for a few years. I knew the author but reading the autobiography I learned so much more. She was one of the first foreigners to go to parts of India. Read a self-published.

Someone from the 1700s or 1800s – William Carrey who has been called the “father of modern missions” sailed to India in 1793. There are numerous missionary biographies from this time period.

Someone from the 1900’s – There are numerous ones to chose from in this category — Amy Carmichael, Eric Liddel, Isobel Kuhn, Glayds Aylward, Jim Elliot, and the list goes on.

Someone currently alive – This might be the challenge bit. Maud Kells is one person that comes to mind. I am sure there are others. Ask for recommendations.

Someone who died on the mission field – Jim Elliot, Nate Saint and the others killed in Equador would be options for this category. Glayds Aylward died in Taiwan.

Missionary to Africa – It doesn’t matter what time period but read about a missionary to Africa.

Missionary to Asia – That could be Japan, China, India or another country in Asia. There are lots of people and various times, so find one person that you want to learn more about.

Missionary to the Middle East – This might be a bit of a challenge but you can do it. Lilias Trotter might be a person to read about. You could read Tales from Persia. See what else you can find.

Recommendation from a Friend – Talk with a friend and ask them for a recommendation. Invite them to join the challenge with you.

Published this year – I think it is important to read books that are currently being published. Find a book that has been published this year.

Someone you have never heard of – We all know the “big names” in missions. Find a book about someone that you have never heard of. Read about their life. Learn about someone that might not be a “big name”.

Someone not from your country – God is calling people from everywhere to go everywhere and serve him. Read about someone that is not from the same country as you.

Begin Reading Missionary Biographies

Start reading. Begin seeing ways that God is working around the world. Learn about the people that God is using to proclaim the name of Christ.

Are you ready to begin reading? Use the hashtag #christianmissionaryreadingchallenge to share the books that you are reading. Don’t forget to use #asheleadsisjoy. I can’t wait to see what you are reading.

 

Download a handy Missionary Reading Challenge Chart. It is easy and fun to tick off the boxes as you read a variety of books.

Missionary Reading Challenge