Corrie Ten Boom: Keeper of the Angels Den

by Janet and Geoffrey Benge
Available from Amazon
***
This book, as do many of the Benge's biographies, begins the first chapter in the middle of the story to capture the reader's attention. The second chapter goes back to Corrie's younger days and shows the reader of her background and heart for service.

This biography is a great introduction to Corrie Ten Boom for children or those unfamiliar with her life. If you are already familiar with her story, read her own words in "The Hiding Place", and "A Prisoner and Yet...".

Stories of the Reformation in Germany and England: For Young People

by Rev. B. G. Johns, MA
Available from Vision Forum and Amazon
*****

The first of the two books is the title: Stories of the Reformation in Germany and England, and chapters alternate between the life and work of Martin Luther, and the life of Sir Harry Gray. Though nobility and through a life between estate and court, Harry Gray came to believe the same truths as Luther. He saw many of his acquaintances lose their lives for their faith, and came very near to giving up his own for Christ.

The second book is A Child’s Life of Luther, and is very well written for young audiences. Actually both works are wonderful for children. The Child’s Life of Luther is an excellent biography in that most of the text is taken from the actual words of those under discussion. Journals and letters of Luther, his friends, and others concerned in his history are quoted for the most accurate biography.

The author does not make the common mistake of practically deifying a great man. He says, “It must be confessed that Luther was at times very severe, and that he often used expressions which seem to us harsh and indelicate. For this Luther has been much blamed. But he was not perfect, any more than other men. It was his zeal in the cause of truth that led him into it.” And again, “Bitter and unyielding, not doubt he was; but it was with him a case of conscience. He dreaded a too free and irreverent use of the words of the Bible. Luther was not without his faults; but they seemed to be the result of a warm and devoted attachment to the cause of truth. If we should claim perfect for Luther, we should thereby place him above the apostles. Even St. Paul and St. Peter were not without their frailties and errors, as we learn from the Holy Scriptures.”

This volume does show us Luther in his frailties as well as his greatness, and the reader will come to love this man, simple and courageous, and devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ. Even young children will be able to understand and enjoy this book. I recommend the whole three-book series.

One Woman Against the Reich

by Helmut W. Ziefle
Available from Amazon
*****

This is a timely book for today. Maria Ziefle was a strong Christian woman, and was very concerned about the Nazi influence on her family. As they dealt with the Hitler Youth, Nazi neighbors, the draft, horrors of war, pressures from “the Party”, the heartache of seeing so much wickedness, and so much more, Maria prayed that their family would remain alive and faithful to God.

Today in America we do not live with the horrors the Ziefle family faced. But as our culture becomes more Godless, our children can innocently be drawn into it, just as Kurt was attracted to the Hitler Youth. Parents must be vigilant in prayer and in teaching their children what is good and right and honoring to God. This woman’s story will be an encouragement for many parents. Especially as the book was written by her son.

Everything was not ideal in the Ziefle family. Georg was not the family’s spiritual leader; his wife was. Everyone may not agree with certain stands they chose to make, but ideal families exist only in fiction, and to agree with everything in a book, we must write it ourselves.

Many photographs are included throughout the book of the people and places described. The story unfolds in an easy way, although the events make for less than easy thoughts as we comfortably read about the Ziefle’s struggles. The war is not the focus, but rather the experiences of a Christian German family who did not support the Nazis. Readers of all ages will enjoy this biography, but parents in particular will be blessed by the account of a woman who fought for her family.

The Doctors Who Conquered Yellow Fever

by Ralph Nading Hill
Available from Amazon
****
Doctors Walter Reed, William Gorgas, and Carlos Finlay come to life in this easy to read exploration of the fight against Yellow Jack. We see glimpses of Walter Reed’s young life and his early quest to become a doctor. His army career follows and before long we see the grim face of Yellow Jack. Reed searches for a cause, and finally proves to the world that the mosquito is the carrier of the dread disease. Heroic volunteers willing contract the disease in the journey to conquer yellow fever. Some of the researchers give the ultimate sacrifice of their lives to finding an answer. We follow Dr. Gorgas through Havana and Panama in his war against the mosquito, and see his final success. Yellow fever is eventually discovered to be caused by a virus, and a vaccine is produced. Today, the world no longer lives in dread of yellow fever thanks to the tireless effort and sacrifice of these great men.

This is a great resource for children, although it is also perfect for adults wanting to learn about the fight against yellow fever without having to study a comprehensive work on the subject. It is number 78 in the Landmark Series.

The River of Grace

by Joyce McPherson
Available from Amazon
*****

I was delighted with this sensitive biography of John Calvin. McPherson writes simply to children, not down to children. She begins in John’s childhood, and touches on the events and issues of his life. She shows his thoughts with frequent quotes him from his letters and other writings. This book is a great introduction to the life and heart of a great reformer, and an excellent work.

The Swamp Fox of the Revolution

by Stewart H. Holbrook
Available from Amazon
*****
Forget about history being boring. This book brings Francis Marion and his campaigns to life like an adventure story. We start off in his camp on Snow Island, and see his men carry out their guerilla type missions from there. We meet the men he fought with, and learn about the men he fought against. We travel to all the places where Marion was involved in the South Carolina campaigns, and see the scenery. Most of all, we follow Francis Marion, and see the brilliant daring and heart of kindness that makes a hero.

The author combined his history and descriptions to make this nothing more than true history, but to make the people, places and events memorable. A great book by itself, a good biography, and a wonderful history tool.

This is number 90 in the Landmark Series, designed to teach important history to children. Children will certainly enjoy the reading, but adults wanting to learn a little more about different areas of history will find Landmarks easy to breeze through. Not in depth studies, but with more information than the average person knows about the subjects, including Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox of the Revolution.

Against the Tide: The Valor of Margaret Wilson

by Hope Irvin Marston
Available from Amazon
****
When I saw the title of this book, I knew I needed it. I recognized the heroine as one of the two Margarets martyred together on the Solway Firth. I enjoyed the book very much. The author brought the period to life, and showed the fear and courage of the “killing times”, when one’s life was not much safer at home than abroad.

The book begins when Margaret was very young, and tells of the few years of maturing she had before her betrayal and martyrdom. Knowing the tragic but glorious end makes each part of Margaret’s life more poignant.

There is a little romance between Margaret and a close neighbor, with three mentions of “innocent kisses.” Fergus eventually asks Margaret to marry him and flee to Ireland, but Margaret believed she should stay single, though she loved him very much. I don’t know whether this is actual history, but it fits nicely in the book.

One thing that did trouble me was the portrayal of Margaret’s disobedience to her father, and her arguing with him in front of the family. I do understand that her conscience dictated that she not go to the church meeting with her family, but rather meet secretly with true believers. Also Margaret’s father is shown as not being able to choose between his cattle and his Saviour, when he was trying to protect his family. Even though they were not being fed at the state church, he went to protect his family, and he did teach them the Scriptures at home. I’m not saying his decision was the best one or not; it’s hard to tell what someone should or should not do when you’ve never been in their shoes. Also, Margaret’s determination to separate from her father’s authority caused her two younger siblings to follow her example, which was a good example except in the way she treated her father. And I do realize that this is historically accurate. I just wish Margaret might have been portrayed showing her father more respect.

Altogether, I would recommend this book, and will keep it on my shelf and read it again. I really appreciate the author’s work, and am happy that a book has been written for young girls about Margaret Wilson.

Tales of Persia

by William McElwee Miller
Available from Amazon
****

Mr. Miller spent forty-three years as a missionary of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Islamic people of Iran. He shares these tales of people he met or heard of in his time there. Some lived many years ago, and some he was privileged to lead to Christ himself. He tells his stories simply, as a grandfather or Sunday School teacher to young children.

Here is a typical paragraph at the end of a chapter. “All this happened because a Christian man [not referring to the author], whose heart was full of the Spirit of God, made a missionary journey to Damghan. There he had so much love for a proud Muslim mulla that he wept over his lost condition. It is love like this that God uses to bring people to Himself.”

These stories give a picture of rural life in Iran and missionaries who went there. We meet all kinds of people in these pages, ones who came to know the Lord Jesus in different ways and how that affected their lives. This would be a great book for reading aloud to the family.

Twelve Youthful Martyrs

by Esther E. Enock
Available from Keepers of the Faith and Amazon
****

I read this book aloud to my husband in the car, and we both marveled at the constancy which these martyrs held to the Lord Jesus. Most of the characters were under 20, and the sweet simplicity with which they refused to deny their Lord touched our hearts and made us wonder if we would be as faithful. We have the same wonderful Savior, and we may one day be called to suffer for His sake. These held Him precious, and as He had saved them and given them new life, they could not turn from Him, whatever the consequences. Their witness proclaimed that they knew Someone worth more than life, and that their lives would be far richer with Him than on this earth. The eternal glow of their lives and deaths puts so many things of this world into their proper perspectives.

This book was well researched, and the author gives detailed names, places and dates in these short accounts. Each story is just a couple pages, and the whole book only numbers 63 pages. Although this was obviously written for children, adults will also be glad to read the testimonies of these young martyrs who “loved not their lives unto death."

Daughter of Liberty, A True Story of The American Revolution

by Robert Quackenbush
Available from Amazon
****

Wyn Mabie was a young wife, and lived with her aunt and her family. Her husband was away in the Continental Army, and Wyn often took horseback rides at night to work out some of her tension. One evening as she was returning from a ride, she met General Washington. As they spoke, he mentioned his concern for some strategic papers still hidden in his previous headquarters, now occupied by the British. Wyn volunteers to ride through the British lines, somehow make her way into the building, retrieve the papers, and return them to the general, a mission on which Nathan Hale had failed and lost his life. After prayer with her family, this courageous young woman sets out. The rest of the book follows her journey, and details some of her narrow escapes and painful determination, finally seeing her safely back with the papers.

This is the true account of a Dutch woman who made a dangerous journey to help General Washington and the Continental Army. Written for 3^rd graders, the 55 page book is easy to read and understand. The author, Robert Quackenbush, is proud to present this story, as it is part of his own family heritage.

Rowland Bingham: Into Africa's Interior

by Janet & Geoffrey Benge
Available from Amazon
****

I was so inspired to read this biography! This man was the founder of the Sudan Interior Mission, and countless other projects. His life was devoted to serving the Lord and the Lord’s people, and reaching the lost for Christ. When he was burdened with a need, he didn’t bewail the fact that there was no group anywhere paying attention that he could associate with. He was a man of action, and when faced with a need, he found something to do about it. Living in comfort was not a priority to him, and change did not terrify him. His life was also characterized by determination, daring, sacrifice, and love for and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

I think his life can be summarized in a paragraph from this biography. He was concerned for the countless men heading into World War II, and wanted a way to reach the unsaved soldiers and encourage the believing ones. The authors state: “The fact that it was yet another ministry that had no ongoing financial backing did not worry either of them [Rowland or his wife]. Rowland often told people that he did not have a great deal of faith, but that he had a little faith in a great God, and that great God would not let His causes fail.”

God is still the same God today. If He has place a burden in a particular area, and there is no existing solution visible, He can work through us to accomplish His purposes. I was so inspired by the life of Rowland Bingham to look around, and put my life to work where the Lord shows me I should, doubting nothing.

I encourage you to read this biography, and see the power of God in a man’s life.

Joseph Haydn, The Merry Little Peasant

by Opal Wheeler and Sybil Deucher
Available from Amazon and The Book Peddler
*****

This is such a sweet little book for children, and adults will enjoy reading through it as well. The way Haydn’s childhood and early years are portrayed is delightfully entertaining, as well as educational. If this had been a little tale invented to amuse children instead of a factual biography, it could hardly be more enchanting. Readers will find it easy to remember these interesting details of Haydn’s life because they will be in sympathy with him in his escapades, disappointments, and successes. In addition to describing the life of this composer, the authors also attempt an introduction to his music. Several musical pieces are included for the reader to play on the piano to see for themselves how charming Haydn’s music is. Musical terms are also explained, such as, “A sonata, you know, is music written for solo instruments with an accompaniment”, or “A symphony is music written for an orchestra and is divided into several parts.”

I heartily recommend this excellent book, especially for children who may be learning Haydn's music in their lessons. The authors have done an outstanding job, and I will be looking for their other works.

I Dared to Call Him Father: The Miraculous Story of a Muslim Woman's Encounter With God

by Bilquis Sheikh with Richard H. Schneider
Available from Amazon
****

Bilquis Sheikh describes her journey, beginning with her initial interest in spirituality. She tells of her search for the truth, studying her Koran and the Bible she had requested, and struggling to know which book was God’s. She humbled herself to visit a missionary to ask questions. She knew how to pray; prayer had been a ritual performed five times a day. However, she was startled by the new thought of praying to God as a father. In which of the two holy books was God a father? She decided to accept the Bible. She studied it, and began to spend time with the missionaries. She listened to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and became convicted about so many things: baptism, her temper, her responses to other people. Christ gave her the strength to defy her family when they insisted she have nothing to do with Christians, as well as the courage to live calmly when her life was threatened. It was such a hard decision, even after she knew in her heart that she believed, and had become a Christian. Her family was close, and she enjoyed so many tender relationships cut off by her choice to follow Jesus. Her family, who had shared such love with her, even tried to kill her for rejecting Islam.

In this book, she chronicles this process. It is precious to see the Lord at work in hard places, like South Asia. We see that He is not limited, only we are. She also gives us insights into her own culture, and values of family and community which are remote from the individualism of the West. It is enlightening to glimpse into a Muslim family, and how she continued to live among her relatives after her conversion. Most of all, it is encouraging to read of another sister’s journey to live before God in communion with Him as He has called us all to do. It brings reflection on our own lives, and the depth and closeness of our own relationship with our heavenly Father.

At the end of the book, there is an epilogue of Bilquis’ life after the conclusion of the book. Then another perspective is added by Synnove Mitchell, the missionary to whom Bilquis first spoke about the Lord.

Written in an easy manner, this book can be read in an afternoon. Bilquis was open and honest about matters of the heart, and I did not find her to by dry at all. Who should read it? Those interested in this kind of conversion and culture, those wanting to know how God can be a Father, and Christians who want to understand this sister and those like her, and Christians who want to deepen their own relationship with our heavenly Father.

Raoul Wallenberg: The Man Who Stopped Death

by Sharon Linnea
Available from Amazon
*****
Raoul Wallenberg had a mission for his life from his youngest days. He was impressed with the story of the Scarlet Pimpernel, and wanted to save people in a similar manner. During World War II, Raoul worked at the Swedish embassy in Poland, giving Swedish citizenship to thousands of Jews. These “new” Swedes were protected by Sweden, since the Nazis were not at war with Sweden, and had no wish to be. Raoul helped them out of the country, and gave others work there in his department. He provided ration cards to the starving Jews. Secretly employed by the United States government, he hired a photographer to document the activities in which he lived. Some of those photographs are in this book. Raoul fought with Adolph Eichmann with everything he had: money, wits, subtlety, threats and power, and he had plenty to work with. He escaped several attempts on his life, but in the end, fell into the hands of the Russians, who he had supposed would be friendly to him. No one really knows, or has made public, what happened to him after that. The Russian government claimed that he died, but many people reported sharing a cell with him after that.

This book was easy to read: a real page turner, but not simplistic. Linnea pulls her readers into the world of Raoul Wallenberg, and makes them care about his life. Certainly not a dry biography, it reads like a novel following an undercover agent. Even young children would be interested in his story. Read this biography, and learn of a daring and courageous man who defied the powers and authorities to save life.

George Mueller: A Father to the Fatherless

by Rebecca Davis
Available from Amazon
*****
This biography is designed for 7 to 9 year olds, but younger children would enjoy hearing it read aloud. Each chapter can be read aloud or by a newer reader in less than fifteen minutes.

The book begins with the well-known incident of George Mueller’s father catching him with stolen tax money in his shoes, and goes on to tell of his years of thieving and living life for himself. We read of how he met the Lord at a Bible study while at school. What is really ironic is that he was studying for the Lutheran ministry, and others in his classes were just as unregenerate as he was. Next the book tells of his marriage, and his conviction that God would provide their needs, even though they committed to receiving no salary, and to tell their needs only to God. Further chapters show George’s burden for the orphans, and the development of the orphan homes. It is exciting to read of how George believed God would answer his prayers, and then to see Him do it, time after time. As the book progresses, we read of different children who came into the orphanages, their experiences there and how they changed their lives, how they knew George Mueller, and what happened when they left the homes. When his first wife died, George wrote in his journal that he missed her, but he was content in the Lord’s will. His second, younger wife went around the world with him as he spoke in different countries.

Rebecca Davis has written a great book as a biography. Younger children will enjoy reading it on their own, and it would also make for great discussions if read aloud in a family setting. I whole-heartedly recommend it!

Stones of Fire

by Isobel Kuhn
Available from Keepers of the Faith and Amazon
*****
Isobel Kuhn speaks of stones of fire as almost an oxymoron. Stones are hard and cold, and fire is hot and passionate. She describes people as stones of fire, people with fiery passion held rock solid by principle. Opals, stones with broken hearts made beautiful by the light that sparkles through them, are used as a physical example of a stone of fire. The book is written of just such a fiery stone.

The story of Mary begins when her name was still Third Sister in a small Lisu village in the highlands of China. We see her introduction to the missionaries John and Isobel Kuhn, her understanding of the Gospel, and her attraction to Lu-Seng. The reality of her faith and trust inGod is tested throughout the book, and she proves to be a ‘stone of fire’.

The book is written in a very easy to read style, and readers will be drawn into Mary's life as she encounters so many trials and hardships. We read of her family and marriage, the communist occupation and political turmoils of their village, and the physical problems that eventually led to her death at the ripe old age of... 25 years old. Through it all, she manifested such a sweet patience, so unlike Third Sister's feisty temper, that was rooted in her trust in the One Who redeemed her from her sins. Mary is such an example of a passionate woman who learns to let the Lord channel her passion to serve Him instead of herself. I felt ashamed of myself at times when reading of her love and trust, and awed once again by the power of Jesus Christ to change lives, even mine. If I could rate this book with more than five stars, I would. It is to be highly recommended.

Hearts of Fire

by The Voice of the Martyrs
Available from Amazon
****
Eight women in the underground Church have shared their stories of what their faith in God has cost them and their loved ones. They are each from different countries, and their individual ways of drawing persecution, and their sufferings are distinct. They are alike in that they each refused to deny the Lord Who saved them.

I don’t agree with all the women in the book. One of the chapters was on Sabina Wurmbrand. I appreciate her suffering and stedfastness in the Lord, but some of the comments, as well as some things I’ve read on her husband, Richard Wurmbrand who has suffered so much for Christ’s sake, seem to be contrary to Scripture. Maybe I am mistaken, or maybe they are less than orthodox, but I can still glorify God in their testimony for Him.

Ling was another woman who was tortured for Christ. She was a leader and preacher in the underground church in China. I believe that the Bible teaches against women preaching in mixed company, but I admire her conviction. I also realize that sometimes men are not available or willing to do things, and women are. Ling was willing, and she suffered much for Christ’s sake.

The other six women had one thing in common with each other and the previously listed two: they were all Christians. One woman suffered incredible physical and emotional pain after refusing to convert to Islam. One father tried to kill his daughter who became a believer in Christ from Islam after searching for the truth. Another woman lost her husband and two sons to those who resented the message of Christ.

One thing I really appreciated about this book is that these are women of today. They are not women to inspire me from history, although they will be that for others. They are women who are living now, existing on this planet in my lifetime. These are the sufferings of today. I have not been chosen to suffer as they have, but whether my time comes or not, these women inspire me to cling to Christ, and remain faithful to Him whatever the cost. Due to the explanations of the extreme costliness of their faith, I would only recommend this book to adults.

Count Zinzendorf: Firstfruit

by Janet & Geoff Benge
Available from Amazon
***

This was my introduction to the life of Count Ludwig von Zinzendorf. I appreciate his love for the Lord, and he has written some beautiful hymns. His story was very interesting.

When he came into his estates in Saxony, he allowed refugees from Moravia to establish a community, named Herrnhut, on his property. All the people agreed to work together for the good of the whole. Count Zinzendorf founded “choirs”, groups of people who lived together and worked together. Single men, single women, married men, and so on. The count became an ordained Lutheran minister, and eventually also a Moravian bishop. He appointed women elders and preachers. These Moravians were actively sending out missionaries to many parts of the world. Zinzendorf went on to plant and oversee several such communities in different areas. One community in Pennsylvania agreed that all the members would own no property, and give all they earned to send others on missions. They also had a 100-year prayer meeting; people signed up to pray for an hour a day, and scheduled it so that someone was praying 24 hours a day, every day. No one was compelled to join these villages, but if they did, they were obligated to follow the many rules. Some Christians chose to come for a certain time period, devoting it to this work, and then return to their lives.

Count Zinzendorf had twelve children, only three of which survived him. When his first wife died, he realized he had spent too much of their marriage away, and not putting her and the family first. It is so sad when we realize our misplaced priorities once it is too late.

I think the count was fervent in his love for the Lord, and spent his energies to serve Him, although not always effectively. There was a scandal during the time of his exile from Saxony in which he and his son were preaching a return to childlike faith. This resulted in and was applied to be a return to childishness, spending their time and resources in playing. Zinzendorf saw the error in this and repented, and tried to reverse it. I know he certainly loved the Lord, but many of his thoughts, ideas and teachings were misguided, probably influenced by the times in which he lived.

This book was helpful in learning about the life of a hymn writer and man of faith. I think it is good to read about men who have influenced the Church and the world, whether or not we agree with all they thought and taught.

The authors write to a young audience, and present the material as an engaging story. The facts are not related in such a manner as to touch the heart (as when a child dies, they comment that the count “was sad”), but to hold the interest, which they do throughout the life of count Zinzendorf.

Wang Ping's Sacrifice

Wang Ping's Sacrifice by Harvey Yoder
http://www.rodandstaffbooks.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=RS&Category_Code=1d_AD
****
Each chapter in this book tells the story of real people in China. Some are of how they met the Lord. Most also tell what the suffered for the Lord, and bore witness to His love and grace through it all. I especially like this book because the accounts are current. This is what believers are enduring today, as I sit in my comfortable surroundings.

Sundar Singh: Footprints Over the Mountains

Ch - Sundar Singh: Footprints Over the Mountains: Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Janet & Geoffrey Benge
****
Sundar’s mother wanted him to be a holy man, or sadhu, and, being a Singh, he was expected to follow in the Sikh faith of their family. They thought the Sikh scriptures were better than the Hindu scriptures; also the Sikhs believed in only one God. The Sikhs thought themselves above the rest of the people of India.

Since the public school was five miles away, his parents sent him to the Christian mission school nearby. Sundar was a good learner, and pleased the teachers. Before his mother died, he prayed that she would live, but after her death, he hated the Christians and their God, making life at the mission school miserable. Since he still had to go to school, he told his father he would walk to the public school, but after he contracted malaria, he was not strong enough to make the walk. His father insisted that he attend the Christian mission school again. After some time, he was still sick and depressed from the malaria, and he decided he must know if God was real. He prayed and asked the Lord to show Himself to Sundar that night, or he would kill himself under the morning train. He says that Jesus appeared and spoke to him. That night his life changed. He repented and believed on Christ.

When Sundar told his family about his new faith in Jesus, they tried to change his mind, finally poisoning him, when he left to live with Christian friends. To their amazement, he survived the poisoning.

He had a burning desire to tell everyone about the Lord. It occurred to him that people with listen more readily if became a Sadhu; not a Sikh Sadhu, but a Christian holy man. He traveled all over, preaching as he went. Many people drove him away, but some listened.

Sundar had a particular burden for the people of Tibet. He would walk over the Himalayan ranges to preach to them, although bringing in a foreign “religion” was illegal. One of the first times he was preaching, he was caught by the grand lama and sentenced to die. Since their religious convictions forbid them to actually kill someone, they have divised many methods of slowly “allowing” people to die. Sundar was thrown into a dry well to die, a well that he discovered had been used many times for the same purpose. Rotting human remains and bones surrounded him with an awful stench. After three days, he was miraculously rescued.

He went on to many places, being persecuted and tortured, but continuing to preach. He began to be well known, and other countries asked for him to come to speak to them. Sundar preached in many countries, but he always came back to the places his heart yearned over. In time his father came to know the Lord.

Sundar never returned from his last trip to Tibet. No one knows or admits to knowing what happened to him. We do know that he was faithful to preach God’s Word; faithful unto death, and he will receive a crown of life.