Bury My Heart // 5 Missionary Biographies

In honor of a family friend leaving for college today to start his Missions Major, I thought it would be perfect to share 5 of my favorite Missionary biographies. I don’t know about you, but I love a good missionary Biography, so today, I am happy to tell you about five men/women who buried their heart on the field God gave them!!!

*Indicates the need to check the scriptures in the book, not all are correct.

1.Adoniram Judson by Janet and Geoff Benge*
I’ve always been fascinated by forign missions work, especially back in the old days, but this story! Oh! There are so many good parts! From Mr. Jusdson’s conversion, to his becoming a baptist, to the whole story of exactly how he ended up in Burma, the story of this man of God will not fail to inspire you. We actually got to help fund the printing of his translation of the Bible for the people of modern day Myanmar! His work carries on to the people he loved with all his heart.

2.Jacob DeShazer by Janet and Geoff Benge*
A little known missionary, if anyone had a heart for Japan, it was this man and his wife. But if anyone had a reason to hate Japan, it was also this man. Mr. DeShazer’s was a Doolittle Raider and flew over Tokyo with his squadron. After bailing out over China, he was captured and kept as a POW for around 40 months…most of that being spent in solitary confinement. Read this book and see just how God turned his life around!

3.Evidence Not Seen by Darlene Diebler Rose
This is an autobiography and another WWII missionary story. I don’t want to say too much, because I don’t want to spoil her story, but oh! You have to read this one (recommended for 16 and up). I will tell you that she was a missionary to Paupa New Gunia and that she came in direct contact with the Japanese. Her story witll break your heart and grow your faith. READ IT!

4.Lillian Trasher by Janet and Geoff Benge*
Ever heard of Amy Carmichael? Take a person like her and drop her in war torn Egypt and you have Lillian! I loved getting to know more about a missionary I had admired for years after hearing a short story about her. Her ministry was amazing as was the history and culture wrapped in this story.

5.David Livingston by Janet and Geoff Benge*
This list would not be complete without the story of the man who’s heart was literally buried on the Mission field. Oh, wow. I had never heard his complete story, though I grew up reading short stories about him. David Livingston is an inspiration to me, his love for the people of Africa and his passion for science and reaching the lost for Christ…This book is a beautiful tribute to the man, the missionary and the explorer. I look forward to meeting him in heaven someday, and perhaps greeting him, “Dr. Livingston, I presume?”

Something to Think about: Who is your missionary hero? Is there someone you’ve heard about, but don’t know their whole story? Check out a book about them ASAP!