Education for Mission

Reading Program 1999

BEYOND BEIJING: THE NEXT STEP FORWARD

Sheed and Ward, 1996
175 pages
Joan Chittister

#4905/$15.95

The author chronicles her trip with a women’s peace group across Russia, Turkey, and finally, China to attend the U.N. Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. Ms. Chittister explores the significance of the conference.

BRIDGE OF COURAGE

Common Courage Press, 1994
275 pages
Jennifer Harbury
#4908/$14.95

The author, whose husband was murdered by the government of Guatemala, reveals the history of the struggle for justice in that country and the courage of people trying to overthrow an unjust regime. Each chapter is the story of a Guatemalan person.

CHILD OF ALL NATIONS

Penguin USA, 1996
352 pages
Pramoedya Ananta Toer
#4912/$12.95

This novel tells the story of Minke, who fights against Dutch colonialists for the independence of what becomes the nation of Indonesia. The author, a famous Indonesian writer, was imprisoned for his efforts to free his nation. A resource for the 1998-99 mission study on Indonesia.

GOD’S CALL TO MISSION

Herald Press, 1994
229 pages
David W. Shenk
#4931/$12.00

A Mennonite involved in mission for 30 years addresses the biblical foundations for mission, surveys the context of mission in today’s world and explores ways to be in mission today. A resource for the 1999-2000 mission study on "Mission in the 21st Century," this book calls for mission that shows respect for other cultures and is sensitive to the needs and perspectives of others.

ITA FORD, MISSIONARY MARTYR (Easy reading)

Paulist Press, 1996
50 pages
Phyllis Zagano
#4938/$5.95

In this biography of Ita Ford, one of four U.S. mission workers murdered by government forces in El Salvador in 1980, we learn about her deep faith in God; the joy she found in her work with the poor; and her courage, humor and hope.

LONG WALK TO FREEDOM

Little Brown and Company, 1995
625 pages
Nelson Mandela
#4944/$14.95

In this powerful and inspiring autobiography, Nelson Mandela tells how he was raised in the royal household of his tribe, then went on to lead the African National Congress’ fight against apartheid in South Africa. He recalls his 27 years in prison and his election as president of his country.

ON FREQUENT JOURNEYS: WORSHIP RESOURCES ON UPROOTED PEOPLES (Easy reading)

The United Church Publishing House, 1997
120 pages
Rebekah Chevalier, editor
#4948/$14.95

This collection of prayers, litanies, reflections and worship outlines focuses on people uprooted by war, poverty and political upheaval. Interspersed with the worship resources are personal stories of people forced to leave their homes. A resource for the 1998-99 mission study on "Refugees and Global Migration."

SABRIYA: DAMASCUS BITTER SWEET

Interlink Books, 1997
186 pages
Ulfat Idilbi
#4956/$12.95

Told through a journal left behind after Sabriya’s death, this novel of Syria in the 1920s tells the painful story of a woman’s struggles against her country’s French colonial oppressors and a harsh patriarchy that demanded her devotion to the needs of aging parents.

SNAKES AND LADDERS: GLIMPSES OF MODERN INDIA

Sovereign World, Ltd., 1995
297 pages
Gita Mehta
#4959/$11.95

An Indian journalist shares short vignettes of life in her country as it neared the 50th anniversary of its independence from Great Britain. Stories offer a loving but unflinching assessment of India today.

SUFFER THE CHILDREN (Easy reading)

Providence House Publishers, 1996
64 pages
David John Seel
#4965/$12.95

This account of a Presbyterian laywoman who, with her women’s circle, reached out to hospitalized Korean children, reminds us how, with God’s love, we can make a difference in the lives of others.

THE VISITOR: AN AFRICAN WOMAN’S STORY OF TRAVEL AND DISCOVERY

World Council of Churches, 1996
87 pages
Eva de Carvalho Chipenda
#4967/$8.95

This delightful, thought-provoking book introduces us to an African Methodist sister who traveled over four continents and found love, compassion and friendship. Its reflections on colonialism and development, missionaries, and the Church are a resource for the 1999-2000 mission study on "Mission in the 21st Century."

WEST AFRICA: CHRIST WOULD BE AN AFRICAN TOO

World Council of Churches, 1996
52 pages
John Pobee
#4971/$5.50

The author reflects on what it has meant for the Gospel to be proclaimed and lived out in Africa, and highlights West African efforts to express the good news in an authentically African way. This book is a resource for the 1999-2000 mission study on "Mission in the 21st Century."

ZENZELE: A LETTER TO MY DAUGHTER

Crown Publishers, 1997
208 pages
J. Nozipo Maraire
#4977/$7.00

Written as a letter from a Zimbabwean mother to her daughter, this is a lyrical and deeply personal book. The author shares stories that embrace the family, the community, changing lifestyles and her country’s struggle for independence.