These are the stories of five ordinary women - Sarah Edwards, Lilias Trotter, Gladys Aylward, Esther Ahn Kim, and Helen Roseveare - who trusted in their extraordinary God as he led them to do great things for his Kingdom. Noel Piper holds up their lives and deeds as examples of what it means to be truly faithful. Learning about these women will challenge readers to make a difference for Christ in their families, in the church and throughout the world. Contents: Thank You Crossing - Introduction Sarah Edwards - Faithful in the Mundane Lilias Trotter - Faithful in Weakness Gladys Aylward - Faithful in Humility Esther Ahn Kim - Faithful in Suffering Helen Roseveare - Faithful in Loss
Noel Piper’s new book, Faithful Women, contains the stories of five remarkable Christian women: a pastor’s wife, three “traditional” missionaries, and a young woman imprisoned and tortured for her faith by a hostile government who went on after her release to serve the Lord into her nineties.
Three of these women were familiar to me, two were not. Piper and her husband teamed up to write the foreword and additional notes in a 2003 edition of a book about Sarah Edwards, which I have read, and from which much of Piper’s content on Edwards is taken. Although I have never read a complete biography of Gladys Aylward, I have heard Elisabeth Elliot talk about her (and imitate her accent!), and some of Piper’s material is gleaned from Elliot as well. Lillias Trotter’s biography by Miriam Rockness was a major source for Piper’s chapter on the missionary, and a full review of that book can be found on this website. Glancing at the endnotes for the chapters covering Esther Ahn Kim and Helen Roseveare, it appears that the source material is fairly limited.
I have always loved Christian biographies, especially missionary biographies, and this was no exception. Noel Piper has a fluid style and a gift for helping the reader visualize the people and places she is writing about. I especially enjoyed her comments at the end of each chapter explaining why each particular woman was special to her, as well as the personal notes about family members or friends on the mission field and involved in pastoral ministry. These tie-ins added to the sense that these brief biographies were no mere academic exercise, but familiar friends, and an exhortation to more committed, faithful service to Christ in whatever field of service He has placed us. – Pam Glass, Christian Book Previews.com
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars(5 out of 5 stars)
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5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Christie Vaughn (Shepherdsville, KY), August 21, 2008
This a great read. Truly inspiring stories about five extraordinary women. Well written. Once I started reading I couldn't stop and finished the book in three days. Very convicting, this book really made me stop and consider my christian walk.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Stephanie Van Gorden (Pennsylvania), September 12, 2007
Mrs. Piper chose wonderful women to profile. They are real enough that it's easy to imagine yourself reacting to a situation just as they did. For instance, Mrs. Piper notes that at least twice Helen Roseveare is rebuked for wrong attitudes. Helen's humility in accepting the rebuke and repenting was a great example to me. This book is an effective tool to help us live our lives for the glory of God.
This is also a great book because the profiles are just that: profiles. Though detailed, they don't take forever to read. You feel like you've accomplished something, and you may be left wanting more!
Finally, this book is worth reading because Mrs. Piper isn't satisfied just telling us about someone else's life. Each profile concludes with Mrs. Piper's own thoughts about the lessons she learned from reading about these saints. She directs our thoughts to that which is most important - God and His Word.
This wonderful book is a quick way to get a handle on the lives of some shining examples of Godly women, and is a lesson in itself on living life God's way, and the eternal rewards of seeking first His kingdom.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Pam T (Montreal, Canada), September 03, 2007
Mrs. Piper's book allows us to ponder the faithfulness and sovereignty of a loving God through the struggles and hardships of these five women who were so intent on serving Him wholeheartedly. An excellent read! Challenging and thought provoking. I would recommend this book to any woman seeking to make a difference for the Kingdom of God.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Mary (Maryland), August 21, 2007
This book is wonderfully written. I found it to be both edifying and enjoyable to read...very convicting also!
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