Book of Testimonies

 

This underlying theme of community and Gd’s quiet work has even shaped my summer reading list! Two books in particular have left a deep mark on me.

The first was Prioritizing the Chrch in Mssions by Folmar and Logsdon (part of the 9Marks series). It was such a timely reminder of how vital it is to stay connected to the local body. The Chrch is the origin, the means, and the ultimate goal of the work He has called us to; whenever I try to tackle this min without the natural support system He’s already provided, that’s when the wilderness starts to feel overwhelming. (Side note: there’s a companion book written from a sending perspective called Prioritizing Mssions in the Chrch that is also fantastic if you're interested!)

The second book, Word of Testimony, was a collection of over 60 stories from local followers who came to faith shortly after the fall of the Soviet Union. Story after story laid out raw, difficult backgrounds—heavy drug and alcohol abuse, brokenness, domestic violence, and desperate searches for help through witch doctors and demonic spiritual practices—followed by miraculous physical healings and total transformation through J.

Reading through them was a vivid reminder of His undeniable goodness. It brought me right back to that dynamic truth: despite the pressures of Islam and the very real cost of family rejection, Gd has been drawing people to Himself here for decades—men and women who have chosen to bow their knees only to J and His saving power.