The lives of missionaries are complex. But one overarching theme is woven through all of their experiences: obedience. Many of their stories have been documented and preserved in order to inspire and challenge believers to respond to Jesus’ mandate to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:20).
We’ve curated a list of some good ones to help you pray better, support a missionary with deeper understanding, or discern God’s call to go yourself.
Shadow of the Almighty by Elisabeth Elliot
Jungle Pilot by Russell Hitt
Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret by Dr. Howard Taylor
Peace Child by Don Richardson
From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya by Ruth Tucker
Bruchko by Bruce Olson
Tortured for Christ by Richard Wurmbrand
William Carey: Obliged to Go by Janet and Geoff Benge
A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael by Elisabeth Elliot
Heavenly Man by Brother Yun and Paul Hattaway
And the Word Came With Power by Joanne Shetler
God’s Smuggler by Brother Andrew
The Diary and Journal of David Brainerd by David Brainerd
A Passion for the Impossible: The Life of Lilias Trotter by Miriam Huffman Rockness
Borden of Yale: The Life and Legacy of William Borden – No Reserve, No Regrets, No Retreat by Mrs. Howard Taylor
Samuel Zwemer: The Burden of Arabia by Janet and Geoff Benge
Wycliffe in the Making: The Memoirs of W. Cameron Townsend by Hugh Steven
C.T. Studd: Cricketeer & Pioneer by Norman Grubb
Give me this Mountain by Helen Roseveare
Adoniram Judson: Bound for Burma by Janet Benge
Gladys Alyward: The Adventure of a Lifetime by Janet and Geoff Benge
Betty Greene: Wings to Serve by Janet and Geoff Benge
Katherine Beard: Founder of Flagstaff Mission to the Navajos by Julie McDonald
Being Elisabeth Elliot: The Authorized Biography: Elisabeth’s Later Years by Ellen Vaughn and Joni Earekson Tada
Complete Surrender: A Biography of Eric Liddell by Julian Wilson
End of the Spear (film)
Ends of the Earth (film)
Steve Saint – Jungle Missionary (film)
The Cross and the Switchblade (film)
Robber of the Cruel Streets: The Story of George Muller (film)
231 Days (movie)
Photo: Atharva Tulsi on Unsplash
