I've read a lot of books in my days as a public school teacher and now a homeschooling parent. But, a series of books, new to me, grabbed my attention after I finally read Gladys Aylward: The Adventure of a Lifetime. I received the free book at our state's homeschool convention one year and promptly stored it away on a book shelf where it stayed for about the next 5 years. After the insistence of several friends to READ the book, I finally did just that. I loved the story of Gladys so much, I insisted that my children read it as well--even though the book itself is written well below their reading level.
We've read several in the Christian Heroes series since our first taste with the books. Some we have liked better than others. Easy to read, the real worth of these books lies in the stories they tell--stories of faith, perseverance, and endurance. I love the way the authors weave in historical facts, so that each hero gets placed in the timeline of history in the reader's mind.
The following are a few that we've read and enjoyed.
Gladys Aylward: The Adventure of a Lifetime: Gladys left her home in England to become a missionary to China. The story of her incredible journey to arrive there, and her life among the Chinese people gives God all the glory. My favorite part of this book comes when Gladys is asked by the local Chinese government to go into the remote villages and tell the people to stop binding their daughter's feet. Apparently the Chinese people felt that small feet equaled beautiful feet. They would bind their babies' feet, so that their feet would grow doubled over. Though this practice achieved for the ladies the small feet they desired, it also made their feet deformed and crippled them. The practice, finally officially outlawed in 1912, gave Gladys her job as "foot inspector".
Clara Barton: Courage Under Fire: Even though shy Clara could hardly talk to anyone, she had no difficulty getting what she needed for those who were suffering or less fortunate than she. In spite of her timidity, Clara mastered the art of teaching undisciplined school boys and later would use her gifts to help wounded soldiers during the Civil War and those suffering from the effects of natural disasters. After the Civil War, Clara worked to get the Red Cross started in the United States and devoted much of her life to its development.
Clara Barton: Courage Under Fire: Even though shy Clara could hardly talk to anyone, she had no difficulty getting what she needed for those who were suffering or less fortunate than she. In spite of her timidity, Clara mastered the art of teaching undisciplined school boys and later would use her gifts to help wounded soldiers during the Civil War and those suffering from the effects of natural disasters. After the Civil War, Clara worked to get the Red Cross started in the United States and devoted much of her life to its development.
Lillian Trasher: The Greatest Wonder in Egypt: Lillian Trasher's life story included many miraculous events as God led her away from a comfortable life in America to Egypt to start an orphanage. Lillian's faith in God grew as she trusted Him fully to provide for and protect her and her orphans amidst poverty and war. Fascinating story!
These have been my favorites so far. What are your favorite Christian Hero books?
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