Two Thumbs Up

You know me... I like to blog about books that have impacted me deeply or ones I've at least learned something from.

I finished this book last night and it gave me so much to think about in regards to my moving to Cambodia. It's a short read, but excellent for anyone who is considering ministering cross-culturally. I thought I would highlight several moments in the book.

"Don't make the mistake of thinking that you will develop a richer prayer life once you begin your ministry: how your prayer life is now is most likely how your prayer life will continue to be. If you are too busy or too unmotivated to pray now, what makes you believe it will somehow be easier to do once you reach your destination?"

"Pretty soon it dawned on me that the kids could care less about all the things I used to find my identity in. The fact that I had a masters degree from seminary meant nothing to them. Who I knew or what movements I was connected with meant nothing to them. My stories of faith and miracles and my radical testimony meant nothing to them. My American personality and sense of humor meant nothing to them. As I realized this, something started to happen in my heart. I grew uneasy, uncomfortable, and discontent, and all kinds of ugly feelings came to the top of my heart. It was a bittersweet time for me. Everything I thought that I was, was shaken and broken (that was the bitter part). What was left standing was me alone clinging to the cross (that was the sweet part)."

The author has lived in Asia for 13 years and leads an orphanage. Thanks to my new bud Catie for suggesting this book. =)