I was honored to have the opportunity to review David Shibley’s book entitled “Great for God: Missionaries who Changed the World”. David has a heart to support “frontline shepherds” as seen in the ministry that he founded: Global Advance.
Great for God is a small book of only 144 pages that summarizes the works of almost two dozen missionaries that have gone on to be with the Lord. I read the book in the Kindle format that was given to me by the publisher, New Leaf Publishing Group.*
As a teacher and a missionary, I and my students have studied many of these great men and women of faith. In the Introduction of the book David said:
I felt a debt to the next generation to pass on these stories of courageous, even audacious, faith. Everyone deserves to hear the awesome accounts you are about to read. These stories are just too wonderful to die, and these people are too great to be forgotten. (Kindle Locations 139-140)
David did well to highlight the things that I remembered most about these brothers and sisters in Christ. I would recommend this as a great little book that a Mama, Daddy or another teacher can use to read to young children. This will help meet David’s goal of his book — to pass on these stories to the next generation.
Here are some of my favorite parts of the book, including some great quotes:
The book includes the story of humble servants Bill Bright and his wife Vonette, best known as founders of Campus Crusade for Christ. They put everything into the ministry and vowed and even signed a contract to be slaves for Jesus.
“God has placed in our trust a measure of time, a unique set of talents, and sufficient resources to carry out His will for each of our lives,” Bill said. “Our task as faithful stewards is to manage those blessings in order to bring maximum glory to His name.” (Kindle Locations 428-431)
William Carey is a missionary that I could read about over and over again. Great highlights about him and his mission.
“Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.” ~ William Carey ~ (Kindle Locations 509-511)
I enjoyed reading about Bob Pierce and remembering that he was the founder of World Vision and Samaritan’s Purse. Maybe it is because Samaritan’s Purse is now under the care of Franklyn Graham, I forgot all about brother Pierce. As with many missionaries Bob often overdid it physically and I love how he said:
“The secret of lasting success,” Bob often said, “is lasting!” (Kindle Location 1618)
I shed a couple tears as I was touched by the story of David’s father, Warren Harding Shibley. I won’t spoil it for you because I know you want to get this book and read it for yourself.
“Missions involvement isn’t sentimental philanthropy. It’s just an honest man paying his debt.” ~ Warren Shibley ~ (Kindle Locations 1710-1712)
I could go on and on, but truly, David not only shares these great stories of the faithful, he urges his readers to be great for God too. In the beginning of the book David said:
You will witness true humility on every page of their stories. (Kindle Location 129)
and
Your life will be enriched. The book in your hands holds big benefits for you. (Kindle Location 135)
David speaks the truth and is a gifted writer.
I was captivated by the stories (even the ones I had read so many times before). You too will enjoy this summary of Church history that should be a part of your library. The only thing I disliked about the book is that it ended too soon.
This book is available at Amazon.com, Goodreads.com, and Christianbook.com. I know David and his publisher would be honored to have you “Like” their facebook page too: Great for God facebook page.
* I received a free Kindle copy of Great for God however the reactions and opinions in this review are really and truly my own. You can read my disclosure policy if you like.
