#32 From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya by Ruth A. Tucker, 1983.

This was the other book I picked up from my preaching professor’s office. Someone told me it was fabulous. In many places it is. I’ve been reading it for two months, finally skimming a couple sections like the ones on aviation and radio. But I was always afraid I was going to miss something special. I especially enjoyed the section about women on the mission field, and a biographers take on Amy Carmichael’s character:

Sherwood Eddy … was deeply impressed by the beauty of her character; and character according to Eddy, was the key to successful world evangelism. Here is the point where many a missionary breaks down. Every normal missionary sails with high purposes but as a very imperfect Christian… His character is his weakest point … It was just here that Amy Carmichael was a blessing to all who came into intimate contact with her radiant life … Amy Carmichael was the most Christlike character I ever met, and her life was the most fragrant, the most joyfully sacrificial, that I ever knew.

Tucker, 239.

Amy is one of those Christians I long to spend eternity getting to know up close and personal. It was her biography that I picked to read in my first semester of seminary–Missions class–with one of my favorite missionaries, the late Dr. Will Norton. And it was her story I chose as my illustration in my first sermon for Dr. John Oliver. Little did I know that he had the same appreciation for this beloved saint. I think the mutual Amy affinity was the beginning of my wonderful friendship with him.

#31 The Magnolia Story by Chip & Joanna Gaines, 2016.

Audible.

So adorable.

I love them.

They too have a Christ-like character worth emulating.