Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.
As a missionary family on deputation, we really enjoy reading missionary biographies. Learning more about how God sustains His servants is always heart warming, and provides encouragement. So, I was thrilled for the opportunity to review Venturing with God in Congo. This book is written by Darrell Champlin. It’s published by Conjurske Publications.
What Is This Book?
This title contains 290 pages, in a hardbound book. It follows missionaries Darrell Champlin and his wife Louise as they serve God in Congo.
How Did We Use This Book?
I had big plans to read this book aloud on one of our deputation trips. But, after reading the introduction aloud, I lost my voice and was unable to continue.
Interested by the opening, my husband decided to read the book first. Since he is the one who read it, I asked him to write the review. Here’s what he had to say:
Book Review
I am a big fan of books about missionaries. But I will be the first to admit that a lot of them are very dry. This is not one of those books.
Venturing with God in Congo got my attention in the introduction. The challenges that the author and his family faced in their time in both the US and in Congo compared to the relative ease of which we live today is vast. Yet, they are clear that through all of the challenges they face, they are brought through them not because of their own strength, but because of the love and grace of God.
Every chapter is a new adventure. The book is written one story at a time. There are a few instances where the author refers to a story yet to happen, or in the middle of another story already given. Yet clear references of where each story fits into the timeline are clearly give, so it’s easy to follow.
There are some challenging stories to read. The author does make a plea for more people to enter into the mission field, and even tells of the answer given in one such case.
Reading this book, the reader feels like they are actually living the story. And feeling the gains and losses right along with the author. It is very descriptive.
In every chapter the author brings the focus back to God with constant reminders of how it was God working through the situation, or the grace of God given, or His strength that got them through the challenges. All the while pointing back to God’s Word, the Bible.
Not every story ends well. Tragedy does strike the family and also friends made along way. The Christian life is not one of ease nor without suffering.
But through it all, the hand of God is clearly seen and there is no doubt that God leads, guides, protects, and does a great work in Congo.
Reading It Aloud 
There were many times when my husband was reading that he’d call me (or the kids) over to listen to a particularly inspiring section. We both appreciated how the glory was given to God, and how the focus was clearly on Him.
Now that my voice has recovered, I’m looking forward to reading this aloud to the kids on our next deputation trip. I know they will enjoy hearing about the adventures in Congo. It is a longer read, so it will take a lot of sessions to get through. But, it will sure help us to focus on God.
What We Thought
My husband recommends this book to anyone who enjoys reading missionary biographies, or reading about the mighty works of God.
If you’re looking for a great book to add to your collection, definitely give this one a try!
To learn more about it, and see how other homeschooling families used it, please click on the banner below.
